Its offices are home to Stepping Stones Gallery, a display gallery staffed by volunteers. Long-range plans include an art center for the county with expanded services for the community. Volunteer assistance and membership support keep the program active and growing . What began in the late 1970s as a small group of professionally oriented artists seeking an outlet for their work has grown into a juried, professional art group of almost 70 members. The coalition conducts four major shows each year on Memorial Day weekend, the Fourth of July, Labor Day weekend and a three-week Christmas gallery show before the Thanksgiving holidays.
New members are welcome, and jurying of new work takes place twice each year.
The guild welcomes new members and meets each month on the third Tuesday at Harkers Island Elementary School. The guild recently purchased a building for its new headquarters on Harkers Island Road in Straits. Renovation plans call for office space, a gift shop and a large area where the public may watch decoy carvers at work. Dance The Carteret County Arts Council brings professional talent in dance, drama and music each year through a variety of grants and its own budget. Visiting artists hold concerts as well as instructional programs in the public schools in conjunction with these public performances.