Charlotte Studio Artists is a collective of 35 local artists who create, exhibit, teach, and sell art at the site. The group works in collaboration with the Johnston YMCA to use art as a powerful tool to engage with the community by fostering creativity and artistic inclusion.
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June at Charlotte Studio Artists
Published 4 months ago • 3 min read
June 2026
Juneteeth Celebration!
An Evening with Jay Ward, Poet Laureate of Charlotte
3rd Thursday, June 18 / 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Please join us as we welcome Jay Ward, Charlotte’s Poet Laureate, for an evening honoring Juneteenth. Following the reading, guests will have an opportunity to engage with Jay in a community discussion.
Select artists from the 250 Years of Becoming: The American Journey exhibition will also be on hand to share insights into their work and the stories behind their pieces.
Jay Ward, Poet Laureate of Charlotte
250 Years of Becoming: The American Journey - Past, Present & Future
Exhibition Dates: May 21 - July 11
Our latest exhibition commemorates the 250-year evolution of the United States, exploring what it means to become-both as a nation and as individuals within it.
Since its founding in 1776, the United States has experienced periods of expansion, conflict, innovation, and transformation. American society has continually reshaped itself, reflecting an ongoing process of growth and change.
"America: Past, Present, and Future" invites artists to explore this evolving story through their work. Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly and creatively.
Possible areas of exploration include:
The evolution of American identity
The influence of technology, immigration, and industry
The changing American landscape - both physical and societal
The roles of race, class, and gender in shaping the nation
Reflections on past and present struggles, triumphs, and ongoing challenges
Environmental and global influences shaping America's future
Through diverse artistic voices and perspectives, this exhibition aims to reflect the complexity of the American journey-past, present, and still unfolding.
The Moona Lisa by David Sollars
Call to Artists - Reimagining the Masters
Call opens: May 7
Submission deadline: June 25
Reimagining the Masters invites artists into a bold conversation with the past-drawing from iconic works, movements, and visionaries, then transforming them through a contemporary lens. This isn't imitation-it's interpretation. Revisit, remix, and reinvent what's come before into something personal, relevant, and alive.
From the drama of the Baroque to the emotion of Expressionism, artists are encouraged to take risks-reimagining masterpieces, borrowing elements, or channeling the spirit of a movement in fresh, unexpected ways. The result? A vibrant dialogue where tradition meets innovation-and the past sparks something entirely new
For more information about this and all of our upcoming calls, please see the Call to Artists page on our website.
Have you SEEN the winner?
700+ votes, 12 artists, one winning image!
The SEEN Photo Challenge at Charlotte Studio Artists is now in its fourth month, continuing to provide a fun and interactive experience for visitors. The challenge has been a tremendous success, and we invite you to stop by during our Saturday and Third Thursday open hours to participate in future voting.
Our recent Spring Things Challenge featured photographs from 12 participating artists and received an incredible 700+ votes from our community.
Congratulations to CSA Fine Artist Gail Baillargeon, whose delightful photograph, The Lady and the Duck, captured the hearts of voters and earned the top spot!
Gail Baillargeon
The Lady and the Duck
Thank you to Gail and all of our participating artists for sharing their creativity and helping make the SEEN Photo Challenge such a popular and engaging community activity.
Upcoming Events
2nd Saturday Maker’s Meet-Up
Saturday, June 13, 2026
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Bring your current art project and connect through art during this creative meet-up. Event is free, but a $5 donation is suggested to cover materials and resources provided.
Juneteenth Celebration!
An Evening with Jay Ward
Thursday, June 18
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Join CSA and participating artists of the 250 Years of Becoming exhibit to commemorate Juneteenth with Jay Ward.
Experience CSA at the NoDa Bizarre
Saturday, August 1, 2026
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Charlotte Studio Artists is proud to participate in this year's NoDa Bizarre, a vibrant celebration of art, creativity, and community held on the Johnston YMCA campus. While enjoying the artists, makers, musicians, and food vendors throughout the event, be sure to visit CSA. Our gallery and resident artist studios will be open to the public, providing a unique opportunity to view original artwork, meet artists, and explore our creative community.
For more information about these and all our events visit the CSA Events page.
Welcome to our newest Resident Artist Martha Manco
Guild of Charlotte Artists Featured at CSA Gallery
We're excited to share that the Guild of Charlotte Artists (GCA) will be exhibiting at Charlotte Studio Artists (CSA) Gallery throughout 2026!
From January through October, GCA artists will have dedicated wall space in the gallery, with a new featured artist each month. This rotating showcase offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the diverse styles, mediums, and voices within our vibrant Charlotte arts community.
Be sure to stop by, explore the work, and support these talented local artists.
This month, we welcome:
Susan Moore Heather Burnell
OPEN HOURS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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?
We're happy to train you for light duty roles at the reception desk, as a CSA docent, or a well-informed tour guide of the CSA studios, exhibit areas, workspace, and gallery. Drop us an email:charlottestudioartists@gmail.com expressing volunteer interest and we will get back to you.
Charlotte Studio Artists is a collective of 35 local artists who create, exhibit, teach, and sell art at the site. The group works in collaboration with the Johnston YMCA to use art as a powerful tool to engage with the community by fostering creativity and artistic inclusion.
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