Center of the Earth Gallery in Charlotte, NC

(Above Kathleen Holmes' Landfall West)

Last Thursday night Bus Stop, a converted house that hosts seasonal art exhibits, had a reception. I popped in for a few minutes, chatted with a few artists, and met Sharon Dowell. She's a very talented painter. Her architectural images are created in unique layers and are very, very good. She is also the assistant director of Center of the Earth Gallery in Charlotte. She described the location as an "urban paradise": a converted main street of a former mill village, a once abandoned furniture store housing three galleries, a historic arts district with a bohemian touch. I had to go.

Steve and I went after visiting the Craft Council show. It was everything Sharon had described and more. I loved the the feel of the place, the lighting, the high ceilings, the way in which older beams met new construction, and how carefully the floor incorporated poured concrete around existing tile. The art on the walls was equally wonderful. The atmosphere was professional but laid back, friendly without being intrusive.

There were no fiber artists represented, but Kathleen Holmes does incorporate vintage crochet into her paintings in a most unique manner. I doubt if I'll be accepted, but I'm going to try. The gallery receives submissions for representation during the months of October and NOVEMBER! I'm sending my package today!