President's Message
Dear Members,
I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the arrival of spring—one of the most inspiring times of year, even with the occasional challenge of seasonal allergies. This season always brings renewed energy, and with it, an exciting lineup of opportunities for our Guild.
We are pleased to announce the upcoming exhibition at Christ Episcopal Church on Providence Road. This year’s show, themed “Beginnings,” will be thoughtfully juried and judged by Cynthia Howard, President of the Matthews Art Guild. The opening reception and awards announcement will take place on April 9, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, and the exhibition will remain on view through May 11. I look forward to seeing your work beautifully displayed.
We have also recently refreshed the Guild of Charlotte Artists Wall at Charlotte Studio Artists, now featuring new works by Chelsea Demerest and George Martin. The installation looks fantastic, and I encourage you to visit and support your fellow members. A reception for these artists will be held on April 18, 2026. The studio is open every Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Looking ahead, two important calls for entry will open on April 27, 2026:
The Mint Museum Uptown exhibition will run from June 17 through August 23 and will be both juried and judged.
The Cain Center for the Arts exhibition will run from June 23 through August 8 and will be juried, though not judged.
Additionally, please mark your calendars for our Pop-Up Artists Market on September 27, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. This event will be held rain or shine under the tent at the Mint Museum Randolph, and it promises to be another wonderful showcase of our members’ talents.
As my term as President concludes on August 31, 2026, the Board of Directors is currently reviewing nominees for the next President and Vice President. These candidates will be announced in our next newsletter. Voting will take place at our final gathering in May at the Mint Museum Randolph. I encourage you to attend so your voice can be heard.
Finally, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to our dedicated Board members and all of you who volunteer your time and talents. Your contributions are what make this Guild such a vibrant and supportive artistic community.
Thank you for all that you do.
Warm regards,
Mikel Frank
President, Guild of Charlotte Artists
Upcoming events.
Member Highlight
Cynthia Perrino
Cynthia’s work is an intimate expression of life’s transitions. Each canvas begins with an intuitive pull, unfolding in acrylic, oil, and mixed media. Her abstract surfaces hold the raw emotions of change, layered with words and impressions not always visible to the naked eye. What emerges is both depth and honesty — paintings that echo both emotion and form.
Born outside Pittsburgh and later rooted in San Diego, Cynthia has never followed a traditional path. Guided by curiosity rather than convention, she makes choices by what she feels, not by what she’s told she should or shouldn’t do. Instinctive, intuitive, questioning, and deeply felt — that way of living is the same energy that moves through her art.
Today, she moves between Charlotte, North Carolina, and the wide-open landscapes of Northern Arizona. Her art invites reflection and conversation — every mark tells a story, and every painting a reflection.
Cindy Grano
"As a self-taught oil painter from North Carolina, I am endlessly inspired by the magical solitude of nature. I invite viewers to experience the grandeur and emotional depth of the natural world—quiet moments of peace, mystery, and introspection. I paint intuitively, allowing each piece to evolve gradually on the canvas, guided by imagination and emotion rather than a fixed plan. This organic process creates authentic, dreamlike atmospheric landscapes filled with timeless wonder."
Cindy Grano is the recipient of the People's Choice Award from Union County Community Arts Council Dec. 2024, Honorable Mention recipient with Blue Koi Gallery & Light Space and Time Gallery in 2023 and the official 2018, 2017, and 2016 AMG HERITAGE Award Freelance Visual Art Recipient. Her work is being showcased in Presson Gallery, Monroe NC, and Eight Legs Gallery in Waxhaw, NC
Janice Harris
Janice Harris is a contemporary artist based in Hickory, North Carolina. Her work primarily utilizes acrylics and painted paper collages to create vibrant and captivating pieces. Drawing inspiration from the rich and diverse landscapes of Lake Hickory, Harris's art reflects the natural beauty and intricacies of the world around her. Each composition is composed of intricately hand-painted, textured, and patterned papers, meticulously layered to evoke a sense of depth and movement. Harris seeks to capture the essence of nature and life on Lake Hickory through her art, inviting viewers to experience its beauty and wonder through a unique and captivating lens.
Harris has exhibited extensively across the region, with solo shows at The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center, the Old Rock School Art Gallery in Valdese, and the Lincolnton Art and Cultural Center. Her work has also garnered recognition through numerous juried exhibitions.
In addition to her active studio practice, she is a full-time art educator in Lenoir. She brings her passion for the creative process into the classroom, encouraging students to explore art as both personal expression and visual communication.
Harris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Wright State University and a Master’s degree from the University of Dayton. Janice Harris’ artwork is held in private collections and continues to be exhibited in galleries and shows throughout the southeastern United States. Her dedication to both making and teaching art speaks to a lifelong commitment to creativity and community.
Support the Guild of Charlotte Artists!
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