In the summer, the visual arts scene in Charlotte is a lot like a fescue lawn — both go dormant. But here are some events to help slake your cultural thirst in this hot season.
Open Studio Saturdays at McColl Center for Visual Art
At Open Studio Saturday, you can meet McColl artists-in-residence and see what they're up to. In the summer, the Center typically fills its studios with local artists, each of whom stays for the entire season. But this summer, artists from the Carolinas, Virginia, Florida, Colorado, the Dominican Republic and Vietnam are doing long- and short-term residencies; the Center is also hosting its inaugural writer-in-residence. Open studios are 11 a.m.-4 p.m., June 11 and 25, July 16 and 30 and Aug. 13.
McColl Center for Visual Art, 721 N. Tryon St. 704-332-5535. www.mccollcenter.org.
Critical Culture: Remembering Romare Bearden at Central Piedmont Community College
In the spirit of Romare Bearden, artists Tonya Gregg, Ginny Boyd and David Wilson examine and celebrate everyday life. Boyd's work ponders the myths and stereotypes surrounding the traditional Southern woman and the contradicting reality of daily life. Gregg's provocative paintings combine issues of identity with social concerns and fantasy. Wilson utilizes mixed media to represent a greater understanding of self and the journey he shares with humanity. This exhibition runs July 19-Sept. 9; opening reception and workshop TBA.
Ross I Gallery, Overcash Building, Central Piedmont Community College. 704-330-6211 http://arts.cpcc.edu/art-gallery/directions.
Fourth Juried Annuale at The Light Factory
Every year, The Light Factory brings in a museum professional from the Southeast to select six photographers for this competition/exhibition. This year, Dr. Susan H. Edwards, executive director of the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, chose Jerry Atnip, Ronit Citri, Glenn DeRosa, Lydia A. Harris, Scott Hubener and Rachel Nemecek from a field of 130 entrants. The exhibition runs May 31-Sept. 25, with a reception June 4, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
The Light Factory, 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755. www.lightfactory.org.
Pop-Up Exhibitions at Gallery Pantone 278
Since 2009, Marc Gustafson's wandering gallery has occupied the Charlotte Trolley Museum, a retail space and even his own home. This summer, Gallery Pantone 278 has landed at Charlotte NC Tours, where it continues to feature local, emerging artists. The gallery will be open 6 p.m.-8 p.m. during South End Gallery crawls, the first Friday of the month, June 3, July 1, Aug. 5 and Sept. 2, and additional events are planned. (Gustafson is part of an effort to make the South End Crawl more bike-friendly, bringing the cycling and art communities together.)
Gallery Pantone 278 at Charlotte Tours, 128 E. Park Ave. http://gallerypantone278.blogspot.com.
