The Arts of the Albemarle (AOA) is located downtown, one block from the waterfront where those traveling by boat receive free docking on the Pasquotank River.

AOA, established in 1969 became a registered non-profit arts council in 1980. In the 80's PAC purchased the historic Sharber Building where the retail Gallery, the School of Visual and Performing Arts and Encore Theatre Company call home. Previously known as the Pasquotank Arts Council, the Board of Directors changed the name to Arts of the Albemarle in November of 2007.

Arts of the Albemarle (AOA) is a regional non-profit arts council (representing Pasquotank, Gates and Camden Counties) located in Downtown Elizabeth City in the recently renovated historical Lowry-Chesson Building, now called The Center.  This world-class facility houses the Jaquelin Jenkins Gallery, a home to over 250 artists, craftsmen and photographers, the AOA School of the Arts, a multi-discipline visual and performing arts after-school instructional program and the Maguire Theatre, a State-of-the-Art 300 seat performance space. With the support of VectorCSP, AOA’s Arts and Education Outreach Program places professional teaching artists into schools and the community for performances and workshops. AOA is proud to call Gateway Bank its 2009 Champion for the Arts whose continued support allows the organization the ability to provide cultural opportunities throughout the Albemarle Area.