A Home for the Arts in Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Arts of the Albemarle (AOA) is driven by a mission to offer visual arts, performing arts, and cultural experiences to our region of Northeast North Carolina.
A 501c3 nonprofit organization in downtown Elizabeth City, North Carolina, AOA’s historic home in the Lowry Chesson building holds a gallery, historic performing arts center, and school of the arts.
Register for Summer Camps
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A Trio of Watercolor Instructors - Now On View!
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Register for Summer Camps 〰️ A Trio of Watercolor Instructors - Now On View! 〰️
Upcoming Experiences at Arts of the Albemarle
Your young artist is invited to explore their creativity in camps and classes for 18 months to 18 years!
Sessions Running June–August
The Mary Crutchfield Landmark Show
This juried competition invites artists to submit depictions of local landmarks for exhibition and consideration to win one of five cash prizes.
On View September–October
Splash is an annual week-long arts retreat with happenings for participating artists and community members alike.
September 29–October 3, 2026
Spark Your Creativity at Arts of the Albemarle
AOA creates opportunities, experiences, and connections in the arts for people of all ages. Explore our programming to get involved, or to support the arts in Elizabeth City.
Find Community and Creativity
at Arts of the Albemarle.
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Arts of the Albemarle (AOA) is a vibrant and inspiring art center nestled in the heart of Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
AOA’s small downtown campus consists of a three-story historic building on Main St home to a gallery and the 226-seat Maguire Theatre and nearby studio spaces (The Madrin & Water Street Studios) for classes, workshops, and more.
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AOA is a hub for creativity and artistic expression offering a diverse range of programming across its three main pillars: visual arts, performing arts, and the School of the Arts.
AOA offers a mix of free and paid programming for the general public, local school systems and youth organizations, and beyond, with a mission of serving as many people through the arts as possible.
Plan Your Visit to Arts of the Albemarle
The Gallery - Visual Arts Experiences
The first floor of AOA’s main building at 516 E Main Street—formerly the historic Chesson’s Department Store—has been carefully restored to serve as a visual arts gallery. Comprised of dedicated spaces the Nance, Jenkins, Gutman, and Hull-Everist Galleries, the gallery is home to work by regional artists in an array of mediums, and often hosts specially-curated exhibits and other events.
The Maguire Theatre - Performing Arts & Special Events
The Maguire Theatre, originally the Elizabeth City Opera House, is a split-level performing arts space hosting concerts, talks, recitals, and theatrical performances. The space is located in AOA’s main building and holds 226 seats with orchestra style seating, with the capability to convert to a banquet-style set-up for dinners, galas, and other events.
The Twiford Room, Madrin Studio, and Water Street Studio - Classes, Rehearsals, Meetings, and Events
Located on the third floor of AOA’s main building, the Twiford room is a multipurpose space for classes, meetings, and elegant events. Meanwhile, the Madrin Studio (115 N Poindexter St.) and Water St Studio (115 N Water St) hold an array of classes, rehearsals, workshops, and other happenings.
Learn more about renting one of our spaces for your event here.
Located in the heart of downtown Elizabeth City
AOA is conveniently located at 511 E Main Street, on the corner of N Poindexter and Main Street downtown, within walking distance of a host of local shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and more.
Need help planning the perfect Elizabeth City itinerary?
Visit our downtown partners for help finding parking, accommodations, restaurants, shops, and attractions:
“It was amazing! I did not know that we had a gem like this in our town! The times I have been here, I have enjoyed every minute of it.”
— Claudia F.
Get involved at Arts of the Albemarle today.
Thank you to our sponsors!
