Community Art Reception Celebrating Creativity and Connection between Tar River Art Gallery and Nash Correctional Institution Art Club
ROCKY MOUNT, N.C., June 22, 2026 — In the spirit of a classic Hollywood double feature, the Dunn Center on the campus of North Carolina Wesleyan University will host an extraordinary art-filled afternoon on Sunday, June 28, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend this free event celebrating the simultaneous unveiling of two distinct exhibitions: “Beyond the Wall” in the Mims Gallery and a large-scale multi-artist showcase in the Janice Gravely Gallery.
Sponsored by R F Timberlake & Company, Inc., the summer reception supports both 40 artists from the Tar River Art Gallery( TRAG) and more than 100 artists from the Nash Correctional Institution Art Club. Guests will enjoy light refreshments, view a diverse collection of original artwork, and experience live musical accompaniment from acclaimed regional cellist Jeff Hatley.
Beyond the Wall Art Exhibit
At the heart of the event is “Beyond the Wall,” a compelling exhibition presented by the Nash Correctional Institution Art Club. On display from June 5 through July 30, the exhibit features 43 original works installed directly on the gallery walls. Visitors will have the opportunity not only to view the art, but also to participate in an ongoing silent auction. In a powerful gesture of community support, all proceeds from the auction will benefit the Your Choice Resource Center in Rocky Mount.
The Dunn Center’s role as host underscores its growing reputation as a regional cultural destination. With a proven track record of attracting significant public interest — including a recent Bob Ross exhibition that drew more than 13,000 visitors from around the world — the Center offers a uniquely powerful platform for showcasing both emerging and established artists. This dual exhibition continues that tradition by pairing the deeply personal and rehabilitative work of incarcerated artists with the accomplishments of recognized local creators.
Free Event and Reception Planned
Equally important is the event’s accessibility. Free admission and a welcoming location remove common barriers to participation, inviting families, students, and art enthusiasts alike to engage in a shared cultural experience. By opening its doors to a broad audience, the Dunn Center fosters dialogue, appreciation, and understanding through the universal language of art.
The June 28 reception is designed not just as an exhibition opening, but as an act of community-building. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet fellow art lovers, interact directly with the works on display, and consider the broader stories behind them. From bidding on pieces in the silent auction to listening to live music, the event encourages visitors to connect more deeply with both the artwork and the community it represents.
Ultimately, the afternoon offers more than an aesthetic experience — it is an invitation to look beyond the surface of each painting and discover the layered narratives of hope, talent, and transformation that define the region.
CONTACT:
Jan Sullivan Volz, Art Curator, Tar River Art Gallery
(252) 532-2130
Frank Timberlake
(919) 269-4300 OF or (919) 805-0055 CELL
Dunn Center and Tar River Art Gallery. (Jun 17, 2026, 08:37 ET). Dunn Center to Host Unique Double Art Feature Exhibits Opening With a Free Public Reception on June 28. PR Newswire. READ ARTICLE >
Susan Powell The Powell Perspective. (Jun 17, 2026). Art’s Dual Mandate: Correction and Creativity at the Dunn Center. BriefGlance.com. READ ARTICLE >
