November 2026

November is here, the leaves are changing, the temperatures are finally cooling down, and there's no better time to head indoors and surround yourself with a little creativity!

We have some exciting news to share this month! First, Charlotte Studio Artists has been named Charlotte's Best Art Gallery of the Year for the second year in a row! We're incredibly honored, and we couldn't have done it without the artists, visitors, collectors, and friends who make CSA such a special place. Thank you for continuing to show up for us!

We're here through the end of the month, so grab a friend, escape the cooler weather, and come spend some time with us this November. There's always something new to discover at CSA, and we'd love to see you!

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 ​Petra Pingel

Petra Pingel is a Charlotte-based artist and designer whose colorful, playful work celebrates pattern, texture, and creative exploration. Originally from Germany, Petra brings her background in graphic design and a love of bold colors and organic shapes to her hand-glazed tile art and mixed-media creations. She works from her home studio, affectionately called The tiny Tile Studio, where visitors are always welcome to stop by, explore her work, and get a glimpse of her creative process.
Follow Petra on Instagram @petra4design.

What is currently on your easel?​
I don’t have an easel, but I have a large work table in my studio. I am in the middle of framing a small abstract ink painting and I have prepped some tiles to be glazed with some abstract ideas. I am working on several things: I got into abstract mixed media collages, what I am really enjoying. I am also trying to get these abstract ideas on tiles, which is a new challenge for me, because glazing works a little different than painting. I also took a clay workshop last month and started working with clay to create my own tiles.

What is inspiring you right now?​
Colors, movement, music, nature

What is one thing collectors or fellow artists might be surprised to learn about you?
​I played bass guitar in a high school rock band.

How did you first become interested in making art?
​As a child I always loved making art. I was born in Germany and grew up in a small town nearby Cologne. In high school our art class made a field trip to the biggest modern art show put up after WWII in Cologne, called West Kunst. I saw all those great painters and artists and knew since then that I wanted to do something creative.

Is there a medium, technique, or subject you are eager to explore?​
I am right in the middle of exploring abstract collages and I am also working with clay to combine both.

What does a typical day in your creative life look like?
​First thing in the morning: coffee. I usually enjoy my cup of coffee in front of the house, enjoying the seasons and the sunshine and think about how my day will unfold. If I have the time in the morning I work on my art.

My time to work on my art is somewhat limited because I am a private music teacher for children and classes start in the afternoon, when kids get out of school. But nevertheless, my work in the music studio is creative too, I call it “creative education in music”. If I have some energy left, I will go back to my art in the evening.

How has Charlotte, your community, or CSA played a role in your work?​
Charlotte has a large, vibrant art community and I really enjoy being part of it. CSA is a wonderful place to be with so many different artists and styles. Very inspiring!

Is there a recent piece that feels especially meaningful to you? Why?​
Every piece I finish is very meaningful to me. Everytime I’m done I’m having a hard time putting it up for sale, so I keep it for a while at my art wall in my studio or home and use it for more inspiration.

What surprised you lately—either artistically or personally?​
I had a robotic assisted surgery this summer. I was amazed about what doctors can do with technology, what would have usually been a very long and invasive surgery.

Just for Fun

☕ Coffee, tea or something stronger? Coffee; after 8PM I’m up for anything stronger that you can surprise me with!

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

What is one place you'd love to paint? Any beach that’s not too hot and humid will do.

CSA In The Community

WE DID IT AGAIN! CSA NAMED CHARLOTTE’S BEST ART GALLERY! 🏆

We’re thrilled to announce that Charlotte Studio Artists has been named Charlotte’s Best Art Gallery for the SECOND YEAR IN A ROW!

A huge thank you to everyone who voted, visited our gallery, purchased artwork, shared our posts, and cheered us on. This recognition belongs to our entire creative community—and especially to the talented resident artists who make CSA such a special place.

Come see what makes CSA award-winning! Visit us on Saturdays from 10 AM–6 PM or join us every Third Thursday during NoDa’s Culture Crawl. Explore the art, meet the artists, and discover something new. We’d love to celebrate with you!

CELEBRATING THE ART OF REMARKABLE CARE!

What an incredible experience for our CSA artists! On October 21, we joined Novant Health, Charlotte Is Creative, and fellow Charlotte artists for the official dedication and unveiling of the murals at Novant Health Ballantyne Medical Center, part of the Art of Remarkable Care initiative.

This collaborative project brought together Charlotte Studio Artists, BLKMRKTCLT, UNC Charlotte, Namaste Artists CLT, and OBRA Collective, with a connecting ribbon painted by artist Dooga. Together, the murals celebrate the power of art to inspire, connect, and contribute to healing and well-being.

Our CSA artists poured their creativity and heart into this project, and seeing all the murals come together was truly something special. We're incredibly proud to have been part of this collaboration and grateful to Novant Health Foundation and Charlotte Is Creative for bringing so many talented artists together to make a lasting impact in our community.

What a wonderful reminder of what art can do beyond gallery walls!

CSA + Heist: Art In The Mix

What a fantastic turnout for our the opening night of our first exhibition with Heist Brewery! We loved seeing so many familiar faces and new friends come together to celebrate local art, creativity, and community.

Our partnership with Heist is about more than displaying artwork. It's about keeping art and artists an active part of NoDa's creative landscape. As CSA looks toward its next chapter, collaborations like this help us reach new audiences, support our local artists, and keep the neighborhood's artistic spirit thriving.

And the show isn't over! Original artwork by CSA artists will remain on display at Heist through November, and every piece is available for purchase.

So grab a friend, head over to Heist for a drink or a bite to eat, and take some time to explore the art. It's a great way to support two local favorites while helping keep NoDa's creative community strong.

Eat local. Drink local. Buy local art!

Now on View

A LITTLE MASKED MAGIC!

Our CSA artists got into the Halloween spirit this year, transforming simple papier-mâché masks into wonderfully creative works of art! From spooky to whimsical, each mask took on a personality of its own, adding a little extra fun to our Halloween celebration.

Missed the festivities? There's still time to see the masks! They'll be decorating our lobby walls for another week or two, so stop by during our Saturday Open Houses, take a look at these imaginative creations, and enjoy a little lingering Halloween magic!

Black White and Everything in Between

Just one more week to experience Black, White and Everything In Between! This exhibition explores the creative possibilities of working with a limited palette, proving that there's nothing limiting about black, white, and all the shades in between!

At our October Third Thursday event, visitors had the opportunity to hear directly from participating artists about their work, inspiration, and creative process. Pictured here is CSA artist Lauren Stern, sharing the story behind her pieces.

Don't miss your chance to see the exhibition before it closes November 7! Stop by CSA this Saturday to explore the artwork in person.

Mark Your Calendars

COMING SOON: New Featured Artists at Heist Brewery!

Our partnership with Heist Brewery continues! We're excited to announce that Amy Dokken, Larry Lippi, and Lauren Stern will be the next featured CSA artists, with their work on display throughout Heist during December and January.

Stop by to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat while exploring original artwork by these talented local artists. All artwork will be available for purchase, making it a great opportunity to support local art—and perhaps find something special to take home!

Stay tuned! We'll be announcing the opening reception soon, and we'd love for you to join us!

Monthly Meetups

Guild of Charlotte Artists Featured at CSA Gallery

This month we welcome:

LINDA MILLER Linda Miller is a Charlotte-based visual artist whose expressive work explores resilience, renewal, and the shared experiences that connect us. Working primarily in acrylic on canvas, wood, and ceramics, she draws inspiration from her own life experiences and a belief in art’s ability to foster empathy and meaningful conversation. After years spent raising a family, working in event planning, and serving in nonprofit leadership, Linda has embraced painting as a deeply personal creative calling, continuing to explore new ways to share her stories through art.

MARI MATAMOROS Mari Matamoros is a visual artist with a background in sculpture and a passion for the healing power of art. Combining her artistic training with experience in therapeutic art and life coaching, Mari believes creativity can be a powerful tool for self-expression, personal growth, and discovery. Through her original artwork, workshops, and sculpture classes, she encourages others to explore color, emotion, and imagination while finding joy and connection through the creative process.

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

Come see what’s happening at CSA! Visit us during open gallery hours Saturdays from 10 AM–6 PM.

Wander the studios, meet our artists, explore the latest exhibitions, and maybe find a piece of art you can’t leave without. There’s always something new to see!