CULTURAL ACTIVITIES ENRICH THE COMMUNITY...

For many, life in Oriental centers on the search for the perfect breeze or trophy fish. But this town also finds satisfaction in cultural pursuits. Oriental hosts a variety of wonderful and unusual cultural interests. A number of local groups bring their joys of music, theatre, vocal groups art galleries and cottage industry arts to Oriental putting this quintessential little town in the most interesting and exciting column in North Carolina.

The Old Theatre
...hosts musical and entertainment productions and is home to the Oriental Repertory Company, a local theater troupe formed in 2008. The Children’s Theatre Workshop takes place here every summer. Event Schedule

The Pamlico Musical Society
...is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing ongoing access to professional music-everything from folk to classical-to county residents and visitors. Event Schedule

The Pamlico Chorale
...was created to share the enjoyment of music and singing. This nonprofit, volunteer group of men and women performs at community events and local nursing homes. Its nearly 50 members are a mix of both natives and transplants.

CIRCLE 10
is our oldest art gallery, located on Broad Street featuring 10 artists from the Oriental area. Circle 10 offers a variety of art to include watercolor, acrylic, pottery, wood carvers and jewelers. This is certainly a place you will want to visit. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday 1pm to 4 pm. 252-249-0298. Opening receptions held on the first Sunday of each month from 2 to 4 pm.

THE STATION GALLERY
is new to Oriental - just opening in November 2008. The gallery features nine artists bringing their own unique art and designs to Oriental. Winter hours are Friday 11-4, Saturday 11-4 and Sunday 11-3. Stop by for a visit. The Gallery is offering drawing classes and other events. For information on classes, monthly gallery shows, and hours, visit their website.

THE COTTAGE ARTISTS
exist throughout North Carolina with, at a minimum, 45 to 50 artists alone in Pamlico County. These artists bring individualism and design to the Oriental area, offering their specialty arts through private showings, trunk shows, art shows, to include Art on the Neuse held in June and Celebration of the Fine Arts held in September each year. The East Carolina Artists Association website

provides current information about activities and products for this group.

ORIENTAL'S HISTORY MUSEUM
…collects and preserves artifacts and information that document the town’s history. Exhibits include: fishing, boating, lumbering, military, old school memorabilia, local businesses, genealogy of Oriental’s first families, and more. 802 Broad St. Museum Hours: Fri. 11am-3pm, Sat. noon-4pm, Sun. 1pm-4pm. For more information call 252-670-9318.

Exhibits this year include:
April 10-June 14 “Historic Oriental – Then and Now”
June 26-August 17 “Smith Family Genealogy”