Guide to the Galleries

Lark & Key Gallery and Boutique
453-B E. 36th St. (NoDa) and 128 E. Park Ave. Ste. B (South End)
(704) 379-1826 and (704) 334-4616
Wednesday-Saturday 11-6, Sunday 12-4
www.larkandkey.com

Duy Huynh & Sandy Snead had dreamed for years about opening the creative endeavor that is now Lark & Key Gallery, and all of their time spent dreaming of and visualizing their opportunity was well worth the wait. They opened their doors in NoDa in February 2008 and have clearly made a splash – they have already opened a second space in South End for exhibits and shows. L&K carries works from local and national artists of all different media, and you should most definitely look out for the new shows and exhibits lining up for 2010. Kicking off the lineup is “SURFACE,” a show that reflects our physical surroundings, primarily landscapes and how several artists express and relate to them. Featured in the exhibit will be works of various styles ranging from acrylics and fiber, to photography and mixed media, and even human hair. Participating artists include gallery co-owner Duy Huynh, Robin Luciano Beaty, Erika Diamond, Anna Jaap, Carl Linstrum, Jennifer Mecca, Dottie Moore and Linda Plaisted.

Hart Witzen Gallery Theater Studios
136 E. 36th St.
(704) 334-1177
Open to the public for special events or by appointment
www.hartwitzengallery.com

With its 19 private studios ranging from 250-9,000 square feet and its 5,000 square foot multi-functional gallery which hosts exhibits, events and receptions, Hart Witzen Gallery is certainly serious about its artists and community. This privately owned and self-sustaining venue is supported through the rental of the gallery and studios. Although only open to the public by appointment, Hart Witzen comes to life when featuring theater events such as plays, dance, music, comedy, performance art, movie screenings and more. During its downtime it serves as a creative sanctuary for artists, conducive to creativity and expression providing support and relinquishing judgment.

Dilworth

Sophia’s Gallery
1528 East Blvd.
(704) 332-3443
Tuesday-Friday 11-4, Saturday 11-3
www.sophiasgalleries.com
After visiting Maddi’s, take a walk next door to Sophia’s, an intimate gallery carrying original artwork from established and award-winning artists. The style here ranges from temporary to traditional, so be confident that you can find something here no matter what your taste may be. Join the gallery on February 18 for the beginning of its “Forest Through the Trees” exhibit, which will run through March. The works will come from artists Susan McAlister, Stewart Budd, Murray Parker, Blanche Harris, and new-to-Sophia’s artist Clayton Santiago. Extra points here for the bottled water and mini chocolates left out for the taking.

RedSky Gallery
1244 East Blvd.
(704) 377-6400
Monday-Saturday 10-6
www.redskygallery.com

With three locations and over 500 regional and national artists represented, RedSky Gallery continues to be a major must-see while touring the Charlotte art scene. RedSky occupies a cozy space laid out like a home, and is spread among three floors. Expect to find lots of hidden treasures throughout, such as ceramics, glass, sculptures, works on paper, and even works on chairs. Although not my first time visiting, the current exhibition is by far my favorite: it is the works of the Starworks Glass Lab, including pieces by Nickolaus Fruin, Eddie Bernard, Suzanne Ririe and Stephen W. Protheroe. They have crafted words and images out of gorgeous colored glass, adorned with glass accents, such as “fall,” with delicate leaves to appear resting on it, and even landscapes with bonsai trees. These glass pieces extend out from a plank that can be easily mounted on any wall, adding character to any room. The exhibit (at the Dilworth location) will stay until February 9, overlapping slightly with the next exhibit, “Vibrancy: Anne Cunningham and Deb Karash,” which will run from February 5 to March 9. Cunningham’s works feature metals such as copper, brass and aluminum, creating large and small free-form shapes, while Karash creates jewelry from natural textures, fiber, stone and mixed-media paintings and sculptures.

Shain Gallery
2823 Selwyn Ave.
(704) 334-7744
Monday-Saturday 10-5
www.shaingallery.com

There is a special place in my heart for Shain Gallery. For starters, when I had called to see whether I could swing by, they were closing, but the owner, Gabrielle, reassured me that it would be no problem. “Just come on by and knock on the door! I’ll be setting up for an event.” I hadn’t even mentioned who I was or that I would be doing a write-up. I was hoping that the gallery would be as warm and inviting as the conversation I had with Gabrielle, and it exceeded all expectations. Having been in business in Charlotte for 12 years and having received Charlotte Magazine’s “Best Conservative Artwork” distinction award, Gabrielle knows art. She mentions that she has even dabbled in painting herself. “Do you paint a lot?” my friend asked her. “I’ve painted enough to know that it’s very much worth it to pay for a great quality painting.” Well said. Shain Gallery is known for being a fine provider of contemporary art with works from artists such as Jim Chapman, Perry Austin, Nicora Gangi and Darren Young, to name a few. I found myself drawn to the simplistic, stunning and intriguing works depicting corporate scenes, from Geoffrey Johnson, and the bold, fun and flirty works of Kim Schuessler, the artist whose work was chosen for the invitation and program for the congressional club luncheon honoring Laura Bush in Washington, D.C. Shain Gallery serves regional homeowners and corporations and represents over 20 nationally and regionally acclaimed artists. The gallery also doubles as a venue, free of charge, for charity events.

Renee George Gallery
2839 Selwyn Ave., Suite Z
(704) 332-3278
Tuesday-Friday 10-3, Saturday 11-4
www.reneegeorgegallery.com

Just over a year ago, Renee George Gallery opened the doors of its new location on Selwyn Avenue, and upon walking into its new space I can’t imagine the gallery calling anywhere else home. George has created an atmosphere that showcases both her extensive knowledge of the arts and her spot-on intuition, offering up the perfect complement to the Dilworth art scene. You can tell that Renee listens to the wants and needs of her clients and possesses a passion and appreciation for all levels of the art world, from artist to client. The work that she displays is arranged in a clean, cohesive setting and is placed with much care and thought, allowing the client to fully enjoy each piece. Artists featured are husband and wife Michelle Heglund and Chris Reilly, offering nature-inspired works; Rein DeLege, an artist from Barcelona who paints detailed faces with his fingers; and Marta Moreu, also from Barcelona, who crafts people and animals in often elegant poses in all forms of balance out of bronze. Also especially exciting at Renee George Gallery are the works of Sarah Atkinson, a local artist who creates stunning mixed media on panel pieces.

Providence Gallery
601-A Providence Road
(704) 333-4535
Monday-Friday 9-5, Saturday 10-2
www.providencegallery.net
Having been open for 30 years, Providence Gallery has earned its reputation as a Charlotte landmark known for offering an extensive combination of fine art and
custom framing of the highest caliber. While its newly expanded space is inviting to those new to the art scene as well as seasoned collectors, it is clear that Providence Gallery has earned an established and loyal clientele. In a calm and soothing environment, it offers works from over 35 prominent artists of all styles and genres, and offers a wide selection of landscape, seascape, figurative, still life, abstract, and mixed-media works. Showcased are paintings by local, regional and national artists in every price range. Join Providence Gallery for the opening reception of “Southern Memoirs,” featuring new works by Robert Brown and Paula B. Holtzclaw, on March 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. The work will be on display through the month of March.

~ Ali Salvatore