First Friday Gallery Crawl

Discover art in South End.

South End is home to a vast array of art in all forms: fine art galleries offering everything from the realist to the experimental, colorful public murals, larger-than-life installations on the Rail Trail and dozens of studio spaces where artists and artisans dream and create.

Take in the local art scene on South End First Friday--an evening when galleries and shops offer extended hours, special receptions, live painting and music. Build in a visit to any of the neighborhood’s restaurants and breweries, and it’s a whole night out!

Here's what to know:

This event is FREE, open to the public, and family-friendly; no RSVP or ticket is required.
Some galleries may serve light refreshments or feature live painting.
Walk the Rail Trail and hear live music guiding you from gallery to gallery.
Exhibits change regularly, so be sure to keep this event on your calendar throughout the year.
Gallery Crawl was named the Best Artsy Place to Take a Date by Charlotte Magazine.
For regular bi-monthly updates, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

check out the november gallery crawl map

What to expect this month:

First Friday is being held on December 2. Participating galleries include Elder Gallery, Hodges Taylor Art Consultancy, StudioWorks, Shed Brand Studios, and Dilworth Artisan Station. Don't forget to check out the free walking art tour, South End Interactive, while you are in the neighborhood!

Elder Gallery, 5-8pm

Elder Gallery will debut their winter exhibition SOJOURNERS at the December First Friday Gallery Crawl. The exhibit highlights an extensive roster of regional and national artist partners, including Michi Meko, Jeong and Choon Yun, and more.

During South End’s Shop Small Saturdays (December 3 and 10), the gallery will also be open to feature a special exhibition of art priced at $1,500 and under from their inventory. Support local as you shop this holiday season.

^{Artist credit: Myunsang by Jeong and Choon Yun}

see elder gallery on instagram

Hodges Taylor Art Consultancy, 5-7pm

Hodges Taylor presents IN CONVERSATION: Leigh Suggs + Asa Jackson. As artists who work with paper and fiber, Leigh and Asa created works for this show that focus on the cycle of loss and birth. Their interlaced approach to material and composition depicts that all stories are connected; new ones are woven from the threads of old.

^{Artist Credit: Leigh Suggs and Asa Jackson}

see hodges taylor on instagram

StudioWorks, 5-8pm

StudioWorks is home to 12 all-women, professional artists. In December, the gallery will present a show titled Small Works. Come see new art by Tammy Langdon and Ashley Sellner. The Tiny Skies series, ornaments made from landscape oil paintings by Christine Dryden, would be perfect for your holiday tree or gifting.

^{Artist Credit: Descending Sets by Ashley Sellner}

see studioworks on Instagram

Shed Brand Studios, 5-8pm

Shed Brand Studios will have custom doors, crafted jewelry, handmade pottery, and stained glass on display. Register for an upcoming fused glass pendant class as you tour their space.

see shed brand studio on instagram

Dilworth Artisan Station, 6-9 pm

Tour 30+ artists’ studios on the 2nd and 3rd floors of Dilworth Artisan Station, a restored historic building located along the Rail Trail. Several artists will also offer special pricing and additional holiday gift options. Guests who are 21+ are also welcomed to check out the newly opened Canopy Cocktails & Garden located on the 1st floor courtyard.

^{Artist Credit: Golden Hour on the Pines by Mary Kramerer}

See Dilworth Artisan Station on Instagram

South End Interactive

Don't forget to check out South End Interactive, a self-guided art tour featuring 10 murals. Scan the QR codes next to the mural and hear directly from the artists and interact with the piece using AR technology.

Learn More About South End Interactive

Looking to discover bites & brews in the neighborhood?

South End is home to some of the best restaurants and breweries in Charlotte. Explore all that the neighborhood has to offer.