The Dunn Center at North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to announce Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts and Our State Magazine as sponsors for its upcoming exhibit, The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz, running November 14, 2025, through January 29, 2026.
This exciting collaboration arrives at the perfect moment as the world celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Peanuts. It is a partnership that is as fitting as it is heartwarming – Peanuts meets peanuts.
Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts, a beloved local brand based in Enfield, N.C., shares more than just a name with Schulz’s iconic comic strip. Both represent the simple joys of everyday life, family, and nostalgia, the kind of timeless warmth that connects generations.
“Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts has long been a symbol of local pride and tradition,” said Sheila Martin, Executive Director of The Dunn Center. “Their partnership, alongside Our State Magazine, another North Carolina staple, perfectly captures the spirit of celebrating art, nostalgia, and homegrown excellence.”
As a leading voice for North Carolina culture, Our State Magazine continues its mission of highlighting the people, places, and traditions that make the state unique. Its sponsorship of this exhibit reinforces a shared commitment to celebrating the creativity and community spirit that both Schulz’s work and The Dunn Center represent.
Visitors to The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz will experience an intimate look into the life and legacy of one of America’s most influential artists. The exhibit features original comic panels, rare drawings, and personal reflections that trace Schulz’s 50-year journey with Peanuts—a comic strip that continues to warm hearts and inspire generations.
Tickets are only $5.00 and are on sale now for The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz at https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1053186/the-life-art-of-charles-mschulz-rocky-mount-the-dunn-center or by visiting the Dunn Center Box Office.
The exhibit will run November 14, 2025 – January 29, 2026.
Whether you come for the art, the nostalgia, or the peanuts, this exhibit is sure to bring smiles to every generation celebrating 75 years of Peanuts and 30 years of The Dunn Center’s commitment to the arts.
From Santa Rosa to Rocky Mount: Celebrating 75 Years of Peanuts at NCWU’s Charles Schulz Exhibit
As the world celebrates the 75th anniversary of Peanuts on Oct. 2, 2025, the timeless comic strip that gave us Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and a cast of characters who captured the human spirit with humor and heart, North Carolina Wesleyan University is bringing the celebration home with a powerful tribute to the man behind the magic: Charles M. Schulz.
In a recent USA Today and People Magazine article, Jeannie Schulz, widow of Charles Schulz, reflected on the enduring legacy of Peanuts and its surprising resonance with Gen Z. From tattooed 20-somethings to wide-eyed toddlers, fans continue to flock to the Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, California, drawn by the emotional depth and relatability of Schulz’s work. [As Peanuts…USA TODAY] [As the beloved comic strip turns 70…People Magazine]
Now, that same spirit is coming to Rocky Mount.
“The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz”, a traveling exhibition hosted at the Mims and Gravely Galleries from November 14, 2025 to January 29, 2026, offers a rare glimpse into Schulz’s personal journey—from his Minnesota roots to his artistic legacy in California. Featuring original Peanuts comic strips, personal quotes, and photographs, the exhibit explores Schulz’s unique ability to turn everyday moments into profound reflections on friendship, vulnerability, and resilience. [The Life &…University]
This exhibit is more than nostalgia—it’s a platform for discussion. As USA Today notes, Peanuts remains “refreshing” in a media landscape often dominated by fleeting trends. Schulz’s minimalist style and emotional honesty continue to inspire artists, writers, and thinkers across generations. [As Peanuts…USA TODAY]
Join the Conversation:
- What makes Peanuts timeless?
- How did Schulz’s storytelling shape American culture?
- Why does Snoopy still speak to us—without saying a word?
Experience the legacy yourself!
Visit ncwu.edu to purchase tickets for just $5 (children under five are free).
Perfect for families, fans, and holiday gift-giving.
Location: Mims & Gravely Galleries, The Dunn Center, NCWU
Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 29, 2026
Hours: 10am–1pm or 2pm–5pm daily
Peanuts75 #Snoopy #CharlesSchulz #ArtExhibit #RockyMountEvents #NCWesleyan #ComicArt #FamilyFriendly #GoodGrief
Dunn Center Hosts Tar River Art Gallery
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to unveil an exciting new partnership between Tar River Art, The Dunn Center, and North Carolina Wesleyan University. This partnership will kick off with the opening of a vibrant art exhibit at The Gravely Art Gallery, located inside The Dunn Center.
On Sunday, September 14 from 2-5pm, art lovers are invited to an opening reception showcasing the works of 40 talented artists from across North Carolina and the surrounding region. The collection features an impressive variety of paintings and three-dimensional pieces, all available for purchase. Guests can expect exceptional quality at a range of accessible prices, making it the perfect opportunity to add to their personal or corporate art collections.
Following the reception, The Gravely Art Gallery will be open to the public Monday – Friday from 9am-5pm. Visitors are also welcome during Dunn Center events, or by appointment. To schedule a private viewing, contact Marilynn Barner Anselmi at 252.308.8425 or email Marilynn.anselmi@gmail.com.
About Gravely Art Gallery
The Gravely Art Gallery was made possible by a generous gift honoring the late Janice Gravely, a gifted local artist whose legacy continues to inspire creativity. The space serves as an important platform for emerging artists and a valuable cultural asset for the regional art community.
For more information about The Tar River Art Exhibit, to schedule a visit, or to inquire about renting one of the galleries or other spaces at The Dunn Center, contact Sheila Martin, Executive Director, at 252.904.7139. The Dunn Center offers an ideal setting for corporate meetings, receptions, concerts, retreats, and a wide range of special events.
The Dunn Center Announces the Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz
The Dunn Center, located on North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Campus, welcomes The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz November 14, 2025 – January 29, 2026. This is a wonderful family art show to attend and will feature all your favorite Peanuts characters. Tickets are only $5 each and kids five and under get in FREE! So, secure your tickets, or purchase a few as holiday stocking stuffers!
ABOUT THE CHARLES M. SCHULZ
Charles Monroe Schulz brightened the world for 50 years with his Peanuts comic strip, which debuted October 2, 1950. With Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the lovable Peanuts gang, Schulz explored the emotional territory of friendship, disappointment, faith, and tolerance. He was an artist and a storyteller who transformed images of everyday life into art that captured the humor, vulnerability, and dignity of the human spirit. Through Peanuts, Schulz connected the world with his drawings and stories. The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz, a traveling exhibition, explores Schulz’s personal history and his role as the sole inspiration and artistic talent behind Peanuts and its unique cast of characters. Schulz once proclaimed, “It seems beyond the comprehension of people that someone can be born to draw comic strips, but I think I was.”
The exhibition follows Schulz from his Minnesota roots to his life in California and tracks the development of the characters that make up the unique world of Peanuts. Thirty Peanuts comic strips, Schulz quotes, and photographs illuminate the story behind the creation of this most popular and influential cartoon strip. Comic strips by George Herriman (Krazy Kat), Milton Caniff (Terry and the Pirates), and Elzie C. Segar (Thimble Theatre Starring Popeye) shed light on how these prominent cartoonists influenced Schulz as a young artist and reveal the contrast of Schulz’s drawing style to the elaborately illustrated cartoons popular during the early 20th century.
“Comic strips are an art form: a means of expressing an idea of a great truth in an abbreviated space,” Schulz noted in 1985. He was “master of the slight incident” and broke new ground for newspaper cartoons by using innovations such as Lucy’s psychiatric booth, Linus’ security blanket (a term Schulz coined), Snoopy’s doghouse, and Schroeder’s music. He profoundly influenced several generations of cartoonists with his spare graphic style and subtle sense of humor. “With intelligence, honesty, and wonderfully expressive artwork, Charles Schulz gave the comics a unique world of humor, fantasy, warmth, and pain that completely reconfigured the comic strip landscape,” wrote Bill Watterson, creator of Calvin and Hobbes, in 1989.
circa 1985
Schulz revolutionized the art of the comic strip through his single-handed dedication to the art, wit, and wisdom of Peanuts. For 50 years he researched, wrote, designed, and drew each Peanuts strip that appeared in daily and Sunday newspapers, producing nearly 18,000 strips. From the comic strip’s humble beginnings in 1950, appearing in only seven newspapers, Peanuts’ popularity and influence grew rapidly. By 2000 it was the most successful comic strip in newspaper history, appearing in over 40 languages, in 75 countries, in more than 2,600 newspapers, with over 355 million readers. The strip and its characters were also the inspiration for nearly 50 television specials, two plays, four movies, a symphonic concerto, many books, and thousands of licensed products. Peanuts products became a billion-dollar worldwide industry, and Schulz became the highest paid, most widely read cartoonist in history.
Schulz officially retired in December 1999 and always intended that the strip would retire with him. On February 12, 2000, at age 77, just hours before the final Peanuts strip appeared in Sunday newspapers, Charles Schulz died at his home in Santa Rosa, California. The next morning, tributes ran in newspapers around the world, including one from then-U.S. President Bill Clinton in USA Today: “The hopeful and hapless Charlie Brown, the joyful Snoopy, the soulful Linus, even the crabby Lucy, give voice, day after day, to what makes us human.” In the February 28, 2000, edition of People magazine, Rheta Grimsley Johnson, author of the 1989 biography Good Grief: The Story of Charles M. Schulz, observed, “He showed there was a market for innocence. People may be seduced by glitter, sophomoric stunts and shock radio, but deep down we all yearn for something simple and profound that will endure. He gave that to us.”
The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz is organized and toured by the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, Santa Rosa, California.
ABOUT THE CHARLES M. SCHULZ MUSEUM AND RESEARCH CENTER
The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center opened in 2002 to fulfill its mission of preserving, displaying, and interpreting the art of Charles M. Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, and building an understanding of cartoon art. Located 50 miles north of San Francisco in Sonoma County, California—where Schulz lived and worked for over 40 years—the Schulz Museum features the largest collection of original Peanuts comic strips in the world and presents changing exhibitions and programming for all ages. The museum also provides reference services and supports a robust traveling exhibition program. For more information, visit schulzmuseum.org.
Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center
2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 579-4452
Bob Ross Exhibit Finale
Art enthusiasts and Bob Ross fans, mark your calendars! The Bob Ross Exhibit, hosted at The Dunn Center on the campus of North Carolina Wesleyan University, will conclude its run with a grand finale weekend on Saturday, January 11, and Sunday, January 12, 2025. This immersive experience, featuring the works of the beloved painter and television icon, promises to be a memorable event for families and art lovers alike.
In addition to the exhibit showcasing 76 of Bob Ross’ original paintings, attendees will enjoy a special musical performance.
Weekend Highlights
Saturday, January 11, 2025
- 10:00 AM: The Bob Ross Art Exhibit opens, featuring a collection of 76 original paintings that capture the charm and serenity of Ross’ iconic style.
- 11:00 AM: The Joy of Painting…A Musical begins, a creative tribute to Ross’ life and art. After the performance, playwright Caleb Cabiness will host a Q&A session.
- 2:00 PM: A second showing of The Joy of Painting…A Musical will be followed by another Q&A session with Caleb Cabiness.
- 5:00 PM: The exhibit will close for the day.
Sunday, January 12, 2025
- 2:00 PM: The exhibit reopens for a final viewing.
Tickets and Information
Tickets for all events, including the musical and Q&A sessions, are available for purchase on The Dunn Center’s website. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Bob Ross, whose gentle demeanor and artistic talent continue to inspire millions.
Bring your family, reflect on the joy of painting, and experience a weekend filled with creativity, nostalgia, and inspiration!
Bob Ross Art Exhibit Opens
Bob Ross “Bringing Back the JOY” art exhibit will be on display in the Mims Gallery of The Dunn Center, located on the beautiful NC Wesleyan University campus from Monday, December 2, 2024 through Monday, January 13, 2025. The 2024-25 exhibition entails 76 different paintings than the previous ones on display at NCWU, including special pieces aside from those featured on his PBS show, The Joy of Painting.
This event was SO POPULAR in 2023-24 that we decided to Bring Back the Joy in 2024! Over 11K visitors from all over the world came to see this amazing exhibit.
This is the second Bob Ross art exhibit ever in North Carolina and still the largest exhibition ever seen under one roof globally. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see real paintings from various episodes of The Joy of Painting.
The Bob Ross Art Exhibit is open to the public and Advance Tickets are only $15 per person. Free admission for children under five.
For more information about the art exhibit, purchase tickets and learn more about other events happening during exhibition, CLICK HERE.
Also, contact Jan Volz, Gallery Art Curator at 252.985.5268 or jvolz@ncwu.edu and sign up for the email list at ncwu.edu/artgalleries.
Bob Ross Bringing Back the Joy to NCWU
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University President, Dr. Evan D. Duff, along with Art Curator, Jan Sullivan Volz, and President of Bob Ross Inc., Joan Kowalski, announced that more of Bob Ross’ famous original paintings are set to adorn the walls of The Mims Gallery at The Dunn Center this upcoming holiday season.
Bob Ross Bringing Back the JOY will be on display in the Mims Gallery of The Dunn Center, located on the beautiful NC Wesleyan University campus from Monday, December 2, 2024 through Monday, January 13, 2025. The 2024 exhibition will entail 76 different paintings than the previous ones on display at NCWU, including special pieces aside from those featured on his PBS show, The Joy of Painting. This will be the second Bob Ross exhibit in North Carolina, but still the largest exhibition ever seen under one roof globally.
Robert Norman Ross, an American painter, art instructor and television host known by so many for his permed hair, showed the world how to paint fun pieces of art. He was the creator and host of The Joy of Painting, an instructional television program that aired from 1983 to 1994 on PBS in the United States, CBC in Canada, and similar channels in Latin America, Europe and elsewhere. Ross subsequently became known through his posthumous internet presence.
During the holiday season of 2023, there were 76 of Ross’ paintings on display from November 1, 2023 through January 4, 2024. The exhibit was viewed by over 11,000 visitors that traveled from all over the country, and beyond, to see the magnificent work. “We are honored and thrilled that we will have this opportunity to share Mr. Ross’ work again with so many of his fans during the holiday season… this is truly a gift to those that cherish the memory of a great artist and humanitarian,” said Ms. Volz.
The exhibit will open to the public on Monday, December 2, 2024 and run through Monday, January 13, 2025. Advance Tickets will go on sale Thursday, July 4th for $15 per person. Free admission for children under five. For more information about the artwork, contact Jan Volz, Gallery Art Curator at 252.985.5268 or jvolz@ncwu.edu and sign up for the email list at ncwu.edu/artgalleries.
Bob Ross Exhibition A Fantastic Little Success
Fantastic Little Paintings by artist, Bob Ross, adorned the walls of The Mims and Gravely Galleries at The Dunn Center from November 2, 2023 through January 4, 2024. It was the first time a Bob Ross exhibition had been to North Carolina and the largest, with over 75 paintings, ever seen under one roof globally. More than 11,000 visitors poured in from all over the world to see this once-in-a-lifetime exhibit during the two-month showing.
Gallery Art Curator Jan Volz expressed, “The response to this exhibit was absolutely incredible. From corporate gatherings to individual ticket holders, people came from far and wide to be a part of this experience. We had visitors from Connecticut, Minnesota, California, Maine, Texas and even London, England.
Robert Norman Ross, an American painter, art instructor and television host known by so many for his permed hair, showed the world how to paint fun pieces of art. He was the creator and host of The Joy of Painting, an instructional television program that aired from 1983 to 1994 on PBS in the United States, CBC in Canada, and similar channels in Latin America, Europe and elsewhere. Ross subsequently became known through his posthumous internet presence.
Bob Ross, Inc. President Joan Kowalski traveled to North Carolina to be part of the exhibition kick-off. “It was a joy to have her with us as we officially opened the doors to this exciting once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” stated Sheila Martin, Executive Director of The Dunn Center. Joan shook hands, took photos, shared stories and was an extra little surprise for those attending opening day.
Later in November, special guest Jim Needham visited the exhibition. Described as “The Real Deal” and retired General Manager of PBS affiliate WIPB-TV, he is also known as Bob’s best friend and producer of The Joy of Painting TV show. Needham joined us on campus to celebrate the life and work of Ross with “Remembering Bob Ross… a Conversation with his Best Friend.” Telling stories of their time together, he presented “The Real Story” and was available to answer questions about the legendary man behind all of the Fantastic Little Paintings. A huge success, this exhibit was made possible by Bob Ross, Inc. and proceeds will go toward benefiting NCWU students and to help bring future artists to the galleries at The Dunn Center. To stay abreast of upcoming shows and art galleries coming to The Dunn Center sign-up to receive email updates at ncwu.edu/artgalleries.
The Dunn Center Announces Season Opener, Celebrates 27th Season
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Dunn Center at North Carolina Wesleyan University will kick off its 27th season of performing arts series with the very funny and extremely talented 3 Redneck Tenors. The 2023-24 season will include five shows from a variety of genres with season tickets on sale now for $150. As a season ticket holder, you get a reserved seat at all five shows. Individual show tickets are also available with prices ranging from $20-$55.
The “infamous” 3 Redneck Tenors have seen it all and sing it all, making us laugh till we double over. They remind us that in life, it is not the destination, it’s the journey. Get ready for a sidesplitting ride as we go on an excursion only the 3 Redneck Tenors could have had, delighting audiences with their vocal prowess and a smorgasbord of songs and music ranging from gospel, to country, to Broadway, pop and classical. You’re going to love them and so will anyone with a sense of humor and an appreciation for incredible voices.
“The Dunn Center is a true gem in eastern North Carolina and I’m proud of the exceptional lineup that we have to offer this season,” stated Sheila Martin, Executive Director of The Dunn Center. “For those who have attended a show here in the past, we look forward to having you back for another exciting performance. For those who have never been to our venue, I encourage you to come check us out and witness all that we have to offer.”
Also joining the lineup for the first time on October 13 is Rockland Road, six musicians representing four generations of musical heritage—all vocalists who among them play 23 different instruments. The Breakfast Club®, with real 1980s clothes, real vocals and real musical talent, will come to The Dunn Center on November 10.
Starting the 2024 year off on January 26 will be one of the most gifted singers ever to grace country music, Tony Jackson, who has been touted as a strong emotionally-charged and engaging voice that captured the hearts of millions, seemingly overnight. Finally, The Dunn Center will wrap up their season with Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters on February 9. Singer and playwright, Lisa Rock, has compiled a moving tribute to the music and life of Karen Carpenter and brings it to the stage with her six-piece backing band.
For more information on these season shows, as well as other cultural events and art shows, please visit dunncenter.com. All season shows are on Friday evenings beginning at 7:30 p.m.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
The Dunn Center Selects Local Artist as New Art Curator
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Sheila Martin, Executive Director of The Dunn Center, announces the appointment of Jan Sullivan-Volz as the new Art Curator for The Mims and Gravely Galleries. Jan replaces Greg Purcell who served as part-time Art Curator and Lighting Designer for the past three years.
“Greg accepted a position in Greenville, NC to be closer to his new home. He was an invaluable part of our team and we wish him all the best in his new endeavor. As we begin a new journey, we are excited to welcome Jan to The Dunn Center staff. She brings a wealth of experience to our group and is an active part of the art community locally and state-wide,” stated Sheila Martin, Executive Director of The Dunn Center.
Jan holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, and has taught art at schools in Roanoke Rapids and Weldon, North Carolina. She has also served as an Adjunct Professor in the Art Department at North Carolina Wesleyan University.
Jan, and The Dunn Center’s entire staff, will be working diligently in the coming months to continue preparation for the opening of Bob Ross “Fantastic Little Paintings” showing November 2, 2023 through January 4, 2024. The newly-renovated Mims and Gravely Galleries will also feature six other exciting exhibits this year. To view the schedule, please visit ncwu.edu/artgalleries.
About The Dunn Center
The Dunn Center is a premier venue for concerts, shows and conferences in eastern NC. Located on the campus of NC Wesleyan University, in the heart of Rocky Mount, The Dunn Center is proud to host the Wesleyan Season Series of cultural events and concerts. In addition to these world-class performances, The Dunn Center features a variety of campus and community events, including Wesleyan Players productions, concerts of the Tar River Swing Band and Orchestra and other various performances by nationally known artists. The Mims and Gravely Galleries, located within The Dunn Center, hosts a variety of exhibits, including paintings, drawings, and sculpture. The galleries are open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., as well as during performances. To learn more, visit dunncenter.com and follow on Facebook.
