Circle 10 Art Gallery is a cooperative gallery in the Village of Oriental, one of the few remaining fishing villages on the Eastern coast of NC. For over 25 years, this cooperative gallery has been the heartbeat of the arts for the community and for Pamlico County. Circle 10 affords artists in the Pamlico, Craven, and Carteret area a place to exhibit their work on a regular basis, to enjoy the fellowship of other artists, and to learn to operate a gallery.

From a one-room gallery in a house on Broad Street, within a year the gallery was able to support the cost of a second room with workshops and guest exhibitors. It soon became a popular attraction for visitors to eastern North Carolina. Throughout its history, Circle 10 has remained committed to the ideals of its seven founders: to exhibit quality and original fine arts and to form a circle of support for each other’s artistic progress.

Circle 10 moved to its current facility in 2007; this quaint little house which is home to the gallery generally surprises visitors with the quality and variety of original artwork for sale by local artists who have exhibited on the national scene garnering recognition and awards. On display is a wide range of beautiful works, including paintings in watercolor and acrylics, photography, pottery, jewelry, woodworking, handmade baskets, fiber/textiles, stained glass artword, sculptures, enamel, and mixed media.

Exhibiting artists continue to operate the gallery, handling day-to-day activities and and maintenance and making sure that the gallery is open five days a week.

In addition to the exhibits of works by its members, Circle 10 also has a “Guest Artist” gallery featuring a special month long exhibit which includes a reception on the first Sunday of each month. Guest exhibits bring a more in-depth diversity of artists, media, and themes to the Pamlico County art, educational, and cultural scene.

Members also teach classes at the gallery and contribute their talents to local churches and charities. Other events take place at Circle 10 Gallery, including poetry readings, and the annual “Stew and Brew.”

There are always new and exciting visual treats at Circle 10, which has helped to lead the change in Oriental’s reputation beyond that of a fishing village to a place known for its art and artists. Today Circle 10 is one of five galleries in town. We invite you to visit Oriental’s oldest and best known art center in this wonderful coastal village.

Photo on this page, courtesy of Cliff Hill