the ArtStore & Bucky Benson Fine Art
Wilmington’s ArtWorks: That Building You Keep Passing By
You know the spot, a quirky building in Wilmington that’s a mystery. The sign says “ArtWorks,” but unless you’re in the know, it’s hard to tell what goes down behind those doors. Turns out, this isn’t just another empty shell... it’s the creative heart of the city.
ArtWorks is a full-on “Art Village” with over 50 working studios tucked inside a historic factory that once cranked out shirts, plumbing parts, and even housed classic cars. Now, it’s a vibrant hub for local artists to make, show, and sell their work. The 7,000-square-foot gallery is packed with everything from paintings to sculpture, and anyone can stop by to browse or buy. The community vibe is strong here, you’ll see events, classes, even private parties happening right in the middle of the art.
What's even more fascinating is on one side, the majority of the building looks like organized chaos, with art vendors spaces side-by-side and quirky eclectic items everywhere. Then go through the doors, on the other side of the building, and you get a big city, art display open for retail business. Very unique indeed.
Why Local Art Matters (and Where Bucky Benson Fits In)
So, why should Wilmington residents care? Because supporting local artists means you’re keeping the creative lights on for your neighbors. Want to decorate your place? Forget mass-produced prints. ArtWorks is packed with genuine, one-of-a-kind pieces waiting for a new home.
Enter Bucky Benson. I spent a Saturday, with my camera, helping him catalog his work and got a front-row seat to the kind of creativity you just don’t find at a big-box store. Bucky, full name Burritt E. Benson III, is a Southeastern North Carolina native with a wild imagination and the painting chops to match. He studied painting at UNC Pembroke, trained under master teachers, and spent years finding his voice as an artist. His work is colorful, playful, and just the right amount of “what-the-heck-is-that?” to get people talking. Some pieces are “spontaneous, abstract doodles,” while others channel comic books, graffiti, and influences from places as far away as Africa and Australia. To me, every painting feels like a burst of energy, perfect for turning any wall from boring to bold; like this piece.
Bucky’s not just painting for fun; he’s on a mission. He’s known for electric, high-energy art, some of which has gone way beyond Wilmington, think billboards, museum exhibitions, even commissioned pieces for NBC Sports. Yet, he keeps his roots planted firmly in local soil, working out of his studio at ArtWorks and welcoming anyone with an ounce of curiosity or appreciation for real-deal art. You can see Bucky's work here at his art website.
How to Get Involved (And Maybe Leave With Something Awesome)
Want to see the art for yourself? ArtWorks is open Wednesday through Sunday. You don’t need a secret password, just walk in, check out open studios, and maybe even chat with artists like Bucky if the studio door’s open. Whether you’re hunting for a painting, thinking about a class, or just looking for something different to do, stop by with an open mind and wallet. Wilmington’s art scene is bigger, bolder, and more welcoming than you might expect.
Bottom line: ArtWorks is the place for locals to discover, support, and connect with Wilmington’s creative talent like Bucky Benson. Next time you drive by, pull over and check it out. It’s art for real people, no snooty gallery attitude required.
And to Bucky: thanks for inviting me in to get more experience with my pro camera. Was nice to get our of my landscape photography genre to learn how to use lighting and photograph fine art.
I hope residents, newcomers, and curious passersby all get a chance to see what you and Wilmington’s ArtWorks are all about.