Exhibitions & More

2026 Bank of the Arts 
​National Juried Exhibition

Main Gallery - August & September 2026
This is our signature exhibition at Bank of the Arts, occurring biennially highlighting over 100 fine arts submissions juried nationwide. Artwork is submitted  under 5 categories; 2D paintings & mixed media, Contemporary Crafts, Photography, Indoor Sculpture, and  Outdoor Sculpture.
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New Bern - Beyond the Ordinary

Director's Gallery - August 2026
This exhibition showcases the work of six Laceleaf Studio & Company artists, highlighting ordinary objects around New Bern, NC through their own individual medium and styles.
Featured Artists: Brenda Gear, Jill Eberle, Donna Slade, Catherin Thornton, Vicki Vitale, and Martha Williams

Ekphrastic Poetry Competition

Deadline to apply - August 28th at 5 pm
Calling all poets! Craven Arts Council’s Ekphrastic Poetry Competition returns for 2026, inspired by the works of our National Juried Exhibition. This competition showcases the link between different forms of art; the visual and the literary. Poets may enter up to 3 poems for $10 each, online, in person, or by mail. For more information - click below!
ArtWalk
Join us for ArtWalk every month, every 2nd Friday!
Upcoming ArtWalk: August 14th, 5 - 8 pm
ArtWalk is a free self guided walk to over 30 different stops in the downtown New Bern area to visit stores and galleries and see everything New Bern has to offer.
Main Gallery - Bank of the Arts National Juried Exhibition
Director's Gallery - New Bern - Beyond the Ordinary

Public Art: April 2026 Murals

Click here to learn about our two newest additions to our public art collection;
From Firehouse to Landmark with The Chelsea 
Party Animals with The Flying Fox

Artist Opportunities

Are you a new or current artist looking to get involved in the local arts community? Check out what opportunities we have coming up for artists and other arts organizations!
Click below for the following:
Sales Gallery Interest Form - Reviewed Quarterly
Artwalk Connect - Join our monthly artwalks! 
Artist Support Grant
Grassroots Grant
Picture
Visit our Pottery Vault here at Bank of the Arts!

Online Sales Gallery 

Visit our online store to purchase tickets, artworks, donate, and more!

 Our Mission

The mission of the Craven Arts Council & Gallery is to create an environment ​where the arts thrive, bring joy, and enrich the cultural experience in our community.

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Location & Hours

​Craven Arts Council & Gallery
​317 Middle Street
New Bern NC, 28560

​TUESDAY- SATURDAY
10:00 am - 5:00 pm

​SUNDAY - MONDAY
Closed

Parking Information

 Additional information on lot hours and fines can be found at https://www.newbernnc.gov/parking/ The Bank of the Arts is located at the Blue Star on Middle Street. Additional information on lot hours
and penalties can be found at https://www.newbernnc.gov/parking/ .