Featured Artist
If you’ve spent any time in Wilmington’s art scene, chances are you’ve come across the unmistakable work of HP Fangs (aka Haji P.), a self-described “doodlist” whose bold, toothy creations are nostalgic, playful, and deeply human. Influenced by ’80s and ’90s pop culture and comic books, HP’s illustrations are recognizable for their humor and heart, reminding us that art doesn’t have to be serious to say something real.
HP teaches art at GLOW Academy, where he channels his passion for youth advocacy and development into the classroom, helping students explore drawing as both a skill and a form of therapy. Outside of school, he teaches private lessons (@do.art.kids), does live caricatures, and hosts community doodle jams that bring artists and non-artists together to reconnect with their inner kid.
HP Fangs’ studio, located in the Cargo District at DesignWorx Wilmington, is a hub of color and energy and his events, like the recent Doodle Jams at Waterline Brewing, are local favorites. To see what he’s up to next, follow him on Instagram at @hpfangs or visit hpfangs.com.
We’re big fans of HP’s vibe and mission at River’s Edge, and we’re looking forward to collaborating with him in the near future for workshops and creative events that celebrate exactly what he embodies—art that connects, uplifts, and never takes itself too seriously.
Support Castle Street!
We’re reaching out to our creative community to help support the efforts of Castle Street Collective to continue its mission to enrich this historic area of Wilmington through collaboration, creativity, and community engagement. As a member of the Castle Street community, River’s Edge Art Supplies is committed to supporting the vision of CSC. This year’s fundraiser was unfortunately cancelled and was the primary source of essential funding. Some short-term effects on upcoming programs are antic, but the dedication of Castle Street Collective to this district will not waver.
We believe in what Castle Street can be—a thriving corridor of creativity, beauty, and local pride. From murals and public art to community gatherings and safety initiatives, these efforts make our neighborhood stronger and more connected.
Please DONATE!
(www.castlestreet.org/donations)
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps keep momentum moving forward for Castle Street’s future.
Also, Don’t Miss Movie Night!
🎬 Movie Night: HOCUS POCUS
📍 Open lots next to Graham’s Barbershop
🗓 Saturday, October 25th | ⏰ 7 PM
Bring a blanket, bring a friend, and enjoy a cozy autumn night under the stars!
Plus, Maker’s Market will be set up Saturday morning with many vendors staying through movie setup—come early to shop and support local creatives!
Together, we can help Castle Street continue to grow as a vibrant, welcoming destination for artists, families, and neighbors alike.
Finally!
We’re Moving In!
After months of searching, we’re thrilled to announce that River’s Edge Art Supplies officially has a home! We picked up our keys and are settling into our new location at 812 Castle Street! Over the next few weeks, we’ll be cleaning, building out the space, adding signage, and stocking the shop with the art materials and creative energy this community deserves.
Our soft opening is planned for mid to late November, and we can’t wait to welcome you in. Over the next few months, we’ll be rolling out an exciting lineup of classes and workshops taught by local artists—from painting and character design to textile art, mixed media, and more!
We’re building River’s Edge to serve the community, so we’d love your input as we grow. If there are specific items, brands, or supplies you’d like to see on our shelves, please share your suggestions with us!
We’ll also have a limited number of artist studio spaces available for rent, perfect for creating, collaborating, and being part of Wilmington’s art scene. For more information reach out at support@riversedgeartsupplies.com.
Here’s to new beginnings, local art, and a space where creativity flows at the River’s Edge.
Meet Our Neighbors!
We’re also thrilled to introduce our Castle Street neighbors, each one adding their own creative spark to this vibrant corner of Wilmington. Next door is Castle Keep Tattoo, a studio filled with incredible artistry and craftsmanship where skin is just one of their canvases. Next to them is “Right To Left | Anime and More” which celebrates the colorful worlds of anime, manga, and pop culture—bringing a fresh and playful energy to the block. Across the street is Elemental Grove, owned by 5 different fantastic artists, it offers a space centered on wellness, creativity, and connection through crystals, workshops, and holistic art forms.
Together, these spaces reflect the diverse artistic spirit of Castle Street, each one a unique expression of creativity, community, and inclusion. River’s Edge couldn’t have asked for a better neighborhood to call home.
Featured Artist
Illustrator • Educator • Creative Force
As we grow, we plan to celebrate the artists who make up our creative community each month. This month, we're shining a spotlight on the wildly imaginative and endlessly inspiring Angela Fernot.
Angela’s artistic mission is to “bring visions to life that break the boundaries of expectation”. Whether she's illustrating bold portraits, creating comics, teaching art classes, or streaming live to her growing online community, Angela brings a fearless curiosity to everything she touches.
“I don’t believe in being just one thing or one style,” she says. “People aren’t that simple—so why should art be?”
Angela thrives in collaborative spaces and is passionate about building a creative community rooted in respect and support. She’s not just a talented illustrator, she’s also a mentor, a teacher, and a major creative spark in Wilmington’s art scene. Fun fact: Angela was one of the first artists I met after moving here—and yes, I proudly own a few of her art pieces and comics!
Angela also leads Figure Drawing sessions at The Eagle’s Dare
Dare to Drink and Draw sessions are equal parts social gathering and an artistic workout. They bring people together for an evening of sketching, sipping, and connecting. Whether a seasoned artist or just curious about gesture drawing, Angela creates an environment where everyone feels welcome.
Now open to ages 12+ (accompanied by an adult), Dare to Drink and Draw is a perfect opportunity to bond over art, try something new, or sharpen your skills in a low-pressure, judgment-free zone.
Stay connected with Angela at @afernot for dates, updates, and sneak peeks.
July & August Events
Words of Inspiration
Proudly supported and sponsored by River’s Edge Art Supplies, this exhibition celebrates the creative connection between language and art while championing a meaningful cause. We believe in the power of words and the importance of making them accessible to all.
The exhibit will be on view at ACME Arts in the heart of Wilmington’s vibrant Brooklyn Arts District, with an opening reception on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 6–9 pm.
The exhibit asks you to study the role that words and literacy play in shaping our understanding of the world. The ability to read isn’t just a skill, it’s a bridge to knowledge, communication, and self-expression. When that bridge is missing, so too is a vital connection to stories, ideas, and opportunity.
Words of Inspiration not only showcases powerful visual interpretations of written works, but also raises awareness for Cape Fear Literacy Council, a local nonprofit that has been advancing literacy in our community for over 40 years. This event is more than a celebration, it’s a step towards a more connected, literate, and inspired community.
Create Your Future
A premier juried art exhibition, open August 15–17 at the stunning historic Station No 2 in downtown Wilmington. The event will feature over 200 works including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, mixed media, and more—inviting the community to engage directly with local and regional creatives. Sara Edge, owner and founder of River’s Edge Art Supplies, will be showing at the event. The Friday evening reception is an exclusive ticketed event to benefit Kids Making It, followed by free public access on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am–4 pm.
Ch-ch-changes
A Shakeup in the Art Supply World…
and What It Means for River’s Edge Art Supplies
As we work to bring River’s Edge Art Supplies to life, we’ve run into an unexpected challenge shaking up the entire art supply industry.
Several weeks ago, MacPherson’s — North America’s largest wholesale distributor of art materials — announced it was closing its doors for good. For decades, MacPherson’s was the main distributor of high-quality materials and trusted brands like Sennelier, Fabriano, Raphael, Stabilo to independent art shops. But in a swift move, Blick, the biggest art retailer in North America, purchased MacPherson’s inventory and intellectual property. That means that several of those brands may now be available only through Blick.
Why does that matter to a small, local art store like ours that hasn’t even opened yet?
As both a retailer and (now) a distributor, Blick is positioned to gain exclusivity on certain brands and could control prices and access in ways that make it harder for independent stores to compete — or even get off the ground. It’s like trying to open a coffee shop when Starbucks just bought all the coffee beans.
River’s Edge Art Supplies is joining the call alongside other independent shops across North America, urging manufacturers to avoid exclusive distribution deals with any one company — especially a company that’s also a competitor. Independent shops deserve a fair shot, and local artists deserve access to the tools that inspire them.
We’re also actively working with other suppliers and speaking directly with manufacturers to ensure we’re still able to stock a carefully curated, high-quality inventory that reflects your creative needs — not just what’s cheapest or most convenient. We’re committed to building relationships that reflect our values: community over corporate, quality over quantity, and people over profit.
So, when we open our doors, we hope you’ll walk through them knowing that this is your space — a space built with love, intention, and a belief that art belongs to everyone, not just the biggest players in the game.
Thanks for believing in us as we start our journey.
— River’s Edge Art Supplies