the Contemporaries

McColl Center has launched a new art collecting community that will revolutionize the Charlotte arts scene. Join us in celebrating creativity and community as we commission unique artworks, host artist studio visits, workshops, and collector talks. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your art journey, everyone is welcome.

Let’s shape the future of contemporary art together. Join us and be part of something extraordinary.

Inaugural Commissioned Artists


MARCUS KISER (he/him)

A Charlotte native, Kiser is an artist and graphic designer. He draws inspiration from a wide range of sources from classical art to comic books and graffiti and is heavily influenced by current social and political issues. Kiser explores equity and healing through his art. Recently, he has worked with Jordan Brand, Adidas and Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Museum of Design. Read More.

KATRINA SÁNCHEZ (she/they)

Sánchez, a Panamanian American artist based in Charlotte, specializes in soft sculpture. Inspired by personal cultural heritage and mending experiences, Sánchez explores themes of connection, healing and security. She holds a BFA in Fibers from UNC Charlotte and has been commissioned by companies included Lowe’s, Credit Karma, Truist, and Ally Bank. Read More.

MATTHEW STEELE (he/him)

Steele is a sculptor and public artist living and working in Charlotte and holds a BFA in sculpture from Indiana University. Steele's works have been exhibited in the Lotus Project in Miami, Mint Museum in Charlotte, and The Sculpture Center in Cleveland among others. His works are featured in private and public collections globally. Read More.

TOM THOUNE (he/him)

Thoune, a self-taught artist, moved to Charlotte in 1982 from Southern California. His career has spanned painting, textiles, and public art installations. His current work grapples with post-stroke memory and ways to depict shifts in reality. Thoune's' works have been exhibited widely in Charlotte including the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, McColl Center, and the Mint Museum. Read More.

The Contemporaries | Art Reveal with Tom Thoune

Ernesto Moreno Photography - The Contemporaries - Tom Thoune - McColl Center - June 2024 -2

SOLD OUT - COLLECTOR MEMBERSHIP

In this premier membership level, Collectors receive unique art works by commissioned artists, have access to intimate experiences with artists and galleries, will build community and develop knowledge about art making, collecting, and more. Membership fee | $1800 or $180 monthly

In our first year, space is limited to 25 memberships.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

- 4 original or limited edition works

- Invitations for two to all events

- Priority registration to all events and workshops

- Benefit Art Auction tickets for two

SUPPORTER MEMBERSHIP 

In this membership level, Supporters join an inclusive community of arts enthusiasts and have access to selected experiences throughout the year. This is an ideal way to get a taste of the program. Membership spots are limited. Membership fee | $250

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

-Invitations for two to all experiences*, and 

-Early access to the Contemporaries membership the next year  

* Priority ticketing will be given to Collector level members   

2024

Wednesday, June 26
Art Reveal 1 with Tom Thoune

Join us for an intimate and magical evening in the McGill Rose Garden as we host McColl Center Resident Alumni Tom Thoune for our first commissioned artist reveal.

Saturday, August 10
Printmaking Workshop + Framing Demo

Join us in McColl Center's printmaking lab for a fun hands-on printmaking workshop followed by a framing demo.

Thursday, September 12
Art Reveal 2 with Matthew Steele

Join Matthew Steele, a McColl Center Resident alumni, as we partner with the art consulting firm, Hodges Taylor, for a lovely evening. Matthew will bring tools and talk about his process and inspirations.

Thursday, October 17
COLOR THEORY: NATALIE PAPIER + IVAN TOTH-DEPEÑA STUDIO TOUR

Join us as McColl Center Resident Alumni Ivan Toth-Depeña joins forces with Natalie Papier of Home Ec to talk color theory and more.

Tuesday, November 12
Art Reveal 3 with Katrina Sánchez

Commissioned artist Katrina Sánchez is interested in creating space for tenderness and optimism while pushing scale to create a sensory effect of playful confrontation and power in her work.

Tuesday, December 10
Clayworks Tour + Raku or Handbuilding Workshop

Get a behind-the-scenes tour of Charlotte’s largest clay studio and a haven for creativity.

2025

Thursday, January 16
Art Reveal 4: Marcus Kiser

Join McColl Center Resident Alumni Marcus Kiser for his commissioned art reveal and a fascinating tour at Camp North End.

Thursday, February 20
Hanging & Installing 101

Join us as collectors share insights into building and styling their collections and installation gurus from Atelier 4 present a hands-on experience.

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