Carolina’s Got Art! Opens in Charlotte

Artists from around North and South Carolina submitted approximately 1800 original artworks to be considered for inclusion in Carolina’s Got Art! that opens October 1, 2010 in Charlotte. The exhibition will run through October 30th.

The second annual event is sponsored by Elder Gallery with Edens & Avant of Columbia, owner of historic Atherton Mill in Charlotte’s SouthEnd District where the exhibition will take place. The art competition was open to professional and amateur artists over the age of eighteen who reside in either of the Carolinas.

New York art critic, writer, teacher and artist, Mario Naves, accepted the task of reviewing all entries to select approximately 150 pieces that comprise the show. “The task was much more difficult than I had anticipated due to the volume of entries and the high quality of much of the work that was submitted” say Naves. “My goal was to select an exhibition that best represents the variety of creative talent from the two Carolinas.”

Entries consisted of paintings, sculptures, photographs, glass, collages, fiber and other media which are displayed in the beautiful Atherton Mill complex. New in 2010 is a traveling show component that will travel to venues around both states over the next year. Additional sites are still being sought for up to fifty pieces that are to be selected from the show.

Later during the month of October Elder Gallery will host Salon des Refusés which will contain the gallery’s selection of artwork not chosen by the juror of Carolina’s Got Art! “Our Salon show in 2009 was a huge hit since it provided an entirely different view of the work entered into the competition,” says Larry Elder, gallery owner. “Our 2010 Salon show will once again demonstrate the exciting work being created within our local visual arts community.”

The Atherton Mill exhibit will feature a video presentation of all artwork submitted into the competition but not selected for the exhibition. “We want to give each artist credit for their work and to serve as their sales agent if anyone is interested in purchasing their work” says Elder. Several events are scheduled to take place within the exhibition to increase the exposure for the artists.

Visit www.carolinasgotart.com and www.elderart.com for more information.

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