We are thrilled to announce that the 2027 conference will be hosted at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh. As the premier cultural crown jewel of our state, the NCMA stands as the perfect setting to celebrate 15 years of the AFA Association. Hosting our milestone event at this iconic institution is deeply meaningful for our mission and offers unique value to our sponsors:

• Bridging Education and the Professional Arts: The NCMA embodies the exact pipeline our educators build every day—connecting academic foundation with world-class, professional creative achievement.

• A Central Hub for Statewide Impact: Located in the heart of the capital, this venue brings together faculty and leadership from all corners of North Carolina, maximizing the geographic reach and visibility of your sponsorship.

• Elevating the Creative Economy: By partnering with us at a venue that attracts global artistic attention, your organization is visibly positioned at the absolute center of North Carolina’s thriving creative sector.

Meet the Keynote

‍ ‍Regina YC Garcia is a Poet, Language Artist, English Professor, and Arts Advocate. Born in El Paso, Texas and raised in Greenville, NC, she received her BA in Speech Communication with a Concentration in the Oral Interpretation of Literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MAEd with a focus in Adult Education and Masters Certificates in Community College Instruction and Multicultural and Transnational Literature from East Carolina University. She currently teaches at Pitt Community College (PCC), where she has served on their English Faculty since 1999. She is also the Poetry Editor for the Reedy Branch Review, PCC’s literary and visual arts journal.

Garcia has authored two books: her chapbook, The Firetalker’s Daughter (2023, Finishing Line Press) and her full-length collection, Whispers from the Multiverse (2025, Aquarius Press/Willow Books). She is a DAR American Heritage Literary Award Winner (2021) who has been featured in publications such as North Carolina Literary Review, Walter Magazine, Main Street Rag and numerous journals, anthologies, documentaries, and musical compositions. She also performs in various venues with her beloved literary/ music ensemble, Regina YC Garcia and The Continuum.

In 2026, Garcia was named the North Carolina Poetry Society Gilbert-Chappell Distinguished Poet of the Eastern Region. In this role, she mentors students and adults in furthering their poetic craft and helps to ready them for performance and publication.

A Special Evening at Meredith College — Thursday, February 11

This year, we are thrilled to offer our conference attendees a brand-new experience! While we have traditionally gathered at the NCMA, we are excited to announce that Meredith College has generously offered to host our Thursday evening reception.

Join us on campus for a special evening of community and celebration:

• Sip & Savor: Enjoy a wonderful selection of refreshments and spirits as you catch up with fellow educators and colleagues.

• Faculty Art Exhibition: Explore an inspiring display of works showcasing the incredible talent within our community.

• Live Performances: Experience captivating student and faculty showcases presented by the Meredith College Theatre and Music Departments.

This special evening is a wonderful new treat for our guests, offering a unique celebration of our 15-year milestone. Be sure to mark your calendar and join us for an unforgettable night!