Art Exhibition — "Visions from Down East"

Works by North Carolina artist Mike Bennett.

James “Mike” Bennett, born in Robersonville, North Carolina in 1958, is an artist whose work reflects the resilience and self-reliance that characterize his life and career. The exhibition will showcase 36 of Bennett’s paintings, including a variety of portraits, landscapes, architectural and agricultural scenes, as well as a still life — all inspired by the people and places of eastern North Carolina.

Bennett’s deep connection to the local communities of eastern North Carolina is evident in his work, with his murals and paintings adorning homes, businesses, and churches throughout the region. His artistic style, influenced by both old masters and contemporary artists like Jeffery Mims, Chuck Kaspner, Tony Griffin, and Ben Long, combines these elements into a unique approach that captures the traditions, landscapes, and people of eastern North Carolina with a realism that often borders on the documentary.

Central to Bennett’s work is his focus on portraying the dignity and individuality of his subjects, particularly in his portraits. These pieces offer not just likenesses, but deep explorations of character, revealing the personality and spirit of the individuals he paints. Through his art, Bennett provides a window into the lives and environments of the communities he knows so well.

Museum hours are Sunday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.