25 Years of McColl Center

Twenty-five years ago, the dream of creating an urban artist's colony in a fire-ravaged church in uptown Charlotte became a reality. Today, as a hub for creativity and a catalyst for growth, McColl Center is dedicated to putting artists first, supporting them throughout their careers with subsidized studios, access to modern equipment and tools, entrepreneurship programs, and 5,000 square feet of gallery space to exhibit and sell their work. Since 1999, our artist residency program has provided a haven for artists—a space where they have the time, resources, and freedom to turn their dreams into reality.

Join us in celebrating our rich history and the incredible artists who have shaped our community. Throughout the year, we’ll share inspiring stories and opportunities to engage with our community at upcoming celebratory events. Learn more.

Meet the current Artists-In-Residence

Gary Wong is joining us from August 18 to September 7, 2025. During his time at McColl Center, Gary will have full access to our studios, housing, and staff support as he immerses himself in the creative community. He will also share his expertise with a cohort of Charlotte-based emerging artists participating in our six-month Exhibition Fellowship, guiding them through a pivotal early stage of their artistic journeys. We are grateful for the opportunity to bring Gary’s insight, mentorship, and generosity of spirit to both our fellows and the wider Charlotte arts community.

Artist-in-Residence Application Closes Soon

Our nationally recognized Artists-in-Residence program provides time, space, and resources for artists to create ambitious new work and engage with the Charlotte community. Each residency offers private studio space, housing, materials stipends, and professional support in a vibrant, collaborative environment. Applications are open until September 1st. Apply here.

ON VIEW | Nature Remains: Paintings by Barbara Schreiber

Programs

Artists-in-Residence Program

The Contemporaries

Studio Artists Program

Upcoming Events + Exhibitions

Friday, May 30 - Saturday, September 6, 2025

REVERBERATE

Reverberate is the inaugural event for SECLT x McColl Center’s commemoration of the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s death, and the movements, developments and reactivity resulting from May 25, 2020.

Thursday, July 17 - Saturday, September 6, 2025

Nature Remains: Paintings by Barbara Schreiber

For more than forty years, Barbara Schreiber has created beautiful paintings about ugly realities. Much of her early work addressed social and political concerns, but more recently her paintings center on profound loss.         

Thursday, September 18

Contemporaries Opening Night + Collector Panel: Collecting as Stewardship

A thoughtful conversation on how collecting nurtures artists and shapes cultural legacy.

Saturday, September 20

The Long Exposure Opening Celebration

Celebrate the opening of Long Exposure with us during a vibrant, building-wide Open House that brings the full McColl Center experience to life!

Saturday, November 1 - Sunday, November 2, 2025

The Liberated Brush: Two Day Painting Workshop with Felicia Van Bork

The Liberated Brush is an amazing, intensive, two day painting workshop taught by a dynamic teacher, Felicia van Bork.

Saturday, March 21

Wet Plate Photography Workshop with Alum Aspen Hochhalter

Learn about the early photographic technique of the wet plate process and take home a self portrait!