Providing diverse opportunities in the arts for all people
The Waterworks Visual Arts Center aspires to enhance the creative capacity of individuals and communities through extraordinary visual arts experiences that foster creativity and learning.
Waterworks strives to be a leader and innovator in the exhibition of the art of our time and in museum education. The Waterworks will be an exciting space where ideas, issues, and communities converge to expand traditional ways of thinking and explore the complex, unfolding patterns between artistic and cultural spheres.
Gallery Hours:
Monday - Friday 10-5
Saturday 10-2
There is no charge to tour our galleries
Keywords: art galleries,galleries,art,musuems,art museums,nonprofit organizations,not-for-profit
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Waterworks Visual Arts Center began 59 years ago.
What is your primary product or service?
The mission of the Waterworks Visual Arts Center is to provide diverse opportunities in the arts for all people through exhibitions, education, and outreach programs.
Waterworks Visual Arts Center is a non-profit 501(c)3, non-collecting art museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It is an exciting place where ideas, issues, and communities converge to expand traditional ways of thinking and explore the complex and unfolding patterns between artistic and cultural spheres. As a unique blend of education, inspiration, creativity, and fun, Waterworks serves as the anchor organization for Salisbury's East Square Cultural Arts District and is the only teaching museum within a forty mile radius of Salisbury.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Waterworks strives to be a leader and innovator in the exhibition of art and in museum education. Creative and expressive artwork from established and emerging regional and local artists are featured in four rotation exhibitions annually. The museum is open free of charge six days a week.
Waterworks is a cultural asset and destination; a vibrant, collaborative space for lifelong learning, and an economic development engine for Salisbury-Rowan County. We are proud of our fifty-nine year history and our ability to respond and adapt to the needs of the communities we serve. We look forward to your visit!
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
One location will continue to serve the citizens of Salisbury and Rowan County.
Provide detailed directions to your location
Waterworks Visual Arts Center
123 East Liberty Street Salisbury, NC 28144
704.636.1882
Directions to Waterworks
From I-85: Take Interstate 85 to Exit 76. If coming from the south (Charlotte area) turn left at the bottom of the exit ramp onto Innes Street (Hwy. 52). If coming from the north (Greensboro area) turn right at the bottom of the exit ramp onto Innes Street (Hwy. 52). Make a right on Main Street (downtown Salisbury), make a right on Liberty Street.
Free Parking
Free parking is available on East Liberty Street, North Lee Street, East Council Street, and in the "Depot Lot" at the corner of East Council Street and Depot Street. All free parking is within two blocks of the Waterworks. During non-business hours, free parking is available in the F&M Bank lot which adjoins the Waterworks. To access the F&M Bank lot please use the Liberty Street entrance and pull slowly up to the automatic gate.
What type of payments do you accept?
Visitors may tour the galleries, FREE.
For Museum memberships, Museum Store purchases, class & workshop registrations, and special event tickets, Waterworks accepts cash, check, all credit cards, and PayPal.
Which areas do you service?
The town of Salisbury, NC, county of Rowan, and the broader Piedmont region.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Anne Scott Clement, Executive Director
What are your hours of operation?
GALLERY HOURS: Monday-Friday, 10am - 5pm; Saturday, 10am - 2pm
Closed Major Holidays
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
This is an actual review from a Waterworks visitor/customer:
"They have a beautiful facility, wonderfully thoughtful exhibitions, excellent staff and a fabulous gift shop. Their level of community engagement and enthusiasm for the arts makes this one of my favorite places. It was an honor to have a class experiencing ceramics for the first time. They were sad that class was over so soon. Thank you, for everything!"