Wilson Arts Center
Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and opportunities in the arts.History:A Walk Down Memory LaneDr. Leland Grady had a vision. He created an opera house for the people of Wilson from his two-story Nash Street office building. While there were other theatres downtown, when the Wilson Theatre opened in fall 1919, it was the downtown showpiece for the citizens of Wilson. The theatre featured a beautiful palladium exterior, plush seats, brass railings and an elaborately detailed gold-painted plaster interior. It was truly a sight to behold.During its early years, the theatre served as a performing stage for traveling shows of vaudeville, singing acts, magicians, minstrels and plays. Vaudeville entertained the entire family with a wide variety of acts designed to replaced their daily concerns with fun, fascination and fantasy. In addition, local events, including talent and fashion shows, made the theatre a center for the town's cultural activity. Also popular with Wilson's citizens were sexy burlesque acts during the early years.On nights when there were no live performances, the theatre was in demand for silent movies. Talkies didn't make an appearance until several years later, around 1930, but a piano played in sync with the action on the screen and kept the 800-seat audience on the edges of their seats. Like most of America, Wilson flocked to movie theatres, and the Wilson Theatre was no exception. It was a busy place through the war years of the 1940's and into the 1960's as Wilsonians lined Nash Street to see their favorite stars of stage and screen. Wilsonians may recall with nostalgia donating bottle caps or soup labels as admission for seeing a movie, as the theatre was home to silver screen stars including Ava Gardner and Cary Grant, 3D movies and Saturday morning cartoons, serials and newsreels.By the early 1970's, the Wilson Theatre showed X-rated films. Although met with much disapproval, the scandalous films played there for several years.The RenovationThe City of Wilson purchased the Wilson Theatre in 1984 and organized the Wilson Community Theatre, Inc. Under the direction of President, Woody Harrison, the Board managed the facility's use and restoration. Many felt that the theatre should be restored to its original splendor and that it still served a necessary role in the community. For the next fourteen years, Executive Director Carol Blake and many volunteers, the theatre improved with such basic necessities as updated restrooms and heating and air conditioning systems. The renovation project was well under way when in 1995 the Theatre Board and the Arts Council of Wilson merged expressly for the purpose of seeing the project to fruition. Clearscapes Inc., a Raleigh architectural firm was hired and the fundraising and drawing of plans commenced in earnest.Edna Boykin led the way with her generosity. However, many groups and individuals share the Credit for making the Wilson Theatre renovation project successful and transforming it into the Edna Boykin Cultural Center. The Department of Cultural Resources, under the leadership of Betty McCain, the City of Wilson and its Manager, City Council and Mayor, the Arts Council Board Members and staff and the individuals have been generous with time and money.Several companies and citizens of Wilson began this historic undertaking including restoration of the beautiful plaster details throughout the facility, refurbishing and adding to the number of permanent theatre seats. The new plans included the addition of dressing rooms, a stage extension and loading dock, a new marquee and 35mm projection equipment.Workers restored and transitioned the soda and jewelry shops into a lobby, saving some old Brick walls on either side. The walls, amazingly, still showed remains of old movie posters and advertisements from an earlier era and remains intact to this day as a reminder of its history.In January 1998 the Edna Boykin Cultural Center opened its doors, in the honor of Ms. Boykin's lifetime contributions and service to the arts in Wilson. In the lobby, Dr & Mrs. Mark G. Hooper named the Hammond Gallery in honor of Dr. Robert Hammond, which featured its first visual arts gallery exhibits. On opening night, January 31, 1998, Ms. Edna Boykin and Mrs. Eleanor Hammond were among those in attendance to celebrate with The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra and The Platters.
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AARP Events for Wilson
AARP Events for Wilson
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Fitness: A Gentle Nia Workout
Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET
Zoom and Facebook
Online Event
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Mindful Movement Workout Session
Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET
Facebook and YouTube
Online Event
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Yoga + Pilates for Strength and Balance
Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Zoom
Online Event
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"Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wilson Arts Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Nash Street South West</div> <div> <span>Wilson</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>27893</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.wilsonarts.com/" target="_blank">Wilson Arts Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 252-291-4329</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wilson+Arts+Center%2C+124+Nash+Street+South+West%2C+Wilson%2C+NC+27893" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and opportunities in the arts.History:A Walk Down Memory LaneDr. Leland Grady had a vision. He created an opera house for the people of Wilson from his two-story Nash Street office building. While there were other theatres downtown, when the Wilson Theatre opened in fall 1919, it was the downtown showpiece for the citizens of Wilson. The theatre featured a beautiful palladium exterior, plush seats, brass railings and an elaborately detailed gold-painted plaster interior. It was truly a sight to behold.During its early years, the theatre served as a performing stage for traveling shows of vaudeville, singing acts, magicians, minstrels and plays. Vaudeville entertained the entire family with a wide variety of acts designed to replaced their daily concerns with fun, fascination and fantasy. In addition, local events, including talent and fashion shows, made the theatre a center for the town's cultural activity. Also popular with Wilson's citizens were sexy burlesque acts during the early years.On nights when there were no live performances, the theatre was in demand for silent movies. Talkies didn't make an appearance until several years later, around 1930, but a piano played in sync with the action on the screen and kept the 800-seat audience on the edges of their seats. Like most of America, Wilson flocked to movie theatres, and the Wilson Theatre was no exception. It was a busy place through the war years of the 1940's and into the 1960's as Wilsonians lined Nash Street to see their favorite stars of stage and screen. Wilsonians may recall with nostalgia donating bottle caps or soup labels as admission for seeing a movie, as the theatre was home to silver screen stars including Ava Gardner and Cary Grant, 3D movies and Saturday morning cartoons, serials and newsreels.By the early 1970's, the Wilson Theatre showed X-rated films. Although met with much disapproval, the scandalous films played there for several years.The RenovationThe City of Wilson purchased the Wilson Theatre in 1984 and organized the Wilson Community Theatre, Inc. Under the direction of President, Woody Harrison, the Board managed the facility's use and restoration. Many felt that the theatre should be restored to its original splendor and that it still served a necessary role in the community. For the next fourteen years, Executive Director Carol Blake and many volunteers, the theatre improved with such basic necessities as updated restrooms and heating and air conditioning systems. The renovation project was well under way when in 1995 the Theatre Board and the Arts Council of Wilson merged expressly for the purpose of seeing the project to fruition. Clearscapes Inc., a Raleigh architectural firm was hired and the fundraising and drawing of plans commenced in earnest.Edna Boykin led the way with her generosity. However, many groups and individuals share the Credit for making the Wilson Theatre renovation project successful and transforming it into the Edna Boykin Cultural Center. The Department of Cultural Resources, under the leadership of Betty McCain, the City of Wilson and its Manager, City Council and Mayor, the Arts Council Board Members and staff and the individuals have been generous with time and money.Several companies and citizens of Wilson began this historic undertaking including restoration of the beautiful plaster details throughout the facility, refurbishing and adding to the number of permanent theatre seats. The new plans included the addition of dressing rooms, a stage extension and loading dock, a new marquee and 35mm projection equipment.Workers restored and transitioned the soda and jewelry shops into a lobby, saving some old Brick walls on either side. The walls, amazingly, still showed remains of old movie posters and advertisements from an earlier era and remains intact to this day as a reminder of its history.In January 1998 the Edna Boykin Cultural Center opened its doors, in the honor of Ms. Boykin's lifetime contributions and service to the arts in Wilson. In the lobby, Dr & Mrs. Mark G. Hooper named the Hammond Gallery in honor of Dr. Robert Hammond, which featured its first visual arts gallery exhibits. On opening night, January 31, 1998, Ms. Edna Boykin and Mrs. Eleanor Hammond were among those in attendance to celebrate with The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra and The Platters. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/wilson-nc/report/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/wilson-nc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/wilson-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Wilson</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Wilson</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-fitness-a-gentle-workout-with-nia-dallas-tx-11262024-5nnx3n5ltbp.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-A-GENTLE-NIA-WORKOUT">Fitness: A Gentle Nia Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-al-mindful-movement-session-birmingham-al-112624-qgn4gl5lb5r.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-WORKOUT-SESSION">Mindful Movement Workout Session</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-mindful-movement-for-strength-and-balance-11262024-lmnp84jlt9h.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-YOGA-PILATES-FOR-STRENGTH-AND-BALANCE">Yoga + Pilates for Strength and Balance</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/wilson-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wilson Arts Center - Wilson, NC</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wilson Arts Center - Wilson, NC"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and" name="description"/> <meta content="Wilson, Arts, Center, NC" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wilson Arts Center"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wilson Arts Center"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="35.736401"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-77.919296"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wilson Arts Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Nash Street South West</div> <div> <span>Wilson</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>27893</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.wilsonarts.com/" target="_blank">Wilson Arts Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 252-291-4329</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wilson+Arts+Center%2C+124+Nash+Street+South+West%2C+Wilson%2C+NC+27893" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and opportunities in the arts.History:A Walk Down Memory LaneDr. Leland Grady had a vision. He created an opera house for the people of Wilson from his two-story Nash Street office building. While there were other theatres downtown, when the Wilson Theatre opened in fall 1919, it was the downtown showpiece for the citizens of Wilson. The theatre featured a beautiful palladium exterior, plush seats, brass railings and an elaborately detailed gold-painted plaster interior. It was truly a sight to behold.During its early years, the theatre served as a performing stage for traveling shows of vaudeville, singing acts, magicians, minstrels and plays. Vaudeville entertained the entire family with a wide variety of acts designed to replaced their daily concerns with fun, fascination and fantasy. In addition, local events, including talent and fashion shows, made the theatre a center for the town's cultural activity. Also popular with Wilson's citizens were sexy burlesque acts during the early years.On nights when there were no live performances, the theatre was in demand for silent movies. Talkies didn't make an appearance until several years later, around 1930, but a piano played in sync with the action on the screen and kept the 800-seat audience on the edges of their seats. Like most of America, Wilson flocked to movie theatres, and the Wilson Theatre was no exception. It was a busy place through the war years of the 1940's and into the 1960's as Wilsonians lined Nash Street to see their favorite stars of stage and screen. Wilsonians may recall with nostalgia donating bottle caps or soup labels as admission for seeing a movie, as the theatre was home to silver screen stars including Ava Gardner and Cary Grant, 3D movies and Saturday morning cartoons, serials and newsreels.By the early 1970's, the Wilson Theatre showed X-rated films. Although met with much disapproval, the scandalous films played there for several years.The RenovationThe City of Wilson purchased the Wilson Theatre in 1984 and organized the Wilson Community Theatre, Inc. Under the direction of President, Woody Harrison, the Board managed the facility's use and restoration. Many felt that the theatre should be restored to its original splendor and that it still served a necessary role in the community. For the next fourteen years, Executive Director Carol Blake and many volunteers, the theatre improved with such basic necessities as updated restrooms and heating and air conditioning systems. The renovation project was well under way when in 1995 the Theatre Board and the Arts Council of Wilson merged expressly for the purpose of seeing the project to fruition. Clearscapes Inc., a Raleigh architectural firm was hired and the fundraising and drawing of plans commenced in earnest.Edna Boykin led the way with her generosity. However, many groups and individuals share the Credit for making the Wilson Theatre renovation project successful and transforming it into the Edna Boykin Cultural Center. The Department of Cultural Resources, under the leadership of Betty McCain, the City of Wilson and its Manager, City Council and Mayor, the Arts Council Board Members and staff and the individuals have been generous with time and money.Several companies and citizens of Wilson began this historic undertaking including restoration of the beautiful plaster details throughout the facility, refurbishing and adding to the number of permanent theatre seats. The new plans included the addition of dressing rooms, a stage extension and loading dock, a new marquee and 35mm projection equipment.Workers restored and transitioned the soda and jewelry shops into a lobby, saving some old Brick walls on either side. The walls, amazingly, still showed remains of old movie posters and advertisements from an earlier era and remains intact to this day as a reminder of its history.In January 1998 the Edna Boykin Cultural Center opened its doors, in the honor of Ms. Boykin's lifetime contributions and service to the arts in Wilson. In the lobby, Dr & Mrs. Mark G. Hooper named the Hammond Gallery in honor of Dr. Robert Hammond, which featured its first visual arts gallery exhibits. On opening night, January 31, 1998, Ms. Edna Boykin and Mrs. Eleanor Hammond were among those in attendance to celebrate with The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra and The Platters. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/wilson-nc/report/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/wilson-nc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/wilson-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Wilson</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Wilson</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-fitness-a-gentle-workout-with-nia-dallas-tx-11262024-5nnx3n5ltbp.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-A-GENTLE-NIA-WORKOUT">Fitness: A Gentle Nia Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-al-mindful-movement-session-birmingham-al-112624-qgn4gl5lb5r.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-WORKOUT-SESSION">Mindful Movement Workout Session</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?><?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wilson Arts Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Nash Street South West</div> <div> <span>Wilson</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>27893</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.wilsonarts.com/" target="_blank">Wilson Arts Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 252-291-4329</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wilson+Arts+Center%2C+124+Nash+Street+South+West%2C+Wilson%2C+NC+27893" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and opportunities in the arts.History:A Walk Down Memory LaneDr. Leland Grady had a vision. He created an opera house for the people of Wilson from his two-story Nash Street office building. While there were other theatres downtown, when the Wilson Theatre opened in fall 1919, it was the downtown showpiece for the citizens of Wilson. The theatre featured a beautiful palladium exterior, plush seats, brass railings and an elaborately detailed gold-painted plaster interior. It was truly a sight to behold.During its early years, the theatre served as a performing stage for traveling shows of vaudeville, singing acts, magicians, minstrels and plays. Vaudeville entertained the entire family with a wide variety of acts designed to replaced their daily concerns with fun, fascination and fantasy. In addition, local events, including talent and fashion shows, made the theatre a center for the town's cultural activity. Also popular with Wilson's citizens were sexy burlesque acts during the early years.On nights when there were no live performances, the theatre was in demand for silent movies. Talkies didn't make an appearance until several years later, around 1930, but a piano played in sync with the action on the screen and kept the 800-seat audience on the edges of their seats. Like most of America, Wilson flocked to movie theatres, and the Wilson Theatre was no exception. It was a busy place through the war years of the 1940's and into the 1960's as Wilsonians lined Nash Street to see their favorite stars of stage and screen. Wilsonians may recall with nostalgia donating bottle caps or soup labels as admission for seeing a movie, as the theatre was home to silver screen stars including Ava Gardner and Cary Grant, 3D movies and Saturday morning cartoons, serials and newsreels.By the early 1970's, the Wilson Theatre showed X-rated films. Although met with much disapproval, the scandalous films played there for several years.The RenovationThe City of Wilson purchased the Wilson Theatre in 1984 and organized the Wilson Community Theatre, Inc. Under the direction of President, Woody Harrison, the Board managed the facility's use and restoration. Many felt that the theatre should be restored to its original splendor and that it still served a necessary role in the community. For the next fourteen years, Executive Director Carol Blake and many volunteers, the theatre improved with such basic necessities as updated restrooms and heating and air conditioning systems. The renovation project was well under way when in 1995 the Theatre Board and the Arts Council of Wilson merged expressly for the purpose of seeing the project to fruition. Clearscapes Inc., a Raleigh architectural firm was hired and the fundraising and drawing of plans commenced in earnest.Edna Boykin led the way with her generosity. However, many groups and individuals share the Credit for making the Wilson Theatre renovation project successful and transforming it into the Edna Boykin Cultural Center. The Department of Cultural Resources, under the leadership of Betty McCain, the City of Wilson and its Manager, City Council and Mayor, the Arts Council Board Members and staff and the individuals have been generous with time and money.Several companies and citizens of Wilson began this historic undertaking including restoration of the beautiful plaster details throughout the facility, refurbishing and adding to the number of permanent theatre seats. The new plans included the addition of dressing rooms, a stage extension and loading dock, a new marquee and 35mm projection equipment.Workers restored and transitioned the soda and jewelry shops into a lobby, saving some old Brick walls on either side. The walls, amazingly, still showed remains of old movie posters and advertisements from an earlier era and remains intact to this day as a reminder of its history.In January 1998 the Edna Boykin Cultural Center opened its doors, in the honor of Ms. Boykin's lifetime contributions and service to the arts in Wilson. In the lobby, Dr & Mrs. Mark G. Hooper named the Hammond Gallery in honor of Dr. Robert Hammond, which featured its first visual arts gallery exhibits. On opening night, January 31, 1998, Ms. Edna Boykin and Mrs. Eleanor Hammond were among those in attendance to celebrate with The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra and The Platters. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/wilson-nc/report/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/wilson-nc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/wilson-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Wilson</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Wilson</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-fitness-a-gentle-workout-with-nia-dallas-tx-11262024-5nnx3n5ltbp.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-A-GENTLE-NIA-WORKOUT">Fitness: A Gentle Nia Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-al-mindful-movement-session-birmingham-al-112624-qgn4gl5lb5r.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-WORKOUT-SESSION">Mindful Movement Workout Session</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-mindful-movement-for-strength-and-balance-11262024-lmnp84jlt9h.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-YOGA-PILATES-FOR-STRENGTH-AND-BALANCE">Yoga + Pilates for Strength and Balance</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/wilson-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILSON-NC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILSON-NC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wilson Arts Center - Wilson, NC</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wilson Arts Center - Wilson, NC"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and" name="description"/> <meta content="Wilson, Arts, Center, NC" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wilson Arts Center"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wilson Arts Center"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="35.736401"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-77.919296"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wilson Arts Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Nash Street South West</div> <div> <span>Wilson</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>27893</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.wilsonarts.com/" target="_blank">Wilson Arts Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 252-291-4329</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wilson+Arts+Center%2C+124+Nash+Street+South+West%2C+Wilson%2C+NC+27893" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and opportunities in the arts.History:A Walk Down Memory LaneDr. Leland Grady had a vision. He created an opera house for the people of Wilson from his two-story Nash Street office building. While there were other theatres downtown, when the Wilson Theatre opened in fall 1919, it was the downtown showpiece for the citizens of Wilson. The theatre featured a beautiful palladium exterior, plush seats, brass railings and an elaborately detailed gold-painted plaster interior. It was truly a sight to behold.During its early years, the theatre served as a performing stage for traveling shows of vaudeville, singing acts, magicians, minstrels and plays. Vaudeville entertained the entire family with a wide variety of acts designed to replaced their daily concerns with fun, fascination and fantasy. In addition, local events, including talent and fashion shows, made the theatre a center for the town's cultural activity. Also popular with Wilson's citizens were sexy burlesque acts during the early years.On nights when there were no live performances, the theatre was in demand for silent movies. Talkies didn't make an appearance until several years later, around 1930, but a piano played in sync with the action on the screen and kept the 800-seat audience on the edges of their seats. Like most of America, Wilson flocked to movie theatres, and the Wilson Theatre was no exception. It was a busy place through the war years of the 1940's and into the 1960's as Wilsonians lined Nash Street to see their favorite stars of stage and screen. Wilsonians may recall with nostalgia donating bottle caps or soup labels as admission for seeing a movie, as the theatre was home to silver screen stars including Ava Gardner and Cary Grant, 3D movies and Saturday morning cartoons, serials and newsreels.By the early 1970's, the Wilson Theatre showed X-rated films. Although met with much disapproval, the scandalous films played there for several years.The RenovationThe City of Wilson purchased the Wilson Theatre in 1984 and organized the Wilson Community Theatre, Inc. Under the direction of President, Woody Harrison, the Board managed the facility's use and restoration. Many felt that the theatre should be restored to its original splendor and that it still served a necessary role in the community. For the next fourteen years, Executive Director Carol Blake and many volunteers, the theatre improved with such basic necessities as updated restrooms and heating and air conditioning systems. The renovation project was well under way when in 1995 the Theatre Board and the Arts Council of Wilson merged expressly for the purpose of seeing the project to fruition. Clearscapes Inc., a Raleigh architectural firm was hired and the fundraising and drawing of plans commenced in earnest.Edna Boykin led the way with her generosity. However, many groups and individuals share the Credit for making the Wilson Theatre renovation project successful and transforming it into the Edna Boykin Cultural Center. The Department of Cultural Resources, under the leadership of Betty McCain, the City of Wilson and its Manager, City Council and Mayor, the Arts Council Board Members and staff and the individuals have been generous with time and money.Several companies and citizens of Wilson began this historic undertaking including restoration of the beautiful plaster details throughout the facility, refurbishing and adding to the number of permanent theatre seats. The new plans included the addition of dressing rooms, a stage extension and loading dock, a new marquee and 35mm projection equipment.Workers restored and transitioned the soda and jewelry shops into a lobby, saving some old Brick walls on either side. The walls, amazingly, still showed remains of old movie posters and advertisements from an earlier era and remains intact to this day as a reminder of its history.In January 1998 the Edna Boykin Cultural Center opened its doors, in the honor of Ms. Boykin's lifetime contributions and service to the arts in Wilson. In the lobby, Dr & Mrs. Mark G. Hooper named the Hammond Gallery in honor of Dr. Robert Hammond, which featured its first visual arts gallery exhibits. On opening night, January 31, 1998, Ms. Edna Boykin and Mrs. Eleanor Hammond were among those in attendance to celebrate with The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra and The Platters. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/wilson-nc/report/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILSON-NC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILSON-NC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wilson Arts Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Nash Street South West</div> <div> <span>Wilson</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>27893</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.wilsonarts.com/" target="_blank">Wilson Arts Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 252-291-4329</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wilson+Arts+Center%2C+124+Nash+Street+South+West%2C+Wilson%2C+NC+27893" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and opportunities in the arts.History:A Walk Down Memory LaneDr. Leland Grady had a vision. He created an opera house for the people of Wilson from his two-story Nash Street office building. While there were other theatres downtown, when the Wilson Theatre opened in fall 1919, it was the downtown showpiece for the citizens of Wilson. The theatre featured a beautiful palladium exterior, plush seats, brass railings and an elaborately detailed gold-painted plaster interior. It was truly a sight to behold.During its early years, the theatre served as a performing stage for traveling shows of vaudeville, singing acts, magicians, minstrels and plays. Vaudeville entertained the entire family with a wide variety of acts designed to replaced their daily concerns with fun, fascination and fantasy. In addition, local events, including talent and fashion shows, made the theatre a center for the town's cultural activity. Also popular with Wilson's citizens were sexy burlesque acts during the early years.On nights when there were no live performances, the theatre was in demand for silent movies. Talkies didn't make an appearance until several years later, around 1930, but a piano played in sync with the action on the screen and kept the 800-seat audience on the edges of their seats. Like most of America, Wilson flocked to movie theatres, and the Wilson Theatre was no exception. It was a busy place through the war years of the 1940's and into the 1960's as Wilsonians lined Nash Street to see their favorite stars of stage and screen. Wilsonians may recall with nostalgia donating bottle caps or soup labels as admission for seeing a movie, as the theatre was home to silver screen stars including Ava Gardner and Cary Grant, 3D movies and Saturday morning cartoons, serials and newsreels.By the early 1970's, the Wilson Theatre showed X-rated films. Although met with much disapproval, the scandalous films played there for several years.The RenovationThe City of Wilson purchased the Wilson Theatre in 1984 and organized the Wilson Community Theatre, Inc. Under the direction of President, Woody Harrison, the Board managed the facility's use and restoration. Many felt that the theatre should be restored to its original splendor and that it still served a necessary role in the community. For the next fourteen years, Executive Director Carol Blake and many volunteers, the theatre improved with such basic necessities as updated restrooms and heating and air conditioning systems. The renovation project was well under way when in 1995 the Theatre Board and the Arts Council of Wilson merged expressly for the purpose of seeing the project to fruition. Clearscapes Inc., a Raleigh architectural firm was hired and the fundraising and drawing of plans commenced in earnest.Edna Boykin led the way with her generosity. However, many groups and individuals share the Credit for making the Wilson Theatre renovation project successful and transforming it into the Edna Boykin Cultural Center. The Department of Cultural Resources, under the leadership of Betty McCain, the City of Wilson and its Manager, City Council and Mayor, the Arts Council Board Members and staff and the individuals have been generous with time and money.Several companies and citizens of Wilson began this historic undertaking including restoration of the beautiful plaster details throughout the facility, refurbishing and adding to the number of permanent theatre seats. The new plans included the addition of dressing rooms, a stage extension and loading dock, a new marquee and 35mm projection equipment.Workers restored and transitioned the soda and jewelry shops into a lobby, saving some old Brick walls on either side. The walls, amazingly, still showed remains of old movie posters and advertisements from an earlier era and remains intact to this day as a reminder of its history.In January 1998 the Edna Boykin Cultural Center opened its doors, in the honor of Ms. Boykin's lifetime contributions and service to the arts in Wilson. In the lobby, Dr & Mrs. Mark G. Hooper named the Hammond Gallery in honor of Dr. Robert Hammond, which featured its first visual arts gallery exhibits. On opening night, January 31, 1998, Ms. Edna Boykin and Mrs. Eleanor Hammond were among those in attendance to celebrate with The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra and The Platters. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/wilson-nc/report/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/wilson-nc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/wilson-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Wilson</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Wilson</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-fitness-a-gentle-workout-with-nia-dallas-tx-11262024-5nnx3n5ltbp.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-A-GENTLE-NIA-WORKOUT">Fitness: A Gentle Nia Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-al-mindful-movement-session-birmingham-al-112624-qgn4gl5lb5r.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-WORKOUT-SESSION">Mindful Movement Workout Session</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-mindful-movement-for-strength-and-balance-11262024-lmnp84jlt9h.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-YOGA-PILATES-FOR-STRENGTH-AND-BALANCE">Yoga + Pilates for Strength and Balance</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/wilson-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILSON-NC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILSON-NC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP North Carolina Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP North Carolina Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNC" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNC" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNC">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />North Carolina</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">NCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP North Carolina</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-north-carolina-contact-information/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WILSON-NC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wilson Arts Center - Wilson, NC</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wilson Arts Center - Wilson, NC"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and" name="description"/> <meta content="Wilson, Arts, Center, NC" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wilson Arts Center"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wilson Arts Center"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="35.736401"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-77.919296"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wilson Arts Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Nash Street South West</div> <div> <span>Wilson</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>27893</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.wilsonarts.com/" target="_blank">Wilson Arts Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 252-291-4329</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wilson+Arts+Center%2C+124+Nash+Street+South+West%2C+Wilson%2C+NC+27893" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and opportunities in the arts.History:A Walk Down Memory LaneDr. Leland Grady had a vision. He created an opera house for the people of Wilson from his two-story Nash Street office building. While there were other theatres downtown, when the Wilson Theatre opened in fall 1919, it was the downtown showpiece for the citizens of Wilson. The theatre featured a beautiful palladium exterior, plush seats, brass railings and an elaborately detailed gold-painted plaster interior. It was truly a sight to behold.During its early years, the theatre served as a performing stage for traveling shows of vaudeville, singing acts, magicians, minstrels and plays. Vaudeville entertained the entire family with a wide variety of acts designed to replaced their daily concerns with fun, fascination and fantasy. In addition, local events, including talent and fashion shows, made the theatre a center for the town's cultural activity. Also popular with Wilson's citizens were sexy burlesque acts during the early years.On nights when there were no live performances, the theatre was in demand for silent movies. Talkies didn't make an appearance until several years later, around 1930, but a piano played in sync with the action on the screen and kept the 800-seat audience on the edges of their seats. Like most of America, Wilson flocked to movie theatres, and the Wilson Theatre was no exception. It was a busy place through the war years of the 1940's and into the 1960's as Wilsonians lined Nash Street to see their favorite stars of stage and screen. Wilsonians may recall with nostalgia donating bottle caps or soup labels as admission for seeing a movie, as the theatre was home to silver screen stars including Ava Gardner and Cary Grant, 3D movies and Saturday morning cartoons, serials and newsreels.By the early 1970's, the Wilson Theatre showed X-rated films. Although met with much disapproval, the scandalous films played there for several years.The RenovationThe City of Wilson purchased the Wilson Theatre in 1984 and organized the Wilson Community Theatre, Inc. Under the direction of President, Woody Harrison, the Board managed the facility's use and restoration. Many felt that the theatre should be restored to its original splendor and that it still served a necessary role in the community. For the next fourteen years, Executive Director Carol Blake and many volunteers, the theatre improved with such basic necessities as updated restrooms and heating and air conditioning systems. The renovation project was well under way when in 1995 the Theatre Board and the Arts Council of Wilson merged expressly for the purpose of seeing the project to fruition. Clearscapes Inc., a Raleigh architectural firm was hired and the fundraising and drawing of plans commenced in earnest.Edna Boykin led the way with her generosity. However, many groups and individuals share the Credit for making the Wilson Theatre renovation project successful and transforming it into the Edna Boykin Cultural Center. The Department of Cultural Resources, under the leadership of Betty McCain, the City of Wilson and its Manager, City Council and Mayor, the Arts Council Board Members and staff and the individuals have been generous with time and money.Several companies and citizens of Wilson began this historic undertaking including restoration of the beautiful plaster details throughout the facility, refurbishing and adding to the number of permanent theatre seats. The new plans included the addition of dressing rooms, a stage extension and loading dock, a new marquee and 35mm projection equipment.Workers restored and transitioned the soda and jewelry shops into a lobby, saving some old Brick walls on either side. The walls, amazingly, still showed remains of old movie posters and advertisements from an earlier era and remains intact to this day as a reminder of its history.In January 1998 the Edna Boykin Cultural Center opened its doors, in the honor of Ms. Boykin's lifetime contributions and service to the arts in Wilson. In the lobby, Dr & Mrs. Mark G. Hooper named the Hammond Gallery in honor of Dr. Robert Hammond, which featured its first visual arts gallery exhibits. On opening night, January 31, 1998, Ms. Edna Boykin and Mrs. Eleanor Hammond were among those in attendance to celebrate with The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra and The Platters. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/wilson-nc/report/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/wilson-nc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/wilson-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Wilson</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Wilson</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-fitness-a-gentle-workout-with-nia-dallas-tx-11262024-5nnx3n5ltbp.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-A-GENTLE-NIA-WORKOUT">Fitness: A Gentle Nia Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-al-mindful-movement-session-birmingham-al-112624-qgn4gl5lb5r.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-WORKOUT-SESSION">Mindful Movement Workout Session</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-mindful-movement-for-strength-and-balance-11262024-lmnp84jlt9h.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-YOGA-PILATES-FOR-STRENGTH-AND-BALANCE">Yoga + Pilates for Strength and Balance</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/wilson-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILSON-NC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILSON-NC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wilson Arts Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Nash Street South West</div> <div> <span>Wilson</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>27893</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.wilsonarts.com/" target="_blank">Wilson Arts Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 252-291-4329</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wilson+Arts+Center%2C+124+Nash+Street+South+West%2C+Wilson%2C+NC+27893" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and opportunities in the arts.History:A Walk Down Memory LaneDr. Leland Grady had a vision. He created an opera house for the people of Wilson from his two-story Nash Street office building. While there were other theatres downtown, when the Wilson Theatre opened in fall 1919, it was the downtown showpiece for the citizens of Wilson. The theatre featured a beautiful palladium exterior, plush seats, brass railings and an elaborately detailed gold-painted plaster interior. It was truly a sight to behold.During its early years, the theatre served as a performing stage for traveling shows of vaudeville, singing acts, magicians, minstrels and plays. Vaudeville entertained the entire family with a wide variety of acts designed to replaced their daily concerns with fun, fascination and fantasy. In addition, local events, including talent and fashion shows, made the theatre a center for the town's cultural activity. Also popular with Wilson's citizens were sexy burlesque acts during the early years.On nights when there were no live performances, the theatre was in demand for silent movies. Talkies didn't make an appearance until several years later, around 1930, but a piano played in sync with the action on the screen and kept the 800-seat audience on the edges of their seats. Like most of America, Wilson flocked to movie theatres, and the Wilson Theatre was no exception. It was a busy place through the war years of the 1940's and into the 1960's as Wilsonians lined Nash Street to see their favorite stars of stage and screen. Wilsonians may recall with nostalgia donating bottle caps or soup labels as admission for seeing a movie, as the theatre was home to silver screen stars including Ava Gardner and Cary Grant, 3D movies and Saturday morning cartoons, serials and newsreels.By the early 1970's, the Wilson Theatre showed X-rated films. Although met with much disapproval, the scandalous films played there for several years.The RenovationThe City of Wilson purchased the Wilson Theatre in 1984 and organized the Wilson Community Theatre, Inc. Under the direction of President, Woody Harrison, the Board managed the facility's use and restoration. Many felt that the theatre should be restored to its original splendor and that it still served a necessary role in the community. For the next fourteen years, Executive Director Carol Blake and many volunteers, the theatre improved with such basic necessities as updated restrooms and heating and air conditioning systems. The renovation project was well under way when in 1995 the Theatre Board and the Arts Council of Wilson merged expressly for the purpose of seeing the project to fruition. Clearscapes Inc., a Raleigh architectural firm was hired and the fundraising and drawing of plans commenced in earnest.Edna Boykin led the way with her generosity. However, many groups and individuals share the Credit for making the Wilson Theatre renovation project successful and transforming it into the Edna Boykin Cultural Center. The Department of Cultural Resources, under the leadership of Betty McCain, the City of Wilson and its Manager, City Council and Mayor, the Arts Council Board Members and staff and the individuals have been generous with time and money.Several companies and citizens of Wilson began this historic undertaking including restoration of the beautiful plaster details throughout the facility, refurbishing and adding to the number of permanent theatre seats. The new plans included the addition of dressing rooms, a stage extension and loading dock, a new marquee and 35mm projection equipment.Workers restored and transitioned the soda and jewelry shops into a lobby, saving some old Brick walls on either side. The walls, amazingly, still showed remains of old movie posters and advertisements from an earlier era and remains intact to this day as a reminder of its history.In January 1998 the Edna Boykin Cultural Center opened its doors, in the honor of Ms. Boykin's lifetime contributions and service to the arts in Wilson. In the lobby, Dr & Mrs. Mark G. Hooper named the Hammond Gallery in honor of Dr. Robert Hammond, which featured its first visual arts gallery exhibits. On opening night, January 31, 1998, Ms. Edna Boykin and Mrs. Eleanor Hammond were among those in attendance to celebrate with The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra and The Platters. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/wilson-nc/report/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wilson Arts Center - Wilson, NC</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wilson Arts Center - Wilson, NC"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and" name="description"/> <meta content="Wilson, Arts, Center, NC" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wilson Arts Center"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wilson Arts Center"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="35.736401"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-77.919296"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wilson Arts Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Nash Street South West</div> <div> <span>Wilson</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>27893</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.wilsonarts.com/" target="_blank">Wilson Arts Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 252-291-4329</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wilson+Arts+Center%2C+124+Nash+Street+South+West%2C+Wilson%2C+NC+27893" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and opportunities in the arts.History:A Walk Down Memory LaneDr. Leland Grady had a vision. He created an opera house for the people of Wilson from his two-story Nash Street office building. While there were other theatres downtown, when the Wilson Theatre opened in fall 1919, it was the downtown showpiece for the citizens of Wilson. The theatre featured a beautiful palladium exterior, plush seats, brass railings and an elaborately detailed gold-painted plaster interior. It was truly a sight to behold.During its early years, the theatre served as a performing stage for traveling shows of vaudeville, singing acts, magicians, minstrels and plays. Vaudeville entertained the entire family with a wide variety of acts designed to replaced their daily concerns with fun, fascination and fantasy. In addition, local events, including talent and fashion shows, made the theatre a center for the town's cultural activity. Also popular with Wilson's citizens were sexy burlesque acts during the early years.On nights when there were no live performances, the theatre was in demand for silent movies. Talkies didn't make an appearance until several years later, around 1930, but a piano played in sync with the action on the screen and kept the 800-seat audience on the edges of their seats. Like most of America, Wilson flocked to movie theatres, and the Wilson Theatre was no exception. It was a busy place through the war years of the 1940's and into the 1960's as Wilsonians lined Nash Street to see their favorite stars of stage and screen. Wilsonians may recall with nostalgia donating bottle caps or soup labels as admission for seeing a movie, as the theatre was home to silver screen stars including Ava Gardner and Cary Grant, 3D movies and Saturday morning cartoons, serials and newsreels.By the early 1970's, the Wilson Theatre showed X-rated films. Although met with much disapproval, the scandalous films played there for several years.The RenovationThe City of Wilson purchased the Wilson Theatre in 1984 and organized the Wilson Community Theatre, Inc. Under the direction of President, Woody Harrison, the Board managed the facility's use and restoration. Many felt that the theatre should be restored to its original splendor and that it still served a necessary role in the community. For the next fourteen years, Executive Director Carol Blake and many volunteers, the theatre improved with such basic necessities as updated restrooms and heating and air conditioning systems. The renovation project was well under way when in 1995 the Theatre Board and the Arts Council of Wilson merged expressly for the purpose of seeing the project to fruition. Clearscapes Inc., a Raleigh architectural firm was hired and the fundraising and drawing of plans commenced in earnest.Edna Boykin led the way with her generosity. However, many groups and individuals share the Credit for making the Wilson Theatre renovation project successful and transforming it into the Edna Boykin Cultural Center. The Department of Cultural Resources, under the leadership of Betty McCain, the City of Wilson and its Manager, City Council and Mayor, the Arts Council Board Members and staff and the individuals have been generous with time and money.Several companies and citizens of Wilson began this historic undertaking including restoration of the beautiful plaster details throughout the facility, refurbishing and adding to the number of permanent theatre seats. The new plans included the addition of dressing rooms, a stage extension and loading dock, a new marquee and 35mm projection equipment.Workers restored and transitioned the soda and jewelry shops into a lobby, saving some old Brick walls on either side. The walls, amazingly, still showed remains of old movie posters and advertisements from an earlier era and remains intact to this day as a reminder of its history.In January 1998 the Edna Boykin Cultural Center opened its doors, in the honor of Ms. Boykin's lifetime contributions and service to the arts in Wilson. In the lobby, Dr & Mrs. Mark G. Hooper named the Hammond Gallery in honor of Dr. Robert Hammond, which featured its first visual arts gallery exhibits. On opening night, January 31, 1998, Ms. Edna Boykin and Mrs. Eleanor Hammond were among those in attendance to celebrate with The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra and The Platters. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/wilson-nc/report/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/wilson-nc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/wilson-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wilson Arts Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Nash Street South West</div> <div> <span>Wilson</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>27893</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.wilsonarts.com/" target="_blank">Wilson Arts Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 252-291-4329</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wilson+Arts+Center%2C+124+Nash+Street+South+West%2C+Wilson%2C+NC+27893" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and opportunities in the arts.History:A Walk Down Memory LaneDr. Leland Grady had a vision. He created an opera house for the people of Wilson from his two-story Nash Street office building. While there were other theatres downtown, when the Wilson Theatre opened in fall 1919, it was the downtown showpiece for the citizens of Wilson. The theatre featured a beautiful palladium exterior, plush seats, brass railings and an elaborately detailed gold-painted plaster interior. It was truly a sight to behold.During its early years, the theatre served as a performing stage for traveling shows of vaudeville, singing acts, magicians, minstrels and plays. Vaudeville entertained the entire family with a wide variety of acts designed to replaced their daily concerns with fun, fascination and fantasy. In addition, local events, including talent and fashion shows, made the theatre a center for the town's cultural activity. Also popular with Wilson's citizens were sexy burlesque acts during the early years.On nights when there were no live performances, the theatre was in demand for silent movies. Talkies didn't make an appearance until several years later, around 1930, but a piano played in sync with the action on the screen and kept the 800-seat audience on the edges of their seats. Like most of America, Wilson flocked to movie theatres, and the Wilson Theatre was no exception. It was a busy place through the war years of the 1940's and into the 1960's as Wilsonians lined Nash Street to see their favorite stars of stage and screen. Wilsonians may recall with nostalgia donating bottle caps or soup labels as admission for seeing a movie, as the theatre was home to silver screen stars including Ava Gardner and Cary Grant, 3D movies and Saturday morning cartoons, serials and newsreels.By the early 1970's, the Wilson Theatre showed X-rated films. Although met with much disapproval, the scandalous films played there for several years.The RenovationThe City of Wilson purchased the Wilson Theatre in 1984 and organized the Wilson Community Theatre, Inc. Under the direction of President, Woody Harrison, the Board managed the facility's use and restoration. Many felt that the theatre should be restored to its original splendor and that it still served a necessary role in the community. For the next fourteen years, Executive Director Carol Blake and many volunteers, the theatre improved with such basic necessities as updated restrooms and heating and air conditioning systems. The renovation project was well under way when in 1995 the Theatre Board and the Arts Council of Wilson merged expressly for the purpose of seeing the project to fruition. Clearscapes Inc., a Raleigh architectural firm was hired and the fundraising and drawing of plans commenced in earnest.Edna Boykin led the way with her generosity. However, many groups and individuals share the Credit for making the Wilson Theatre renovation project successful and transforming it into the Edna Boykin Cultural Center. The Department of Cultural Resources, under the leadership of Betty McCain, the City of Wilson and its Manager, City Council and Mayor, the Arts Council Board Members and staff and the individuals have been generous with time and money.Several companies and citizens of Wilson began this historic undertaking including restoration of the beautiful plaster details throughout the facility, refurbishing and adding to the number of permanent theatre seats. The new plans included the addition of dressing rooms, a stage extension and loading dock, a new marquee and 35mm projection equipment.Workers restored and transitioned the soda and jewelry shops into a lobby, saving some old Brick walls on either side. The walls, amazingly, still showed remains of old movie posters and advertisements from an earlier era and remains intact to this day as a reminder of its history.In January 1998 the Edna Boykin Cultural Center opened its doors, in the honor of Ms. Boykin's lifetime contributions and service to the arts in Wilson. In the lobby, Dr & Mrs. Mark G. Hooper named the Hammond Gallery in honor of Dr. Robert Hammond, which featured its first visual arts gallery exhibits. On opening night, January 31, 1998, Ms. Edna Boykin and Mrs. Eleanor Hammond were among those in attendance to celebrate with The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra and The Platters. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/wilson-nc/report/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/wilson-nc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/wilson-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Wilson</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Wilson</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-fitness-a-gentle-workout-with-nia-dallas-tx-11262024-5nnx3n5ltbp.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-A-GENTLE-NIA-WORKOUT">Fitness: A Gentle Nia Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-al-mindful-movement-session-birmingham-al-112624-qgn4gl5lb5r.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-WORKOUT-SESSION">Mindful Movement Workout Session</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-mindful-movement-for-strength-and-balance-11262024-lmnp84jlt9h.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-YOGA-PILATES-FOR-STRENGTH-AND-BALANCE">Yoga + Pilates for Strength and Balance</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/wilson-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wilson Arts Center - Wilson, NC</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wilson Arts Center - Wilson, NC"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and" name="description"/> <meta content="Wilson, Arts, Center, NC" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wilson Arts Center"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wilson Arts Center"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="35.736401"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-77.919296"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wilson Arts Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Nash Street South West</div> <div> <span>Wilson</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>27893</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.wilsonarts.com/" target="_blank">Wilson Arts Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 252-291-4329</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wilson+Arts+Center%2C+124+Nash+Street+South+West%2C+Wilson%2C+NC+27893" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and opportunities in the arts.History:A Walk Down Memory LaneDr. Leland Grady had a vision. He created an opera house for the people of Wilson from his two-story Nash Street office building. While there were other theatres downtown, when the Wilson Theatre opened in fall 1919, it was the downtown showpiece for the citizens of Wilson. The theatre featured a beautiful palladium exterior, plush seats, brass railings and an elaborately detailed gold-painted plaster interior. It was truly a sight to behold.During its early years, the theatre served as a performing stage for traveling shows of vaudeville, singing acts, magicians, minstrels and plays. Vaudeville entertained the entire family with a wide variety of acts designed to replaced their daily concerns with fun, fascination and fantasy. In addition, local events, including talent and fashion shows, made the theatre a center for the town's cultural activity. Also popular with Wilson's citizens were sexy burlesque acts during the early years.On nights when there were no live performances, the theatre was in demand for silent movies. Talkies didn't make an appearance until several years later, around 1930, but a piano played in sync with the action on the screen and kept the 800-seat audience on the edges of their seats. Like most of America, Wilson flocked to movie theatres, and the Wilson Theatre was no exception. It was a busy place through the war years of the 1940's and into the 1960's as Wilsonians lined Nash Street to see their favorite stars of stage and screen. Wilsonians may recall with nostalgia donating bottle caps or soup labels as admission for seeing a movie, as the theatre was home to silver screen stars including Ava Gardner and Cary Grant, 3D movies and Saturday morning cartoons, serials and newsreels.By the early 1970's, the Wilson Theatre showed X-rated films. Although met with much disapproval, the scandalous films played there for several years.The RenovationThe City of Wilson purchased the Wilson Theatre in 1984 and organized the Wilson Community Theatre, Inc. Under the direction of President, Woody Harrison, the Board managed the facility's use and restoration. Many felt that the theatre should be restored to its original splendor and that it still served a necessary role in the community. For the next fourteen years, Executive Director Carol Blake and many volunteers, the theatre improved with such basic necessities as updated restrooms and heating and air conditioning systems. The renovation project was well under way when in 1995 the Theatre Board and the Arts Council of Wilson merged expressly for the purpose of seeing the project to fruition. Clearscapes Inc., a Raleigh architectural firm was hired and the fundraising and drawing of plans commenced in earnest.Edna Boykin led the way with her generosity. However, many groups and individuals share the Credit for making the Wilson Theatre renovation project successful and transforming it into the Edna Boykin Cultural Center. The Department of Cultural Resources, under the leadership of Betty McCain, the City of Wilson and its Manager, City Council and Mayor, the Arts Council Board Members and staff and the individuals have been generous with time and money.Several companies and citizens of Wilson began this historic undertaking including restoration of the beautiful plaster details throughout the facility, refurbishing and adding to the number of permanent theatre seats. The new plans included the addition of dressing rooms, a stage extension and loading dock, a new marquee and 35mm projection equipment.Workers restored and transitioned the soda and jewelry shops into a lobby, saving some old Brick walls on either side. The walls, amazingly, still showed remains of old movie posters and advertisements from an earlier era and remains intact to this day as a reminder of its history.In January 1998 the Edna Boykin Cultural Center opened its doors, in the honor of Ms. Boykin's lifetime contributions and service to the arts in Wilson. In the lobby, Dr & Mrs. Mark G. Hooper named the Hammond Gallery in honor of Dr. Robert Hammond, which featured its first visual arts gallery exhibits. On opening night, January 31, 1998, Ms. Edna Boykin and Mrs. Eleanor Hammond were among those in attendance to celebrate with The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra and The Platters. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/wilson-nc/report/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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href="/wilson-nc/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/wilson-nc/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/wilson-nc/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/wilson-nc/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wilson Arts Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Nash Street South West</div> <div> <span>Wilson</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>27893</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.wilsonarts.com/" target="_blank">Wilson Arts Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 252-291-4329</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wilson+Arts+Center%2C+124+Nash+Street+South+West%2C+Wilson%2C+NC+27893" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and opportunities in the arts.History:A Walk Down Memory LaneDr. Leland Grady had a vision. He created an opera house for the people of Wilson from his two-story Nash Street office building. While there were other theatres downtown, when the Wilson Theatre opened in fall 1919, it was the downtown showpiece for the citizens of Wilson. The theatre featured a beautiful palladium exterior, plush seats, brass railings and an elaborately detailed gold-painted plaster interior. It was truly a sight to behold.During its early years, the theatre served as a performing stage for traveling shows of vaudeville, singing acts, magicians, minstrels and plays. Vaudeville entertained the entire family with a wide variety of acts designed to replaced their daily concerns with fun, fascination and fantasy. In addition, local events, including talent and fashion shows, made the theatre a center for the town's cultural activity. Also popular with Wilson's citizens were sexy burlesque acts during the early years.On nights when there were no live performances, the theatre was in demand for silent movies. Talkies didn't make an appearance until several years later, around 1930, but a piano played in sync with the action on the screen and kept the 800-seat audience on the edges of their seats. Like most of America, Wilson flocked to movie theatres, and the Wilson Theatre was no exception. It was a busy place through the war years of the 1940's and into the 1960's as Wilsonians lined Nash Street to see their favorite stars of stage and screen. Wilsonians may recall with nostalgia donating bottle caps or soup labels as admission for seeing a movie, as the theatre was home to silver screen stars including Ava Gardner and Cary Grant, 3D movies and Saturday morning cartoons, serials and newsreels.By the early 1970's, the Wilson Theatre showed X-rated films. Although met with much disapproval, the scandalous films played there for several years.The RenovationThe City of Wilson purchased the Wilson Theatre in 1984 and organized the Wilson Community Theatre, Inc. Under the direction of President, Woody Harrison, the Board managed the facility's use and restoration. Many felt that the theatre should be restored to its original splendor and that it still served a necessary role in the community. For the next fourteen years, Executive Director Carol Blake and many volunteers, the theatre improved with such basic necessities as updated restrooms and heating and air conditioning systems. The renovation project was well under way when in 1995 the Theatre Board and the Arts Council of Wilson merged expressly for the purpose of seeing the project to fruition. Clearscapes Inc., a Raleigh architectural firm was hired and the fundraising and drawing of plans commenced in earnest.Edna Boykin led the way with her generosity. However, many groups and individuals share the Credit for making the Wilson Theatre renovation project successful and transforming it into the Edna Boykin Cultural Center. The Department of Cultural Resources, under the leadership of Betty McCain, the City of Wilson and its Manager, City Council and Mayor, the Arts Council Board Members and staff and the individuals have been generous with time and money.Several companies and citizens of Wilson began this historic undertaking including restoration of the beautiful plaster details throughout the facility, refurbishing and adding to the number of permanent theatre seats. The new plans included the addition of dressing rooms, a stage extension and loading dock, a new marquee and 35mm projection equipment.Workers restored and transitioned the soda and jewelry shops into a lobby, saving some old Brick walls on either side. The walls, amazingly, still showed remains of old movie posters and advertisements from an earlier era and remains intact to this day as a reminder of its history.In January 1998 the Edna Boykin Cultural Center opened its doors, in the honor of Ms. Boykin's lifetime contributions and service to the arts in Wilson. In the lobby, Dr & Mrs. Mark G. Hooper named the Hammond Gallery in honor of Dr. Robert Hammond, which featured its first visual arts gallery exhibits. On opening night, January 31, 1998, Ms. Edna Boykin and Mrs. Eleanor Hammond were among those in attendance to celebrate with The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra and The Platters. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/wilson-nc/report/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/wilson-nc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/wilson-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Wilson</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Wilson</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-fitness-a-gentle-workout-with-nia-dallas-tx-11262024-5nnx3n5ltbp.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-A-GENTLE-NIA-WORKOUT">Fitness: A Gentle Nia Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-al-mindful-movement-session-birmingham-al-112624-qgn4gl5lb5r.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-WORKOUT-SESSION">Mindful Movement Workout Session</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-mindful-movement-for-strength-and-balance-11262024-lmnp84jlt9h.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-YOGA-PILATES-FOR-STRENGTH-AND-BALANCE">Yoga + Pilates for Strength and Balance</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/wilson-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wilson Arts Center - Wilson, NC</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wilson Arts Center - Wilson, NC"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and" name="description"/> <meta content="Wilson, Arts, Center, NC" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wilson Arts Center"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wilson Arts Center"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="35.736401"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-77.919296"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wilson Arts Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Nash Street South West</div> <div> <span>Wilson</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>27893</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.wilsonarts.com/" target="_blank">Wilson Arts Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 252-291-4329</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wilson+Arts+Center%2C+124+Nash+Street+South+West%2C+Wilson%2C+NC+27893" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> Mission:The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and opportunities in the arts.History:A Walk Down Memory LaneDr. Leland Grady had a vision. He created an opera house for the people of Wilson from his two-story Nash Street office building. While there were other theatres downtown, when the Wilson Theatre opened in fall 1919, it was the downtown showpiece for the citizens of Wilson. The theatre featured a beautiful palladium exterior, plush seats, brass railings and an elaborately detailed gold-painted plaster interior. It was truly a sight to behold.During its early years, the theatre served as a performing stage for traveling shows of vaudeville, singing acts, magicians, minstrels and plays. Vaudeville entertained the entire family with a wide variety of acts designed to replaced their daily concerns with fun, fascination and fantasy. In addition, local events, including talent and fashion shows, made the theatre a center for the town's cultural activity. Also popular with Wilson's citizens were sexy burlesque acts during the early years.On nights when there were no live performances, the theatre was in demand for silent movies. Talkies didn't make an appearance until several years later, around 1930, but a piano played in sync with the action on the screen and kept the 800-seat audience on the edges of their seats. Like most of America, Wilson flocked to movie theatres, and the Wilson Theatre was no exception. It was a busy place through the war years of the 1940's and into the 1960's as Wilsonians lined Nash Street to see their favorite stars of stage and screen. Wilsonians may recall with nostalgia donating bottle caps or soup labels as admission for seeing a movie, as the theatre was home to silver screen stars including Ava Gardner and Cary Grant, 3D movies and Saturday morning cartoons, serials and newsreels.By the early 1970's, the Wilson Theatre showed X-rated films. Although met with much disapproval, the scandalous films played there for several years.The RenovationThe City of Wilson purchased the Wilson Theatre in 1984 and organized the Wilson Community Theatre, Inc. Under the direction of President, Woody Harrison, the Board managed the facility's use and restoration. Many felt that the theatre should be restored to its original splendor and that it still served a necessary role in the community. For the next fourteen years, Executive Director Carol Blake and many volunteers, the theatre improved with such basic necessities as updated restrooms and heating and air conditioning systems. The renovation project was well under way when in 1995 the Theatre Board and the Arts Council of Wilson merged expressly for the purpose of seeing the project to fruition. Clearscapes Inc., a Raleigh architectural firm was hired and the fundraising and drawing of plans commenced in earnest.Edna Boykin led the way with her generosity. However, many groups and individuals share the Credit for making the Wilson Theatre renovation project successful and transforming it into the Edna Boykin Cultural Center. The Department of Cultural Resources, under the leadership of Betty McCain, the City of Wilson and its Manager, City Council and Mayor, the Arts Council Board Members and staff and the individuals have been generous with time and money.Several companies and citizens of Wilson began this historic undertaking including restoration of the beautiful plaster details throughout the facility, refurbishing and adding to the number of permanent theatre seats. The new plans included the addition of dressing rooms, a stage extension and loading dock, a new marquee and 35mm projection equipment.Workers restored and transitioned the soda and jewelry shops into a lobby, saving some old Brick walls on either side. The walls, amazingly, still showed remains of old movie posters and advertisements from an earlier era and remains intact to this day as a reminder of its history.In January 1998 the Edna Boykin Cultural Center opened its doors, in the honor of Ms. Boykin's lifetime contributions and service to the arts in Wilson. In the lobby, Dr & Mrs. Mark G. Hooper named the Hammond Gallery in honor of Dr. Robert Hammond, which featured its first visual arts gallery exhibits. On opening night, January 31, 1998, Ms. Edna Boykin and Mrs. Eleanor Hammond were among those in attendance to celebrate with The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra and The Platters. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/wilson-nc/report/place/wilson-arts-center-wilson-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/wilson-nc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/wilson-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Wilson</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Wilson</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-fitness-a-gentle-workout-with-nia-dallas-tx-11262024-5nnx3n5ltbp.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-A-GENTLE-NIA-WORKOUT">Fitness: A Gentle Nia Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-al-mindful-movement-session-birmingham-al-112624-qgn4gl5lb5r.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-WORKOUT-SESSION">Mindful Movement Workout Session</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-mindful-movement-for-strength-and-balance-11262024-lmnp84jlt9h.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-YOGA-PILATES-FOR-STRENGTH-AND-BALANCE">Yoga + Pilates for Strength and Balance</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/wilson-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILSON-NC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILSON-NC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP North Carolina Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP North Carolina Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNC" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNC" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNC">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />North Carolina</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">NCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP North Carolina</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-north-carolina-contact-information/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WILSON-NC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a 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