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

North Carolina, settled along the Atlantic coast, is known for its gorgeous shorelines, mountains and rivers. The state—bordered by Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and, of course, the Atlantic Ocean—is also known for its vivacious arts and cultural scene. From Charlotte to Asheville to Raleigh and more, collectors will find no shortage of galleries, museums and events throughout the Old North State.A view of the Raleigh, North Carolina, skyline at dusk. Photo by Michael Robson. Courtesy of Visit Raleigh.

Each year in September, Charlotte holds its Festival in the Park at Freedom Park, in which attendees can explore an array of artwork as well as enjoy music, eats and entertainment in the open air. The city is also home to numerous arts institutions in the Uptown district. Among these are Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Levine Center for the Arts, Mint Museum Uptown and the New Gallery of Modern Art. Undoubtedly, Charlotte’s major art hub is the North Davidson (NoDa) neighborhood, a menagerie of art galleries, trinket shops, exceptional dining and more.

Often referred to as the “Smithsonian of the South,” Raleigh is a must-see destination for its performing and visual arts, as well as art museums like the North Carolina Museum of Art and numerous local galleries. Hosted by Downtown Raleigh Alliance, First Friday is celebrated on the first Friday of each month at locations throughout downtown Raleigh. Art galleries and studios are open late with rotating exhibits and artist talks.

Among many highlights in the city of Asheville (like the Asheville Art Museum) collectors should certainly explore the vibrant River Arts District, where artists have turned old factories and historical buildings into studios where they work year-round. Within these studios, visitors and collectors can meet face-to-face with artists and learn about their work.

And finally, we’d be remiss not to mention the Annual Seagrove Pottery Festival in Seagrove, North Carolina, a small town known for its Southern hospitality. Celebrating a milestone 15th anniversary, the festival will feature 20 potter’s booths represented at the newly renovated Thompson Arts & Event Hall at the Historic Luck’s Cannery and 27 pottery shops included in a self-guided driving studio tour. The event takes place November 19 and 20.

+++

Anne Neilson Fine Art
721 Governor Morrison Street, Suite 180 Charlotte, NC 28211
(704) 496-9181
logan@anneneilsonfineart.com
www.anneneilsonfineart.com

Anne Neilson Fine Art represents more than 50 emerging and established artists. Artist and owner Anne Neilson had a vision for a space that would be a lighthouse in the Charlotte area and opened the gallery with the mission to give back through art and spotlight organizations dedicated to serving the community.Anne Neilson Fine Art, The Duet, oil on panel, 24 x 24"

“Using our gallery as a platform for philanthropy is our highest priority and honor,” says gallery director Logan Sutton. “We represent regional, national and international artists of all styles and media, and that range allows us to introduce our clients to pieces that enhance their collections and will inspire them in their daily lives.”Anne Neilson Fine Art, You’re All Invited to the Party, mixed media on canvas, 40 x 60"

Anne Neilson Fine Art, The Window of My Soul, oil on canvas, 48 x 48"

Some of the gallery’s most renowned artists, in addition to Neilson, include Lisa Noonis, Jacob Dhein, Dusty Griffith, Gary Komarin, Maggie Siner, Marcy Gregg and more.

“Our artists and collectors are like family, and we seek to foster creative relationships through our work,” says Sutton. “Because we strive to connect people and art, ANFA is an inviting and uplifting space where all are welcomed.”

+++

Gallery C
540 N. Blount Street
Raleigh, NC 27604
(919) 828-3165
www.galleryc.net

Since its inception in 1985, Gallery C has assisted art collectors with the discovery, acquisition and preservation of fine art. Gallery owner Charlene Newsom has deep roots in North Carolina, providing the expertise to showcase important 20th century North Carolina painters and sculptors. The gallery also hosts a variety of established contemporary artists working in the United States today. From still life to landscape, to figurative and abstract, Gallery C presents a broad range of subjects and styles.Gallery C, Boats, acrylic and oil on canvas, 36 x 48", by Laura Lacambra Shubert.

Visitors to the gallery are charmed by the historic, circa 1901 property, originally built as the residence for the mayor of Raleigh. Outdoor sculpture installations grace the grounds as part of the sculpture advisory division
of Gallery C.Gallery C interior lobby.

One of the latest additions to the gallery roster is well known POP/OP painter and sculptor George Snyder, who solos in November and December. Gallery C will kick off the 2023 schedule with a much-anticipated show by the Florida painter, Laura Lacambra Shubert.

+++

Laura Pollak
(336) 508-4729
laurapollak.artist@gmail.com
www.laurapollak.com

Laura Pollak is an internationally acclaimed pastel artist winning top awards in numerous venues, including galleries and museums across the nation. Most recently her work has been curated into the Hilbert Museum in Southern California. Pollak’s landscapes inform her abstract paintings that are in the genre of abstract realism.Laura Pollak, Ruby, pastel, 14 x 11"

This last year she has become enthralled with embedding gemstones into her paintings, creating a glistening, translucent sense of space. Pollak’s unique paintings have an ethereal glow, where the source of light emanates from within the painting like a flame.Laura Pollak, Aquamarine, pastel, 24 x 18"

Laura Pollak, Trillion Cut, pastel, 20 x 16"

“Creating art is only part of the process. Like a dialogue between friends, art must be shared and seen in order to close the circle and convey the idea,” says the artist. “I invite you to join me on this journey of discovery.” —