The Wilmington Art Association (WAA) was organized in 1971 and held monthly meetings at the Wilmington New Hanover County Museum.

                             It was the second organization to use this name. The first WAA was formed in 1953 and eventually became absorbed in the membership of

                             St. John's Museum of Art. Five years ago, that museum moved to its present location at 3201 South 17th Street, under its new name, the

                             Louise Wells Cameron Museum of Art.

                             In 1971, with 30 dues-paying members, the new WAA arranged its First Annual Labor Day Arts and Crafts Show at Greenfield Park

                             and organized the First Annual Christmas Show and Sale at the Community Art Center, 120 South Second Street.

                             In 1972, the Lower Cape Fear Council of the Arts held its first Arts Bell at the Wilmington Hilton, where the WAA had an exhibit of

                             paintings in the lobby of the ballroom. In 1974, WAA received its charter from the State of North Carolina. The Association is certified

                             by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as a non-profit organization.

                             The first WAA art gallery opened in the Spring of 1999 at Chandler's Wharf on Water Street, but in November 2006, the Wilmington

                             Gallery was relocated to its present site at 606-B Castle Street, in the New Castle Arts and Antiques District. Presently, there are about

                             45 exhibiting members who display and sell their work in addition to actually working in the gallery.

                             At present, the Wilmington Art Association has about 200 members, and all artists and art lovers are welcome to join.