Wilson College Announces 2026 ArtsFest Schedule

Wilson College will host ArtsFest 2026 from April 6–10, a weeklong celebration showcasing talents of Wilson artists, nationally recognized visiting professionals, and creative programming for the campus and surrounding community. Now in its fourth year, ArtsFest has become a signature Franklin County event that highlights the role of the arts in fostering connection, collaboration, and community dialogue. 

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The theme for the 2026 festival is “Art Is… Experimentation.” ArtsFest is supported in part by The Palmer Family Foundation, a fund of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities. This support enables Wilson to welcome four visiting artists whose work reflects innovation across disciplines: Broadway producer Sue Gilad; multidisciplinary visual artist Jada Patterson; letterpress printer and educator Amos Paul Kennedy Jr.; and dance theater collective Project ChArma. 

Featured Events and Exhibitions 

A Conversation with Sue Gilad 

Broadway producer Sue Gilad will lead an insider’s discussion on the business of bringing shows from page to stage. She will share behind-the-scenes insights into the creative and logistical forces that shape awardwinning productions. The conversation will also highlight the West End hit “Burlesque the Musical,” co-produced by Wilson President Wesley R. Fugate and Gilad, offering a dual perspective on the collaborative process behind a major international production. 

“A Seed’s A Star” Exhibition and Talk with Jada Patterson 

This exhibition features work by multidisciplinary artist Jada Patterson, whose practice explores identity, adornment, material culture, and Black traditions of hair and body ornamentation, particularly as they relate to girlhood. Patterson’s art merges traditional craft with contemporary perspectives, illuminating the complexities and beauty of human experience. Patterson will discuss their influences and artistic journey in a public talk. 

“Consider Everything an Experiment” Exhibition and Talk with Amos Paul Kennedy Jr. 

This exhibition showcases the expressive, socially engaged letterpress prints of Amos Paul Kennedy Jr. His bold, layered print work blends cultural wisdom, civil rights history, and graphic power, transforming traditional printing into a tool for community engagement and social justice. Kennedy will participate in a public conversation about his process, purpose, and the evolving role of art in social change. 

Spirit-led Dance in the New America with Ama Law of Project ChArma 

Project ChArma's movement style has always been shaped by a blend of influences: Hip-Hop culture, West African polyrhythms, and post-modern dance flow. In this dance workshop, they will explore solidarity through these forms. They will start with line dances—literally “jumping in” to learn sequences, embodying the Africanist principle of “each one teach one.” They will review popular line dances, invite participants to share new ones they bring, and close by creating a unique group sequence that marks our coming together in this new space and time. They will discuss the historical significance of these dances in African American resistance, survival, and progress. 

The Arts at Wilson created ArtsFest to showcase the remarkable art, artists, and artistic opportunities at the College. The festival seeks to engage the Wilson College campus and regional community in creative experiences to open dialogue and build connections that inspire positive change in the world.  

ArtsFest is free and open to the public, although some events are limited to the Wilson College community or require reservations. A detailed schedule and event descriptions are available at www.wilson.edu/artsfest.