Wilmington Artist Milton Gore Jr. to Receive Celestial Visionary Award

The award honors Gore's outstanding contributions to the local arts community.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Milton Gore Jr., a Wilmington-based artist known for his portrait paintings that incorporate African American subjects and elements of surrealism, will be honored with the Celestial Visionary Award at an invitation-only arts reception on March 1. The event is being organized by the Wilmington, North Carolina, Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated through its Arts and Letters committee.

Why it matters

The Celestial Visionary Award recognizes artists who have made significant contributions to the local arts community. Gore's work aims to explore the intersection of light, nature, and the Black experience, inspiring viewers. This award highlights the importance of supporting and celebrating diverse artistic voices in Wilmington.

The details

The arts reception will be held at an intimate, invitation-only setting. Gore's artwork, which often features portrait paintings with African American subjects and surrealist elements, will be on display. Gore also serves on the board of the Black Arts Alliance, which is co-hosting the event. Similar receptions honoring local artists have been held by the sorority's Wilmington chapter in the past, and they plan to continue the tradition twice a year.

  • The arts reception will be held on March 1, 2026.
  • Gore will be honored with the Celestial Visionary Award at the event.

The players

Milton Gore Jr.

A Wilmington-based artist known for his portrait paintings that incorporate African American subjects and elements of surrealism. He will be honored with the Celestial Visionary Award at the upcoming arts reception.

Black Arts Alliance

A local organization that is co-hosting the arts reception where Gore will be honored.

Wilmington, North Carolina, Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated

The sorority chapter that is organizing the invitation-only arts reception where Gore will receive the Celestial Visionary Award.

Sandra McClammy

The chair of the sorority's Arts and Letters committee, which is responsible for organizing the arts reception.

Kaylin Devon

An artist who was recognized at a similar event held by the sorority's Wilmington chapter last year in connection with a mural project at Maides Park.

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What they’re saying

“I'm humbled to receive the award. I want to still continue to impact others through my artwork, inspire others, and of course, learn and receive inspiration from others as well.”

— Milton Gore Jr., Artist

“We have sent out several invitations.”

— Sandra McClammy, Chair of the Arts and Letters committee

What’s next

The arts reception where Milton Gore Jr. will receive the Celestial Visionary Award will be held on March 1, 2026.

The takeaway

This award highlights the importance of supporting and celebrating diverse artistic voices in the Wilmington community. Gore's work, which explores the intersection of light, nature, and the Black experience, has inspired viewers and made significant contributions to the local arts scene.