Bad news for the Charlotte arts community: Gil Gallery, operated by Colombia-native and artist Edwin Gil, is closing its doors on Jan. 1, 2013. (Insert sad face here: ☹)

In the newsletter announcement, Gil says "My community involvement will remain constant as will my desire to create pieces of art for loyal customers, businesses, nonprofit groups and international organizations. The closing of Gil Gallery will allow me the wonderful opportunity to pursue my artistic endeavors unimpeded so I can use art as a tool to connect communities here at home and abroad."

Gil has heightened diversity in the Queen City's arts scene through engaging and promoting local Latino artists from various cultures and backgrounds. As a by product, he founded both Con 'A' de Arte (A For Art) and Art Si (Art Yes) in conjunction with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. In 2013, Gil plans to launch a new series of workshops called "Art-Diversity-Culture".

The closing of Gil Gallery comes as another disappointment not long after Genome, a gallery of funky-themed exhibits comprised of artwork by locals, informed us of its closing due to financial reasons. The gallery, owned and curated by John Josef, opened two years ago in Brevard Court and closes today with the climax of its Robot Apocalypse exhibit. Luckily, Josef also has creative plans in the works for 2013.

"One plan is to put together a few shows next year at remote locations. I hope to do at least one in Charlotte, and we will also be doing others in conjunction with galleries around the country," says Josef. "Aside from that, we are going to focus on artist promotion and also trying to create a convergence towards higher-quality artwork. Essentially, trying to bring a broader spectrum of artwork here."

Meanwhile, 2013 is looking bright for South End's Hidell Brooks Gallery, which is currently expanding and renovating its quarters. Lindsay Smith of Dimcheff Smith Studio, who designed the gallery in 1998, is working on a new floor plan that will provide more room for multiple exhibits and storage. The revamped space is slated to open in March of 2013. For a peek at the design, click here.