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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May at Charlotte Studio Artists
Published 4 days ago • 3 min read
May, 2026
Congratulations to Tanya Murphy!
CSA Fans, we could not be happier to share some wonderful news with you about one of our own.
Tanya Murphy has been selected as a member of the 2026 ArtPop Artist Cohort!
Each year 20 local artists are selected from hundreds of applicants to have their work on billboards across the Charlotte region and even in Times Square in New York! If you've been to our studios then you're already a fan of Tanya's stunning photography, encaustics, and mixed media. Now even more art fans will get to enjoy her work. Congratulations, Tanya - we couldn't be more proud!
250 Years of Becoming: The American Journey - Past, Present & Future
May 21 - July 11
Join us for the Opening Reception - May 21 | 5:00 - 8:30 pm
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.
An Evening with Jay Ward
June 18 | 5:00 - 8:30 pm
Please join us as we welcome Jay Ward, Poet Laureate of Charlotte, to help us commemorate Juneteenth with a poetry reading and talkback with the audience.
Select artists participating in the 250 Years of Becoming exhibit will also be on-hand to discuss their works.
Program begins at 6:00 PM.
The Moona Lisa by David Sollars
Call to Artists - Reimagining the Masters
Call opens May 7
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.
Upcoming Events
2nd Saturday Maker's Meet-Up
Saturday, May 19 | 10:30am - 12:00pm
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.
Opening Reception for 250 Years of Becoming: The American Journey - Past, Present & Future
Thursday, May 21 | 5:00pm - 8:30pm
Join CSA and the participating artists to help us celebrate the opening of our latest exhibit!
For more information about these and all our events visit the CSA Events page.
We're Growing Again!
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:
Molly English Lauren Galloway Gibson
OPEN HOURS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
CSA is open every Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 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.
Media Alert FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2026 Charlotte Studio ArtistsContact: CharlotteStudioArtists@gmail.com 250 YEARS OF BECOMING: THE AMERICAN JOURNEY Charlotte Studio Artists’ latest exhibit opens May 21st The People's House - July 26th, 2015 by Donna Heil Charlotte Studio Artists (CSA) announces the opening of a new exhibit featuring work reflecting on the first 250 years of the United States: “250 Years of Becoming: The American Journey.” The theme is broad and welcomes a wide range...
