SilverArts

Discover the artistic talents of our community through the SilverArts competition! This vibrant showcase highlights the exceptional skills and creativity of local artists across Wake County. Participants are invited to submit their work in one of five exciting categories:

  • Literary Arts: Expressive poetry, short stories, essays, and more.

  • Visual Arts: Stunning paintings, drawings, photography, and other visual masterpieces.

  • Heritage Arts: Traditional crafts and creations such as quilting, woodworking, and basket weaving.

  • Performing Arts: Dynamic dance routines, musical performances, theatrical acts, and other stage artistry.

  • Cheerleading Showcase: Spirited and energetic cheerleading performances.

The celebration culminates at our annual SilverArts Follies, held at the Garner Performing Arts Center. This inspiring event features a gallery-style display of submitted works and live performances on stage, offering a full spectrum of artistic expression.

Whether you're an artist ready to share your talent or an enthusiast eager to experience the creative energy of our community, we encourage you to join us. Compete, create, and cheer, or simply come to admire and support—the SilverArts competition has something for everyone!

SilverArts Follies 2025 @ Garner Performing Arts Center

Wednesday, April 9

Doors open at 3:00pm

Show begins at 4pm

*light refreshments will be served

742 West Garner Rd.

Garner, NC 27529

Rules and Eligibility

Individuals aged 50 and better from across the Triangle region are invited to participate in this exciting showcase of creativity and skill. Residency in Wake County is not required, but participants must be North Carolina residents for at least three consecutive months of the year.

This event highlights original works created by artists aged 50 and older. All submissions must be newly crafted after reaching age 50 and completed within the last two years. Whether you're a seasoned creator or exploring your artistic side, the Senior Games are your opportunity to shine! The full listing of criteria for SilverArts 2025 can be found here.

  • Heritage Arts entries are divided via the following sub-categories:

    • Basket Weaving

    • Crocheting

    • General Fiber Arts

    • Jewelry

    • Knitting

    • Needlework

    • Quilting (hand-stitched)

    • Quilting (machine-stitched)

    • Stained Glass

    • Tole/Decorative Painting

    • Pottery-Thrown & Hand Built

    • Weaving

    • Woodcarving

    • Woodturning

    • Wood working

    Each piece must be the work of the individual, not a group effort. One entry per category. Patterns may be used, but no stamped pieces will be accepted. Framed work must be securely wired and ready to be hung (no serrated hooks or string). Framed works can be no larger than 36″ x 42″, including matting and frame and no heavier than 40 pounds.

  • Literary Arts entries are divided via the following sub-categories:

    • Essay (not autobiographical)

    • Life Experience

    • Poem

    • Short Story (fiction)

    Please note: only one entry per category. All entries must be typed and double spaced on an 8.5′ x 11″ page with a minimum of 1″ margins and a minimum font height of 10. Poems cannot exceed 40 lines typed; Short Stories, Life Experiences and Essays cannot exceed eight pages.

  • Visual Arts entries are divided via the following sub-categories:

    • Acrylics

    • Digital Art

    • Drawing

    • Mixed Media 2D

    • Mixed Media 3D

    • Oil Painting

    • Pastels

    • Photography (Digital)

    • Photography (Film)

    • Sculpture

    • Watercolor

    Entries in Drawing, Painting or Photography must not exceed 36″ x 42″ including matting and frame and no heavier than 40 pounds. Entries must be framed and wired for hanging. No serrated hooks or string. Two-dimensional artwork not properly framed and wired will be disqualified. Staff and volunteers have the right to refuse artwork not framed properly.

    Sculptures can not exceed the following dimensions – height 60″, width 36″, length 36″ and weigh no more than 50 pounds.

  • Performing Arts entries are divided via the following sub-categories:

    • Comedy/ Drama

    • Dance

    • Instrumental

    • Line Dancing

    • Vocal

    Some of these sub-categories are divided into solo, small group and large group sections.

  • Cheerleading entries are divided via the following sub-categories:

    • Small group (2-4 member squad)

    • Medium group (5-9 member squad)

    • Large Group (10+ member squad)

    Each group has a four (4) minute maximum length of time for their act, and each squad must have a Head Cheerleader identified to be the communication liaison between staff and remaining squad members. The Cheerleader Showcase will be included as a part of the Follies on stage.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Attending this event is completely free of charge! We encourage everyone to bring friends, family, and neighbors—because the more, the merrier!

    While the event is free, there are opportunities to support a great cause. If you'd like to donate to the Wake County Senior Games, please reach out to us at wakecountyseniorgames@gmail.com for more information. Your generosity can make a meaningful difference in our community!

  • Please note that artwork will not be sold during the Follies event. If you’re interested in a specific piece, we encourage you to connect directly with the artist for more information. Thank you for supporting our talented creators!

  • We kindly ask all attendees to admire the artwork with their eyes only. Please do not touch any of the pieces on display to ensure they remain in pristine condition for everyone to enjoy. Thank you for your understanding!

  • While refreshment options may vary, we typically serve coffee and cookies for attendees to enjoy. Come sip, snack, and savor the experience with us!

  • A ramped walkway is available at the main entrance for patrons unable to climb stairs. Access throughout the facility is all on one level with no interior steps.  The stage is accessible via a ramp located house right.

  • The GPAC seating arrangement is auditorium style, and is equipped with six wheelchair accessible seat locations (four spaces along the front row, two spaces along the back row). The four along the front row include adjacent seats with lifting arms for patrons who would like to transfer to a fixed house seat

  • Assistive listening devices (ALDs) amplify and clarify sound by cutting down or eliminating ambient noise. Headsets with earbuds or induction neckloops are available free-of-charge on a first-come, first-served basis and can be picked-up in the main lobby. Guest using the neckloops must have hearing aids and cochlear implants with a "T" switch.  Ask your audiologist whether your hearing aid or cochlear implant has a "T" switch (telecoil) and how to use it with an assistive listening headset. 

  • The GPAC has an ample amount of free on-site parking for all events.  Please note the facility does share parking with 45 senior apartments located in the facility. Parking in "Resident Only" spaces is discouraged and reserved for residents of the facility.  Overflow parking lots can be located adjacent to the GPAC at 117 Avery St.

  • Patrons with limited mobility may be dropped off at the main entrance.

Subscribe

Subscribe