Did you know that Charlotte’s South End is home to the largest concentration of art galleries in the city?
By far the best and most fun way to get to know the art & artists of South End is the Gallery Crawl, which takes place on the first Friday evening of every month. Many South End galleries stay open late on these “first Fridays” to host receptions for their exhibits with music, food and drink, and an opportunity to meet the artists.
The December 2nd South End Gallery Crawl kicks off at 5 PM. Scroll down for location specific on which galleries and businesses will be open late into the evening, but each spot has individual hours of operation.
Dilworth Artisan Station– 118 E. Kingston Ave, 6-9 PM
The Annual Holiday Open House at Dilworth Artisan Station is 12/2 during the crawl, where for one night only all 30+ artists will have their studios doors open and invite you to take a look into their world. At DAS’s biggest event of the year you’ll find some of the best original art in the city, live musicians roaming through the hallways and stairwells, an amazing spread of complimentary food and drink, festive decor everywhere you look inside the 100 year old building, mixing and mingling with artists and neighbors… basically, they go all out and you won’t want to miss it! Check out the official Facebook event for the most current information about participating artists.
Anne Neilson Fine Art – 118 E Kingston Ave. Suite #16, 6-8:30 PM
Located in the ground floor storefront of Dilworth Artisan Station is Anne Neilson Fine Art, a gallery representing over 40 artists from Charlotte, across the US, Canada, Europe and Australia. Anne Neilson is an artist nationally known for her ethereal Angel Series paintings and luxury home products that complement the Angel Series. Stop in from 6-8:30 PM to enjoy complimentary food and drink while exploring the latest exhibition.
Elder Gallery – 1520 S Tryon St, 5-8 PM
Throughout the month of December, Elder Gallery will celebrate its 15th anniversary while simultaneously celebrating the holiday season. A special exhibition will be open to the public from 5-8 PM on Friday, featuring many of the gallery artists’ paintings, drawings, collages, sculptures, and ceramics. Examples of included items will be displayed at www.elderart.com just prior to the opening event. The exhibition runs through January 28th.
SouthEnd Kitchens – 1500 South Blvd # 101A, 5-8 PM
Gallery Crawl goers will have an additional opportunity to view work by renowned Elder Gallery artists on Friday night. From 5-8 PM, South End Kitchens will host a reception for an exhibition of paintings by Charlotte-native Jill Jones Osenga, Matthew Dibble of Cleveland, and John Folchi of New York City. Stop by for a some apps, live music and a stroll through the beautiful showroom.
Lark & Key Gallery – 128 E. Park Ave, 6-8 PM
Lark & Key is known for “fine art and functional craft” from local, regional, and national artists. Their annual Holiday Showcase is on view through December 31st and features new arrivals from a variety of artists, potters and jewelers. On Friday night from 6-8 PM, Gallery Crawl goers can expect to find lots of new work, including Anna Johnson jewelry (black spinal cedar studs pictured below), Raine Middleton pottery (her bird lid jar shown here) and several new Duy Huynh limited editions (like this ‘Peacethyme Treaty’ painting below).
Ciel Gallery – 128 E Park Ave, 6-9 PM
Next door to Lark & Key is Ciel Gallery, a staple of the South End art scene. For “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” the new December show featuring small artworks of all mediums and themes, the resident artists invite you an opening reception from 6-9 PM with food, drink, lively art and conversation. If you’re feeling inspired to create something then sign up for a workshop while you’re there!
Charlotte Art League – 1517 Camden Rd, 6-9 PM (after-party 9:30-11:30 PM)
The Charlotte Art League invites you to an opening reception for the “Holiday Gift Boutique” from 6-9 PM. There will be pieces large and small available for purchase, including works from artists at UMAR and Lifespan (the proceeds of which will benefit area artists who face developmental challenges). When the clock strikes 9:30, BREAK OUT THE TACKY SWEATERS! Donna Scott Productions will once again host the annual Tacky South End Holiday Party complete with a toy drive for Kids First of the Carolinas, holiday themed comedy from Improv Charlotte (must see, literally still chuckling from last year’s show…), photo booth, food, drink, shopping, and a glorious Tacky Sweater Contest.
Coffey & Thompson – 1200 S Graham St, 6-9 PM
Coffey & Thompson Gallery will host a reception featuring paintings, pottery, glass, jewelry, prints and more for holiday gift giving. Check out a sampling of the art that will be on display (and available for purchase), then come by on Friday to enjoy refreshments and meet the artists from 6-9 PM!
The Gallery South End – 1320 S Church St, 7-11 PM
The Gallery South End is your go-to place for art with a side of coffee, dessert, and wine. William Antonio (a former basketball star and husband of the owner) is the artist behind all the paintings for sale on the wall. During the Gallery Crawl, guests will enjoy free appetizers from 7-9 PM with wine and craft beer specials available for purchase. They’re open until 11 PM, so it’s the perfect place for a night cap.
Magnolia Emporium – 307 Lincoln St, 6-9 PM
Magnolia Emporium is an interior design and home decor hub owned by Randolph James, a long time designer for celebrities and international home owners. There’s also a bounty of one-of-a-kind gifts to be found here (ranging from candles and mermaid pillows to spiced nuts and artisan soaps), so drop in for food, drink, holiday shopping and beautiful bottle art by featured artist Miouxnie from 6-9 PM!
Studio Cellar – 1800 Camden Rd, 7-11 PM
If all this fine art has your creative juices flowing, try your hand at painting in Studio Cellar! In addition to a showcase of Resident Artist Michele Svonavec’s work, South End’s newest freestyle-painting-studio-meets-wine-bar will have light snacks, music, living painting and a “Charlotte Skyline” class at 7:30 PM (end product featured below).
