GALLERY OF THE HERE AND NOW

Explore Art House Charlotte.

words EMERSON HARDY photos JAMEY PRICE

TThe passion project of Judith Weston Zehmke, Art House Charlotte is a home-operated art gallery centered around local contemporary painting. Alongside her marketing director Jennifer Branham, Judith sells art to fellow enthusiasts, and she lives by the notion that everyone should experience art “in their space.” With a growing list of artists from a variety of styles, Judith makes modern Charlotte art accessible to the casual enjoyer.

Judith works closely with Jennifer Branham who manages all of the social media, website and open art houses. Prior to working together at Art House, Judith sold artwork through many creative means, one of which was her former shop The Boulevard at South End.

“Jen’s creativity and expertise in all things marketing are what get people interested in our offerings,” Judith explains.

Here, Judith shares with us her business history, her beliefs about shopping for art, and what it’s like to run a gallery out of her own house.

When was Art House formed, and what was the impetus?

Art House was formed in 2009 a few years after I moved to Charlotte. I worked for an art collector, Thurston Twigg-Smith, when I lived in Honolulu, Hawaii. When I moved back to the mainland, I was frustrated that I had hundreds of dollars to spend on art and nowhere to spend it. You could either shop in an antique store (don’t get my wrong, I love vintage art), or you could spend thousands. I only had hundreds and wanted to invest in original artwork. I decided I would create a space for people like me to purchase original artwork for hundreds of dollars. I started with one artist and soon realized there was a good-sized market for original, affordable art.

You have found a niche in offering art that’s not wildly expensive, but is still ‘fine art.” Why do you think this is an important hole to fill?

I think everyone deserves to be able to experience original art in their space, whatever space that may be. That’s why our prices

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start at $50 and stop at $3000. I did not enjoy or appreciate the financial barrier that existed between me and the artwork I admired. When I moved to Charlotte, I noticed there was a huge hole in this market for people like me. And I learned that there are a lot of people like me. I also learned that there are a great number of talented artists in Charlotte. They just need a place to sell their work; I try to be that place.

What type of art will we find at Art House? Folks will find mostly local, contemporary art both on canvas, wood panel and paper. Think landscapes, figures, abstracts, still lifes. I also offer vintage art that I curate from all over the U.S. I have a personal obsession with vintage art, and I think that it can function as a way to mix mediums in a space. It’s a constant treasure hunt.

What would you tell someone who's never purchased ‘real’ original art, but wants to? I would tell them not to be intimidated or afraid. I would tell them to trust themselves and follow their eye and buy what they like and want to look at in their space. I would tell them there is no right or wrong when it comes to art and bringing an original piece of art into their home / office is life-changing. Sounds dramatic, but it’s true. It changes the energy in a space and creates a mood.

Whether it's an abstract oil painting of a meadow landscape, or a colorful eye-catching pop art image of a well-missed rock star, Judith Zehmke assures us that Art House Charlotte has something for everyone looking to add some flair to their space. For those who share Judith’s love for the cool modern look, it is as simple as scheduling an appointment.

$1.975

Built in 2021, this home is situated on a private lot in a gated community. This beautiful, like-new, custom home stuns on every level and features an open floor plan that takes advantage of the views of the private woods behind the house. The custom kitchen has a beautiful mercury backsplash, an over-sized quartz island with storage, and a scullery with an extra dishwasher. The primary suite on main features large walk-in closets and heated bathroom floors. Additional amenities include full home-automation, over-sized garages with high ceilings, a security system, and hidden speakers.