The Art Lover’s Guide to Collecting Fine Art in North Carolina

North Carolina is undoubtedly a place of rich history and artistic tradition. The diversity of the landscape also attracts inspired artists, and is home to an array of galleries and museums. Small towns border the western region of the state that backs up to the Smoky and Blue Ridge mountains, while the middle region contains the largest cities and many urban attractions. The coast offers charming waterfront towns and endless stretches of beach.

One of the most popular art destinations of North Carolina is the cultural hub of Charlotte, located in the middle region of the state. Art adventurers will find a slew of museums such as the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Mint Museum Uptown and the Mint Museum Randolph, the first original branch and first art museum in North Carolina, along with the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. Skyline of Raleigh. Photo by Michael Robson. Courtesy of Visit Raleigh.Also in Charlotte is the unforgettable Festival in the Park, occurring every September, with 2022 dates set for September 23 to 25. Attendees enjoy art, music and food throughout Freedom Park. The same organizers also host the Kings Drive Art Walk, their October dates marking their 11th annual event. Held along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, visitors can enjoy arts, crafts, music and entertainment.

Heading slightly to the east is the capital city of Raleigh, which is also home to astounding museums such as the North Carolina Museum of Art and the Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh, both serving up rotating exhibitions.

To the west of the state, visitors will revel in the delights of the city of Asheville. The Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) features an eclectic scene with over 30 members, the Asheville Art Museum, along with great culinary treats, music and views of the Appalachian Mountains. The River Arts District is also a popular destination that houses artists studios and galleries. The district also holds gallery walks on the second Saturday of every month, where there are demos, workshops, live music and food.

When visiting, don’t forget to also check out the work of North Carolina artists such as Jeri Greenberg, from the town of Leland, and the animal and wildlife paintings of Angela Alexander out of Asheville. Don’t miss out on all the great art adventures to be had!

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Angela Alexander
NorthLight Studios
357 Depot Street
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 273-4494
info@angelaalexanderart.com
www.angelaalexanderart.com

Angela Alexander started painting in 2004, with dogs as her primary subjects. Over the past few years, she’s expanded to include other animals. “2021 has been the year of the bears for me,” Alexander says. “Bears represent strength and courage, which so many of us need to survive this pandemic.”Angela Alexander, Follow Me, acrylic and mixed media on canvas, 40 x 30"She continues, “During a creative moment where I lost track of time and everything around me, ‘Mama Bear’ appeared. I was so fascinated by her and asked, ‘Where did you come from?’ She’s unlike anything I had painted previously—more muted colors with lots of texture. She set me on a path that has become a new creative journey.”Angela Alexander, Soaking it All In, acrylic and mixed media on canvas, 30 x 40"These bears are truly a gift, teaching Alexander not to limit herself and to pay attention to the hidden things. The bears are visible, as well as a bit hidden within her brushstroke, just as they are in the wild.

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Jeri Greenberg
Leland, NC
(908) 380-2473
jerig622@gmail.com
www.jerigreenbergart.com

Jeri Greenberg loves finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. Seeing the beauty in everyday objects and the people around her is what excites and spurs her work. Jeri Greenberg, BlueJayWay, pastel, 12 x 16"“It’s obvious I’m not a painter of trees and lakes, the landscape doesn’t call to me as it does to countless others," she says. "I’ve always seen differently and wanted to be seen differently. I want viewers of my work to know it’s my style when they see it.” Collectors often tell Greenberg that no matter the subject matter, they know her mark making.Jeri Greenberg, Stripes and Shadows, pastel, 11 x 16"Greenburg also loves using pastels and is now experimenting with mixed media as well. “I use thick juicy marks of broken color laid next to each other, not on top, to add dimension and interest,” she says. “My inspiration comes from seeing the colors of these items up close, whether I’m finding the nuances in a piece of fruit or the hidden colors in a skin tone. I hope my excitement shows through in my work and the stories my paintings tell.”

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River Arts District
3 River Arts Place, Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 388-3526
www.riverartsdistrict.com

The River Arts District consists of a vast array of artists and working studios in 23 former industrial and historical buildings spread out along a 1-mile stretch of the French Broad River. This eclectic area is an exciting exploration of arts, food and exercise. Plan on spending a day or more visiting artists working in their studios, grabbing a bite of local cuisine or a brew, and taking time to find art that’s perfect for your world. River Arts District, Full Bloom, pastel, 30 x 24”, by Elise Okrend.

More than 200 artists work in paint, pencil, pottery, metal, fiber, glass, wax, paper and more. As unique and individual as their art, so too are their schedules. There are no official “Open Hours” for the River Arts District, but on any day throughout the year, you will find a plethora of open studios and galleries. —