5 things to know about the River Walk Gallery

This article was written for our sponsor, Washington Tourism Development Authority

Whether strolling along the beautiful Pamlico River or down the streets of the downtown, it is easy to see that art has always been a vital part of life in Washington, North Carolina. Norlina Kelly, president of River Walk Gallery, says someone only needs to look around. “Art is part of Washington’s history. Just look at the beautiful homes, the pillars, the sculptures in the buildings. It’s everywhere,” she said.

The River Walk gallery, just a stone’s throw from the Pamlico River, has become part of that rich and important history. Washington’s oldest art gallery, there are several things that make the River Walk so special. Here are some top things people should know.

25 years of creating and sharing art

Founded in 1997 with the mission to share and display the talents of local artists and artisans, the River Walk gallery celebrated 25 years of service in 2022. Throughout the year, the gallery and neighboring alliances held special events and showcased special displays to highlight both the history and the continuing importance of art to the community. The year of celebration culminated in an evening event where the artists were joined by town dignitaries and leadership as well as the community. The night included live music, dinner, drinks and raffle giveaways donated by gallery artists.

One of the few remaining co-op galleries

River Walk Gallery is a co-op gallery. As Kelly said, “This means no one particular person owns it. We all work together to run it. We bring in our artwork to sell and we take turns working in the gallery.” Not only do co-op models help the art community flourish as it creates a support network for artists throughout eastern North Carolina, but also it ensures that every single time a visitor enters the gallery, a knowledgeable artist will be there to greet them.

“I think it gives the gallery a special feel that every time a person comes in, they’re going to encounter a working artist,” Kelly says. “We may not know everything, but we are knowledgeable about each other’s art. And if the customer has a question we can’t answer, we can always directly contact the artist. We are all happy to answer questions and even meet the customers,” she added.

More than paintings

The first thing that comes to people’s minds when they think of art galleries is usually big paintings covering large white walls. While River Walk Gallery does have a beautiful array of paintings, there is also so much more. “We are sculptors, potters, metalworkers, jewelry makers, woodworkers and more,” said Kelly.

The co-op encourages all artists and artisans who create handmade art to display and sell their wares. In an online review for the gallery, a visitor described a one-of-a-kind soapstone chess set they bought.

Kelly has expanded her personal art from watercolor and acrylic paintings to scratchboard etchings which, in essence, is a form of direct engraving that can create powerful images.

Each piece, whether painting or pottery, evokes the inspiration behind it as well. It’s more than just the medium, it is the sentiment that is conveyed through creation. Kelly said, “When you walk outside, just stop for a minute. There is so much beauty in your own yard. Stop and listen to the birds, see the way the light hits the grass. Stop and be aware of the simple things. We’re all so busy and stressed with life. Seeing the beauty all around us is what I try to instill in my artwork.”

Something for everyone (and for everyone’s budget)

The other thing that often comes to mind with art galleries is that everything is expensive. River Walk gallery is on a mission to ensure that everyone can afford art. While the gallery does have higher end paintings and artwork that is available, there are always a myriad of options affordable for every budget.

Kelly says they try to have all price ranges represented. “We have items so that the whole family can buy something. If children wanted to buy a unique five or ten dollar gift for their parents, they could,” she said.

It is a must-visit for any art lover in the Carolinas

One look at the reviews, or a peek at the Facebook page, makes it evident that every person who goes into River Walk Gallery is happy they did. Just a few steps from the riverfront, the location could not be more beautiful and the artists working within are always welcoming. Visitors are free to browse and peruse and they are encouraged to ask questions of the artist or artists that are there that day.

The fact that River Walk Gallery is the oldest gallery in Washington and one of the few remaining co-ops is both something to celebrate and something to consider. These treasures that nurture and encourage local handmade art can’t exist without support, without visitors and without business.

Kelly said, “It’s so important. I’d like to encourage people to please shop downtown and not just with us. There are so many nice stores downtown and it’s so important to shop local, not just to help these businesses, but it helps the city itself keep thriving.”

This article was written for our sponsor, Washington Tourism Development Authority