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 our Artists-In-Residence

The Summer 2025 Parent and Educator Artists-in-Residence—Mara Baldwin, Scott Carter, Maritea Dæhlin, and Estephania González—embrace contradiction, duality, and displacement as creatives. Through diverse practices spanning sculpture, sound, performance, and installation, each artist constructs immersive, hybrid worlds that reflect layered identities and complex truths. Their work invites viewers into spaces where paradox is not a problem to solve, but a powerful point of departure. Applications for 2026-2027 are now open.

Exhibition Fellowship Opportunity for Charlotte Artists

McColl Center invites emerging Charlotte-based artists to apply for the Exhibition Fellowship, launching August 2025. Fellows will receive mentorship from a professional artist, along with career development opportunities, including studio visits with curators and arts professionals. This six-month opportunity includes communal studio space, access to fully equipped labs with lab coordinator support, and a $1,000 stipend.

Programs

Artists-in-Residence Program

Studio Artists Program

Opportunities at McColl Center

Co-Op Program

Exhibition Fellowship

Upcoming Programs + Events

Thursday, July 10

Artist Talk with Summer 2025 Artists-in-Residence + Curator Anna Kustera

Join us in conversation with curator Anna Kustera and Summer 2025 Artists-in-Residence as they discuss their artwork, themes, and creative processes.

Monday, July 14 - Friday, July 18, 2025

CREATIVITY CAMP: Drawing + Painting Fundamentals

Build a solid foundation in the essential techniques of drawing, from mastering lines and shading to understanding proportions.

Thursday, July 17 - Saturday, August 2, 2025

SUMMER 2025 PARENT & EDUCATOR ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE SHOWCASE

Summer 2025 Parent and Educator Artists-in-Residence Mara Baldwin, Scott Carter, Maritea Dæhlin, and Estephania González all build from paradox, crafting grounded and hybrid worlds of their own making where multiple truths can coexist.

Thursday, July 17

Opening Reception for Nature Remains: Paintings by Barbara Schreiber, Curated by Lia Rose Newman

Join us for the opening reception of Nature Remains, featuring new work by McColl Center Alumni Barbara Schreiber.

Saturday, July 26

Bark Boat Building Workshop with Mara Baldwin

This workshop offers a unique opportunity to get to know the artist and gain insight into her process, inspirations, and the personal histories that shape her work.

Saturday, August 2

Nature Remains: Artist Talk with Barbara Schreiber and Curator Lia Rose Newman

Join us in conversation with curator Lia Rose Newman and artist Barbara Schreiber as they discuss the paintings, themes, and creative process behind the exhibition Nature Remains.