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.

Benefit Art Auction 2025

Attend the Live Auction + 25 Year Celebration at McColl Center on Saturday, February 22, 2025 6:30 PM. 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.

Meet our Winter 2025 Artists-In-Residence

We are thrilled to present our Artists-in-Residence—Ioannis Anastasiou and Majka Dokudowicz, Balam Bartolomé, and Jen Clay—who draw on the collective past to create visual metaphors that help navigate our evolving future.

Learn from the Artists-led workshops. 

Upcoming Programs + Events

Thursday, February 13
Celebrate the Artists + See the Works | Benefit Art Auction 2025

Join us for a special opportunity to meet the Participating Artists, hear about their work and practice, and of course, celebrate them! The Silent Auction kicks off at 7:00 pm, giving you the first chance to see the amazing works up for grabs at the Live Auction + 25 Year Celebration on February 22.

Wednesday, February 26 - Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Playful Material Exploration with Renee Holliday

Have you ever laid eyes on a material that piqued your interest, but you weren’t sure what you would do with it or how you would use it? Then this workshop is for you!

Saturday, March 1 - Saturday, April 5, 2025
Fashion Design

Learn the basics of design sketching, fabric selection, and sewing techniques. Each week, students will work to bring their designs to life, guided by experienced instructors.

Thursday, March 6
Sovereign: Honoring Bodily Autonomy Opening Reception

Join us for the Opening Reception of Sovereign: Honoring Bodily Autonomy.

Saturday, March 22
The Creative Threshold: With Balam Bartolomé

Join Artist-in-Residence Balam Bartolomé for an engaging workshop that invites you into his creative process as he guides participants through a collaborative art-making experience.

Saturday, April 5
Jen & Juice: A Collaborative Playdate with Jen Clay

Participants will dive into the unique process of painting and spraying dyes directly onto fabric, achieving a stunning watercolor-like effect.

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.