BENEFIT ART AUCTION TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW.

Art thrives when artists do.

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 our Fall 2024 Artists-In-Residence

Join McColl Centers Fall 2024 Artists-in-Residence workshops. Our upcoming workshops bring artists and the community together to create, connect, and grow. These hands-on sessions offer a chance to engage with other artists, learn new techniques, and spark your creativity. 


Benefit Art Auction 2025

Attend the Live Auction + 25 Year Celebration at McColl Center on Saturday, February 22, 2025. This year, we’re celebrating a major milestone—25 years of McColl Center! The Benefit Art Auction will be an extraordinary celebration, honoring a quarter-century of nurturing artists, elevating careers, and helping establish Charlotte as a world-class creative city. We couldn’t be more excited to share this moment with you. Purchase your tickets here. 

Upcoming Programs + Events

Wednesday, November 6 - Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Artist Studio Series: Pretty Darn Quick Portraits with Felicia Van Bork

In this lively series class, you'll learn techniques for freer, more expressive portraits using acrylic paint on bristol paper

Saturday, November 9
Family Day

Creative fun for the whole family!

Thursday, November 14
Ties That Bind: Portraits By Mitchell Kearney, Opening Reception

Since 1999, McColl Center's artist residency program has been a haven for artists—a place where they have the time, space, and resources to make their dreams a reality.

Saturday, November 16
Intro to Book Looms: Weaving Workshop with Claire Kiester

You'll learn the art of weaving while while making a beautiful woven wall hanging for your home. In this class, you will be introduced to the weaving process, a book loom design, and different weaving techniques suitable for any object.

Saturday, November 23
Open Studio Saturday

Join us at McColl Center for an Open Studio Saturday! Meet our talented Artists-in-Residence and Studio Artists in their creative spaces.

Thursday, December 12
CONTEMPORARY ART + MUSIC: Exploring the Temperaments Through History, Sound, and Sight

The evening will consist of an introduction to the temperaments, a presentation of paintings by Artist-in-Residence Andrew Leventis

Press + News

McColl Center Updates
Artist-in-Residence Alumnus Asa Jackson Named Next President and CEO of McColl Center

“I am deeply honored and excited to join McColl Center at this pivotal moment. My experience as a resident artist here was transformative, and I look forward to leading an organization that has been a cornerstone in empowering artists and fostering creativity. Together with McColl Center’s talented team, I’m eager to deepen our impact and expand opportunities for artists to thrive.”

McColl Center Updates
McColl Center Celebrates 25 Years with Ties That Bind Photography Exhibition by Mitchell Kearney

This exhibition showcases Kearney’s nearly decade-long documentation of McColl Center’s transformation and the artists who shaped its creative legacy.

McColl Center Updates
MCCOLL BEGINS SEARCH FOR NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO

McColl Center seeks an experienced leader to guide McColl Center during an exciting time in the organization’s history.