Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County Announces 2026-2027 Season of Exhibits

Fayetteville, NC - The Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County is thrilled to unveil its

upcoming season of Main Gallery exhibits, "One World," a vibrant, multi-layered lineup running from July 2026 through July 2027. As one of Cumberland County's premier cultural attractions, the Main Gallery plays a vital role in attracting visitors, enhancing downtown Fayetteville's vibrancy, and strengthening the region's growing cultural tourism economy.

"One World" spans diverse artistic mediums and concepts, spotlighting everything from international mail art and immersive sensory showcases to highly anticipated community and high school juried exhibitions.

The season invites residents and travelers alike to discover new artistic perspectives while experiencing the creativity, hospitality, and unique cultural offerings that make Fayetteville and Cumberland County a destination for arts and culture year-round. “'One World' allows artists from every corner of the globe to be heard in our gallery,” says Michael Houck, Director of Artistic Communities at the Arts Council. “From international voices carried through the mail and nationally recognized artists curating solo and juried exhibitions, to regional artists and local student showcases, our 2026-2027 gallery season celebrates the Arts Council's capacity to connect the community with a global perspective right here at 301 Hay Street.”

2026–2027 Exhibition Schedule:

1. Paradox of the Observer: Comics on Art and Community

Curator: Hannah Krieger, Southeastern Artist in Residence

Exhibition Dates: July 16, 2026 – August 16, 2026

Opening Reception: Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 6PM - 8PM

Description: This innovative exhibition turns a unique lens onto the creative world, using the medium of comics to explore the fascinating intersections of art, the observer, and community dynamics.

2. Celebration of Sapphire: Mail Art from Around the World

Curators: Penny Weaver & Michelle Davis Petelinz

Exhibition Dates: September 4, 2026 – October 25, 2026

Opening Reception: Friday, September 4, 2026, from 6PM - 8PM

Description: This global exhibition brings international connection straight to our local

galleries, showcasing the unique, intimate, and democratic medium of mail art from

worldwide contributors.

3. 2 - 4 - 6

Concept: 2 words, 4 artists, 6 tracks

Exhibition Dates: November 6, 2026 – December 20, 2026

Opening Reception: Friday, November 6, 2026, from 6PM - 8PM

Description: A highly immersive experience where four chosen artists submit proposals

for complete mini-galleries. Each space will couple the visual artwork with exactly two

prominent words for the viewer to read and six specific musical tracks to listen to,

building a deeply personal, multi-sensory environment.

4. Not Too Much Off The Top: Barbershops and Salons as Gathering Spaces

Curator: Karrington Gardner

Exhibition Dates: January 22, 2027 – February 28, 2027

Opening Reception: Friday, January 22, 2027, from 6PM - 8PM

Description: This emotionally resonant professional show highlights the historic,

cultural, and deeply social roles that barbershops and hair salons hold as essential

sanctuary spaces and hubs for community gathering.

5. Cumberland County High School Juried Art Show

Director of Arts Education: Dr. Daniel McCloud

Exhibition Dates: March 5, 2027 – April 4, 2027

Description: Celebrating the immense rising talent within our region, this popular annual highlight offers a professional gallery platform to exceptional student artists across Cumberland County. (Please note: There will be no opening reception for

this showcase).

6. Southeastern Artist in Residence Showcase

Exhibition Dates: April 16, 2027 – May 23, 2027

Opening Reception: Friday, April 16, 2027, from 6PM - 8PM

Description: Solo exhibit for our upcoming Southeastern Artist in Residence.

7. PWC Public Works Community Exhibit

Exhibition Dates: June 4, 2027 – July 25, 2027

Opening Reception: Friday, June 4, 2027, from 6PM - 8PM

Description: Closing out the exhibit season, "Public Works" celebrates

community-driven creativity, bridging local artists and the general public together in an

accessible, celebratory artistic environment.

All exhibitions will be on display in the Arts Council’s main gallery, located at 301 Hay Street.

Admission is free for all exhibits and opening receptions.

For more details on upcoming events and gallery hours, please visit www.TheArtsCouncil.com.

For regular updates on the Arts Council, follow this organization on Facebook (@ArtsCouncilFay) or Instagram (@artscouncilfay).