Providing diverse opportunities in the arts for all people through exhibitions, education and outreach programs.
Waterworks Visual Arts Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 art museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums as a non-collecting museum. We are an exciting place where ideas, issues, and communities converge to expand traditional ways of thinking and explore the complex and unfolding patterns between artistic and cultural spheres. As a unique blend of education, inspiration, creativity, and fun, the Waterworks serves as the anchor organization for Salisbury's East Square Cultural Arts District and is the only teaching museum within a forty mile radius of Salisbury.
Waterworks strives to be a leader and innovator in the exhibition of art and in museum education. Creative and expressive artwork from established and emerging regional and local artists are featured in four rotation exhibitions annually. The museum is open free of charge six days a week.
The Waterworks is a cultural asset and destination; a vibrant, collaborative space for lifelong learning, and an economic development engine for Salisbury-Rowan County. We are proud of our fifty-four year history and our ability to respond and adapt to the needs of the communities we serve. We look forward to your visit!
Waterworks Hosts the
12th Congressional District High School Art Competition
Click HERE for more information
A Message from Congressman Mel Watt...
I am pleased to announce that the 12th Congressional District of North Carolina will be participating in the 2013 Congressional Art Competition: An Artistic Discovery, the Congressional high school art competition that encourages and recognizes the rich artistic talents of our nation’s young people. The competition is open to all high school students who reside, attend school or are enrolled in an art program in the 12th Congressional District. I am excited that Waterworks Visual Arts Center (123 East Liberty Street, Salisbury, NC 28144) will host the reception for this year’s competition, Saturday, May 4 at 12:00 noon. Teachers as well as students and their families who plan to attend the reception should RSVP no later than April 27. Our distinguished panel of judges includes Gordon James, professional artist/arts educator, Juan Logan, professional artist/arts educator and Juie Rattley, III, professional artist/arts educator. Students who submit entries are invited to come to Waterworks Visual Arts Center prior to the reception between 10:00 and 11:30 AM May 4 to receive a personal critique of their work. This is a great opportunity for young, up and coming artists to interact one on one with professional artists. Space is limited for the individual critiques, therefore, students who wish to take advantage of this opportunity MUST RSVP no later than April 27 to set up a time to meet with one of the judges.
The winning entry, which will be announced during the May 4 reception, will be displayed, along with winning entries from across the nation, for one year in the Cannon Tunnel to the U. S. Capitol. The winning student and a guest will be invited to attend a Congressional reception to honor this year’s student winners. This student will also become eligible to receive a $3,000 per year scholarship. The 2nd and 3rd place entries will be displayed in my Washington, D.C. office and the two honorable mention entries will be displayed in my district offices. Every participant will receive a Congressional certificate of recognition. Additional prizes will also be presented during the May 4 reception.
Visual Places: Evolving From Nature
February 16 - May 11, 2013
This exhibition is about man and his environs; focusing on the context of displacement, nostalgia, identity, existence, construction, and deconstruction. These bodies of work cross the dimensions of art, ecology, economy, science, spirituality, and activism by addressing the condition in and around the changing urban atmosphere. Visual Places - Evolving from Natureexplores our social existence and concern for fast-growing urban development and our diminishing natural environment.
Four artists reflect on the intersection of architecture and nature through the use of form, texture, and surfaces.
Waterworks Visual Arts Center is located at 123 E. Liberty Street in the East Square Cultural Arts District of historic downtown Salisbury. We are 2 blocks from the Amtrak Station and walking distance of many shops, historical sites, the public library, and eating establishments.
We are open six days a week. There is NO CHARGE for admission. Donations are appreciated. Gallery hours are MWF 10am - 5pm, TT 10am - 7pm, and S 11am - 3pm.
Photography is NOT permitted! We do offer contact information for each artist and you may contact them directly for information, prices, and photos.
We offer docent-led group tours and school tours. Please call Mildred Warlick at 704-636-1882 to arrange a day and time for your tour.
Waterworks strives to be a leader and innovator in the exhibition of art and in museum education. Waterworks is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) as a non-collecting art museum. AAM Accreditation brings national recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards, and continued institutional improvement. We are one of only 12 art museums currently accredited in North Carolina.
We offer visitors a sculpture courtyard, sensory gardens, and four revolving exhibitions annually featuring some of the most creative and expressive artwork from regional emerging and established artists.
Waterworks is handicapped accessible. We provide designated handicapped parking spaces, wide entrance doors and an elevator for access to the 2nd floor. Benches are provided throughout the galleries for those requiring the need to sit. Large print materials are available.
Visit us often to take advantage of all our exhibitions. Come. Enjoy. Experience ART!
