August 2026

Summer may be winding down, but there's still plenty happening at Charlotte Studio Artists—and we'd love for you to be part of it. As this newsletter lands in your inbox, we are right in the middle of the NoDa Bizarre, happening today until 7:00 PM! It's one of our favorite community events—a chance to introduce new visitors to the work of our resident artists, connect with neighbors, and celebrate the creative spirit that makes NoDa such a special place.

This month marks the final workshops in our Summer Series, giving artists of all experience levels one more opportunity to learn something new, explore a different medium, and connect with fellow creatives.

Our current exhibition, Reimagining the Masters, continues to showcase the incredible ways our artists have interpreted and reimagined works that have inspired generations. If you haven't had a chance to see it yet, we hope you'll stop by before it closes.

Looking ahead, we're excited to announce our next open call, Black, White & Everything in Between, inviting artists to explore the power of contrast, value, and expression through a limited palette. We can't wait to see how our community responds to this creative challenge.

Whether you're visiting an exhibition, taking a workshop, meeting an artist, or simply stopping by the studios, thank you for being part of Charlotte Studio Artists. We look forward to seeing you this month.

This Month at CSA

Featured Artist Each month, we're shining a spotlight on one of the talented artists who calls CSA home. Through a few questions and stories, you'll get a glimpse into their creative process, current projects, and the experiences that shape their work. This month, we're getting to know Mikel Frank.

What are you currently working on in the studio?

Kinetic painting. Something new for me. Paintings that are done on 1” x 6”x 50” wooden boards that hang from motors that spin at 5 RPM. I want to explore this more.

Is there a medium, technique, or subject you are eager to explore?

Mixed media abstract art and moving paintings.

What is one thing collectors or fellow artists might be surprised to learn about you?

I’m red/green color deficient. I do not see hues of red and green or mixtures of colors with them as does everyone else.

How did you first become interested in making art?

My mother was a painter. She would take painting classes on Wednesday evening. She asked me to pose for her class. I did, and the thing I was most impressed with was how each painter in the class rendered me differently. It was that experience that inspired me to say: “I want to be an artist when I grow up.”

How has Charlotte, your community, or CSA played a role in your work?

They have all played a huge role. Inspiration, motivation, learning, showing up and being with others who have similar interests

Anything else you'd like to share with readers?

The CSA community has been a huge influence in my artistic life here in Charlotte. Not so much the art as the people and spirit. I feel that way about VAPA Center as well. Making art is amazing, yes, but getting to know the people who are doing it, is incredibly rewarding.

Just for Fun

☕ What is one place you'd love to paint? On stage

🐦 Early bird or night owl? Night time is my most creative time

🎨 Favorite art supply? Large brush

🎵 Music, podcast, or silence while you work? Music

CSA in the Community: Creating with the Johnston YMCA

One of the most rewarding parts of Charlotte Studio Artists is sharing the joy of creativity beyond our studio walls. Throughout the summer, our volunteers have partnered with the Johnston YMCA in NoDa, spending time with summer camp participants through hands-on art activities that encourage imagination, self-expression, and a sense of place.

This month, the campers explored a whimsical Charlotte skyline coloring project inspired by the question, "Do You See Yourself in Charlotte?" Each child brought the city to life in their own unique way, using color and creativity to make the artwork their own. Watching their excitement as they proudly held up their finished pieces was a wonderful reminder that art has the power to build confidence, spark conversation, and connect us to our community.

Thank you to our CSA volunteers who generously shared their time, creativity, and encouragement with these young artists. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Johnston YMCA and inspiring the next generation of creators.

Interested in volunteering with CSA? We'd love to have more artists join us for future community outreach programs. If you have time or talent to lend, please e-mail charlottestudioartists@gmail.com​

Have you SEEN the winner?

Congratulations to Shana Templin, winner of July's SEEN contest! Her winning photograph, Boys on the Bus, beautifully captured the month's theme of Humor with a candid moment recorded on 35mm film and hand-developed by the artist. Thank you to everyone who submitted work—we're continually inspired by the creativity and talent of our community.

Now on View: Reimagining the Masters

Experience bold reinterpretations of iconic artworks, from ancient cave paintings to Banksy.
This exhibition invites artists to boldly reinterpret iconic works - from caveman paintings to

Banksy’s graffiti - transforming the legacy of the masters into fresh, provocative visions that reflect today’s perspectives.

Don't miss this special exhibition, on view July 16 through September 12. We're open every Saturday and every 3rd Thursday during NoDa's Culture Crawl. We'd love to see you!

Mark Your Calendars

Abstract Mixed Media with Mikel Frank Saturday, August 8th, 2026 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Participants will create an original mixed media artwork while experimenting with materials and techniques that encourage creative expression. Bring scraps or fragments if you'd like to incorporate personal elements into your work. To register, please contact the artist directly through their Instagram account listed below. Space may be limited for some workshops. To register, message Mikel Frank on Instagram: @mikelfranksart​ $60 - Optional supplies: scraps and fragments

Special Screening: The Doll Lady Saturday, August 15th, 2026 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Join Charlotte Studio Artists for a special screening of filmmaker Andrew Gribbins’ “dollumentary” featuring Resident Artist Stephanie Gainer. Earlier this year, filmmaker Andrew Gribbins created a 12-minute documentary about Stephanie Gainer’s unique doll assemblage artwork as his senior project at UNC Charlotte. The project marks a full-circle moment for both artist and filmmaker. Stephanie first met Andrew when he was a freshman, when he created a 90-second documentary about her work. Watching his journey and growth as a filmmaker has been a rewarding experience. Andrew’s “dollumentary” was selected for screening at the Bedford International Film Festival in Virginia, an exciting recognition of his talent and dedication to storytelling through film. He has also been accepted into the film graduate program at Wake Forest University. Stephanie is deeply honored to have her artwork and creative process featured in the film and is incredibly proud of all Andrew has accomplished. Charlotte Studio Artists invites you to celebrate this special collaboration, enjoy the screening and meet both the artist and filmmaker.

We hope you’ll join us for an afternoon of art, film, conversation and light refreshments as we celebrate creativity, mentorship and the power of storytelling.

Coming This Fall: Workshop Preview

While we're wrapping up our Summer Workshop Series, we're already looking ahead to an exciting lineup this fall! From fiber art and mixed media to hand-lettering and seasonal assemblage, there's something for artists of all interests and experience levels. Mark your calendars for these upcoming workshops:

• September 12 – Needle Felting with Catherine Kanvik
• September 19 – Abstract Mixed Media with Mikel Frank
• September 26 – Hand-Lettering Basics with Jerry McQuay
• October 3 – Spooky Assemblage with Stephanie Gainer

We're putting the finishing touches on additional workshops and events, so stay tuned—there's even more creative programming to come this fall!

Monthly Meetups

New! Artist Trading Card Meetup

Wednesday, August 26, 2026
6:30 PM

CSA will be starting our Artists Trading Card group on Wednesday August 26th at 6:30pm. We will have group meet ups on the 4th Wednesday of each month. You will find more information soon on our Instagram and Facebook pages. We are excited for this new group and excited to see you there!

Guild of Charlotte Artists Featured at CSA Gallery

This month we welcome:

Steve Marciniak Salt Isle Glass There's something magical about the way light transforms stained glass, and that's exactly what draws Steve Marciniak to his work. Through Salt Isle Glass, Steve creates both abstract and functional stained glass pieces that celebrate color, geometry, and the ever-changing effects of light. What began as a creative exploration during 2020 quickly became a passion, leading him to build a studio where he creates custom commissions alongside the pieces that inspire him most.

Varsha Pradhan With a lifelong love of painting and a career shaped by both formal study and world travel, Varsha Pradhan creates vibrant works inspired by the colors, architecture, and beauty she encounters. Working primarily in oils, acrylics, and mixed media, her expressive paintings often feature bold palette knife textures and a rich sense of movement. A longtime Charlotte artist, Varsha has exhibited both nationally and internationally and continues to share her passion for color and creativity through every piece she creates.

Call to Artists - Black, White, and Everything in Between

There's still time to be part of our next juried exhibition! Black, White and Everything In Between invites artists to explore the space where contrast gives way to complexity—where certainty meets curiosity and stories unfold in unexpected ways. Whether your interpretation is literal, abstract, emotional, or conceptual, we encourage you to embrace the nuances that exist beyond the extremes and share your unique perspective.

The exhibition is open to all artists, regardless of experience level or membership status. If you've been looking for an opportunity to exhibit your work, we hope you'll consider submitting. Entries are open through August 20, and we can't wait to see the thoughtful, creative responses this theme inspires.

For more information about this and all of our upcoming calls, please see the Call to Artists page on our website.

Here We Grow Again!

Our creative community continues to grow! We're thrilled to welcome four talented artists to Charlotte Studio Artists, each bringing a distinctive voice, fresh perspective, and exciting body of work to our studios. From expressive painting and fiber art to immersive design and contemporary mixed media, these new members reflect the creativity and diversity that make CSA such a vibrant place to create and connect.

Take a moment to meet our newest artists below, and be sure to stop by the studios to introduce yourself and experience their work in person. We can't wait for you to get to know them!

Help Us Find Our New Home

Charlotte Studio Artists is moving forward, built on the strength of our collective, creative endeavor thus far. Our future will likely be in a new space, as we anticipate needing to relocate by the end of this year. We are searching for a new home with many of the features of our current location: easily accessible, community-oriented, and light-filled, with space to grow and good parking. We are grateful to the Johnston YMCA for supporting us with an affordable launching pad, and for their partnership. Now, we’re looking for place where our studio, gallery, retail, and teaching efforts can continue to flourish. We ask for and welcome your creative ideas, connections, and contributions to our search. If you have ideas for us, or are able to help us in any way, please e-mail us at charlottestudioartists@gmail.com.

Do you want to volunteer in a creative space?

CSA has a need for volunteers! Whether you like to be in the middle of the action or quieter spot, there is a place for you. We especially need volunteers who would like to be docents—or meet and greet at our front desk. We welcome visitors from our neighborhood, across the country, and around the globe. If you’re available for occasional Saturday 4-hour shifts, or third Thursday evenings, please e-mail charlottestudioartists@gmail.com. We have special projects at other times, too. Come enjoy the creative vibe while you contribute to CSA’s volunteer effort. We’d be grateful.

OPEN HOURS

CSA is open every Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Stop by, say hello, meet artists, and buy art! What could be more fun than engaging people who are interested in art?