Inspiring Creativity, Making Art, Conserving Ecosystems, Building Community across the Albemarle Sound and Beyond!
Upcoming Events 2026
April 11: 7:00–10:00pm
The Storyweavers
This band of musicians weave true magic with Americana flair, served with a side of Appalachian goodness.
Purchase a General Admission $15 Ticket
coming in may
Running Stitch Collage Workshop
w/ Kira Keck and Jane Sasso
Using fundamental hand sewing techniques, we will create layered collages out of fabric scraps, old clothes, and production excess material. This quilting technique, inspired by boro and kantha traditions, can be used to to make pieces of art as well as for mending.
Visit our Art Programs page
march
March 4, 4–6pm
Paws, Claws, and Creativity Workshop
w/ Taylor Knight
Learn from sculptor Taylor Knight in a Black Bear‑themed workshop that will encourage you to explore their wildest ideas. Visit our Art Programs page for more info.
In a Nutshell: 5×5 Interviews
Artist in Residence Taylor Knight with Cathryn Nicholas
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Cathryn:
Tell me a little bit about yourself and how you initially became interested in the Arts?
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Taylor:
I’m a sculptor currently based in Pontiac, Michigan. I work full time at a bronze foundry (Fine Arts Sculpture Center) fabricating bronze sculptures for local artists and monuments. My personal art practice includes bronze sculpture but other media as well- for example the body of work I’m doing now utilizes reclaimed fur garments. I became interested in the arts professionally in college where I was exposed to sculpture- which led to me pursuing a Masters Degree in sculpture at the Cranbrook Academy of Art.
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Cathryn:
Please, explain to me about Paws, Claws, and Creativity, A Black bear Sculpture workshop. What’s going on with that?
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Taylor:
I’ll be teaching a class how to do plaster relief carvings. A relief is a sculpture on a two dimensional background- so participants will carve into a plaster tablet to make a sculptural picture of a bear. I like making work about animals that people relate to in their local environment so I hope people will be excited to spend some time thinking about black bears!
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Cathryn:
How did you meet with Julia and get involved in The Peanut Factory?
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Taylor:
I met Julia through a mutual friend and previous artist in residence, Jeff Schoffield. Jeff is also a Cranbrook alumni and he referred me to the Peanut Factory’s program.
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Cathryn:
What are you most grateful for in your experiences of art and travel? What stands out to you the most as being something you’re most appreciative of?
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Taylor:
I’m most grateful for the people I’ve met along the way throughout college, grad school, and now my professional life. I’ve been lucky to meet so many brilliant and supportive artists who are so generous with their skills, time, and networks. Likewise I’m grateful for the places I’ve gotten to experience, like Edenton. Being an artist working with environmental themes, it is so enriching to experience new landscapes and learn about the plants and animals that people share space with. I’m always eager to learn about the ecologies in the new places.
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Cathryn:
Following your residency, what are your plans/goals/aspirations; where do you see yourself in the future?
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Taylor:
I have an installation at Hatch Art in Hamtramck, Michigan this April where I’ll be showing the fur sculptures I’m currently working on. These are part of a more extensive body of work that I’m hoping to show at a greater scale in the future as well. I’m very invested in the Midwestern/Southern art community- I love calling the Midwest home and I’m happy to continue working there.
Cathryn Nicholas lives in Fort Lauderdale, FL., and is currently a master’s student in interior architecture & design at Academy of Art University. She is on a spiritual journey, practicing complete sobriety, and loves all things artistic and creative.
March 21, 2026
Welcome Crystal Bowersox to the
Peanut Factory
Join us for an evening with Crystal Bowersox, a northwest Ohio native, who has built her world around music.
Chicago’s rich musical history helped Bowersox to broaden her musical horizons. Ultimately, Bowersox auditioned for the ninth season of American Idol, and her time on the show proved to be well spent. In 2010, her debut album, “Farmer’s Daughter” was released on Jive Records and since, she has since released 3 LP’s, two EPs, several singles, and is currently developing a theatrical rock concert titled, “Trauma Queen”. Crystal has recorded and performed alongside several notable names and additionally, has used her voice and talents to benefit several organizations close to her heart.
Purchase a $25 Ticket
No Show, Yes Donate
May 7, 2026
Chatham Rabbits at the Peanut Factory
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Chatham Rabbits at The Peanut Factory!
Partners in life and music, Sarah and Austin McCombie have captured the adoration of fans nationwide and praise from Garden & Gun, American Songwriter, Paste and No Depression. Amid an impressive touring schedule, the two have already released four full-length records and somehow find energy to run their farm in their home state of North Carolina, a work ethic and connection to community that comes through in their songwriting. In 2020, the band played 194 neighborhood concerts as part of their concept The Stay at Home Tour, allowing them to connect with fans in a time of need. The following year, the duo caught the attention of PBS and filmed a limited series titled On the Road that is currently airing nationwide. Their fourth album, Be Real With Me, was released independently on February 14, 2025 and has been called “absolutely marvelous and beguiling” by No Depression Magazine and “a masterclasses in songwriting” by Americana Highways.
Purchase a $25 Ticket
No Show, Yes Donate
Saturday, January 31, 2–5pm
Winter Pruning Workshop
On Saturday, January 31, at 2pm, we’ll offer a pruning demonstration and Q&A in the fig orchard at Spruill Conservation Farm presented by long-time Spruill Farm volunteer, plant nurseryman, and naturalist Clay Coor. The focus will be on figs, but Clay can share expertise on other fruit trees, blueberries, muscadines, roses, or flowering shrubs if the opportunity arises. Bring your shears and your questions as we shape the fruit trees and bushes on the farm this winter.
In case of rain this workshop will be held a week later, on February 7, at 2pm.
Registration Fee: $12
Past Events 2025
Saturday, Nov. 15, 5:30pm
Ladies Night at the Peanut Factory
Purchase a $20 Ticket
Sponsor Ladies Night
No Show, Yes Donate
‘Sherri Priester always delivers, and I laugh so hard it physically hurts,’ says one fan.
Comedian Sherri Priester from Virginia takes the stage for the first night of comedy at The Peanut Factory. Known as the Boss Queen, she will keep you laughing about marriage, family, and a whole life of experiences.
An outspoken champion of veteran causes, she is a comedy instructor at the Armed Services Arts Partnership in Hampton Roads.
The opening comedian for this show was originally planned to be the hilarious and well-loved Donna Lewis.We are very saddened to announce that she unexpectedly passed away at the beginning of November.
Army veteran and Hampton native Team Fred has stepped up to take her place at the last minute (even though it’s Ladies’ Night). Fred also conducts a seminar called “Humor Your Stress” that he gives to military/civilian to help deal with stress, anxiety and depression through humor.
To host the show, and share some LIVE MUSIC is the ‘Big H,’ a.k.a. Heather Helton, singer / songwriter from Elizabeth City.
Men are also welcome at this show, but it’s a night for the women. Come laugh, relax, have a bite at a food truck and enjoy the evening. Raffles and door prizes to be announced. First drink is on the house for the ladies!
food, beer & wine available
Guardians of the Light Mixed-Media Workshop with Sweetbird Studio’s Nancy Anderson
Please join Colorado-based, national artist and jeweler Nancy Anderson of Sweet Bird Studio at The Peanut Factory for an exploration into mixed media. Use collage, paint, found objects, photos and more to create your very own Shrine of Intention commemorating a loved one or pet.
October 9, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: 916 Badham Rd, Edenton, NC 27932, USA
MONSTER BASH Live Music with Crabpot Creek & the John Stolarc Trio
Attention all ghouls, ghosts, witches, warlocks, zombies and monsters in all shapes and sizes: Come hear CRABPOT CREEK for a Halloween MONSTER BASH, with the JOHN STOLARC TRIO opening the stage. Prizes for best costumes! Come bob for apples and dance around the witches’ cauldron. Enter a raffle, enjoy the bar and food truck. Doors open at 5:00, music starts 5:30. Tickets 10$, $15 at the door.
Oct 25th, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: 916 Badham Rd, Edenton, NC 27932, USA
Painting and More in October
Cultivate your child’s creativity. Join us every Wednesday afternoon for 6 weeks this fall to let your child paint, draw, build…make things!. Some projects will be made individually and can be brought home, while other projects will be made by the group. There will be aprons available, but your child should wear old clothes. A small snack and drink will be included.
Activities are designed for children ages 5-7. Older children are definitely welcome too, and projects will be adapted as necessary.
— Attendance is limited to 10 children.
— A parent or guardian is required to stay with the group during the entire session.
— On Wednesday, November 19, we would like to have a small reception to showcase the children’s works.
Every Wednesday, October 8, 15, 22, and 29.
Location: 916 Badham Rd, Edenton, NC 27932, USA
Monthly Watercolor Workshop Fall 2025
Hello watercolor enthusiasts! This is an extension of the 2025 monthly watercolor series. It will take place again from 5:30 – 7:00 pm on the 2nd Monday of each month, from September 2025 to February 2026. You can pay as you go, or get a better price when you purchase all 6 sessions at once.
Location: 916 Badham Rd, Edenton, NC 27932, USA
3rd Annual Fig Festival, 2025
Please join us for the 3rd Annual Fig Festival August 9-10, 2025 at the Spruill Conservation Farm, the only Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) fig orchard in the country, with over 50 fig trees, and over 20 varieties. Bring all the family!
The events take place over 2 days:
Saturday, August 9th: Sunrise Yoga and 5K Perimeter Trail Run/Walk, and swim or paddle on the Albemarle Sound.
Sunday, August 10th, 1:00-4:00 pm: Fig pancake breakfast with award winning Guest Chef Jamie Davis, fig tasting, live music with Crabpot Creek, cooking demonstration, fig bake off / cook off, activities for kids, short presentations on local history.
Only the yoga and the 5K Run have a pre-payment; everything else is by donation, either using this online form, or at the event.
Age 17 and under can join the run for free!
Directions to the Festival
767 Spruill Loop Road in Roper, Washington County. This is an unpaved road, and it is also known as NC State Road 1318
If #767 does not appear in your search, try ‘Spruill Conservation Farm’ in Roper. Warning: There is another Spruill Loop Road in Creswell, a ‘Spruill Road’ in nearby Pea Ridge, and a ‘Loop Road’ nearby, also.
If you are not sure, the entrance to Spruill Loop Road is opposite a private residence, address 12554 Route 32, Roper.
GPS coordinates for the farm gate on Spruill Loop Road are:
N 35 degrees, 55.937 minutes, W 76 degrees, 34.596 minutes
The yellow gate will be seen on your right as the road turns left. The gate should remain closed and locked at all times (except for events!)
The Fig Festival After-Party
Click here for Fundraiser for The Peanut Factory on the Albemarle Queen
Postcard Auction – Artists for a Cause
Attention Visual Artists!
Apologies: post card auction form is not ready yet. Please check back within 24 hours to sign up for the post card auction.
monthly workshop 2025
Mindful Creativity: Art for Reflection & Growth with DeAnna Daniel
First Session: Saturday, March 15, 3:00-4:30. Thereafter, first Saturday of every month until October (including October)
In this class, students will embark on a creative journey, using art to reflect, unwind, and explore their emotions in a supportive space. Each session begins with a short reflection on a meaningful theme —such as gratitude, resilience, or new beginnings — followed by guided creative exercises. The goal is not perfection but self expression and emotional growth through art.
Workshop fee: $120 (3 Sessions for $20 each or $25 per session.)
Materials cost $15 or see the supply list for that month. Attendees will use a variety of dry, wet, and 3D media each class to signify transformation and growth.
monthly workshop 2025
Monday Monthly Watercolor Workshops
Feb – July, 2025
Join us every 2nd Monday of every month, from February—July, 2025
Watercolor: portable, affordable, and so satisfying. Make 2025 your year of creative thinking and expression.
Join experienced artist, instructor, illustrator Julia Townsend in a program for all levels, with weekly techniques and strategies, or, bring your own projects for feedback and development.
*Materials not included.
02.01.25
A Drawing Conversation
Drawing is thinking. Drawing is problem solving. Drawing is communication between the mind, the eye, and the hand. Above all, Drawing is communication. Join Art Teacher Chuck Carson for an afternoon of drawing in a community project experience. All approaches to drawing are welcome. Bring your favorite drawing tools, and be ready to experiment with new ones.
Click here to Register
02.08.25
Winter Pruning Workshop
Saturday, Feb 8 at 2pm.
On Saturday Feb 8th, we’ll offer a pruning demonstration and Q&A at the Spruill Farm presented by long-time Spruill Farm volunteer, plant nurseryman, and naturalist Clay Coor. The focus will be on fruit trees including blueberries and figs, but we may discuss muscadines, roses, or flowering shrubs if the opportunity arises. Bring your shears and your questions as we shape the fruit trees and bushes on the farm this winter. Workshop fee: $12.00 (Hot Cider will be provided).
Click here to Register
events 2024
REGISTER
Saturday, August 17th 10:00-2:00 make paper with flowers and natural dyes
Optional ‘Foraging Visit’ to the Spruill Farm in the morning before the workshop at 6:30 am to collect your own flowers. Most materials provided; a list of recommended materials to bring or wear will be made available at a later date. Prucher is the Artist in Residence from August 14 – 21. More information about Prucher under ‘Events.’
If you’d like to volunteer please check here.
Workshops
Constructing the Surreal: Head Chalices. Wednesday, September 4th 4:00-7:00 pm
What is a head chalice? You will have to come and find out. All we can say is that they will be worn in the Roper Peanut Parade on Saturday, September 14th. Problem solvers, engineers, and creative thinkers needed. Participation in the Parade is not required! But spread the word – we’ll need parade participants to wear these chalices.
2D & 3D Intensive: Join a creative team to construct a float for the Edenton Peanut Parade. Monday, September 30 – Friday, October 4th: Timing flexible
Artist Jeff Schofield will lead a project to create the first annual Peanut Factory float to celebrate peanuts and creativity! It will be pulled in the Parade on the following Saturday, October 5th. Come and be a part of this experimental workshop. Timings daily 10:00-6:00 pm, and can be extended if needed. All ages welcome.
Wednesday Pinata Party: October 2, 9, 16. Completion of the Giant Pinata. 4:00-6:00 pm
The Pinata Gigante was begun this spring and created mostly by students at the Boys and Girls Club. On these afternoons in October we’ll be decorating with paint and crepe paper, and filling it with candy. Donations of candy needed! Later, it will be transported to Elizabeth City for ‘Tu voz cuenta!’ a family event from 2-4 pm at the Holy Family Catholic Church on N. Road St in Elizabeth City. All ages welcome. Visit www.albemarlehopeline.org for more information.
STORY Workshop Saturday October 12 10:00-5:00
Join Nancy Anderson, jeweler, fabricator, wordsmith, and Chief of Stuff from SWEETBIRD STUDIO in Boulder, CO for an intensive, free-thinking, partly auto-biographical, mixed-media collage / assemblage workshop. Details to follow.
A Drawing Conversation Saturday October 26 11:00-2:00
Join veteran art teacher Chuck Carson and artist / Peanut Factory Co-Founder Julia Townsend for a liberating community drawing workshop. Drawing is thinking…drawing is expressive…drawing is brainstorming…drawing is descriptive…drawing tells a story…drawing is…COMMUNICATION.