“Art is in the eye of the beholder.”
The expression, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” has been used by many since it first appeared in print in the 19th century by writer Margaret Wolfe Hungerford. Clichéd as it may sound, the idea behind this colloquialism—that perception is a subjective experience—is still debated today. Here are 5 art galleries in Gaston County that offer various types, media, and skill levels of locally produced art-no beret required!
After checking out the list (and before you go shopping), you can read an article from a former local gallery owner about how to select art for your home.
1. Awaken gallery Fine Art 107 West Central Avenue, Mt. Holly.
Owner Emily Andress truly has “awakened” the beauty and wonder of art in Gaston County since opening her gallery about two years ago. She took what was pretty much a brick box with no water, heat or electricity and turned it into a beautiful gallery Emily is an accomplished painter and international instructor herself, but she also features art by Luis Ardila, Jean Cauthen, Lisa Clauge, Diane Pike, Maria Senkel, and Rachel Romano, among others.
Emily also rents studio space to other artists and photographers above her gallery, creating a beehive of artistic energy in Mt. Holly. She was also the creator and mentor for Mt. Holly’s Lantern Parade. More here…
2. Gallery 132 132 North Main Street, Suite C, Belmont.
A relative newcomer to the gallery space, Gallery 132 opened this May. Their goal is to “fill our walls with local art for our community to enjoy and purchase”. They hosted the 5th Annual Photographic Exhibit and Competition presented by The Gaston County Art Guild, an exhibit entitled “A Moment In Time,” and the current exhibit “Melange” through August 1st. More…
3. Christmastown Thomas Kinkade Signature Gallery 129 Main Street, McAdenville.
Although they are still an official Kinkade gallery, since the death of Thomas Kinkade they have added many new artists, such as Robert Finale, Mark Keathley and Abraham Hunter. They carry postcards that start at .75 cents all the way up to artwork costing a few thousand, with many price points in between. Especially popular are the paintings that Thomas Kinkade and Abraham Hunter did of Christmas scenes in McAdenville. More here…
4. Bliss Gallery 25 North Main Street, Belmont.
Holy Angels established Bliss Gallery to offer persons who are differently able the opportunity to share creative abilities and showcase their art alongside the works of guest artists during special exhibitions. Info…
5. Gaston College 201 Hwy 321 South, Dallas.
The campus of Gaston College actually has two galleries. They feature work of local and regional emerging and professional artists in their exhibition program.
The Jeanne Rauch Gallery in the Rauch Science and Fine Arts Building (RCH) has approximately 1,100 square feet of floor space and 150 linear feet of wall space.
The Beam Gallery in the Dewey F. and Prue K. Beam Center for Visual Arts (CVA) has approximately 600 square feet of floor space and 60 linear feet wall space. The Art Department and the Student Art Club sponsor three Student Art Shows & a Holiday Sale in this space each academic year. Find more here…
Just in case you aren’t already getting the weekly Gaston County scoop, sign up for our free e-newsletter!
