If there is one thing that is easily noticed by living in Wilmington, it is that this town actively encourages and displays the work of local artists. Despite the recession when spending is at a minimum, this community is still supporting the fine arts.

Everywhere there is original artwork nearby, in the forms of intricate mosaics displayed on the outside of judicial buildings, paintings and sculptures bringing to life gallery walls, or the wanted (as well as unwanted) graffiti lining the outside of buildings and ally ways.

It is safe to say that we live in a creative melting pot. Wilmington is considered home for both conservative and liberal artists, artists who create movements and those who are content with keeping their work to themselves. Local galleries display abstract and traditional pieces, along with styles in-between. More and more new and established festivals are recognizing the importance of the inclusion of fine arts, whether that means displaying and selling work or inviting artists to create onsite.

Fourth Friday Gallery Nights have more participating galleries this year than ever before. Downtown’s placement of "pedestrian art" grabs the attention of locals and tourists. Spaces that were not originally intended for the display of artwork have now opened their walls as a temporary home to the wide array.

It is only natural that this growth is acknowledged. For The Beat, the recent addition of eight more pages to each issue means the ability to add a monthly art column. The column, "What’s Hanging," will feature local artists and their work, events, art galleries and alternative hanging spaces.