News & Events

“Every child is an artist,” Pablo Picasso once said, “the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.”

Picasso had a point. It’s easy to get caught up in our day-to-day adult responsibilities and lose sight of our artistic hobbies and passions. But when it comes to taking part in the arts, living in Lenoir NC – a city rich in cultural opportunities – gives art lovers a distinct advantage. Lenoir is a cultural hub where music, dance, theatre, art exhibits, downtown art walks, and opportunities for artistic expression abound. And they all come together at the Caldwell Arts Council.

Located in downtown Lenoir, this 40-year-old nonprofit regional arts center offers year-round opportunities for art lovers of all ages. When you visit the Caldwell Arts Council, you’re stepping into a cultural experience that’s rich in history and heritage. The CAC is housed in a 100+ year-old home that features four beautiful galleries, which have been renovated as professional exhibit spaces. The diverse collection art on display here was crafted by artists from across the country. Exhibits are refreshed monthly or quarterly and range in style from traditional to contemporary.

Currently on display are original paintings, drawings, photography, pottery, and sculptures, many of which are recent award-winners in the 2016 Caldwell Visual Artists Competition. The CAC’s online calendar keeps art lovers regularly informed of upcoming exhibits and events, including the much-loved Annual Sculpture Celebration, which CAC has helped organize since its inception in 1980.

FUN FACTS:

The Annual Lenoir Sculpture Celebration is the Southeast’s longest running show of its kind. This year’s event takes place on Saturday, September 10, 2016 and Lenoir has the largest collection of public sculptures per capita in the United States.

Of the wide variety of Lenoir NC events that attract artists and visitors to this city throughout the year, the Annual Sculpture Celebration is not only the longest running, it’s one of the most popular among locals and visitors alike. Now in its 36th year, this unique late-summer event attracts sculptors from the Eastern United States to the Broyhill Walking Park (945 Lakewood Center) for a day-long exhibition and competition enhanced by live music in the park. Participating artists span all ages, styles, and skill levels, and more than $10,000 in cash awards are presented to outstanding works in each category.

Lenoir is also home to a rather impressive permanent sculpture collection. Over the years, Caldwell Arts Council has worked with the City of Lenoir to purchase and place nearly 80 sculptures, most of which are exhibited outdoors where they can be enjoyed any time of day in parks, schools, libraries, public offices, on street corners, and other carefully selected outdoor spots throughout Lenoir. This permanent collection, along with the Annual Sculpture Celebration are a point of pride for the locals. They’ve earned Lenoir national attention and a reputation as “the place where sculpture reigns.”

As a city with big appeal to artists, art lovers, and the creatively inclined, Lenoir attracts visitors from far and wide. But it’s the Lenoir locals who are the lucky ones. They get to take their passion for the arts to the next level when they get involved in Caldwell Art Council’s mission and outreach. By signing on to volunteer, art-lovers can play an active role in a variety of culturally rich Lenoir NC events that help build community through the arts. Caldwell Art Council offers volunteer opportunities to people interested in hosting their on-site artist receptions, assisting with off-site Artists-in-Schools programs, serving on the holiday committee, helping with the Annual Sculpture Celebration, becoming a gallery helper or office helper, or lending a hand at Satie’s Gift Shop, which sells a variety of art- and music-themed gifts.

For folks spending their retirement years in their beloved North Carolina mountain properties, taking in the art scene in Downtown Lenoir is a perfect way to spend their leisure time. And for those looking to help enrich the lives of others, taking a volunteer position with the Caldwell Arts Council is a great way to pay it forward. This venerable nonprofit has been promoting and presenting high quality arts in Caldwell County since 1976, and they’re always looking for new volunteers to join the family. Donating some spare time to take part in the arts is a noble and rewarding endeavor that makes mountain living that much more fulfilling.

When you’re ready to settle into a Lenoir mountain home of your own, The Coves Mountain River Club is a smart place to built. Not only is our well established gated community one the finest North Carolina mountain properties around, we’re that rare piece of real estate that can boast both mountain and river views, plus a whole menu of amenities, including:

AMENITIES AT THE COVES

• 6,000-square-foot lodge with wrap-around veranda 
• state-of-the art fitness center
• recreation room with foosball and ping-pong table 
• infinity-view swimming pool & hot tub
• outdoor living room facing Table Rock Mountain
• community garden and vineyard
• 39 miles of private hiking and horse trails
• full service equestrian center

At The Coves, build your custom rustic mountain home with a spacious open floor plan and windows that open up to vibrant mountain views so spectacular they’d wow Picasso himself! We have all types of homesites to choose from. Whether you’d prefer a private wooded estate, river frontage property or a homesite with long range views, with 3,600 acres, we’ve got it all. Prices begin from the low $40k’s. 

Best of all, The Coves is located just 15 minutes from beautiful Downtown Lenoir, where art abounds and “sculpture reigns,” and where you’re sure to find plenty of shopping, dining, entertainment, downtown art walks, music festivals, and more.

Give us a call, and we’ll be happy to arrange a personal tour of The Coves. Schedule your visit for September, and we’ll even help you book your itinerary around some of our favorite end-of-summer Lenoir NC events, including the Annual Sculpture Celebration.

Call us directly at 828.754.0700 to schedule a tour.

If you’re exploring the area for the first time, ask for our 84-page complimentary Western North Carolina Visitor’s Guide, which gives you more information about living in the foothills of North Carolina.