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First Friday

First Friday Gallery Crawl is BACK!  

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. This festive and free event has even been named Best Artsy Place to Take a Date by Charlotte Magazine. 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 and open to the public; no RSVP or ticket is required.
  • Some galleries may serve light refreshments.
  • This event is family-friendly.
  • Exhibits change regularly, so be sure to keep this event on your calendar throughout the year.
  • For regular bi-monthly updates, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Check out this month's Gallery Crawl Map

What to expect this month:

First Friday is being held on November 5th. Participating galleries include Hodges Taylor, Elder Gallery, StudioWorks, Shed Brand Studios, Dilworth Artisan Station, and Gallery C3 at Alchemy. 

Hodges Taylor Art Consultancy, 5-7 pm

In Process, from artist Matthew Steele, will be on display at Hodges Taylor. Matthew Steele is a Charlotte-based multidisciplinary artist who previously held artist residencies at McColl Center for Art + Innovation and Goodyear Arts. The exhibit stems from processing the recent loss of his father resulting in an homage to omnipresence.

Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art, 5-7 pm

JOY is a collaborative showcase featuring Erin Comerford Miller, Carla Aaron-Lopez, Windy O’Connor, and Lo’Vonia Parks. Then, in her first exhibition with Elder Gallery, Makayla Binter presents Who Are Your People? An additional documentary viewing and artist talks will take place throughout November.

StudioWorks Gallery, 5-8 pm

StudioWorks is a historic property in nearby Dilworth that is home to 11 all-women, professional artists. Each artist lives locally, and their work showcases a wide range of styles and mediums. The November exhibit focuses on the theme of Gratitude and will donate a portion of all sales to Second Harvest Food Bank.

Shed Brand Studios, 5-8 pm

Shed Brand Studios has mastered the craft of premier stained-glass windows and the finest custom doors since 1969. This month, the studio will feature glass artwork by Shaylor Knight, handmade pottery by Ellie Knight, and beautifully crafted jewelry pieces by Grace Cooper. Be sure to sign-up for one of their upcoming holiday classes to learn how to make your own fused glass ornament.

Dilworth Artisan Station, 6-9 pm

Attendees will have a chance to tour 30+ individual artist studios in the restored building that is now Dilworth Artisan Station, with the chance to speak with artists in-person. Don't forget to check out Mike Wirth's amazing mural, "I Have Seen the Future and We're All In It," outside of the building!

Gallery C3, 7-10 pm

Gallery C3 is hosting their 6th Annual Intersection Exhibit, featuring 19 artists of C3. Tour through each artist’s gallery in the open studios, and walk through the collective exhibit at Gallery C3 to see how the artists interpret the theme Metamorphose. Guest vendors Purple Girl Designs, and ceramicists Sheridan Hathaway and Phil Sciabarrasi, will also be at there. Start or end the night at their on-site restaurant Alchemy or listen to the DJ spinning beats in the lounge.

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. 

Safety protocol:

Safety First! While indoors: Please wear a mask, social distance, and be aware that galleries may implement capacity restrictions.


Need a lift?

Call or text (704) 238-3111 for a ride from Free Cart Ride anywhere within South End. Rides are free, tips are encouraged.