Guide to the Galleries

Doma Gallery
1310 S. Tryon St., No. 106
(704) 333-3420
Monday-Friday 9-5, and by appointment
www.domaart.com
Doma Gallery is fairly new on the art scene, having opened just two years ago this past January, and is quickly making a name for itself. It is particularly unique in that it is the only gallery in the area displaying strictly photography and video art. I should note that I didn’t notice anything lacking, and it wasn’t until the owner, Gabrielle, pointed this out to me that I realized there were no paintings or other works of art, and even then I didn’t miss them. The space seems a perfect home for the contemporary photography it is filled with: high ceilings and huge windows, bright and spacious, with a loft area upstairs. The photographs here speak for themselves, and they speak loudly. Gabrielle has quite the eye for gorgeous, statement-making snapshots – the kind that you can hang or lean on a wall and add nothing else to the room, and nothing would be missed. Exhibited here are works from photographers represented in collections found at major museums as well as emerging photographers from North Carolina. At Doma you can expect to find a wide variety of subject matter and style, and work that is unafraid to push the envelope. Current featured artists include Daniel Stein, Bryce Lankard, Tim Buchman, Christopher Lee, Mike Smith, Christian Cravo, Derno Ricci, Wayne Bartlett and Matthew Montieth, and the closing reception of the “Bodies: Steel and Skin” exhibit will be from 6 to 9 p.m. on February 16.

Noda

Beet Gallery
3202 N. Davidson St.
(740) 334-3558
Tuesday- Friday 11-5, Saturday 12-5, by appointment, and 6-9 on the first and third Friday of each month during the NoDa Gallery Crawls
www.beetonline.com

Beet Gallery is much bigger than it looks from the outside, and maybe that’s part of what makes it so charming and approachable. I noticed how relaxed Beet felt from the moment I walked inside. The front of the gallery has the feel of a funky shop with great gifts such as pottery and jewelry, the kind of place you can grab a cup of coffee and browse around for an hour or two, uninterrupted and without pressure. Beet carries a great selection of contemporary works of art from various media, crafted by emerging and well-established artists, with a special emphasis on artists from our region. Here you will find bold works of art painted on various surfaces, such as car doors, for example, and you will also find soft-spoken gems with serious charm, like the baking dish made by Robin Beckett, a local potter, who included the recipe for “Sticky Buns” inside of it. In addition, Beet highlights artists through exhibitions that change periodically. Pop in through February and March to see the works of Scott Harris, the artist known for his attention-grabbing art painted on the lustrous surfaces of aluminum.

Center of the Earth Gallery
3204 N. Davidson St.
(704) 375-5756
Monday by appointment, Tuesday-Friday 11-5, Saturday 12-7
www.centeroftheearth.com

In 1985 artists Ruth Ava Lyons and J. Paul Sires had a vision when they laid their eyes on the old 1927 Lowder Building that is now Center of the Earth Gallery. Located on an abandoned and forgotten street, the couple embarked on a project that would be the core of what is now known as the NoDa art district, and has become a force of gravity for the development of other flourishing artists and businesses ever since. The building provides the perfect backdrop for the art that fills it: It is inviting, cozy and peaceful, full of settled-in charm that invites you to browse and entices you to stay a while. Center of the Earth is home to works of painting, sculpture, glass and mixed media, from regional as well as national artists, and I was happy to see that much of the work it carries is attainable for those with an appreciation for art without beaucoup bucks to blow. The upcoming exhibit “TEN” will open on February 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. in conjunction with the NoDa Gallery Crawl, and will run through March 27. “TEN” will feature painting, collage and sculpture from an eclectic selection of 10 artists. The NoDa Gallery Crawls take place the first and third Friday of every month.

Dialect Design
3204-C N. Davidson St.
(704) 763-0506
Monday-Friday 9-5
www.dialectdesign.com

Just upstairs from Center of the Earth Gallery sits an artistic lair manned by two of the coolest guys to step foot on the art scene. The gallery is perhaps known best for hosting the monthly “Dialect Night,” which takes place on the second Friday of every month. Dialect night is an evening dedicated to a local artist or groups of artists, and has been known to include pictorial art, sculptures, a jazz concert, a poetry jam, a political forum, art benefits and the like. The guys at Dialect don’t take commission. The artists receive all proceeds from sales, either from the “Dialect Night” event, or the subsequent month of representation. Artists represented here range from distinguished Charlottean creatives, professors of art from Winthrop and UNCC, as well as young and emerging talents.  The gallery space also functions as a studio for the owners’ works as designers and builders of modern and artful architecture (check them out at www.coolmodernhouseplans.com). Dialect is totally free of the “you’re-wrong-I’m-right-let’s-fight” attitude, and instead encourages artistic and personal growth through community interaction. Check your ego at the door, and prepare yourself for some colorful conversation.

Green Rice Gallery
451 E. 36th St.
(704) 344-0300
Wednesday-Friday 11-6, Saturday 12-6, Sunday 12-4
Gallery Crawls first and third Friday of every month
www.green-rice.com

When I walked through the door of the Green Rice Gallery everything seemed to come alive and jump out at me. If you are in the market to decorate your urban condo or swanky home, a visit to Green Rice is a must, and while there are of course pricey pieces here, it offers several that won’t send you plummeting into debt. The works here – from the pottery, mixed media, mosaics, sculpture and many more – seemed to call to me from all angles, and I felt immediately at home. Even more gems were tucked away inside the artists’ studios around the gallery, which are open to anyone who’d like to take a peek, and they recently expanded from seven studios to 12 as of this past July. Every area of the 3,000-square-foot space is chock-full of works from local artists. February’s exhibit here is called “North to South: 1st Annual Juried Artwork Competition,” and will feature the work of artists throughout North and South Carolina. The Awards Presentation and Opening Reception will take place on February 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. Green Rice also offers in-business complimentary consultations, which are great for busy executives who can’t find time to eat lunch, never mind leave the office. On display through March are the featured works from Eric Hurtgen, and for all you brides with an edge, go check out the Bridal Show here on March 14 from 12 to 3 p.m. The Green Rice Gallery is also available to rent for private parties such as showers and corporate events.