McColl Center invites six emerging Charlotte-based artists to participate in a nine-month Exhibition Fellowship Program designed to support the development of their studio practice, professional growth, and connection to a broader artistic community.
Each Fellow receives a dedicated individual studio for the duration of the Fellowship, a $2,000 stipend, and access to McColl Center’s Print, Media, Ceramics, Wood, Metal, and Fiber studios. Fellows work directly with Studio Specialists who provide technical guidance, creative problem-solving, and hands-on collaboration to support the development and realization of new work.
Throughout the nine-month Exhibition Fellowship, artists participate in monthly studio visits, group critiques, and conversations with curators, artists, and other arts professionals. Fellows also receive complimentary access to all Beyond the Studio professional development workshops and become active members of McColl Center’s broader community of artists.
As part of the Exhibition Fellowship, New York–based artist Nancy Bowen will serve as the cohort’s mentor during a six-week residency at McColl Center. During this period, Fellows will engage with Nancy through scheduled studio visits, critiques, group conversations, and opportunities for informal exchange.
The Exhibition Fellowship is designed for artists ready to make a meaningful commitment to their studio practice and to the cohort experience. Fellows are expected to participate fully in critiques, studio visits, mentorship, and other Fellowship activities while contributing to a supportive environment of exchange, experimentation, and shared growth.
The Exhibition Fellowship culminates in a group exhibition curated by Carla Aaron-Lopez, opening June 12, 2027, and on view through July 24, 2027.
Important Dates
Applications Open: July 10, 2026
Application Deadline: August 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM
Notification: August 14, 2026
Orientation: September 26, 2026
Fellowship Exhibition Opening: June 12, 2027
Exhibition Closes: July 24, 2027
Generously supported by the Ingrid + John Amols Creative Community Development Fund.
Meet the Curator
Carla Aaron-Lopez
Carla Aaron-Lopez is a photographer, printmaker and collagist. Ever defying expectation, Aaron-Lopez has also expanded her practice to include murals and painting. She is a deeply committed collaborator whose own work is frequently created with fellow artists at various stages of career. Aaron-Lopez has pioneered platforms for underground artists and built spaces that encourage experimentation in both Atlanta and Charlotte.
Aaron-Lopez considers herself a "professional student of life" who believes we all have the ability to learn and create anything.
Gary Wong Artist-In-Residence and Mentor
Renowned artist Gary Wong joined us to collaborate with our 2025-2026 Exhibition Fellowship participants. During his visit, Gary shared his expertise, offered hands-on guidance, and inspired fellows as they developed new work for their exhibition.