QC Exclusive-No.97-2023-Issue 7-The Arts Issue

THE ARTS ISSUE

Explore our colorful city, from beautiful Charlotte murals to the galleries and museums that make the Queen City a cultural haven.

NO. 97 | SEPT/OCT 2023

Mural of Poseidon in Plaza Midwood by Matt Hooker and Matt Moore

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The perfect combination of art and science.

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DR. GRANT TESMER

DR. CHRISTIAN YASTE DR. DEVON BINNS

DR. ERIC DAVIS

ON THE COVER:

A mural of Poseidon, The God Of The Sea In Plaza Midwood pained by Matt Hooker, Matt Moore with Tucker Sward with the Charlotte skyline in the background on the horizon. Cover photo by Jamey Price.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2023–FEBRUARY 25, 2024

MINT MUSEUM UPTOWN AT LEVINE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

The Art of Seating: 200 Years of American Design is generously presented by PNC Bank. Additional individual support is kindly provided by Mary and Walt Beaver, Sarah G. Cooper, Lucy and Hooper Hardison, and Kati and Chris Small. The Mint Museum is supported, in part, by the Infusion Fund and its donors. IMAGE: Roy Fox Lichtenstein (1923–97), Graphicstudio, University of South Florida (United States, 1968–), Beeken Parsons (United States, 1983–). Brushstroke Chair and Ottoman, 1986-88, laminated white birch veneer, paint, clear varnish. Collection of the Thomas H. and Diane DeMell Jacobsen Ph.D. Foundation. L2023.63.4a-b © Estate of Roy Lichtenstein Mint

FOOD & DRINK

RESTAURANTS • DISHES • LIBATIONS

49 IYKYK Lincoln Street’s hidden cocktail bar, The Green Room.

54 Glow Up

The new Sycamore has opened in South End to acclaim.

60 Field Pea’s Tomato Pie

A delicious dish from Noble Food & Pursuits.

62 Cicchetti’s Pan Roasted Scallop

A lovely Italian pairing of cuvee and scallop!

64

Aria’s Lemon Gin Fizz

A delicious cocktail at an Uptown staple.

49

64

ARTS • STYLE • WELLNESS

25 The Making Of An Abstract Artist

Christina Cottingham shares her art story.

30

Dilworth Artisan Station Dilworth Artisan Station might be one hundred years old this year, but they are as innovative as ever!

34 Canvases Of Conviction

Katherine Boxall at Jerald Melberg Gallery.

36

The Beauty And Endurance Of Shain Gallery

Find out what makes this gallery such a beloved destination.

42

Transforming Community Ignite creativity at The Cain Center for the Arts.

44

Creating & Giving Back Artist and author Anne Neilson shares her inspirations and devotions.

25

TRAVEL

85

Perfection At The Restoration

A contemporary fusion of comfort and culture at The Restoration in Asheville, NC.

90

A Colorful City

Explore some of Charlotte’s most impressive public artworks with our mural guide.

67

HOME & DESIGN

67

Built For Success

Watershed Builders’ owner Dominick Thompson details their story of success and evolution.

72

Office Opulence

A modern workspace from Jones & Hedges.

74

Preserving The Bones Brenna Morgan delivers a classic office.

76

Setting The Bar

A mind-blowing home bar from Gerrard Builders.

78

Stylish Harmony

Lucy and Company perfectly balances bold and beautiful in their new Lansdowne home. 85

76

It is with immense pleasure and excitement that we present to you our annual Arts Issue, a celebration of the vibrant and everevolving arts and culture scene in Charlotte,

Within the pages of this issue, you will embark on a journey through Charlotte's artistic landscape. We've curated a selection of remarkable content dedicated to the arts, and we hope it will inspire, captivate, and

Join us as we explore the enchanting world of Christina Cottingham's artistry and immerse ourselves in the mesmerizing works of Katherine Boxall at Jerald Melberg Gallery. Take a stroll through the captivating Shain Gallery, where artistic expressions know no bounds. Learn about Anne Neilson's new book, and immerse yourself in the enriching experiences awaiting you at The Cain Center

But that's not all — Charlotte is adorned with captivating art murals that grace our streets, each telling a unique story. We explore them! We also delve into the artistic world of Charles Williams. Lastly, we uncover the hidden treasures that make the Carolinas a sanctuary for arts and cultural

In addition to these captivating features, our Arts Issue offers a taste of the city's finest libations at the new Green Room in Lincoln Street Kitchen and a glimpse into the burgeoning craft beer scene at Sycamore Brewing. Get to know the mastermind behind Watershed Builders, and take an exclusive tour of a stunning home designed by

As you dive into the pages of this special edition, we invite you to savor every moment, be inspired, and celebrate the rich tapestry of arts and culture that Charlotte has to offer. We have poured our hearts and souls into crafting this issue, and we hope

Cheers to a world of creativity and discovery, and until our next issue, happy reading!

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2011

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A mural of Poseidon, The

Of The Sea In Plaza Midwood pained by Matt Hooker, Matt Moore with Tucker Sward with the Charlotte skyline in the background on the horizon.

Photo by Jamey Price

PUBLISHER

Brett Barter

ART DIRECTOR

Jon-Paul Grice

EDITOR

Sunny Hubler

EXECUTIVE ADMIN

Kathryn Keller

EDITORIAL

Liza Carrasquillo

Eleanor Merrell

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jamey Price

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Devin Berry

Emilie Widarsson

Ally Mastrone

Cherissa Banag

COVER PHOTO

Jamey Price

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Photo by Quinn Wharton. Dancer: Raven Barkley.

Presenting dynamic works by South African Choreographer Mthuthuzeli November and Israeli Choreographer Ohad Naharin.

THE MAKING OF AN ABSTRACT ARTIST

Christina Cottingham shares the story behind her artistic pursuits as she talks about her inspirations, art style, and passion for painting.

words LIZA CARRASQUILLO / photos JAMEY PRICE

Like many children, Christina Cottingham spent her days exploring the world of art. Supplies in hand, she’d draw and paint whatever came to her imaginative young mind, holding up her finished masterpieces proudly for her mom to see. Unlike most other children, however, Cottingham’s artistic pursuits didn’t just end at the scribbles and stick figures hung on the refrigerator. As an artist herself, Cottingham’s mother nurtured Cottingham’s creative side and turned art into one of their shared pastimes.

Now, as a professional abstract artist, Cottingham thinks about scribbles and paint splatters a little differently. Through her studies at UNC Charlotte and UNC Chapel Hill, as well as international institutions such as the Studio Arts College International in Kyoto, Japan, Cottingham has learned to use inspiration from the world around her to showcase her own way of seeing things. Cottingham sits down with us to talk more about what she’s learned and where her art will go from here.

Where did your interest in art begin?

I’m a fourth-generation artist and athlete, so sporting events, art, and art history were incorporated into our family vacations and everyday life. I have appreciated viewing art as much as I have enjoyed creating it for as long as I can remember.

Do you consider art your fulltime pursuit?

I balance art with other interests and family time. I love to volunteer, travel, read, and play tennis. I stay busy raising my 12-yearold daughter and 10-year-old son, and walking my 3-year-old puppy on the Booty Loop and on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. I also renovated and restored my 100-year-old Myers Park Tudor home and started a wallcovering line called TIGE last year.

How would you describe your style?

I’m an abstract expressionist painter, and I work very quickly. Over the years, my painting style has become more relaxed, while my paintings have become more complex. I love to explore the interplay of colors and unexpected marks.

What does your artistic process look like from the start to finish of a piece?

Being both an athlete and an artist requires a lot of kinesthetic learning. I like to turn on fun music and start doodling and writing notes and thoughts on the canvas. I section off areas for composition and mix colors that inspire me…I often use pencil, charcoal, and acrylic paint.

Who or what most inspires and influences you? Is there a specific source that you seem to draw from the most?

Three Potters Symposium

Featuring Ceramic Artists:

29 Sep30

Michael Sherrill

Keynote by Sherrill is a nationally recognized and critically acclaimed artist who works in mixed media to create botanical sculptures that are celebrations of natural beauty and demonstrations of immense technical ability.

Nature and other artists inspire me. I also appreciate other art forms such as photography, architecture, landscape design, fashion, and interior design…I draw inspiration from quiet time, good books and traveling. I’m always motivated to create a new painting or series after I travel and visit museums and galleries.

Do you take commissions? Where can people find your work?

I take select commissions, and people often find me through someone they know. My work can be seen on social media and Instagram @christinacottinghamfineart, and I currently have seven abstract paintings on display and for sale at The Asbury, a modern space inside Uptown Charlotte's only historic boutique hotel, the Dunhill.

info

christinacottinghamfineart.com @christinacottinghamfineart.com

Joey Sheehan, Eric Knoche, and Will Dickert

ARTFUL DEVELOPMENT AT DILWORTH ARTISAN STATION BY WHITE POINT PARTNERS

Dilworth Artisan Station, owned by White Point Partners, might be one hundred years old this year, but they are as cool as ever!

Originally built in 1923 as a hosiery plant, Dilworth Artisan Station was originally Charlotte Knitting, producing over four million pairs of silk hosiery per year. During the Depression and into WW2, the plant morphed into making tents and then parachutes for the war effort. The 1950’s saw the plant and its 250 seamstresses turn toward sewing under -

garments then mattresses. Eventually, the building was the home for Crossland Studios, an architectural antiques and furniture repair business. The twin owner/brothers began renting space to artists for their studios about forty years ago. Today, the Dilworth Artisan Station is owned by White Point Partners, who have made essential upgrades and

photos courtesy DILWORTH ARTISAN STATION by ALBERT DULIN or JAMEY PRICE

added Canopy Cocktail Lounge to the ground floor as part of their “thoughtful urban development” initiative. You can now find over 30 creatives housing the working studios of painters, writers, jewelry-makers, sculptors, designers and architects in the historic structure. Reminders of the building’s history still exist, especially on the “Rosie the Riveter” and parachute murals on the outside. Collectors of all kinds love to peruse the halls of original art and chat with the artists. Voted by Charlotte Magazine as Best Gallery Crawl, visit Dilworth Artisan Station on First Friday Crawls each month, from 5:30- 8:30 pm.

www.dilworthartisan.com @dilworthartisanstation

PICTURED: PINK MOON 2023

Acrylic, Pastel, Oil and Spray Paint on Canvas

60 x 48 inches

CANVASES OF CONVICTION

A native of Ottawa, Canada, Katherine Boxall constructs abstract paintings that are expressive and intelligent. Incorporating a mix of materials, Boxall’s canvases exude conviction, energy and knowledgeable composition. Her work will be on display at Jerald Melberg Gallery October 28 – December 9, 2023. The gallery, located on S. Sharon Amity Rd., specializes in the

exhibition and sale of mid to late 20th-century American paintings, drawings, sculpture, and editioned prints.

info

jeraldmelberg.com

@jeraldmelberg

words SUNNY HUBLER photos courtesy JERALD MELBERG GALLERY

Katherine Boxall at Jerald Melberg Gallery.

THE BEAUTY AND ENDURANCE OF SHAIN GALLERY

words

LIZA CARRASQUILLO photos JAMEY PRICE

When Sybil Wornall Godwin first took over Shain Gallery in 2017, she’d already had more than a decade of art experience. After attending NC State University, she moved to Atlanta and worked in various galleries until 2013, when she came to Charlotte. That prior experience has allowed her to help Shain Galley grow and prosper over the years, ultimately becoming one of the most renowned contemporary art galleries in the Southeast. But that doesn’t mean the work hasn’t come with its own set of challenges. Charlotte’s rapid growth has brought with it some rapid changes in its art scene, and it’s been up to Godwin and her team to navigate and embrace that change.

“The biggest change in the art scene in Charlotte recently

has been all of the young artists and enthusiasts coming to the city,” says Godwin. “I spoke recently for the Charlotte Art Guild, which I have done in the past, and this year, there was a huge rush of young and eager artists there.”

Some of the newer artists that Shain Gallery has started working with include Berkley Wooten, Vita Kobylkina, and Bess Whittington, all discovered from the Gallery’s Up and Coming Invitational.

Working with so many eager young artists has caused a shift in how Shain Gallery operates, particularly when it comes to the volume of art the team now works with.

“We are constantly changing the art,” notes Godwin. “Things will never look the same in the gallery for over a

week. Ten years ago, when I first started working here, we would have shows hanging for over a month. Those days have come and gone.”

Because they sell art all over the world and work for individual clients, especially homeowners, Godwin’s team takes pride in what they focus on during the curation process.

“We do a good job here of listening to our clients and what they are looking for,” says Godwin. “That dictates a lot of what we do after that — it tells us what to take from our artists, and what to look for in new artists. We also listen to details like art sizes.”

Working this closely with clients has allowed the team to find homes for art made by newer artists much faster than used to be possible. It’s also allowed them to be strategic about what to sell and when, such as focusing on smaller pieces around the holidays for those clients who want to gift art.

If you are looking to be transported to the streets of Paris or Provence, France, look no further than Renaissance Pâtisserie. Located in the Speciality Shops of Southpark, Renaissance Pâtisserie is Charlotte's premier destination for French ambiance and flavors.

Relax on the patio with a Kir Royale cocktail or take home one of our delicious entrees, breads, soups, danishes or pastries!

As Shain Gallery continues to thrive, the team remains excited to continue working with talented artists. At the same time, they’ll make sure Shain Gallery stays a fun, lighthearted place to learn about contemporary art and visit with the family.

“So many parents come in here with their little ones and seem very stressed and apologetic that they are bringing them in,” says Godwin, who has practically raised her two daughters inside the Gallery. “I always say that we have seen it all — and if the artwork survived my children, it can survive theirs, as well.”

TRANSFORMING COMMUNITY

Ignite creativity at The Cain Center for the Arts.

Cornelius, NC recently became home to a magnificent performing arts and cultural center. The Cain Center for the Arts also boasts exhibition spaces, studios, classrooms, galleries, and even a rooftop venue for events. Opened October 1, 2021, this multidisciplinary art center was made as a space to unleash creativity. At Cain Center, art is for all ages and backgrounds.

Performing Arts

The performing arts center provides a space for musicians, artists, and performers to present their talent. The facility houses a black box theater, a 400-seat main theater, and an outdoor stage that can seat up to 2,000 people. The venue hosts a range of performances and events, which includes musicals, plays, concerts, dance performances, and more. The brand new space also affords the latest technology and modern amenities, with advanced LED lighting and a highquality sound system. Tickets to performances are available online.

Culture and Education

Cain provides opportunities for cultural enrichment and education. They provide training programs for adults and students interested in the arts; this includes workshops and

classes in dance, theater, music, and other creative outlets within the arts. These classes provide lessons in a variety of mediums, including ceramics, drawing, painting, and more. The goal is to encourage a love for the arts in the local community and give burgeoning artists the opportunity to develop their talents. Cain is also working to attract performers and tourists from around the world, providing a cultural hub for the residents of Cornelius and its surrounding areas.

Friend of Cain Center

If you would like to support the Cain Center for the Arts, consider becoming a Friend of Cain Center using the link on their website to donate to the center. These friends support all programs and operations, including Arts Education for children and adults, Summer Camps for youth, and their diverse Visual Art Exhibits. Community support helps present exceptional artists and established regional arts groups on their stage for remarkable performances.

Cain Center is open Monday - Friday from 9 am - 5 pm.

info cainarts.org

@caincenterforthearts

words SUNNY HUBLER & CHERISSA MAE BANAG photos courtesy CAIN CENTER by SEAN MEYERS

JESSICA GRIER

CREATING & GIVING BACK

Artist and author Anne Neilson shares her inspirations and devotions.

Sharing and helping others has always been a part of author, artist, and gallery owner Anne Neilson’s mission.

Anne Neilson was perhaps first most widely known for her ethereal oil paintings of Angels from her ‘Angels Series’ starting in 2003. Many of these paintings can be found in her first book, Angels in Our Midst , published in 2012. As a way to share her art with more people, the book follows Neilson as she creates each painting with background inspirations and personal stories tied to the paintings.

Then, to bring art to even more people, Anne founded her gallery, Anne Neilson Fine Art, in 2014. Today, the SouthPark space represents more than 50 artists internationally.

Then just this past April, Neilson upped the ante once more with the release of her newest book, The Brushstrokes of Life. The memoir is devoted to Anne’s spiritual journey, and how she has fostered confidence and reassurance during challenging times. The book deeply examines Anne’s life, detailing her journey from childhood to acclaimed artist. She showcases her successful moments in life alongside the hardships she has faced along the way. Anne finds that

being transparent in her work is essential when connecting with her audience. Even during the hardest battles, shedding light on the dark times we all experience builds genuine and honest connections.

“I think the most challenging is being truly transparent,” Neilson states, “ It wasn’t until The Brushstrokes of Life was in its final editing stages that I realized that this book, my story, the journey…was ‘the book.’ Everyone has a story…not everyone has to share their story…but when we do…when we are transparent…that brings connection and healing to others.”

For nine years, ANFA has served as an extension of Neilson’s mission by donating a portion of the monthly profits to organizations working towards serving the community. This past April, the gallery celebrated its 9th anniversary with its Et Cetera exhibit that combined paint and other forms of media to create an almost sculptural experience. The space is inviting and warm, featuring artists from around the world, all working toward creating pieces that inspire and uplift others.

words DEVIN BERRY photos courtesy ANNE NEILSON FINE ART by GRACIE B PHOTOGRAPHY

Within her work, whether in writing or in painting, Neilson wants to spread the message of helping others. Through deepening her connection with God, Neilson has made it her message to connect and uplift people in need. Early in her career, Neilson volunteered at the Charlotte Harvest Center, which seeks to transform and empower those affected by poverty and unemployment through transitional programs and faith-based teachings. Neilson’s time there led her to want to give back to those in need worldwide, not just those within her community. Using her talents and resources, Neilson is helping people across the globe to forge better lives.

“I felt a whisper in my spirit, ‘Paint and give back.’ It’s the heartbeat of my why,” Neilson says.

Neilson has two websites: Her home goods website features home products like her books and her paintings ranging from napkins to prints. Her gallery’s website features information about upcoming exhibits, background on the artists, and prints available for purchase.

info

anneneilsonfineart.com

@anneneilsonfineart

words ELEANOR MERRELL / photos JAMEY PRICE

Lincoln Street’s hidden cocktail bar, The Green Room.

SSouth End’s Lincoln Street Kitchen and Cocktails strives to create an experience that is “one part neighborhood joint, one part special occasion and 100% unique,” which they accomplish through a rustic yet modern interior, thoughtful menu, and surprise speakeasy.

Tucked away inside a hidden corner of the restaurant, The Green Room is a 450 square foot, 24-seat craft cocktail bar that isn’t a secret per se but nevertheless requires an element of being in-the-know to become your destination. Lincoln Street, which opened in 2019 after owners Alyson and Dan Davis enjoyed success next door at Craft, added The Green Room in late 2022.

Unlike your typical speakeasy, The Green Room is open and bright, with rattan lamp shades and a ceiling laced with ferns. Washed brick walls and light brown leather booth seating with velvet backs foster a warm ambiance, while a green ceiling and green well area support the bar’s name.

The Davises partnered with locally famous mixologist Amanda Britton to bring the bar to life. Winner of the NCRLA Mixologist of the Year award and with stints at Orto, bardo, and Crowntown Collective under her belt, Britton brought a ton of experience to the project. She expertly curated a craft cocktail list of six to ten drinks that leverage lesser known spirits and premium ingredients. For example, take the Rocky’s Rival, featuring house-infused toasted pecan vodka, coffee liqueur, and chai horchata. Or, consider the Hanging Garden, which combines house-infused four citrus gin, elderflower liqueur, cucumber, lime, and lillet.

A small sharing menu is available for late snacks or pre-dinner bites. Standouts include the wagyu tartare, served with slices of buttery, toasted baguette, and the hummus bowl, topped with fresh, dippable vegetables.

You’ll find The Green Room (maybe) in the Gold District of Charlotte’s South End neighborhood where Resident Culture South End and Hopfly are located, as well as nightlife destinations Lost & Found and Slingshot. The bar is currently open from 6pm to 12am on Fridays and Saturdays, and doesn’t exist on Google Maps so jot down the address before you go.

info

lincolnstreetkitchen.com @thegreenroom_clt

CHARLOTTE’S PREMIER CUSTOM STONE AND TILE CONCIERGE SPECIALIZING IN TURNKEY FABRICATION AND TILE SELECTIONS

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Photographer – Dustin Peck • Builder – Noble Homes • Designer: Carolina Design Associates / Amanda Swaringen

GLOW UP

In the past ten years, Charlotte’s brewery scene has exploded. With breweries seemingly on every corner, and more popping up every year, the Queen City has surpassed Asheville as a beer destination and will surely establish a national reputation for local brews in the next few years.

Pioneers like OMB, Birdsong, and NoDa first whet Charlotteans’ appetite for craft beer, followed swiftly by Legion and Sycamore Brewing, which opened its original taproom in 2014. Now, Sycamore has surpassed its early peers in terms of size

and scale, claiming a spot as one of the top three craft breweries in the entire state with its ever-popular Mountain Candy IPA and Southern Girl blonde ale.

This success helps explain the breathtaking beauty and staggering size of Sycamore’s new taproom. Located in the new building next door to Sycamore’s old taproom (if you haven’t visited Hawkins Street in a while, bring a map — almost none of the early landmarks remain), the new location sprawls over a whopping 10,000 square feet of interior space and 11,000

words ELEANOR MERRELL photos MATT RAY and CHRIS RODARTE courtesy of SYCAMORE BREWING

The new Sycamore has opened in South End to acclaim.

Helping people find their perfect Home Sweet Home, score an exceptional investment property, and coaching first-time homebuyers is what we truly love to do! We have a deep rooted passion for, and over 30 years experience in real estate and residential design. Working extensively with sellers, buyers and builders, we not only understand the market and design trends, we possess the know-how to bring spaces to life with creative and harmonious solutions.

REAL ESTATE + DESIGN

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noah@indigohomeclt.com

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michelle@indigohomeclt.com

square feet of exterior space.

Inside, visitors can explore two floors. The first is built around a magnificent bar wrapped in a herringbone pattern, where, in addition to beer, visitors can order frozé, wine, boozy popsicles, and draft cocktails. Around the corner from the central bar, a cozy cafe nook serves coffee and pastries.

Light stonework provides an elegant backsplash to the taps, while sleek, blonde wood pervades the interior, warming the otherwise modern building. Huge garage doors ensure the interior is awash in natural light whenever the sun is out and offer easy access to a sprawling beer garden. Put simply, this taproom is pretty.

Upstairs, a second bar keeps the brews flowing and doors open onto a spacious patio with views of the city skyline. Here, you’ll find what is perhaps the greatest marvel of the new Sycamore taproom — a custom-built Airstream trailer that has been repurposed as a food truck and transported to the second-story patio. From spreads, to salads, to burgers and pizza, the food menu has a little

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something for every eater and, with weekend brunch on the horizon, will soon offer something for every time of day, as well.

The new taproom is open seven days a week from 7am to midnight, with coffee available from 7am to 4pm and draft beer available starting at 11am. Live music will add an extra element of liveliness to the taproom on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.

“When we first opened our brewery nearly 10 years ago, we had big dreams of producing fresh beer with top-notch ingredients and the response has been incredible,” says Sycamore Brewing Owner Sarah Brigham. “From humble beginnings to this new build, we’re incredibly grateful for the community’s support, and are thrilled to finally be sharing our new taproom with them. We look forward to raising a glass with our customers in our new space!”

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FIELD PEA'S

TOMATO PIE

Noble Food & Pursuits newest addition to the family is here: The team announced the launch of Field Pea Catering, a catering and event service from the same team behind their distinctive and timeless family of restaurants. While Noble Food & Pursuits has offered catering through its individual restaurants for decades, Field Pea provides an additional catering option and a seamless customer experience for events of all natures.

The fully customizable menu allows you to entertain with ease. When you choose from the selections, may we recommend the classic tomato pie? The traditional Southern tomato pie sounds like a fairly simple concept, but the result is significant. Noble’s is finished with cheddar and fine herbs for a summery concoction that’s sure to arouse memories of summers past.

words SUNNY HUBLER / photo THE PLAID PENGUIN

TOG E T H ER ISEVER Y THING

Appreciating family and friends starts by planning your stay in the Crystal Coast. Enjoy 11 unique communities, 85 miles of coastline, and endless fun for all ages. We’re shaped by water, and after you visit, you will be too. See seasonal specials on amazing hotels and vacation rentals at CrystalCoastNC.org

CICCHETTI'S

PAN-ROASTED SCALLOP

Cicchetti, in Uptown, was created to focus on a very specific kind of dining experience. Instead of a long food menu with tons of entrees, Cicchetti serves only small plates and shareable options. While the small plates keep patrons coming back for more, it’s the dedicated wine bar that truly steals the show at Cicchetti.

Want to level-up your next meal? Pair a bottle of this bright, bubbly cuvee, rich with fruit flavors, slightly herbaceous and a tad off-dry, with Chef’s pan-roasted scallop. It’s served as a

single scallop plated with lardo (a type of salumi made by curing strips of fatback with rosemary and other herbs/spices) and dressed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The sweetness and citrus-y flavor of the scallop is complemented perfectly with the crisp and slightly sweet cuvee.

info

cicchetticlt.com

@cicchetticlt

words SUNNY HUBLER / photo KYO H. NAM

After 12 years presiding over domestic, divorce, and family related cases in Mecklenburg County, Sean now represents and counsels individuals confronting these same issues. Using the insight gained from ruling on thousands of cases in court, he now o ers his clients a case perspective that

only a former judge can provide.

We are now o ering private mediation options to resolve your matters with discretion and without unnecessary delay.

Tonya Graser Smith Sean P. Smith

GraserSmith, PLLC is your Charlotte

divorce and family law specialist

GraserSmith welcomes former North Carolina District Court Judge Sean P. Smith to the firm.

ARIA'S

LEMON GIN FIZZ

words SUNNY HUBLER

Aria Tuscan Grill is Uptown Charlotte's neighborhood premier Italian restaurant and lounge. Here, guests can expect lots of Old World comfort food but in a modern, urban setting.

The “fizz” is a school of cocktail beloved for good reason: it’s light, tart, and an easy, quick sipper. Aria’s Lemon Gin Fizz combines all the best elements of this classic drink. Their version uses Malfy Gin Con Limone, a house-made Limoncello, fresh lemon, and bubbly, crisp soda water.

info

ariacharlotte.com

@ariatuscangrill

photo KYO H. NAM

BUILT FOR SUCCESS

Watershed Builders’ owner Dominick Thompson details their story of success and evolution about the building company.

words DEVIN BERRY

photos LAURA SUMRAK courtesy of WATERSHED BUILDERS

WWatershed Builders is one of Charlotte’s premier building companies, working toward providing clients with beautiful homes and unforgettable experiences. Watershed Builders has been in the Charlotte area for over 10 years now, but their story originated decades ago.

Long before Watershed Builders was helping customers create their dream homes, owner and president Dominick Thompson was learning the tricks of the trade that have made Watershed Builders the company they are today. When Dom was only a child, he would assist his father with building projects around the house. “We grew up pretty broke, so we had to fix things ourselves,” says Dominick, “and I come from a long line of engineers, so I have a pretty good mechanical mind.”

Dominick quickly picked up the sense of satisfaction from working on tangible objects and witnessing the transformation over time. He took his talents and fascination for building things to the automotive industry, where he spent 10 years. However, working with cars left Dominick feeling unfulfilled, so he took his interests elsewhere.

“Admittedly, I'm a terrible student, and the traditional college route was never going to be a fit for me. I barely graduated from East Mecklenburg High School! I joined the Air Force Reserves at 29 years old, came home from basic training, and went to work for a luxury home builder.”

During his 12 years in the Air Force, Dominick was able to travel and work on projects around the globe while also learning insider information about the construction business. Dominick later earned his Construction Technology degree through the military. However, he says hard work and real-world experience are what has taught him the most. Since his time in the military, Dominick has taken the things he's learned over the years to help families build the spaces they've always wanted.

As he puts it, the most rewarding parts are “the tangible results of hard work done well and the ongoing relationships with favorite clients.” Watershed Builders specializes in remodeling projects for commercial and residential purposes, working with interior designers and architects in the area to bring ideas to life.

While Watershed Builders does deal in commercial work, they find working for residential areas to be the most satisfactory. Being able to impact the lives of the people they help directly is essential to Dominick and the rest of Watershed Builders. This sentiment has become more apparent since the birth of Dominick’s daughter, giving him a deeper connection to his work. “Now that I have a daughter, it just hits different knowing that we are really making a difference in the quality of people's lives.”

Watershed Builders are now looking to expand their reach to help more people than ever. While still keeping their focus on mid-to-high-end interior projects, they are looking to acquire new construction and custom home building under their umbrella. By the year's end, Watershed Builders wants to open their second location around Lake Norman to reach Davidson, Huntersville, and Cornelius. If the expansion goes well, Watershed Builders plans to spread past Lake Norman and outside of Charlotte for more long-term development projects.

For more information regarding Dominick and the rest of the Watershed Builders team, their website and Instagram are the perfect places to connect with or see more of their work.

info

watershedbuilders.com

@watershedbuilders

OFFICE OPULENCE

Jones and Hedges Custom Builders specializes in residential custom new home builds, renovations, additions, outdoor living spaces, kitchens, and baths. Leveraging over 20 years of combined experience building in the Charlotte area, Josh Jones and Kyle Hedges create some truly artful homes.

This particular project came together with the collaboration of Smith Slovik Residential Design, Beth Keim of Lucy and Company.

The home office, in an “English country” style with a modern twist, also features Windsor Windows from Barefoot and Company.

The homeowner was looking for a space that could serve as a comfortable retreat for herself and her dogs, but at the same time would allow for her to entertain friends and family. The stunning office exemplifies that perfectly. It’s functional, luxurious, and has more than enough room to invite in furry family members or anyone else for that matter.

— info — jhcustombuilders.com / @joneshedges_charlotte

words SUNNY HUBLER / photo CAMERON GLENN SKYVISIONS PHOTOGRAPHY

Living room video streaming, home office Zoom meetings, virtual school in the bonus room, soothing audio in the master bedroom, and automated lighting and shades throughout your home. Control your technology with one simple and easy to use solution from Home Technology Solutions.

Living room video streaming, home office Zoom meetings, virtual school in the bonus room, soothing audio in the master bedroom, and automated lighting and shades throughout your home. Control your technology with one simple and easy to use solution from Home Technology Solutions.

Living room video streaming, home office Zoom meetings, virtual school in the bonus room, soothing audio in the master bedroom, and automated lighting and shades throughout your home. Control your technology with one simple and easy to use solution from Home Technology Solutions.

704-708-5126

704-708-5126

HomeTechnologySolutions.com/elevated

HomeTechnologySolutions.com/elevated

PRESERVING THE BONES

It’s not always easy to work against a room’s original design, especially when it’s been baked into the architecture. This was the challenge Brenna Morgan of Brenna Morgan Interiors found herself facing when she was hired to transform a study in Kannapolis.

The room’s high ceilings and traditional wood paneling made it feel less like an office and more like a cavern. To make the space feel lighter and more uplifting, Morgan started by painting all of the paneling and

cabinetry an airy blue color. She then added grasscloth wallpaper from Thibaul within the panel molding and cabinet interiors to make the space feel a little more casual and inviting.

Morgan also used furnishings from Gabby, Four Hands and RH to tie everything together. With her color choices and creative use of wallpaper, Morgan managed to turn her client’s stuffy, outdated study into a modern, comfortable home office.

— info — brennamorgan.com / @brenna.morgan.interiors

words LIZA CARRASQUILLO / photo DEMI MABRY

Elegance is when the inside is as beautiful as the outside. — Coco Chanel

Be an opener of doors — Ralph Waldo Emerson

WINDOW

WINDOW

Inspiration From Every View

Inspiration From Every View

SETTING THE BAR

A home bar can truly elevate the ability to entertain. Fortunately, home builder Bryan Gerrard, of Gerrard Builders, knows exactly how to create a space that’s as usable as it is beautiful. In fact, it’s his expertise. This English Modern new build in Charlotte is complimented by Carolina Design Associates’ interior work and architectural design by Frank Smith.

The artful bar area is immediately eye-catching: The bold navy color is offset by a unique brass countertop and striking silver wave marble backsplash. The hardwood flooring is French Oak by Curated Surfaces. The additional counter space and dedicated drink fridge allows for easeful entertaining, and a bonus space to gather before flowing into other areas of the home.

— info — gerrardbuilders.com / @gerrardbuilders

words SUNNY HUBLER / photo DUSTIN PECK

STYLISH HARMONY

The experienced Lucy and Company design team have once again brought innovation and imagination to Charlotte. One of their latest projects, a 4,949 square foot home in Lansdowne, exudes grace and character. A focus on eyecatching contrast and intricate geometry is used in combination with gorgeous statement pieces to create an ultramodern, striking home.

Built by Jones & Hedges and designed by Smith Slovak, the Lansdowne home has a modern farmhouse feel with an emphasis on cohesion. Despite each room having its own flair and bold character, Beth Keim of Lucy and Company emphasizes that the details throughout bring unity to the space. Prominent paints such as Ben Moore Iron Mountain and Decorator White are used not only for the walls, but for custom

staining throughout the home’s cabinetry as well. Attention to factors like these create a sense of continuity and flow.

Asymmetrical decor brings even more character and innovation to the already sharp home. Beautiful fixtures from Circa and Anteriors demonstrate the possibilities of contemporary lighting, while also illuminating the cool minimalist furniture. One particularly bold statement piece is a stylish matte black, gourd-shaped coffee table in the living room. Much of the home continues to feature exciting pieces, whether it be the primary bathroom’s large tub, kitchen cabinetry, or decorative ceramics.

Subtle pops of wooden features bring contrast and vibrance to the monochrome, sleek space and pop against Hardwood Creation’s manicured floors. Speciality-made upholstery

Twords EMILIE WIDARSSON / photos courtesy MEKENZIE LOLI

Lucy and Company perfectly balances bold and beautiful in their new Lansdowne home.

from Verellen Furniture brings a wide range of textures to each room, ultimately synergizing with the rugs, linens, and fabrics to add complexity and elegance. Even these elements follow the contrasting black-and-white color scheme of the home, only further reflecting and accomplishing Lucy and Company’s goal of cohesion.

Another major aspiration for the project was to create an open concept space, allowing for a relaxed flow between the different spots of the home. The open floor plan not only unifies the space, but also allows for lots of light to come through. Large windows and wide sliding doors in both the main living space and bedroom illuminate the home with plenty of natural light, and at the same time accomplishes Lucy and Company’s vision to bring the outdoors in. The Verellen furniture by the pool area outside fashionably complements the sofas and other furnishings inside. As Beth highlights, they all follow the home’s color scheme. This attention to detail ultimately

helps blend the lines between the spaces – this cohesion between both the inside and outside of the home allows for its impressive character to be seen from anywhere.

Above all else, the design team strived for the home to reflect the tastes of their client. The minimal yet bold design of the home particularly shines in spaces such as the office, which embraces a darker but refined tone which is heightened by its wallpaper designed by Philip Jeffries. Golden accents and geometric designs add even more elegance throughout the home, as made possible by the Jones & Hedges project managers Rick Carlson and Shelby Moyer, as well as the Hardwood Creations team. Together, Lucy and Company and these talented vendors have composed a one-of-a-kind home that is a perfect harmony of beautiful and bold. info

lucyandcompany.com

THE PERFECT HARDWOODS

MYNEWFLOOR.COM

OPENS UP A WORLD OF CUSTOMIZED POSSIBILITIES

WRITTEN BY BILL MARTIN

The beauty, richness and natural qualities of wood make it one of the most popular choices for homeowners searching for new flooring. But “wood” is a broad category with many nuances. How do you narrow it down and find the perfect flooring for your home and lifestyle?

MYNEWFLOOR.COM IS HERE TO HELP.

“We’re a full-service resource for a wide variety of flooring, including hardwood, carpet, LVP, laminated wood and tile,” says MyNewFloor.com owner Carlo Garcia. “Now we’re excited to offer the Canto Collection, a premium wood line by Mercier. The ability to customize the different qualities of our products gives our customers the choices they’ve been seeking, at surprisingly competitive prices.”

Garcia says that Mercier is known for continuous innovation in product development, with technical performance levels higher than any other manufacturer in the industry. “These are floors designed with maximum durability and resistance to impact, scratches, water, abrasion, and other wear and tear, all while preserving the original beauty of the wood,” he explains.

How does customizing work?

Garcia says these are the most important factors to consider when choosing your wood floor:

Species

Wood species are differentiated by their grain, or the visible contrast of the growth rings. MyNewFloor.com’s Canto Collection includes Maple, Red Oak and White Oak, all of which have a pronounced wood grain that gives character and dimension to their appearance.

Sheen

Sheen refers to the different types of glosses based on the level of desired light reflection:

• Matte: Low light reflection, no sheen – helps to hide signs of wear.

• Matte-brushed: Adds a textured effect.

• Satin: Moderate light reflection, lightly transparent and silky.

• Satin-brushed: Adds a textured effect.

Grading

Grading refers to the width of each product in the Canto Collection. When making selections, the floor area and size of each room should be considered. Wider wood planks will make a smaller room look more spacious, while narrow ones are recommended to create an effect of depth. MyNewFloor.com’s array of widths even includes herringbone styles!

Core

The Canto Collection features two wood cores:

• Solid wood: Made of 100% hardwood, with a thickness of 3/4 -inch. Solid wood flooring can be nailed or stapled to a subfloor.

• Engineered wood: Constructed of a hardwood surface layer, laid on top of a hardwood plywood. These floors allow for a glued, stapled or nailed installation, and even floating for most species.

SEEING – AND TOUCHING – IS BELIEVING

“Obviously there’s a lot to think about when choosing the perfect flooring,” Garcia says. “It can be difficult to visualize all the customized combinations by reading about them, or looking at photos online. That’s why we have a wide selection of Canto samples at our three Charlotte-area showrooms. We work with you to determine the best combinations – and the design possibilities are part of the fun!”

READY TO SEE THE POSSIBILITIES?

VISIT MYNEWFLOOR.COM TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT WITH A PROFESSIONAL FLOORING EXPERT, AND SEE THE COLLECTION AT MYNEWFLOOR.COM’S BLAKENEY, SOUTH END OR ALL-NEW LAKE NORMAN SHOWROOMS.

“WE WORK WITH YOU TO DETERMINE THE BEST COMBINATIONS – AND THE DESIGN POSSIBILITIES ARE PART OF THE FUN!”

— CARLO GARCIA

PERFECTION AT THE RESTORATION

Recently opened in downtown Asheville, The Restoration Hotel bursts with character and grace, seamlessly fusing local culture and history with a contemporary, chic design.

The Restoration boasts a beautiful 60 rooms, ranging from 450-650 square feet. Each room features cozy modern furnishings, rustic brick accents, expansive balconies, as well as luxurious king and queen beds. Golden accents in both the bathroom and main room complement the dark blue details not only throughout the guest rooms, but the hotel itself.

Rich blue accents continue throughout the stylish hotel’s accommodations, most notably in its library. Cream-colored plush sofas pop against the navy shelves, which are lined with a large collection that the Restoration’s website describes as eclectic and eccentric. Beautiful arches and warm lighting from elegant chandeliers make for an incredibly cozy space to enjoy a good read. The library’s open plan and wide range of seating emphasizes the hotel’s focus on community.

Spaces like The Draftsman aim to welcome visitors as locals, offering comfort and craft brews that are sourced from across the state. Patrons can explore an impressively creative

array of drinks, with cocktails such as The Green Swede, Pirates Handshake, and Pedia-LIT. The bar – located in the basement of the Restoration – also doubles as an arcade room. Head downstairs for some friendly competition and occasional local live music.

The hotel is also complete with its own restaurant inspired by Appalachian cuisine. The Exchange sources ingredients locally, acting as an homage to Asheville’s culture while also ensuring the freshest and most delicious dishes possible. The menu, which ranges from brunch, lunch, and dinner, promises rich textures and flavorful fusions. While the Exchange offers many polished dishes and drinks, visitors can also choose to customize their own charcuterie and cheese boards. We enjoyed ours on the patio with a full view of all of Patton Avenue’s many goingson. No matter the dish, the meals are just as vibrant as the restaurant itself. Dark blue sofa booths continue the hotel’s navy theme as pendant lights hang from the textured ceiling, illuminating the marble and wooden tables.

That’s not all: Upstairs, The Observatory is becoming a sought-after spot for sophisticated bites and dishes. This

Drive, chip, and paddle. Golf and so much Moore.

Here in Moore County, our golf courses aren’t the only place you’ll find unforgettable water features. We’re home to incredible outdoor adventures, world-class dining, amazing shopping—everything you want in a getaway. So plan your visit today. We guarantee: It’s Moore than you’re expecting!

Home

RESERVOIR PARK, SOUTHERN PINES

unique garden rooftop bar overlooks Asheville’s mountains as natural light floods the room through expansive windows. Pops of green from The Observatory’s plants give the space an organic feel with hanging lights providing warmth and intimacy.

Southern Cut Design and Build is a full service landscaping company focused in the greater Charlotte area. From concept to completion, each step of the process is all about you. Our team will sit down with you to hear what it is you want and what you’re looking for, then we’ll go to the drawing board and bring it to life. Give us a call for a free quote today!

704-630-7460 • www.southerncut.com

Email: Charlene@southerncut.com

@southerncutdesignandbuild

Southern Cut Design and Build

Guests in the mood for coffee and pastries can visit The Rise, Restoration’s very own coffee bar. Juices and baked goods are all made in-house, promising a fresh energizing start for the day ahead in the surrounding Asheville area. The location of the Restoration places guests near a myriad of restaurants and bars, as well as in direct view of the mountains. The Restoration can even help tailor your activities for the day with their package deals, which include massages, hikes, complimentary continental dining, and so much more to make for the perfect weekend getaway.

info

therestorationhotel.com

@therestorationasheville

Where art and nature coexist

Explore

A COLORFUL CITY

Charlotte is one of the best cities for experiencing art and culture with its many museums and galleries. Alongside the museums, Charlotte is home to hundreds of artists that base their work on public murals. The Charlotte murals are extensive in their subject matter and located in convenient sites for people to explore. Join us as we detail a few of the many murals in the city within Plaza Midwood, NoDa, South End, and Uptown.

NoDa

NoDa is home to numerous murals along North Davidson Street at the East 36th Street intersection. Starting at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams on East 36th Street, you can find the first few murals of the trip: the famous “Stripe Wall” by Evelyn Henson (also South End's Heart Wall). From Jeni’s, if you continue towards the Salud Beer shop, you will find the “Salud Mural" by artist Nico Amortegui. Returning to the intersection and walking along North Davidson toward Uptown, you'll be able to find the next few murals. You will want to stop at the Solstice Tavern at 3221 N. Davidson to see the vibrant murals covering the entire

face of the building by Nick Napoletano and Georgie Nakima, as well as the long-standing “Fibonacci Wall” by artist Jonay Di Ragno on the side wall. Right across from the Solstice Tavern is the “Als Ich Chan” by Will Puckett, dedicated to the people of NoDa. Further down N. Davidson, a mural you do not want to miss is the 14-thousand-square-foot “Matheson Bridge Mural” by Will Puckett underneath the bridge. Staying on N. Davidson going towards Uptown will allow you to see more amazing works in NoDa and explore other areas of Charlotte.

Plaza Midwood

Suppose you are continuing from our NoDa path or just starting, Plaza Midwood is another excellent location for must-see murals. If you are coming from NoDa, you will want to turn onto E. 11th Street and then to Central Avenue, where we will start. The first location is at the Two Scoops Creamery at the corner of E. 11th Street and Central Avenue, where you will find the “Do the Things That Light You Up” mural by Traveling Gypsy and Duarte Designs. At the neighboring Seventh Sin Tattoo Com-

words DEVIN BERRY photos JAMEY PRICE

Left to right: Brooklyn Legacy by Abel Jackson, Awake by Nick Napoletano, Queen City Mural by Matt Hooker and Matt Moore

pany building, you can see the “Kool-Aid Man” and “Thanos” murals by Southern Tiger Collective, as well as the “Golden Skull” mural by JEKS and Jack of the Dust. Across the street on Central Avenue, you can find the famous Pride mural “Our Lives, Our Culture, Our Time” by Gil Croy at the White Rabbit. Continuing along Central Avenue, there are plenty more murals from various subjects, like the Bob Marley mural by Alex Delarge at 1041 Central Ave. or “Womanhood” by Georgie Nakima at 1226 Central Ave. Further down around Midwood Smokehouse, you will see even more murals like the superhero mural or the “Plaza Midwood Tribute” by Matt Hooker, Matt Moore, and Tucker Sward, alongside many others from various artists.

Uptown

Whether you're continuing your exploration of Charlotte’s murals following our tour through NoDa and Plaza Midwood or just starting in Center City, Uptown is a great area for seeing murals and exploring. Within Uptown, there is also a relatively straightforward path that cuts through the heart of Uptown, with plenty of shops along the way. Starting on East 11th Street at AerialCLT, you can find the “Women’s Empowerment” mural by Nick Napoletano. From there, you will want to move onto North Tryon Street, where you will find the next few murals. Located at 700 North Tryon Street at the Hal Marshall Center is the “Flower” mural done by Sebastian Coolidge for the Talking Walls Festival in 2018. Continuing down North Tryon Street at Spirit Square, the “Strange Fruit” mural by Dammit Wesley, also done for the 2018 Talking Walls Festival, can be found. Across E. 6th St. is the Carolina Theatre at 220 N. Tryon St., which houses “Behind the Red Curtain” by Matt Hooker and Matt Moore. Close by is another Matt Hooker and Matt Moore mural on The Local at 105 E. 5th St. There, you can see the “Queen Charlotte

Bomb” mural by the duo. Continuing past E. 4th St. in the alleyway near 200 N. Tryon St. is “Balloon and Canoe” by McMonster. As our journey through Charlotte's Uptown ends, there are still various murals around Uptown for you to discover.

South End

Outside Uptown, in the South End area, is our final location on our tour of Charlotte’s murals. The first stop is at 1515 Camden Road outside the previously known Charlotte Art League. Residing on the 70-foot wall in the heart of South End is “Abstract,” a tribute to the late Carllenna Person. From there, you will want to head toward the Hawkins and Worthington intersection, where the next mural is located. Sitting at 1919 Hawkins is the 90-foot “Karla the Mexican Mermaid” mural by Sharon Dowell. Nearby is also the “Confetti Hearts Wall” by Evelyn Henson in the alley behind Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. Further along Hawkins, if you go to the railway around 2151 Hawkins, you can see one of three community-assisted “Magic Carpets” by Jessie Unterhalter and Katey Truhn. While there aren't as many works within South End, the murals there are exceptionally rich with history and meaning.

The diverse array of artistry Charlotte offers is a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and the profound impact of talented artists. Soak in the kaleidoscope of colors, stories, and emotions depicted on these walls as they remind us of the power of art to connect communities and inspire creativity for generations to come. We hope this mural crawl has helped open up more of Charlotte for you and has piqued your interest in the many murals left for you to uncover.

more art articles

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Left to right: Talking Walls mural by Emily Eldridge, Solstice Taven by Nick Napoletano

CAROLINA ART

The top Arts & Culture destinations in North and South Carolina.

When it comes to art, the Southeast has a lot to offer, especially for those intrigued by the musings of artists from an area steeped in American history. Whether you’re looking to stroll a gallery or museum right here at home in the Queen City, to enjoy art across North and South Carolina, or even to create something of your own, below are some of the most innovative, interesting, and intersectional art-forward destinations open to the public today.

The Bascom

The Bascom, located in Highlands NC, was designed to bring visual art experiences to individuals and communities. For more than 30 years, the center has served as a vital cultural resource for Western North Carolina, and The Bascom “continues to build on that legacy through work and advocacy for the arts.” The varied exhibitions are always free and open to the public, and The Bascom also offers a retail space, pop up shops, and arts classes for a variety of

skill levels. thebascom.org

Folk Art Center

As the most popular stop along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, The Folk Art Center serves as a destination for Appalachian arts and crafts to many. It’s located at milepost 382 near Asheville, North Carolina. The center, full of contemporary and traditional art and a large gift shop, also has offices for three separate Parkway partners: the Southern Highland Craft Guild, the National Park Service, and Eastern National. southernhighlandguild.org

Weatherspoon Art Museum

Weatherspoon Art Museum holds one of the best and biggest collections of modern and contemporary art in the Southeast. Located at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, it is open to everyone and presents not only student work, but professional work as well. You can stop by and experience their many exhibitions, or partake in any of the oth-

er programs, including lectures, panel discussions, social events, and more. weatherspoonart.org

Biltmore Estate

Built in the late 1800’s, the Biltmore Estate still stands as an architectural and historical marvel of not just Asheville, NC, but the U.S. as a whole. In fact, the French Renaissance mansion is the biggest home in all of North America, complete with 250 rooms and an astounding 8,000 acres of surrounding land. Each acre of the Biltmore property is filled with beautiful sights and exciting activities — guests can experience tours of the grand chateau, enjoy award-winning wine, take a wide range of classes, or simply enjoy a hike through impressively manicured gardens and trails. Whatever activities you decide to take part in during your visit at the Biltmore, expect to be dazzled by the estate’s historic charm.

biltmore.com

words SUNNY HUBLER, CHERISSA BANAG, ALLY MASTRONE, & EMILIE WIDARSSON photos COURTESY MUSEUMS OR ART DESTINATIONS

Ann Long Fine Art

Ann Long Merck’s art gallery has operated as a prestigious, Charleston-based establishment for almost 25 years. It offers a wide selection of works to purchase, with a focus on modernism and realism. The artists featured in the gallery offer an exciting and innovative fusion of both contemporary and classical elements. Works from artists such as Donald Squibb Sutphin, Otto Neumann, and William Halsey all elegantly demonstrate this unique intermingling of the old and new. annlongfineart.com

Clay Cottage and Art Studio

Nestled between lush palm bushes and tall trees, Clay Cottage and Art Studio promises to bring extra creativity to Mount Pleasant. The studio offers all kinds of classes and events, including wheel throwing training, artist shows, pit firings, and even a summer camp. Whether you are looking to get started with a new, creative hobby or host an unforgettable pottery party, Clay Cottage and Art Studio can help make it a reality.

claycottageandartstudio.com

Columbia Museum of Art

The award-winning Columbia Museum of Art features an exemplary range of artworks from around the globe, spanning decades and cultures while rotat-

ing constantly. The galleries burst with artistic innovation, and visitors can express their own creativity at the museum, too – there are countless activities to participate in. The museum offers art classes, summer workshops, and weekly discussions you can enjoy. columbiamuseum.org

Cain Center for the Arts

Located just north of Charlotte in Cornelius, North Carolina, the Cain Center for the Arts aims to create a space where art can be accessible and celebrated. It hosts art galleries for local artists and offers musical performances for people to come enjoy. Not only can you visit to admire the artwork of others, but you can also take one the Cain Center’s many pottery, painting, or even singing classes to explore your own creative side. cainarts.org

Asheville Art Museum

The Asheville Art Museum has a rich history and is a great place to visit for artwork from the 20th and 21st centuries. Check out artwork from Western North Carolina and Southern Appalachia, Cherokee Indians, as well as artists from Black Mountain College. You can find many historic contemporary pieces here: it’s a great stop for those interested in Western North Carolina’s history. ashevilleart.org

Charleston City Market

At the Charleston City Market, you will find a delightful range of local vendors that offer handmade crafts, jewelry, and artwork, including Charleston's notable sweetgrass baskets. Spanning for city blocks in the heart of downtown, the market is flooded with lively stalls and Southern charm. The city market is the ultimate destination to explore the culture offering of the city during your visit and to find the perfect souvenir, of course. thecharlestoncitymarket.com

Ambleside Gallery

Ambleside Gallery has had many homes, from Manchester, England to Grosse Pointe, Michigan to its current location in Greensboro, North Carolina. The gallery started with a distinctive British art collection, and now holds artists from everywhere, including the US, Japan, England, France, and more. The gallery holds an exclusive collection by the Chinese artist, Guan Weixing, among many other international artwork in different mediums. amblesidearts.com

Blue Spiral 1

With a rich history in Asheville, Blue Spiral 1 brings local artists to the public through stunning exhibitions. The gallery was founded by John Cram who was enthralled by the Asheville scene

Left to right: The Bascom, FRANK (photo by Bill McAllister), BRAHM, Columbia Museum of Art

and wanted to bring its local artwork to life. You can check out thematic group exhibitions and individual artwork on the lower level, and work by a diverse group of more than 100 represented artists on the upper level. bluespiral1.com

River Arts District

The Rivers Arts District is home to dozens of converted industrial buildings and warehouses that now host local art studios and galleries. Situated along the French Broad River in Asheville, North Carolina, it is open every day of the week for you to visit and explore. If you are having trouble choosing where to start out of the 280 artists in the area, they offer Second Saturday events that host guided gallery walks with art demonstrations, workshops, and live music. riverartsdistrict.com

Blowing Rock Art and History Museum

Nestled in the mountain town of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum offers a stunning showcase of visual art and history immersed in Appalachian culture. The museum changes their art exhibitions three times a year, ensuring that visitors can always find something new to experience. Not only can you experience a multitude of art exhibits steeped in history, but you can also sign up for various art, dancing, or even meditation

classes that the museum has to offer. blowingrockmuseum.org

Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art

The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art is a multimedia art gallery that focuses on using art as a way to celebrate human expression. The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art uses art as a way to create a space to connect local artists with the public in a meaningful way. Located in Winston Salem, North Carolina, it displays all kinds of artwork across its indoor and outdoor settings. The grounds of the gallery are scattered with beautiful wisteria trees and a boxwood garden, and are used to host events at the gallery that can host up to 300 guests. secca.org

North Carolina Pottery Center

The North Carolina Pottery Center aims to cultivate a space for people to come and appreciate the art of pottery. Located in Seagrove, North Carolina, a town known for its handmade pottery, the pottery center is a great place to stop by and learn more about the state’s deep history with clay pottery. The pottery center’s display represents all kinds for North Carolinian potters – from the traditional pottery of the Native Americans to the contemporary work of modern potters. ncpotterycenter.org

Elizabeth Ellison Gallery

Located in Bryson City, Elizabeth Ellison Gallery displays the gorgeous landscape artwork of Elizabeth Ellison. Being of Occaneechi Indian descent, Ellison often paints using American Indian motifs. In her paintings, she includes the vast landscapes, animals, humans, and wildflowers of the Smokies region. Ellison also creates her own papers from gathered plants, including black willow, mulberry, cattail, and more.

elizabethellisongallery.com

FRANK Gallery

Born out of a partnership between local artists and the town of Chapel Hill’s joint goal to create a space to recognize creative work, the FRANK Gallery is an art gallery and a non-profit that celebrates the work of local artists. Established in 2010 in the town of Carrboro, North Carolina, right outside of Chapel Hill, FRANK is also known as the Franklin Street Arts Collective. At FRANK you can observe beautiful and diverse art from local artists while enjoying the inclusive community space that the founders worked to foster.

frankisart.com

The Mint Museum

The Mint Museum showcases hundreds of art collections from all around the world. With two locations in Charlotte, North Carolina, you can visit either to find beautiful exhibitions of visual arts like paint-

ings, photography, ceramics, and more. The Mint Museum is one of two museums to offer the Picasso Landscapes exhibit that explores Picasso’s evolution as an artist through more than 40 of his pieces. With unique and diverse collections, the Mint Museum is the pinnacle of the cultural and artistic experience. mintmuseum.org

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is located in Charlotte, North Carolina and is home to an impressive collection of modern art. The name of the museum came from Swiss industrialist and art collector Andreas Bechtler, where the museum’s core comes from his family’s collection. It opened up to the public in 2010, and the collection houses art that focuses on mid-20th century modernism, an exciting period of artistic innovation and exploration. The museum offers more than art to be admired, the museum hosts concerts, lectures, and other events that examine the collaboration and interaction among visual arts, music, and architecture. bechtler.org

The Middleton Place Middleton Place is located in Charleston, South Carolina and is well-known for its breathtaking landscape architecture; featuring gardens, terraced lawns, and ponds. This historic landmark was de-

signed by Henry Middleton and his son, Arthur Middleton. It was built in 1755 and is one of the oldest standing landscaped gardens in the U.S, as it survived the Great Earthquake in 1886. The Middleton Place is open for tours that features an assortment of activities to do, like horseback riding and kayaking. It is popular among tourists and a significant piece of American history. middletonplace.org

The Wilmington Railroad Museum

The Wilmington Railroad Museum is located in Wilmington, North Carolina. This museum showcases the technology and history of the rail industry, featuring interactive exhibits, model train displays, and a restored 100-year-old steam locomotive. As visitors can acquire knowledge about the role of the railroad in Wilmington’s development and economy, this non-profit museum is dedicated to maintaining the significance of the history of railroading in southeastern North Carolina. wrrm.org

South Carolina State Museum

The South Carolina State Museum is located in Columbia, South Carolina and remains the largest museum in the Southeastern part of the U.S. It features a variety of exhibits showcasing natural history, art, technology, and science. For example, the Natural History exhibit

displays South Carolina’s diverse ecosystems, which includes its mountains, forests, and beaches. The museum also has hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and interactive technology exhibits. scmuseum.org

Gallery C

Gallery C, located in Raleigh, has a wide range of artwork, including Haitian art, folk art, North Carolina art, and much more. Gallery C works to exhibit influential artwork for private collectors, museums, and corporations. It is located in the RussEdwards House, built by William Marcellus Russ, who served as Mayor of Raleigh from 1895 to 1898. Gallery C is open from Tuesday to Saturday if you’re looking to check out its distinctive collection. galleryc.net

Greenville Museum of Art

Established in 1959, the Greenville Museum of Art has many different exhibitions, from new ones to permanent collections. These collections include North Carolina Pottery, a Kenneth Noland Gallery, and much more. The gallery has year-round tours and programs so you will always have something new to experience when you visit. gmoa.org

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Left to right: SECCA (photo by Abby Keeler), Gallery C

WHERE REALISM AND ABSTRACTION MEET

words LIZA CARRASQUILLO / photos courtesy CHARLES EDWARD WILLIAMS

Art is as varied as the people who seek to create it—the people who each carry with them a creative mind and their own life experiences with which to influence it. For some, creating art is a beloved pastime — a way to enrich and add to their life through self-expression. But for others, like artist Charles Edward Williams, it’s a more holistic, full-time pursuit. Williams’ life embodies his creative process. The things he listens to, reads, observes, and writes all actively influence the kind of art he makes.

“It’s my calling,” says Williams, “my purpose for why I am here on earth.”

Following that calling has driven Williams deep into the study of art, starting with the Grand Central Academy’s Hudson River Fellowship, which he was awarded in 2010. He then went on to get his BFA from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and his MFA from the University of

North Carolina Greensboro. He has also completed residencies in California, North Carolina and South Carolina, as well as in Mexico.

Williams credits his inspiration to a variety of sources, including God, cultural values and uncharted places. As a child, Williams would spend hours trekking through South Carolina’s Lowcountry in Georgetown. The area’s unique biodiversity and waterways gave him plenty of opportunities to fall in love with the natural world. It’s come as no surprise that many of his paintings feature realistic landscapes and small snapshots of nature, often with a bit of an abstract touch.

But his work also features people, and this is where the abstraction of his art truly shines. There’s movement in these pieces, a sort of fluidity that feels as if the people in these paintings are right in front of you — sometimes shining in the sunlight, other times running in the darkness.

Artist Charles Edward Williams combines realistic and abstract techniques to create a unique style that tells a story.

To create this sort of art, Williams has had to challenge himself again and again.

“My patience and optimism are the most challenging things about life as an artist,” says Williams. “With the ideas I have from my visions, I continue to learn with each piece to be patient with myself. To allow the creative process to unfold organically and intuitively instead of forcing it to look exactly like what I have envisioned.”

By following his intuition, Williams has kept himself from leaning too heavily into one side of his art style over the other, instead allowing realism and abstraction to blend in whatever manner works best for the piece. And that, in turn, has allowed him to do what he does best— transport others into his world, even if only for a moment.

“That is the most beautiful, rewarding aspect,” says Williams. “…To create something out of nothing—a world for people to partake in. Art is needed, and the world needs it, and it embodies who I am.”

info cewlandandsea.com

@charlesedwill84

CHARLOTTE'S ART HUBS

These centers of creativity are breathing new life into our burgeoning city.

Anyone who has been in the greater Charlotte region more than a few years knows just how much the city can change in such a short amount of time. As Charlotte continues to expand rapidly, so too do its cultural offerings. The many places — museums, galleries, studios, and art collectives — that house creators and their creations are shaping Charlotte into a richer, more diverse place. Many of these places are free to visit, and those that do have entrance fees use them to bolster their work in the community. The next time you’re looking for something to do solo or with others, add these arts destinations to your shortlist and get inspired

Arts Council of York County

The Arts Council of York County is responsible for bringing artists and art events to the area as often as possible. The council oversees multiple galleries and exhibitions, including those in the Center for the Arts, the Tom S. Gettys Center, and in Rock Hill’s City Hall. Community members can see what local artists are producing and even take classes to hone their own skills. Plus, those in the area can find just as many events for the musical arts as the visual ones. yorkcountyarts.org

Rock Hill Artist Collective

Another community-focused group in the Charlotte Metro area is the Rock Hill Artists Collective. This organiza-

tion features multiple self-employed artists who all come together to support each other and produce new work, including items like clothing and jewelry. The collective sponsors and promotes events all throughout Charlotte, but also has a permanent space where they display their own art and even hold some classes. rhartistcollective.com

Providence Gallery

This local gallery might be smaller than others in the city, but don’t let its size fool you. For more than 40 years, Providence Gallery has taken pride in being a well-known name in Charlotte’s fine arts scene. The gallery owners have housed collections from a wide

range of artists, including painters like Luz Aveleyra and Lisa Bartell. They work hard to maintain their accessibility and are always ready to speak to newcomers who are interested in developing a discerning eye. Plus, the gallery offers custom framing services, so visitors can bring their own art to be properly fitted in a stunning frame. providencegallery.net

Hot Glass Alley

Located in NoDa, Hot Glass Alley is Charlotte’s first glass-blowing art shop. The gallery is home to three experienced gaffers who commission all different types of vases, light fixtures, and installations. The gallery is open to the public for glass-blowing classes, or you can book your next private event. hotglassalley.com

The Discovery Place

Discovery Place, a private not-for-profit education organization based in the Carolinas, has four museums in three cities, but the original is in Uptown Charlotte. It was opened in 1946 by a teacher named Laura Owens. Since then, the

words SUNNY HUBLER / photos JAMEY PRICE

museum has undergone several location changes and major renovations, but its mission is still the same. The museum remains dedicated to inspiring and educating students and teachers through STEM. You can visit Discovery Place at any of its four locations, including Discovery Place Science in Uptown, Discovery Place Nature in Freedom Park, and Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville and Rockingham, N.C. It’s a great place to spend a day learning about science while also having a lot of fun. discoveryplace.org

Harvey B. Gantt Center

Named after Charlotte’s first AfricanAmerican mayor, the Harvey B. Gantt Center exemplifies the type of cultural consciousness Charlotte can enjoy when people come together. The center has held numerous exhibitions from renowned artists, including Russel Craig and Deana Lawson. It’s also become a safe place dedicated to opening a dialogue around the many injustices plaguing African-Americans and people of color. Visitors can find breathtaking art inside its gallery walls, as well as an abundance of resources for further learning. ganttcenter.org

Art House Charlotte

Judith Weston Zehmke started Art House Charlotte in 2009 when she wanted to mix her love of art with her outgoing nature. Now home to many local artists of different mediums, Art House

Charlotte provides original and affordable artwork for its clients. arthousecharlotte.com

Real African Art

RAA was started with the aspiration to improve the lives of Zimbabwean and African artists and provide them with opportunities and platforms to exhibit and market their creative art work in the United States and beyond. The types of art represented ranges from stone sculptures to wooden masks and carvings, beaded jewelry, paintings and more. The art comes from dozens of African countries including Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Ghana. Visit RAA for yourself today in University City.

realafricanart.com

Levine Museum

The Levine Museum of the New South is a history museum showcasing the everchanging Queen City. The museum has a variety of exhibits, from Charlotte postCivil War to those confronting social issues the city faces today. museumofthenewsouth.com

Anne Neilson Fine Art

Anne Neilson Fine Art displays more than fifty different kinds of artists from all over the world. The gallery showcases art of all mediums and styles with a mission to help nonprofit organizations all over the world through donating a portion of its fine art sales. Open Tuesday through Saturday, Anne Neilson is

a fresh, eclectic art gallery that illuminates Charlotte. anneneilsonfineart.com

Jerald Melberg

Jerald Melberg is a fine art gallery that exhibits art chosen with the utmost care. The gallery seeks to display art that is “visually poetic and transcends the everyday.” Jerald Melberg himself has been involved in fine art for over forty years, previously as curator at the Mint Museum. His gallery offers rotating themed exhibitions that can last around one to four months.

jeraldmelberg.com

Van Every/Smith Galleries

The William H. Van Every and Edward M. Smith Galleries, also known as the Van Every/Smith Galleries, is curated and operated by Davidson College. These galleries feature both rotating and permanent collections with a wide range of pieces. Guests can see art made over 500 years ago, as well as art made from students currently attending the college. Because of Davidson College’s dedication to the surrounding community, these galleries are excellent places to learn a little more about a variety of artistic creations.

davidsoncollegeartgalleries.org

Shain Gallery

Known as one of the finest contemporary art providers in the Southeast, Shain Gallery offers colorful and modern art.

Left to right: ArtHouse, Van Every/Smith Galleries, Hot Glass Alley, Jerald Melberg

The fine art gallery is located in the Myers Park neighborhood of Charlotte and showcases acclaimed artists from all over. Offering an annual schedule of exhibitions, Shain Gallery is also open Monday through Sunday to view art at your preference. shaingallery.com

Elder Gallery

Elder Gallery is a contemporary art gallery aiming to connect Charlotteans through the experience of art. Representing a booming variety of artists, Elder Gallery mainly displays fine glass art and paintings. Different exhibits showcase different human experiences. Open to the public each Friday and Saturday, Elder Gallery is a great place to appreciate and experience one-of-a-kind art. eldergalleryclt.com

Mint Museum

North Carolina’s very first art museum, The Mint has one of the largest collections of art in the greater Southeast. The museum offers two locations in Uptown and Randolph showcasing collections of American, Contemporary, and European art. The museum offers events for all ages making it a family friendly environment. Offering a variety of different exhibits every year, The Mint Museum is rightfully one of the most respected museums in Charlotte. mintmuseum.org

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

Designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is a unique and elegant museum exhibiting work from the mid-20th century. The museum specializes in displaying work from prestigious artists such as Picasso and Warhol. The gorgeous museum has some of the most sought-after art in Charlotte. bechtler.org

Picture House Gallery

Just outside of Uptown Charlotte, Picture House Gallery brings over 40 years of expertise, making it one of Charlotte’s original resources for major collectors and institutions. The gallery showcases styles ranging from traditional to abstract, and their eclectic collection features oil paintings, watercolors, pastels,

and a variety of sculptures by nationally and internationally recognized artists. picturehousegallery.com

The Light Factory

Located in the Visual and Performing Arts Center, about a mile from Uptown, is The Light Factory. The Light Factory exhibits the art of photography and showcases many artists, from worldrenowned photographers to local Charlotte photographers. With the exhibits changing constantly, you’re bound to see something new during your visit to The Light Factory. lightfactory.org

Charlotte Art League

The Charlotte Art League is a non-profit organization offering classes, studio space and events to the locals, along with a gallery. Located in NoDa, the league strives to be accessible to every art lover, regardless of age, background or experience level. charlotteartleague.org

Met

Contemporary Artist Studio

Met Contemporary Art Studio is home to Foozhan Kashkooli, a multidisciplinary artist. Kashkooli has worked with many mediums such as paint, photography, metal sculpture, and installation. Book an appointment to view Foozhan Kashkooli’s gallery today. foozhanartstudio.wordpress.com

Hidell Brooks Gallery

Hidell Brooks Gallery, at The Steelyard in South end, is owned and operated by Katherine Hidell Thomas and Rebecca Brooks. The gallery showcases contemporary work of well-established and solidly-emerging American artists. hidellbrooks.com

The Charlotte Museum of History

The Charlotte Museum of History is a nonprofit museum that aims to share and preserve Charlotte’s eccentric history. Located in East Charlotte, the museum also showcases the Hezekiah Alexander House, which is the oldest house in Mecklenburg County. Open

to the public only one Saturday a month, the Charlotte Museum of History is a must-see for Charlotte natives. charlottemuseum.org

Charlotte Ballet

The Charlotte Ballet’s versatile repertoire ranges from timeless, classical ballet such as Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker to imaginative contemporary works such as Christopher Stuart’s DISPERSAL. Single ticket sales for the 2022/2023 season begin in August, or discerning patrons of the arts can purchase subscription packages to ensure they never miss a performance. charlotteballet.org

Opera Carolina

Whether you are a seasoned admirer or new to the art of opera, Opera Carolina offers an intentionally immersive experience to satisfy all in attendance. Performances are held at the Belk Theater in Center City on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. operacarolina.org

Middle

C Jazz

Cozy and chic, the Middle C Jazz club is Charlotte’s newest home for cool. Slip into Middle C’s intimate lounge atmosphere and spend the night savoring the flavors of fresh tapas, craft cocktails, and vibrant jazz. Middle C Jazz spotlights local and national acts each Wednesday-Sunday and welcomes lifelong listeners and learners alike to sit back, snack, and snap. middlecjazz.com

Dilworth

Artisan Station

Dilworth Artisan Station is a historic building that houses a variety of artists as tenants. This factory-turned arthouse has served many purposes throughout its life in South End, Charlotte. From furniture, textiles, and even storing soldier’s cars during World War II, this building has always had a specific purpose. Today, that purpose is curating and gathering the Carolinas’ best artists into one three-story building for the sole aim of creation.

Formerly owned by the Fuller brothers, this art collective is now owned by Jay Levell and Erik Johnson, founders of White Point.

Far from being the distant real estate firm that some might associate with building ownership, Levell and Johnson are familiar with the culture of the Carolinas. Both received their education from the University of North Carolina and went on to successful careers in retail and business before co-founding White Point Partners. dilworthartisan.com

Jazz Arts Initiative

The Jazz Arts Initiative performs each month at the Jazz Room in Uptown Charlotte and at public festivals and events around the city. Stay up to date with Jazz Arts Initiative’s latest showcases by joining their mailing list so you can support the blossoming future of the arts in Charlotte. thejazzarts.org

Charlotte Symphony

In 1931, Spanish composer and conductor Guillermo de Roxlo emigrated from Cuba to Charlotte with ambitions to establish a symphony orchestra for his new hometown. Now the longest continuously operating Symphony Orchestra in North Carolina, the Charlotte Symphony has become a champion for the fine arts of Charlotte. The Charlotte Symphony performs classical repertoire alongside cinematic scores and family-friendly features. charlottesymphony.org

Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

Consisting of three centralized venues, including the Belk Theater, Booth Playhouse, and Stage Door Theater, the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center plays host to a diverse variety of performances ranging from Broadway musicals, dance companies, and comedy tours. With year-round events suitable for all ages, the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center has a well-earned history as Charlotte’s center for community enrichment and entertainment. blumenthalarts.org

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Left to right: Mint Museum, Blumenthal, Charlotte Symphony, Middle C Jazz

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