QC Exclusive-No.116-2025-Issue 8-The Art & Design Issue

The Quintessential Charlotte Luxury Magazine

Art & Design Issue Artful living, innovative design, and the creative spirit shaping Charlotte and the Carolinas.

Issue No. 116 | November 2025

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Now representing German Expressionist

Otto Neumann (1895-1975)

Neumann’s work is found in many important American and European collections, including Museum of Modern Art – New York, Art Institute – Chicago, Detroit Institute of Arts, High Museum of Art.

Rare Gold Figures, 1959

Rare Gold Figures, 1958 Black Abstract, 1966

Join Picture House Gallery in Celebrating 50 Years of Fine Art in Charlotte!

Craig Alan, Motivo, oil on canvas, 48” x 60” @PictureHouseGallery @picture_house_gallery @PictureHouseGal www.picturehousegallery.com | 704-333-8235 | 1520 E 4th St, Charlotte, NC

DEPARTMENTS

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Culture ARTS • STYLE • WELLNESS

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The Art of Resilience Thomas Thoune’s creative comeback.

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Proposal For A Story An exhibit showcasing the works of Andrew Leventis and Holly Keogh.

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More Than Pretty Pictures Camp North End’s artist enclave.

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Raising The Bar The Blumenthal Fellows Program provides the resources and stage to dream and deliver big.

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A Golden Opportunity Rock Hill boutique Gypsy & Gem.

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A Living Canvas The city’s evolving mural scene from iconic favorites to powerful new public art.

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Food & Drink RESTAURANTS • DISHES • LIBATIONS

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Pasta with Purpose A new neighborhood hang from Irreverently Refined Hospitality.

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Small Wonder Seaboy: Where a chef’s vision finds its harbor.

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Rada’s Dover Sole A delicious dish from a new darling.

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La Capital MX’s La Perfecta A wonderful cocktail from one of our favorites.

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JL ayton Int erio rs

Nationwide Design Services | Jlaytoninteriors.com @jlaytoninteriors layton@jlaytoninteriors.com | 1720 E 7th St. Charlotte NC 28204

DEPARTMENTS

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Home & Design PROFILES • SPACES • FEATURED HOME

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Two Minds, One Vision Meet Charlotte designers Jacy Painter Kelly and Kerri Robusto.

62

Memorable Minimalism Clean lines and a striking fireplace anchor this Arcadia Homes project.

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Earthy Elegance at the Lake A living room that effortlessly balances comfort, style and unobstructed water views.

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Precision In Execution Gerrard Builders' gorgeous space sets the tone for a home defined by unique elegance and attention to detail.

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Global Vision A contemporary Longview retreat from J Layton Interiors.

Travel

ACCOMMODATIONS • TOWNS • ADVENTURES

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A Weekend At Chetola Resort A North Carolina resort with 175 years of history.

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A City Canvas Take a visit to Winston-Salem, a North Carolina cultural powerhouse.

The Exclusives THIS ISSUE'S FEATURES

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Made In Charlotte These are some of the remarkable painters, sculptors, and image-makers giving the Queen City its color.

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The Art Of Interiors Our guide to some of the very best interior designers in Charlotte.

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WE DRIVE CHARLOTTE 2 3 OV ER

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NOTE

No. 116 PUBLISHER'S NOTE

October 11, 2025 – February 22, 2026 Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts

Renaissance, Romanticism, and Rebellion: European Art from the Smith-Naifeh Collection is generously presented by the Mint Museum Auxiliary with supporting sponsorship by The Hartford and First Horizon Bank. Individual support is kindly provided by Laura and Mike Grace. The Mint Museum is supported, in part, by the City of Charlotte and the North Carolina Arts Council. IMAGE: Emile Schuffenecker (French, 1851–1934). Falaise a Etretat (cliff at Etretat), 1912,oil on canvas. The Smith-Naifeh Collection.

704.337.2000 | mintmuseum.org | @themintmuseum

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If there’s one thing we never get tired of celebrating, it’s the creative force that shapes our regio, and this issue is all about just that. Welcome to our annual Arts & Design issue, where we shine a light on the makers, visionaries, and spaces that keep the Carolinas vibrant, expressive, and full of soul.

In our Arts & Culture section, we feature the joyful, immersive work of artist Tom Thoune, take a look inside the latest exhibit at SOCO Gallery, and explore the cultural impact of collectives like BLK MRKT CLT. We also highlight Gypsy & Gem, a Charlotte-based jewelry maker turning everyday adornment into wearable art, and spotlight the Blumenthal Art Fellow Program along with the 2025 Artists to Watch, a dynamic group shaping the creative future of the region.

The Food & Drink section takes us on a flavorful journey through some of Charlotte’s most exciting concepts, including Seaboy, Spaghett, Rada, and Hello Uncle.

We also sip a standout cocktail from 3rd & Fernwood and take a sip out of bold Mexican flavors at La Capital, where everything from tacos to tequila gets a refined twist.

In Home & Design, we explore thoughtful projects from firms like 431 Designs, Arcadia, Artistic Contractors, Gerrard Builders, and JLayton Interiors—each one bringing a distinct perspective to modern Carolina living.

For Travel, we visit Chetola Resort, an iconic mountain escape with deep artistic roots, and explore the cultural pulse of Winston-Salem, a city where art, music, and history converge. Plus, we take you through the vibrant energy of the murals of our city where public spaces transform into living, breathing galleries.

This issue is a love letter to creativity in all its forms—painted, plated, built, and experienced. We hope it inspires you to seek out the stories, spaces, and artists that keep the Carolinas shining. Until next time… PEACE! Sincerely, Jon-Paul Grice, Art Director Brett Barter, Publisher

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C U LT U R E A R T I S T S • G A L L E R I ES • S T Y L E • W E L L N ES S

“I wake up early and charged at 63, thinking about the creation of something.”

The Art of Resilience Thomas Thoune’s creative comeback. words ELEANOR MERRELL photos courtesy JAMEY PRICE or courtesy OF TOM THOUNE

Sometimes, life goes a little sideways. In 2014, Thomas Thoune experienced this firsthand when he suffered a cerebellar stroke. He was only in his early fifties. Although he survived, vertigo, nausea, instability, and tremors became part of his daily life. Even worse, the stroke compromised use of the left side of his body. As an artist — and particularly as a left-handed artist — it was a devastating turn of events.

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However, Thoune refused to wallow. Instead, he redoubled his dedication to his craft. Every day, he used a timer to gradually increase the number of minutes — then hours — that he was able to spend creating, working his way slowly up to a four-hour day. In addition to rebuilding his stamina and attention span, Thoune also had to redevelop the fine motor skills in his dominant hand. With patience and painstaking diligence, he retrained his muscles, leaning on his right hand for help when his left hand wasn’t up to the task. He also embraced new media such as collage as he healed, matching his artistic expression to the art forms best suited to his healing process. “Since my stroke, I am lucky to say that, although I am not fast, I have reclaimed my talents and abilities,” says Thoune.

For someone with such prodigious talents, the reclamation of a thriving art practice served not only Thoune but also Charlotte residents, who Thoune has challenged, empowered, taught, and uplifted through his work since moving to the Queen City in his early twenties. Although a self-taught artist himself, Thoune taught painting courses at Central Piedmont Community College before pouring 15 years into the textile industry. He then focused his attention on public art installations, producing pieces for a Charlotte Mecklenburg police station, a light rail station, the McGill Rose Garden, and more shared spaces. Over the years, these installations have complemented exhibits at the McColl Center, Mint Museum, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, and Studio K.

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These days, Thoune works with ceramics, mosaics, 2D and 3D mixed media, and paintings. He continues to nurture relationships with organizations like the Charlotte Arts and Science Council and the North Carolina Arts Council, both of which have awarded Thoune grants. In fact, Thoune is currently working on a heritage project funded by the Charlotte Arts and Science Council for which he will travel to southwest France to trace his family’s roots.

While many of his peers are beginning to retire, Thoune only feels the steady drumbeat of continuous creation. He continues to find new outlets for his work. For example, he recently wrapped up a mosaic commissioned by the city of Mount Holly, and he’s currently outfitting a studio where he will begin offering private art lessons. “I wake up early and charged at 63,” says Thoune, “thinking about the creation of something.”

Thomas Thoune’s story is one of perseverance, transformation, and a relentless drive to create. What could have ended a brilliant career instead became the catalyst for a powerful evolution. With each piece he produces, Thoune reminds us that art — and life — isn’t about avoiding adversity but transforming it into something enduring and beautiful. info tomthoune.com @tom_thoune

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Proposal for a Story An exhibit showcasing the works of Andrew Leventis and Holly Keogh. words SUNNY HUBLER / photo courtesy SOCO GALLERY

This fall, SOCO Gallery will open Proposal for a Story featuring artists Holly Keogh and Andrew Leventis. The opening for Proposal for a Story will take place at the gallery on Wednesday, November 12 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., and will be accompanied by an artist talk at 6 p.m. The exhibition runs through Wednesday, December 31.

Holly Keogh graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. After graduation, she became an original member of the Goodyear Artist Collective where she had the inaugural artist residency. She is currently represented by SOCO Gallery and has exhibited with various galleries in the Southeast.

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Andrew Leventis is a Charlotte native and an Assistant Professor of Painting at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He makes meticulously detailed oil paintings of contemporary vanitas, a motif popularized in early still life.

He draws inspiration not only from the fleeting nature of life and passage of time captured by Dutch vanitas painters like Ambrosius Bosschaert and Clara Peeters, but contemporary artists as well like Cindy Write. info socogallery.com @socogallery

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More Than Pretty Pictures Camp North End’s artist enclave. words ELEANOR MERRELL / photos JAMEY PRICE

In 2004, two kindred creators crossed paths when they moved into the same college dorm building. For Dammit Wesley and Sir Will, this was a flash of serendipity that would shape their lives for the next two decades, ultimately leading to the creation of BlkMrktClt—a gallery, studio, and event space that offers resources, community, and visibility to Charlotte photographers and artists of color.

As neighbors and fellow students, Dammit Wesley and Sir Will became fast friends. Both shared an artistic bent and entrepreneurial drive that prompted a cascade of ventures after graduation, from event production to YouTube curation.

“While sharing an apartment in Rock Hill, we realized that we had inadvertently built an artist community in a two-bedroom,” recalls Dammit Wesley. “Our living room was a revolv-

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ing door of artists, creatives, photographers, models, DJs, and everyone in between.”

This realization grew legs as a more formal initiative in 2017, when Dammit Wesley toured the 76-acre site that was in the process of transitioning into the cultural playground now known as Camp North End. Touring the property was less of a decision and more of a whim, much like Dammit Wesley’s impromptu proposal, pitched during the tour, to curate an exhibit in the Ford Building (if that name sounds familiar, you may have visited this space to experience Blumenthal's immersive Van Gogh exhibit). The property owners countered with an offer to more permanently occupy a garage-style studio space. Sir Will and Dammit Wesley accepted, becoming one of the first tenants at Camp North End and effectively launching BlkMrktClt.

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BlkMrktClt’s mission boils down to one overarching goal: “returning power to the people, all people,” says Dammit Wesley. “Art is more than pretty pictures. Art is creative problem-solving, research, and communication.” As a result, it’s an invaluable conduit for not only power, but also shaping a more promising future. And, as Wesley points out, you can’t build a better future without a little bit of imagination.

BlkMrktClt makes a point of supporting artists working in a wide spectrum of media. “Art is like a kitchen,” explains Will. “You need all different types of ingredients, seasonings, flatware, plates, and ambience to make a good meal.” And once that meal is made, BlkMrktClt is ready to bring hungry guests to the table. In addition to their gallery space, they also connect viewers, collectors, and artists through events and collaborations. As an example, one of their longestrunning events is the Hunnid Dollar Art Fair.

Held annually in December, this event brings 5080 artists to Camp North End for a no-commission show that not only puts more money directly in the participating artists’ pockets, but also connects community members with local work.

It is one of many initiatives that exemplify how BlkMrktClt is making Charlotte a more creative and community-driven place. “If I’m going to live here, I’m going to do my part to improve the community around me,” says Dammit Wesley. And with BlkMrktClt, he and Sir Will are doing just that. info blkmrktclt.com / @blkmrktclt

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Raising the Bar

The Blumenthal Fellows Program provides the resources and stage to dream and deliver big. words SUNNY HUBLER / photos courtesy BLUMENTHAL ARTS

In every thriving arts city, there are programs that quietly yet powerfully support that city’s creative future. For Charlotte, one such catalyst is the Blumenthal Fellows Program— a competitive initiative that fuels mid-career artists with funding, mentorship, and platforms to share their work with the world.

Each year’s class is announced during the Charlotte International Arts Festival (CIAF), and the 2025 Fellows class members reflect the Queen City’s bold, boundary-pushing art.

For the 2025 cohort, nine artists will each receive up to $15,000 in grant funding, thanks to support from Barringer Construction and other sponsors. These artists are: Rupam Varna, Jay Huleatt, Eva Crawford, Emily Sage Avery, Nony Tresierra, Kortney Paloalto, Viashali Awale, Friday Jones and Dweh Brown.

Launched in 2021, the Blumenthal Fellows Program was designed to propel local artists toward ambitious “stretch goals”— projects they might never have realized without the right resources. Over the past four years, Blumenthal Arts has invested more than $515,000 into 50 Fellows’ projects, creating opportunities for painters, sculptors, performers, and multimedia artists to bring transformative work to life.

The program is as much about community as it is about funding—fellows meet monthly with past participants and industry experts to share ideas, workshop concepts, and receive mentorship that can shape both the project at hand and the trajectory of their careers.

What makes the Fellows program especially impactful is its blend of artistic freedom and public engagement. Projects are intentionally interactive, designed to invite audiences in rather

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than keep them at a distance. They are staged alongside national and international talent, eliminating the boundaries between “local” and “global” art in the eyes of festivalgoers. Many Fellows’ works have found new life beyond the festival—touring nationally, being commissioned for permanent installation, or sparking new collaborations.

Blumenthal Arts’ commitment extends beyond the fellowship.

Initiatives like the Blume Studios immersive experiences, Artist in Residency programs, and the wide array of opportunities connected to the Charlotte International Arts Festival all funnel resources and visibility toward the local creative community. In 2024 alone, Blumenthal paid $505,000 to local artists participating in CIAF, underscoring the organization’s dedication to keeping Charlotte’s arts scene not just alive, but thriving.

For the Fellows themselves, the experience is often career-defining. The combination of grant funding, mentorship, and a prestigious platform provides a rare trifecta that allows artists to take risks and push the limits of their craft.

As Charlotte grows, programs like the Blumenthal Fellows serve as a reminder that the city’s cultural strength lies not only in the talent it attracts, but also in the talent it cultivates. By investing in its own, Blumenthal Arts ensures that local artists are not only seen and celebrated here at home, but are also positioned to take their place on the global stage. For the 2025 Fellows, that stage is now set—and the Queen City is ready to watch them shine. info blumenthalarts.org / @blumenthalarts

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A Golden Opportunity Gypsy & Gem founder Aimee Gisondi turns a creative calling into a Rock Hill boutique.

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words SUNNY HUBLER photos JAMEY PRICE

This summer, Gypsy & Gem, the jewelry brand founded

by Aimee Gisondi, settled in a permanent home in Rock Hill’s historic downtown. A Lexington, SC native and College of Charleston graduate, Gisondi honed her craft through metalsmithing classes in New York City and years of self-teaching—hours of trial, and handmade designs alongside permanent jewelry services, seven days a week. With its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, the shop encourages visitors to browse freely, try on pieces, and connect with the artistry behind each design. More than just a retail space, Gypsy & Gem aims to inspire—a warm, stylish, intentional destination for gifts, keepsakes, and everyday adornment.

Here, Aimee tells us more about her choice to open a brick-andmortar, leave her corporate job and embrace a new beginning.

What inspired you to start your own business?

There were a couple of major life events. The first was meeting Nathalia Perozo. She was a huge inspiration at a time when I was craving something creative for myself outside of motherhood and corporate life. One day she said to me, “You live in the greatest city in the world where you can literally do anything… what do you want to do?” Without even thinking, I blurted out, “I want to make jewelry!”

The second major shift came after the COVID pandemic. As the world slowly reopened, I started seeing local vendors and markets popping up on Instagram. I noticed people making jewelry and selling it at these events, and I thought, Wait—I can do that too! I’d already been making pieces for friends, family, and the occasional Etsy order, so I applied to the Fort Mill Farmers & Artisans Market.

Describe your personal and artistic style.

I’ve always loved having fun with fashion—my first job ever was actually in the fashion industry in NYC! I love mixing things up and playing with different looks. As much as I love a good pop of color, I’m also a big fan of neutrals. I tend to gravitate toward

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classic staples as the base of an outfit and then layer in pieces depending on my mood or the moment. My style is truly about balance: playful yet timeless, bold yet wearable.

What different materials do you use in your jewelry and how do you choose them?

I work with high-quality gold-filled, rose gold-filled, and sterling silver metals that I source from trusted jeweler-specific suppliers here in the U.S. I’ve been working with two of those companies for almost a decade now. I try to source as many materials as I can from U.S.-based companies, though with certain gemstones that can be challenging. Sometimes I’ll fall in love with a stone’s shape or color long before I have a design in mind, and the piece just grows from there. That’s what makes it feel organic and intuitive.

What would you say is your most popular or signature piece?

I have a few best-sellers that my customers keep coming back for. One of the most classic pieces in the Gypsy & Gem collection is a petite sunburst charm with a Herkimer diamond at the center, available on either a cable or paperclip chain. It’s simple, beautiful, and super wearable. Another fan favorite is the Groupie Ring—a wide, hammered band that feels bold but timeless. And lately, thanks to the buzz around White Lotus Season 3, my hand-cut and hand-stamped Stay Gold necklace has been stealing the show. It’s quickly becoming the new front-runner!

Tell us about the choice to open a brick and mortar space.

Opening a brick-and-mortar space wasn’t something I had originally planned—but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I left my corporate job as an executive assistant in May 2025, after 8-plus years. It was a huge leap, but I knew I had hit a point where I couldn’t grow Gypsy & Gem the way I wanted to while still working full-time. I got a text from Sarah, the owner of The Hickory Post.

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FOOD & DRINK

She told me a shop space had just opened up in the store and asked if I’d be interested. Talk about divine timing! It was as if all the stars aligned. I had just made this massive life change, and here was the universe dropping this opportunity in my lap.

I couldn’t say no. I wanted to be in an environment that felt collaborative, inspiring, and aligned with my values—and that’s exactly what The Hickory Post offers. It already felt like home before it ever officially became mine.

Do you take commissions?

I do! That said, it really depends on the scope of the project. I only take on custom pieces that I feel confident I can execute beautifully and in line with my aesthetic. I love when someone brings an idea to me, and we get to figure out together how my style and their vision can align. When it works—it feels like magic. And it always makes the final piece that much more special. info gypsyandgem.com @gypsyandgem

An Artful Escape

to Highlands, NC This holiday season, discover The Bascom in Highlands, NC, a mountain destination where art and landscape meet. Explore our Holiday Market of artist-made gifts and join seasonal workshops, including the beloved Gingerbread Workshop, for a festive experience as inspiring as the mountains themselves.

Funding is due in part to a Tourism Grant with Visit Highlands, NC.

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A Living Canvas 2025’s neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to the city’s evolving mural scene, from iconic favorites to powerful new public art. words SUNNY HUBLER / photos JAMEY PRICE

Charlotte continues to flourish as a vibrant canvas of public art—its walls, bridges, and sidewalks transformed into ever-changing galleries that reflect the city’s creative spirit. Museums and galleries may anchor the scene, but it’s in the streets where Charlotte’s artistry comes alive, with murals that celebrate history, spark conversation, and invite exploration. From long-beloved landmarks to poignant new works, the city’s neighborhoods offer a mural crawl you can embark upon anytime and in any way you like. Below are a few of our favorites.

NoDa — Charlotte’s historic North Davidson Arts District has long been the heart of the city’s street art movement. The “Confetti Stripes Wall” by Evelyn Henson welcomes visitors at the corner of East 36th and North Davidson. Just down the street, Nicolás Amortegui’s “Salud Mural” bursts with vibrancy, while Solstice Tavern’s exterior features bold compositions by Nick Napoletano and Georgie Nakima. The neighborhood’s eclectic energy is captured in pieces like Jonay Di Ragno’s mathematical “Fibonacci Wall,” Will Puckett’s moving “Als Ich Chan: A Tribute to NoDa,” and his sprawling “Matheson Bridge Mural,” stretching 14,000 square feet beneath the overpass. Even the small details—like the artistic trash receptacles designed by Brenda Pokorny—add to NoDa’s personality, proving this is Charlotte’s arts neighborhood for good reason.

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Plaza Midwood — Just a few minutes south, Plaza Midwood offers its own funky mix of imagery and attitude. Two Scoops Creamery greets visitors with “Do the Things That Light You Up” by Traveling Gypsy and Duarte Designs, a feel-good mantra in pastel hues. Seventh Sin Tattoo’s walls are a playground of pop culture, with Southern Tiger Collective’s “Kool-Aid Man” and “Thanos” joined by JEKS and Jack of the Dust’s gleaming “Golden Skull.”

Across the street, the White Rabbit’s “Our Lives, Our Culture, Our Time” by Gil Croy stands as an enduring Pride landmark, while nearby, Alex Delarge’s Bob Marley and Georgie Nakima’s “Womanhood” bring soulful energy to Central Avenue. Plaza Midwood’s walls are always shifting—new projects, like a forthcoming street mural funded through a recent placemaking grant, promise to keep the neighborhood’s visual story evolving.

Uptown — In Uptown, murals blend seamlessly with the buzz of the city’s center. Starting near East 11th Street, Nico Napoletano’s “Women’s Empowerment” sets the tone for a stretch of North Tryon Street where Sebastian Coolidge’s floral abstractions and Dammit Wesley’s powerful “Strange Fruit” stand as Talking Walls Festival highlights. The Carolina Theatre, recently reopened after a $90 million restoration, displays “Behind the Red Curtain” by Matt Hooker and Matt Moore, a theatrical nod to the venue’s storied past. The duo’s

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C U LT U R E “Queen Charlotte Bomb” at The Local adds a cheeky burst of royal flair, while McMonster’s whimsical “Balloon and Canoe” hides in a nearby alley, rewarding those who wander.

South End — South End’s murals reflect both whimsy and weight. Evelyn Henson’s Instagram-famous “Confetti Hearts Wall” invites passersby to snap and share, while Sharon Dowell’s “Karla the Mexican Mermaid” and the community-painted “Magic Carpets” bring texture and story to the industrial streetscape. The 70-foot “Abstract” piece honoring the late Carllenna Person remains a local landmark.

Recently, the neighborhood became home to one of Charlotte’s most moving public works: a mural outside Compare Foods on Arrowood Road honoring Jocelynn Rojo Carranza and Gabriela Ortega, two Latina girls who died by suicide after being bullied over immigration status. Created by Rosalia Torres-Weiner alongside Eva Crawford and Matt Moore, the piece is both a tribute and a rallying call for kindness, connection, and awareness.

Beyond these core neighborhoods, Charlotte’s public art continues to expand in unexpected directions. On Beatties Ford Road, an 80-foot sidewalk mural by Jamil Dyair Steele uses bright colors and flowing imagery to teach residents how street pollution reaches waterways—an inspired fusion of art

and environmental education. In the Historic West End, a new mural celebrates eight legendary Black musicians with North Carolina roots, preserving cultural memory even as the area transforms. And through its Art in Transit program, Charlotte Area Transit System integrates sculpture, mosaics, and design into stations and stops, turning everyday commutes into moments of aesthetic delight.

Charlotte’s mural scene is, at its core, a living, breathing narrative—one painted across brick, concrete, and asphalt. It is history and future, grief and joy, protest and celebration, all coexisting in the open air. Whether you’re seeking the familiar comfort of an old favorite or the thrill of discovering something new, the city’s walls are ready to guide you, one brushstroke at a time.

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THERE’S A PIECE OF COPAIN FOR EVERY CELEBRATION

FOOD & DRINK R ES TA U R A N T S • D I S H ES • L I B AT I O N S

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Pasta with Purpose

A new neighborhood hang from Irreverently Refined Hospitality.

words SUNNY HUBLER / photos JONATHAN ELYEA WITH UNIFY VISUAL and KARMATAUN PRODUCTIONS

Charlotte’s historic Fourth Ward welcomed a fresh flavor in July when Spaghett— a craft pasta and cocktail house—opened its doors in the lovingly restored 19th-century Young-Morrison House. This new neighborhood restaurant emerges from the collective efforts of Irreverently Refined Hospitality, spearheaded by James Beard Award–nominated chef Sam Hart, alongside Executive Chef Kendall Moore and Beverage Director Amanda Britton.

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Chef Sam Hart & Irreverently Refined Hospitality — Sam Hart—founder of Irreverently Refined Hospitality and chefowner of the immersive tasting-menu restaurant Counter-—has established a locally rooted collective approach that values community, storytelling, and fair employee ownership. Launched in 2023, the hospitality group operates under shared ownership, ensuring every key decision reflects a unified vision shaped by those who help run it. Spaghett marks the third concept from Hart’s team, alongside Maneki and Counter-.

A Carolinian Interpretation of Italian Cuisine — Executive Chef Kendall Moore—a Charlotte native—builds Spaghett’s menu around the region’s ever-shifting micro-seasons.

Expect ingredient-forward dishes that reinterpret Italian classics via local produce: Bucatini with summer squash, basil, and pangrattato; Potato Scarpinocc featuring corn passata, sorghum glaze, yarrow, and Lindale cheese; NC Fish Crudo with melons, tomato, green coriander oil; and breaded Mangalitsa pork with salsa verde and Carolina Gold rice—touted as shining examples of Carolinian sourcing through an Italian lens.

“Returning to my hometown and being able to bring a new dining experience to the community is a career milestone,” said Executive Chef Kendall Moore. “I’ve always been passionate about supporting our local farmers, to the point of considering a potential career in farming, and now through Spaghett, we’re able to help Charlotteans fall in love with the produce and ingredients that we have in our backyard.”

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FOOD & DRINK Cocktails with a Sense of Place — Amanda Britton leads the cocktail program with playfully named, reimagined classics. The namesake Spaghett cocktail—made with Miller High Life, Aperol, and citrus—echoes the drink Britton first served to Hart and anchors the beverage menu. The bar offers inventive creations like the Big Dom (Southern Star Bourbon, Strega, thyme, grapefruit, lemon) and Annette Funicello (400 Conejos mezcal, Cappelletti Passion Fruit, fennel), and highlights Carolina-based spirits—an approach consistent with the restaurant’s regional commitment.

An Inviting, Preserved Space with Attitude — Set in the historic Young-Morrison House, the venue preserves its original character while exuding warm charm through vibrant green paint, floral wallpaper, local artwork, and cozy, intimate dining rooms—three in total, seating 44 guests, plus a six-seat bar and an expected outdoor patio. Additional story sources note the house’s Queen Anne-style architecture and the careful renovation needed to respect its historic code—adding layers of authenticity.

Spaghett is open for dinner service Thursday through Monday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. info restaurantspaghett.com / @restaurantspaghett

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Small Wonder

Seaboy: Where a chef’s vision finds its harbor. words SUNNY HUB LER / photos JP GRICE and JAMEY PRICE

When Chef Jonathan Cox talks about Seaboy, it’s not just a restaurant he’s describing — it’s a place built from personal history, friendships, and a lifetime spent imagining the perfect dining room.

Now, that dining room lives in a little white cottage on North Main Street in Cornelius, where ferns sway on the patio and the inside holds just 10 tables, a chef’s counter, and a bar.

Cox didn’t plan to land here. “I was actually trying to open a restaurant in Charlotte for quite some time,” he said. Land-

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lords weren’t taking chances on a first-time owner. Then, a friend from culinary school called — that friend’s mother had just bought a building in Cornelius. Cox drove out three times in a single day. “It just felt right,” he says. Seaboy opened in March.

Inside, Seaboy feels personal because it is. Friends chose the small table accents. A good friend makes the hand soap.

The daisy-printed bathroom wallpaper nods to Cox’s beloved dog, Daisy. His mother helped hang the artwork.

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While any seat is a great one, those who snag the chef’s counter are treated to more than dinner — it’s theater. On a Tuesday night, the room was at capacity, with Cox and two other chefs moving with the quiet choreography of professionals who know exactly where the other will be before they arrive. Plates are polished, garnishes placed with precision, and the service is in harmony with the kitchen’s rhythm.

The modest scale is deliberate. “I always longed for a little smaller space where I could ‘have people over’ and take care of them,” Cox says. “I can’t see myself expanding to much bigger restaurants after doing this.”

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The menu changes often — daily, even. Expect North Carolina produce from Harmony Ridge Farms and Boy & Girl Farms with the most seasonal seafood Cox can source. Some menu items are staples, like oysters and cocktail shrimp or crab and shrimp croquettes. Others, like an ahi tuna over warm potato salad with pickled celery or a Southeast Asianinspired scallop toast are more unexpected. The bar follows suit, with playful drinks like a pineapple chamoy margarita and plenty of classic cocktails as well.

What doesn’t change is Cox’s approach: “I didn’t want to cook food that was hard to understand,” he explains. That

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FOOD & DRINK

“I always longed for a little smaller space where I could ‘have people over’ and take care of them.” doesn’t mean it’s simple — only that every dish is rooted in freshness, clarity, and purpose.

In a region with an appetite for new construction and sprawling dining rooms, Seaboy offers something rare — a tightly focused space where every plate, every table, and every guest matters. As Cox puts it, “Everyone here loves hospitality… when you go really ‘big,’ it’s easy to lose this vision and forget some details.”

That vision is alive here, in a small-town setting where even a Monday night feels like an occasion. info seaboyrestaurant.com @seaboyrestaurant

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RADA'S

Dover Sole words SUNNY HUBLER / photo courtesy LAURA POL

Rada in Myers Park is the brainchild of Eloy Roy, who previously ran Oggi in South Charlotte. The menu, with small daily changes, pulls from Spanish, Italian, and French influences and features cocktails, wines, small and large plates, and desserts. One of two daily “large plates,” their simple dover sole is served

as a classic presentation of the sought-after fish.

The sole comes with pickled shallot and a tangy green romesco to enhance the mild flavor of the fish itself. It pairs nicely with a dry white wine, or any of Rada’s stellar martinis. Order a few of the small plates first, and it’s perfect to share with your dining partner.

— info — radaclt.com / @rada.clt

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FOOD & DRINK

LA CAPITAL MX'S

La Perfecta words SUNNY HUBLER / photo courtesy LA CAPITAL MX

La Capital MX, an upscale Mexican restaurant conveniently located in the heart of South End, dishes up an array of classic favorites with a modern, elevated twist, all in a lively yet refined setting. Their extensive cocktail list boasts several imaginative takes on a classic margarita,

including the standout “La Perfecta.” Crafted with Gran Centenario Añejo and Cointreau, an orange-flavored triple sec, the drink also blends fresh lime and orange with a touch of agave before arriving at your table in a shaker for a perfectly smooth pour.

— info — lacapitalmxclt.com / @lacapitalmxclt

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CHARLOTTE’S PREMIER CUSTOM STONE AND TILE CONCIERGE SPECIALIZING IN TURNKEY FABRICATION AND TILE SELECTIONS

Gerrard Builders Carolina Design Associates Amanda Swaringen Frank Smith

WWW.ARTOFSTONECHARLOTTE.COM grant@aoscharlotte.com kelly@aoscharlotte.com

Photographer Michael Blevins

HOME & DESIGN P R O F I L ES • S PA C ES • F E AT U R E D H O M ES

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Two Minds, One Vision How Charlotte designers Jacy Painter Kelly and Kerri Robusto turned a friendship into a 13-year creative partnership. words SUNNY HUBLER / photos LAURA SUMRAK

Some design partnerships are built on shared style. Others are forged in complementary strengths. For Jacy Painter Kelly and Kerri Robusto, it all started with a shared street and the dust of simultaneous home builds back in 2011. Kerri, then working in real estate development, sold Jacy the lot for her home and just happened to be designing her own house only a few doors down. A year later, a model home project came along that was too big for one person to take on alone, and the two friends decided to join forces.

That collaboration sparked 431 Designs, a Charlotte-based firm known for blending residential warmth with commercial creativity. Over the years, their individual ventures have thrived, but together they’ve honed a style that’s less about matching aesthetics and more about leveraging distinct per-

spectives — left-brained meets right-brained — to create spaces that surprise, inspire, and function beautifully.

Why do you think you two work well together?

Jacy: We enjoy commercial projects together because they tend to be bigger in scope with fewer restrictions than residential projects. Residential projects are very personal to the clients needs (rightfully so!), but commercial work tends to lend itself to more creative collaboration between the 2 of us. It’s fun to work through different uses together.

Kerri: We first became fast friends after bonding over building our personal homes at the same time on the same street, so we

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were friends before we became business partners which is usually a no-no. But that was the best decision we’ve ever made!

After I designed one of the HomeArama Tour homes in Baxter in 2011, I got the opportunity to design several model homes and community centers for other builders in the Charlotte region. The scope was bigger than I could handle alone while also working full-time in commercial real estate, so it was a no-brainer to ask my creative BFF to help. We had so much fun ‘working’ together that we knew we had to create a company and keep it going.

How do you see your two styles as similar and how are they different?

Jacy: Over the years I think our styles have come to be more similar and complementary. Now, I almost think a better term, rather than "differing style,” is that we have "different strengths."

She is left-handed and I am right (literally). We think through

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processes differently but watching her work through something differently than I would is an opportunity to grow and learn (and laugh about how differently our brains work).

Kerri: We also have a perfect balance of having our own projects, but being able to lean on each other for advice, and then having full collaborations together. Because of that, I think we bring a different kind of perspective and strength into everything we do.

Tell us about your commercial work vs. your residential work.

Jacy: We are always open to exploring both commercial and residential projects together, but I think right now we are actively looking to focus more on updating our commercial portfolio. Our ideal project is anything from a waiting room to a model home or a community center.

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HOME & DESIGN Kerri: We’ve been lucky enough to design entire model homes and community centers together but also many residential projects. One of the coolest collabs was on Jacy’s family business — a beer and wine bar in Fort Mill, SC. That really gave us the itch to do more hospitality, so we’d love to do more lounges and restaurants, too.

What do you both love about design and what inspires your creativity?

Jacy: I think I like the problem solving of design. It actually inspires me creatively more than typical influencers or trends. I work backwards a bit in that I am inspired by the individual pieces and then the overall design kind of happens around that based on the space and the needs of the client, instead of having the overall vision before I conceive the plan. I don’t really see the puzzle until I start putting the pieces together.

Kerri: My favorite part of design is seeing a blank canvas come to life.

I love the challenge of designing within each client’s expectations and budget while helping them stretch their imagination, hopefully going somewhere they may have never considered before but loving it. info 431designs.com @jacypainterkellyinteriors @krobusto

(704) 372-0927

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Memorable Minimalism Clean lines and a striking fireplace anchor this Arcadia Homes project. words SUNNY HUBLER / photo MICHAEL BLEVINS

Arcadia Homes has been creating stunning custom homes all across the greater Charlotte area since 1994. With this project, they collaborated with Kris Franz, of Kristine Design, who led the interior design.

Kris says she loves clean lines and minimalist palettes, allowing her to create a sense of calm and harmony. “An uncluttered aesthetic allows light to flow freely,” she added.

When it came to the great room in their home, her clients wanted a statement piece. That was achieved through the dra-

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matic fireplace, with both a sculptural presence and timeless sophistication. Despite the grandeur, the room is still cozy and inviting enough to allow an ideal space for relaxation.

The chandelier is from RH, the fireplace stone is Eramosa provided by AGM Imports, fabrication is from The Tile Collection and the coffee tables are Eicholtz. info arcadiahomesinc.com / @arcadiahomesinc

Rooted in experience. Guided by quality.

Creating homes that enhance both individual lifestyles and community character

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1514 S Church St Unit 103, Charlotte, NC 28203 info@dapperdevelopmentre.com IG: @dapperdevelopmentllc (423) 385-5028

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HOME & DESIGN

Earthy Elegance at the Lake A living room that effortlessly balances comfort, style and unobstructed water views. words SUNNY HUBLER / photo LAURA SUMRAK

At The Point in Mooresville, interior designer Amy Lee of Artistic Interior Design transformed a lakeside living room into a serene, highly functional retreat. Completed in spring 2025, the project was shaped by the clients’ wish list: a reclining sofa, swivel seating, and an unobstructed view of the water. Lee delivered with a graceful Baker motion sofa, EJ Victor swivel chairs, and a low-profile Olivya Stone coffee table— each choice balancing comfort with sightline preservation.

The space is part of a larger home where Lee handled the interior architecture, including a warm, earthy kitchen rich with natural materials. Her reconfiguration of the original plans—removing a wall to reveal and integrate the wine

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room—created an open, airy flow. The wine room itself, now a striking statement piece, underscores the home’s blend of function and artistry.

The overarching aesthetic is what Lee describes as “earthy, collected, and transitional,” a look achieved through layered textures, organic finishes, and a harmonious palette. With styling by Kendra Surface, the room feels lived-in yet elevated—a reflection of thoughtful design rooted in both the natural beauty outside and the homeowners’ everyday needs. info artisticinteriordesign.com / @artisticinteriordesign

11729 CAROLINA PL ACE PARKWAY PINEVILLE, NC

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704.541.0892

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HOME & DESIGN

Precision In Execution A stunning staircase sets the tone for this eye-catching home. words SUNNY HUBLER / photo PAUL COSTELLO

This gorgeous space comes from Gerrard Builders and Barrie Benson Interior Design. The talented pair behind the project executed an unmatched space that sets the tone for the rest of the home.

This staircase is a masterful example of craftsmanship and design, perfectly blending form and function.

The home, designed by Meyer Greeson Paullin Benson, showcases remarkable precision and execution, and these stairs crafted by Zepsa Industries, sum up that execution to a tee. The smooth, continuous curve of the spiral feels effortless yet clearly reflects an extraordinary level of

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skill. Every detail is handled with care, creating a warm, sculptural presence that anchors the space. The natural wood finish pairs beautifully with the patterned walls and arched openings, striking a balance between classic charm and modern refinement. It’s a true testament to what happens when design vision and craftsmanship meet in perfect harmony. info gerrardbuilders.com @gerrardbuilders

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Global Vision A contemporary Longview retreat from J Layton Interiors.

words SUNNY HUBLER / photos MICHAEL BLEVINS / interior designer J LAYTON INTERIORS / builder ARCADIA HOMES

For more than two decades, Layton Campbell of J Layton Interiors has been known for his ability to marry bold contemporary design with timeless comfort. His firm, based in Charlotte, specializes in creating highly customized residential interiors that reflect not just a client’s style, but their story. Campbell’s eye for detail, use of fine materials, and ability to bring together teams of artisans and vendors have made him a sought-after name in the region’s design landscape.

The skills that built that reputation are on full display in his latest project: a newly built home at Longview in Waxhaw. Designed for a family relocating from South Africa, the 8,000-square-foot residence balances sleek modernism with warmth and character, honoring the clients’ desire for a

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house reminiscent of the one they left behind. “They wanted to capture the aesthetic of their South African home,” Campbell explains. “We kept it sleek and modern with warm walnut wood tones to break up the monochromatic palette.”

Because the home is in a golf course community, Layton noted that they needed to ensure that there were lovely views but also plenty of privacy. Architect Frank Snodgrass and Arcadia’s Whitney Frey worked to shape the home’s architectural backbone, layering in rich materials and custom details that reflect the family’s personality. Inside, the layout encompasses five bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths, along with a main living space, study, media room, and expansive entertaining areas.

HOME & DESIGN

“We kept it sleek and modern with warm walnut wood tones to break up the monochromatic palette.”

A showpiece two-story fireplace crafted from eight slabs of book-matched Calacatta Borghini gold marble sets the tone in the living room—Layton designed it himself and it was then executed flawlessly by Harkey Tile and Stone. Throughout, the furnishings are equally bespoke: a custom dining table from Luna Furniture with German glass inset, a walnut-paneled primary bedroom with floating nightstands and leather bench again designed by Layton, and rugs sourced through Couture Knots that work to anchor each room.

Ellis Reid crafted the wall paneling, as well as the bed and bench in the primary bedroom. The cabinetry is Hans Krug, and the fixtures are from Majestic Bath. Each detail, from Pierre Frey fabrics on A. Rudin lounge chairs to alpaca pillows from Savel, contribute to a cohesive environment.

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The clients’ extensive art and sculpture collection was also a guiding element, with display niches and focal walls designed to highlight their pieces. Outdoor living received equal attention, furnished through Janus et Cie to extend the home’s modern comfort onto terraces and patios.

For Campbell, the project was a reminder of why he loves his work: “These were the sweetest clients, so appreciative, and put their total trust in the team. I loved collaborating with all of the contributors to make the outcome cohesive, functional and beautiful.” info Jlaytoninteriors.com @jlaytoninteriors

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A Weekend at Chetola Resort A North Carolina resort with 175 years of history. words ALLYSON WELMAKER / photos JP GRICE courtesy CHETOLA

Nestled in the charming mountain town of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, Chetola Resort lives up to its name— “Chetola” meaning haven of rest in Cherokee. With its peaceful lake, cozy accommodations, and wide range of activities, this destination is equal parts relaxation and adventure.

Chetola’s story begins in 1846, when its first recorded owner purchased 100 acres with just two buildings on the land. Over time, it has evolved from a family home to a summer resort, a sprawling estate, and ultimately the lodge-style resort it is today. While renovations have kept it modern, Chetola has never lost its rustic, welcoming charm.

Stay — Guests can choose from spacious hotel rooms—some with balconies overlooking the lake—or dog-friendly first and second-floor options. For more space, Chetola offers one- to four-bedroom condos with a variety of layouts and amenities.

Dine — At Timberlake’s Restaurant, the onsite American-style eatery, you’ll find casual dining with something for everyone—seafood,

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comfort classics, handhelds, and a kid-friendly menu. The restaurant also features a weekend wine stand and plenty of patio seating, perfect for enjoying a meal with a view of the lake.

Relax — The spa at Chetola is a retreat within a retreat, with maple hardwood floors, natural sea stones, and a soothing wall fountain.

Services include massages such as the signature Haven of Rest, mother-to-be, and couples massages, along with facials, nail care, and a full-service hair salon.

Play — Outdoors, Chetola offers private hiking trails with mountain and waterfall views, as well as swimming in the lake. Active guests can enjoy tennis, pickleball, yoga, lawn games, and kids’ camps, while the sporting reserve features shooting and archery ranges

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plus clay courses. Inside the lodge, you’ll find a pool, hot tub, sauna, ping pong, puzzles, and even a lending library.

For anglers, Chetola is a true fly-fishing retreat. As North Carolina’s only Orvis-endorsed fly fishing lodge, the resort provides full guided fly-fishing adventures, from wade trips on private or public streams to float-boat excursions targeting trout and smallmouth bass. Its expert guides tailor each outing to your skill level, conditions, and interests, and all gear—including rods, flies, waders, and nets—is supplied.

The resort also hosts casting clinics and packages for newcomers, making it accessible even to first-time anglers. Within the resort, a seven-acre stocked lake offers casual casting and practice opportunities, and the more ambitious can access miles of mountain streams and rivers in the surrounding region. Whether you’re hoping to spend a leisurely afternoon on the water or dedicate a full day to a guided float trip, Chetola’s fly fishing program is a standout component of its outdoor offerings.

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Explore — Chetola also makes the perfect home base for exploring Blowing Rock and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Drive the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” or spend a day at Grandfather Mountain, home to rugged hiking trails, sweeping views, and wildlife habitats with bears, cougars, and eagles.

Closer to town, shop brand-name outlets at Shoppes on the Parkway or browse unique boutiques in Blowing Rock’s iconic downtown.

Dining highlights include Bistro Roca for elevated comfort food and Six Pence Pub for some delicious fish and chips.

Whether you’re craving peaceful relaxation, outdoor adventure, or a little of both, Chetola Resort is a mountain getaway that truly lives up to its name. info chetola.com @chetolaresort

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A City Canvas Take a visit to Winston-Salem, a North Carolina cultural powerhouse. words ELEANOR MERRELL / photos courtesy VISIT WINSTON SALEM

Known as “The City of Arts and Innovation,” Winston-Salem has quietly grown into one of the most vibrant cities in North Carolina. Founded in the 18th century by Moravians — a Protestant denomination known for craftsmanship, particularly in pottery, textiles, and woodworking — the city has long been a hub of artistry. These days, Winston-Salem’s creative roots have found new life in a thriving arts scene, supported by a blooming population attracted to the city’s distinctive mix of Southern hospitality and inclusiveness.

CREATIVE CULTIVATION — Underpinning the culture of creativity that pervades this city are numerous institutions, organizations, and groups that foster the creation, refinement, and appreciation of art. For example, UNC School of the Arts, which was the nation’s first public college for the performing arts, draws deeply talented high school and undergraduate students from around the globe to WinstonSalem, filling its theatres, performance halls, and galleries with their creations and its streets, green spaces, and coffee shops with their energy.

Similarly, nonprofit AFAS — Art for Art’s Sake — facilitates programs intended to uplift local artists and connect them to their neighbors through free events. Another Winston-Salem nonprofit Sawtooth School for Visual Art has been hosting classes, workshops, and community outreach programs since it was

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established in 1945. Together, these organizations help knit together the tapestry of creators that give this city soul.

PUBLIC INSTALLATIONS AND EVENTS — ARTivity on the Green One of AFAS’ most prominent initiatives is ARTivity on the Green, an effort to transform a pockmarked parking lot in downtown Winston-Salem into a thoughtfully designed gathering space. Notably, the sculpture at the center of this greenspace evokes both the outline of the nearby R.J. Reynolds Building and Winston-Salem’s manufacturing history.

Art Crush Unsurprisingly in a city this creative, Winston-Salem has a dedicated arts district. Here, a monthly block party called Art Crush brings art, music, and live performances to Third and Sixth Streets on select Fridays throughout the year. Each Art Crush centers around a distinct theme, and visitors can expect extended gallery hours.

FESTIVALS — International Black Theatre Festival Since its 1989 debut when Maya Angelou served as the inaugural chairperson, the International Black Theatre Festival (IBTF)

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T R AV E L has brought together over 65,000 guests to view over 100 performances, ranging from poetry jams to films to theater. The event occurs every other year and spans six days.

RiverRun International Film Festival Discover more than 150 films at the RiverRun International Film Festival every April in Winston-Salem. Although the films span many genres, those in the animated and documentary shorts categories are of particular note, as select films may become eligible for an Academy Award through their appearance at RiverRun. Panels, galas, parties, and free outdoor screenings typically accompany the film festival.

VISUAL ARTS — North Carolina Museum of Arts Winston-Salem The NCMA hosts exhibitions and educational programs on a beautiful 32-acre estate formerly owned by industrialist James Hanes.

Showcasing contemporary work from both national and international artists, the museum’s indoor and outdoor spaces bring patrons together for lectures, film screenings, and performances.

Reynolda House Museum of American Art Ensconced on the sprawling estate formerly owned by tobacco tycoon R.J. Reynolds, the Reynolda House Museum of Modern Art is

home to a collection of American art, as well as thousands of historic objects. The house itself has a seat on the National Register of Historic Places and perches on acres of carefully tended gardens and grounds. Careful to acknowledge the fraught history of tobacco farming in the piedmont, the Reynolda foregrounds the space’s modern mission of forging connections.

These are just a handful of the many venues, organizations, and events that are shaping and shaped by Winston-Salem’s active community of artists, creatives, and art enthusiasts.

From independent picture houses to scrappy theater troupes to neighborhood pop art, the City of Arts and Innovation lives LANDSCAPES | POOLS | HARDSCAPES up to its name.

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These are some of the remarkable painters, sculptors, and image-makers giving the Queen City its color. words SUNNY HUBLER / photos courtesy ARTISTS or JAMEY PRICE

Why does it matter for a city to support its artists? Artists amplify and anchor communities’ voices. They turn streets into stories and buildings into backdrops.

They mirror the ethos of a city back to its people and underline a specific, hyperlocal cultural experience.

In Charlotte, the creative landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with the city’s steady growth reflected in the buzzing energy and ambition of its artists.

From established voices to emerging talent, in 2025, our region’s storytellers only continued to reshape and reimagine the status-quo in the most visually arresting ways possible.

This list highlights a small fraction of the painters, sculptors, photographers, and multidisciplinary makers whose work adds depth, color, and character to the city. Discover their art, support their practice, and maybe you’ll even find a particular piece that speaks to you.

Ali Loncar Charlotte, North Carolina mixed media artist Ali Loncar operates seamlessly across multiple artistic disciplines.

Her pieces typically center intricate examinations of the natural world, arraying insects, flowers, and plants in lively compositions. Loncar has contributed to public art displays across the city including an outdoor sculpture for Imaginon, a pollinator awareness mural for Ally Bank, and a float for Charlotte SHOUT! festival.

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Allison Chambers After Wilmington-native Allison Chambers found one calling as a mother of six, she began studying oils and discovered her passion for fine art. With an impasto style, her art represents abstract interpretations of life. She has studied under many different working artists and furthered her passion teaching fine art classes.

Anne Harkness Anne Harkness has dabbled in many fine art mediums: crayon, pencil, watercolor,

and photography. Several years ago, she found her home in oil painting. Today, she is represented by Providence Gallery in Charlotte, and by Vision Gallery in Morehead City.

Araik Minasyan Araik Minasyan, like many artists, first felt the pull of creative expression when he was a child. He took classes to explore drawing, sculpture, and painting techniques, and then continued his creative education at art school. There, he honed his skills and perfected techniques for a number of media. These days, Minasyan experiments with acrylic painting, sculpture, and watercolor but his primary focus is oil painting on canvas with a palette knife.

André Leon Gray André Leon Gray specializes in designing ornate installations to create poignant commentary on America’s relationship with race, especially highlighting both the historical and contemporary experiences of black and native

from left to right: ANNE HARKNESS, CHELSEA HANDLEY, ARAIK MINASYAN, IVAN DEPENA

communities. His artwork has been featured in the Disney+ Emmy Award-winning anthology series GENIUS: MLK/X. Barbara Schreiber Within her seemingly whimsical, narrative-centric paintings of colorful wildlife, Barbara Schreiber explores deeper, more provocative topics. Schreiber personally describes her pieces as a function of catharsis, hoping that her work can inevitably provide others with a sense of hope, and even humor. Her pieces have been displayed in major exhibitions across the United States, including a 2021 residency at the McColl Center.

Diego Alba Diego Alba is an artist who works with acrylics, watercolors, and pastels. He makes art both digitally and by hand, and says he always hopes to inspire and evoke emotion from his audience.

His work has been displayed in Times Square and the Mint Museum.

Diane Pike A master in the plein-air painting tradition, Diane Pike’s oeuvre spans between styles of abstract expressionism and natural impressionism in bold color palettes. She recently displayed her work at Awaken Gallery's show marking their sixth anniversary. In addition to her full-time residence in Longmont, Colorado, Pike regularly holds workshops in Charlotte.

Chelsea Handley Chelsea paints subjects that are rooted back to what she loved as a little girl: animals, nature, design, and architecture. Pet portraits account for most of her commissions, but she also takes commissions for portraits of people, homes, and landscapes, and has even done custom work painting stunning homes in Myers Park.

Clarence Heyward Contemporary artist Clarence Heyward specializes in oil portrait and collage art encapsulating the Black American experience Particularly, Heyward examines how material historicization impacts modern culture and identity. A repetitive practice in Heyward’s portraits is the portrayal of his subjects with green skin, creating an alternative perception of the Black American identity and centering the deconstruction of myth or stereotype in the conversation of his pieces.

Gordon C. James James was raised just outside of DC but came to Charlotte at the behest of the McColl Center, which invited him to participate in their residency program. After years of studying and creating, James’ style is both academic and expressive, inspired by John Singer Sargent, Nicholai Fechin, and Henry Ossawa Tanner.

James’ fine art portfolio is broken into five sections: origin story, romantic paintings, portraits, figure drawing, and sketchbook.

Ivan Depena Ivan’s projects build on an artistic journey that has been unfurling since he was no older than seven. Inspired by music and the Graffiti Art movement, he decided to attend a high school dedicated to the arts before earning an undergraduate degree from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn for Architecture. This educational background combined with his life experiences and innate curiosity have resulted in an artist who is fluent in a range of disciplines such as drawing, painting, and sculpture.

Jax Jackson Owner and curator of Jax Abstracts and Acrylix & Kanvas, gestural painter Jax Jackson is an accomplished abstract artist in Charlotte and beyond.

He also dedicates his time to the community by helping individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities create art through collaboration programs.

Jason Clewell Jason Clewell has been creating since he was young, but after seeing people painting outside at a plein air festival at a winery, he knew that was something he wanted to be a part of. Although still experimenting, he enjoys oil painting the most. After using his talents for business and advertisements, he hopes to begin to create art just for the enjoyment of it again.

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Kalin Devone Wilmington-native Kalin Devone is an oil painter and muralist with a focus on societal influence and social culture. Unique in her technique of using layered short brush strokes, she has been exhibiting her work since 2019, when she had her first solo exhibition (Perpetual). Most recently, her work can be found displayed at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Kate Schultz Painter Kate Schultz draws inspiration from the quiet stillness of nature, blending realism with abstraction to create art that feels both rooted and dreamlike.

After moving to North Carolina from Mississippi, Schultz has grown her practice in Charlotte’s creative community while exhibiting work that celebrates subtlety, color relationships, and peace.

Holly Keogh In her hazy, vibrant, and often surrealist oil paintings, Holly Keogh captures the continual sense of movement throughout her childhood spent traveling between Charlotte and London. Keogh specifically utilizes discarded family photographs as the basis for her elevated reimaginings of the past, examining the impact of youth upon memory. Currently, Keogh is represented by SOCO Gallery.

Lindsey Jenneman For the past three years, painter Lindsey Jenneman has been in partnership with Outback Steakhouse to bring her vibrant

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murals to various of the restaurant’s locations, even internationally. Jenneman’s style prominently features animals portrayed in vivid pops of color accompanied by playful accessorization, each largely dependent upon inspiration from local iconography.

Mari Matamoros A drawer, painter, and sculptor, Mari Matamoros strives to have variety and create new things every time. After training at The Faux Finish International Company, she opened her own faux finishing company and incorporated her interior design skills. Her goal is to customize each piece of art to its particular client and originality is her main focus.

Marcy Gregg Primarily working in oil paint, Marcy Gregg creates atmospheric abstract pieces, often alluding to the natural world with a cubist sensibility. After surviving a critical coma, leaving serious detriment to her memory, Marcy also became involved in public speaking and writing. Through these avenues, she discusses the impact of art in the process of reclaiming her life.

Marcia Jones Marcia Jones is a contemporary artist whose exhibition at the Harvey B. Gantt Center explored the dichotomy of the virgin and the whore through an analogy with Haitian Voodoo motifs and Magic City strip club culture. Her work interrogates cultural symbolism and societal

perception through mixed-media installations and paintings.

Mary Benson Benson's style draws heavily from postimpressionism and fauvism. She layers textured oil paint over acrylic somewhat unevenly, allowing deeper layers to surface for the viewer. For inspiration, Benson heads outdoors. In true North Carolina-native fashion, she looks to both the mountains and the sea, recreating the live oaks of the Lowcountry and the rhododendron blooms of the Blue Ridge in her signature vibrant style.

Nellie Ashford Nellie Ashford is a self-taught folk artist from Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Her mixed-media folk art depicts the experiences of Charlotte’s AfricanAmerican community from the Jim Crow era to contemporary day in the U.S. South.

Nicholas Stewart Nicholas received his MFA in painting from Radford University. He now resides in Charlotte, where he has developed his career as a professional artist and lead instructor at Braitman Studio.

He finds much of his visual inspiration for his work from cathedrals and stained glass windows.

Regina Calton Burchett Regina Burchett grew up as the daughter of an artist and writer mother, and

from left to right: KATE SCHULTZ, MARCY GREGG, RAYMOND GRUBB, THOMAS THOUNE, MARY BENSON, , GORDON C. JAMES

began studying many different art styles through university and on her own. The North Carolina-based fine artist considers herself a Carolina sky and cloud artist. She currently leads workshops for painting and working with pastels and charcoal.

Raymond Grubb Charlotte-based photographer Raymond Grubb is renowned for his masterful use of the century-old platinumpalladium process, which imparts a distinctive warmth and depth to his images. A graduate of Davidson College, Grubb's work has been featured in esteemed venues such as SOCO Gallery, The Mint Museum, and the Gregg Museum of Art and Design.

Richard Clewell After gaining 20 years of experience as a graphic designer, Richard Clewell’s current passion is for oil paintings. He particularly enjoys outdoor painting with a modern style. His work can be found at local galleries and at en plein air events.

Susan McAlister With a multi-media creative vision spanning canvas, paper, and assemblages, Susan McAlister’s impressionistic style immerses the viewer in lush, leafy landscapes. A Davidson College alum, McAlister feels a profound spiritual connection to the aesthetic inspiration offered by the North Carolina wilderness.

Sapana Adhikari, M.D. Board-certified Emergency Medicine physician Sapana Adhikari, M.D. is a medical illustrator. Her goal in creating illustrations is to simplify complicated medical concepts for the non-medical audience, specifically those with low health literacy. After working in various places across the country, she currently resides and practices in Charlotte with her husband and three children.

Tara Spil Currently, Charlotte artist Tara Spil is in residency at the McColl Center. Having begun her professional career working in nonprofits, today Spil’s abstract paintings involve artistic iterations of similar activism work. Through her implementation of community data within her paintings, especially in regards to her quilting community series and tally series, Spil brings awareness to various inequalities in our city and works as an arbiter for positive reform.

Thomas Thoune Multimedia artist Tom Thoune, originally from Southern California, relocated to Charlotte in 1981. A self-taught artist, Thoune's diverse body of work encompasses ceramics, painting, sculpture, and large-scale mosaics. His public art installations, such as the Camden Wall Mosaic Frieze and the Finding New Ground sculptures, are integral to Charlotte's urban landscape. Thoune's artistic journey includes a residency at

the McColl Center for Visual Art and recognition with a North Carolina Arts Council Visual Artist Fellowship.

Tina Alberni You may have seen the work of Charlotte artist Tina Alberni at Charlotte Douglass International Airport, on Artpop billboards in and around the city, and inside the Charlotte Legacy Union Sky Bridge. She has also exhibited at Sage Salon and Gallery, Ciel Gallery, and the McColl Center. Her work often revolves around repetition, patterning, and geometric shapes and is often inspired by sustainability efforts.

Vivian Coleman Vivian Coleman is an award-winning visual artist creating contemporary abstract paintings using acrylic and watercolor. She has exhibited widely in the Charlotte area and across the Southeast, with work that emphasizes color, texture, and emotion.

Willie Little Willie Little is a conceptual, multimedia, installation artist and storyteller, whose work is strongly influenced by traditions of rural North Carolina. His work often addresses issues of race, memory, and regional culture through immersive installations. info qcexclusive.com @qcexclusive

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The Art of Interiors Our guide to some of the very best interior designers in Charlotte.

design is one of the most personal art forms: it’s intimate, expressive and lives alongside you. In Charlotte, a strong cohort of interior designers are redefining what it means to live in this city. Their work draws from architecture, fashion, and fine art to create interiors that feel not only functional but also inspired. Whether they’re restoring historic spaces or designing from the ground up, these designers approach each home as a gallery of individuality—proof that great design is an art of its own.

Aguilar Design Studio Aaron and Laura Aguilar are the acclaimed husband-and-wife team behind Aguilar Design Studio, a leading luxury

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words SUNNY HUBLER / photos courtesy DESIGNERS

construction and design firm based in Charlotte, North Carolina. For nearly two decades, they’ve been the trusted choice for executives, entrepreneurs, and professional families seeking timeless, high-end homes. From secluded lakeside retreats and mountain estates to sophisticated city residences, the Aguilars are known for creating spaces that are classically inspired, enduring in craftsmanship, and effortlessly elegant yet inviting.

Artistic Interiors Design trends can come and go faster than one might think, especially when it comes to homes. That’s why owner and designer Amy Lee and her team at Artistic Interiors have always focused on signature styles that stay ahead of the curve

rather than fads that’ll fade in just a few years. Her team at Artistic Interiors will take the ideas that a client has and turn them into a timeless look that feels as if it will never fall out of fashion. Lee can even work alongside a client’s custom home builder or remodeler to incorporate their interior design into the initial build, leaving the client with an approachable yet elevated home in the process.

Barrie Benson Interior Design Barrie Benson is a Charlotte-based interior designer who has made her mark in the design world by balancing the modern with the traditional in her signature interiors. Benson is known for creating a blend of periods, rooms, and moods.

Her ability to turn any type of house

from left to right: LAYTON CAMPBELL OF J LAYTON INTERIORS, LUCY AND COMPANY, LISA SHERRY INTERIEURS, AMY LEE OF ARTISTIC INTERIORS

into an energetic home full of color comes from her fresh take on European and American 20th-century furniture, art, and collections.

Charlotte Lucas Interior Design Charlotte Lucas Interior Design was founded in 2012, and is known for its signature bold use of color and whimsy detail in residential projects. Charlotte Lucas developed a love for interior design at a young age, which led her to create her own firm in 2012. Lucas gets a lot of her inspiration from antiques and unique objects. The goal of Charlotte Lucas Interior Design is to make sure each client receives a space uniquely crafted for them.

Freshwater Interior Design Freshwater Interior Design specializes in providing comprehensive services that combine interior design and construction. The team creates aesthetically pleasing and functional interior spaces and brings those designs to life through the construction process. Freshwater works closely with clients to understand their vision, develop design concepts and

execute the construction phase to turn concepts into reality. By offering both design and construction services, Freshwater can provide a seamless and efficient experience for clients, ensuring the final result aligns with their expectations.

Great Design 4 U Founded in 2008 by Anna Stowe, a High Point University graduate with a B.S. in Interior Design, Great Design 4 Ubegan as Anna Stowe Interiors and has since grown into a trusted name in the Southeast’s design community. Built on Anna’s passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces delivered with professionalism and value, the firm is known for its exceptional client experience and timely results. Based in the Lake Norman area of North Carolina, Great Design 4 U serves clients throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, bringing homeowners’ visions to life with creativity, care, and an unwavering commitment to customer service.

Indigo Home CLT Indigo Home CLT is a unique business in

the interior design world. As licensed affiliates with Compass, the Indigo Home CLT team is first and foremost a team of realtors specializing in buying and selling luxury homes. This gives them a unique perspective as an interior design team— such as knowing which trends are in right now, knowing how to redesign a space to suit a new homeowner’s needs, and knowing what kind of staging will help a home sell. With Indigo Home CLT, clients can sit down and get a luxury design consultation during the homebuying process, ensuring that their new home will suit their needs before they even move in.

J Layton Interiors The best interior designers can take elements from several styles and figure out ways to blend them with what the client likes. Layton Campbell of J Layton Interiors has demonstrated time and time again that he can do just that. An avid traveler, Campbell has spent extensive time in Russia, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East. There, he learned all he could about the cultures and designs surrounding him. He continues to

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use that knowledge today through his interior design work, where he takes pride in juxtaposing various styles in a way that suits each client’s vision.

Kelly Cruz Interiors When you find yourself on the cusp of something new, it can be exciting and daunting all at once. As your interior designer, Kelly Cruz prides herself on getting to play an extraordinary role in mastering the art of bringing out the best of the available space. The inspiration to create these spaces is genuine. What makes you live life unabashedly? What inspires and comforts you? Finding your bliss is at the heart of Cruz’s inquisition because it's what matters the most. At Kelly Cruz Interiors, the designers don't just create quality interiors, they create lifestyles.

Lawler Design Studio Step into the world of high-end interior design excellence with Lawler Design Studio. They specialize in creating sophisticated residential and commercial spaces that redefine luxury living. Their team of skilled designers combines timeless elegance with modern innovation to craft

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environments that reflect the unique style and preferences of our clients.

With a focus on meticulous attention to detail and superior craftsmanship, Lawler transforms ordinary spaces into extraordinary showcases of refined design. Welcome to a new standard of interior luxury.

Lisa Sherry Interieurs Lisa Sherry Interieurs, a design house opened in 2005, embraces the beauty of imperfections and incorporates that into design. Lisa Sherry, owner and founder, believes in a “pursuit of happiness” over perfection, and maintains this by taking part in what she calls “daily doses of beauty.” Lisa is known for her approach to creating spaces that are frequently referred to as “casual luxe.” Her vision at Lisa Sherry Interieurs focuses on creating spaces that are traditional, but unique, classic, but personal, chic, but functional—not “over designed,” as she would say.

Lucy and Company The right interior design can make any house feel like home—especially if that

design is executed by Lucy and Company.

This interior design studio takes pride in working hand-in-hand with clients to produce homes that are not only stunning, but also functional. And if a client would rather be hands-off and leave the designing to the pros? Lucy and Company can handle that, too. Whether a client needs a whole-home design and installation job or just some help finding a single piece of furniture, Lucy and Company is here to make it happen.

Myron Greer As part of the greater Charlotte community since 2002, Myron Greer of Myron Greer Garden Design remains at the forefront of crafting expertly designed, gorgeous, personalized outdoor spaces. Greer has always had a strong passion for landscapes: His parents were gardeners and he worked at a young age on his grandparents’ farm. With his keen eye for marrying the outdoors perfectly with cutting edge exterior design, Myron Greer is sure to de liver you a memorable, long-lasting look.

Natalie Papier Home Ec. is a multi-faceted Chicagoborn and now Charlotte-based design

from left to right: NATALIE PAPIER OF HOME EC, KAREN SCHMIDT OF FRESHWATER DESIGN + BUILD, LAURA AGUILAR OF AGUILAR DESIGN STUDIO, KELLY CRUZ INTERIORS

studio owned and managed by Natalie Papier. Natalie is an artist, designer, curator and influencer. Much of her artforward design approach centers around the character of vintage pieces and art; enriching her designs with deep artist relationships, color and furnishings that adds originality and life to the spaces she designs. She currently stars in Magnolia Network's "Artfully Designed” show, taking an art-forward approach to creating beautifully curated spaces for their clients by exploring the intersection between art and interior design.

New Old Interiors Embrace the allure of the past while enjoying the comforts of the present with New Old Interiors, where every space tells a story of timeless beauty and contemporary living. Step into a world where timeless elegance meets modern comfort.

With a focus on blending classic design elements with contemporary flair, New Old Interiors breathe new life into traditional spaces. From curated furniture pieces to bespoke accents, every detail is carefully chosen to evoke a sense of sophistication and warmth. Whether it’s a historic reno-

vation or a new build, the team ensures that each interior reflects the unique personality and lifestyle of its inhabitants.

While New Old Interiors designs 90% of New Old’s build projects, New Old Interiors frequently works with homeowners and other builders, as well.

New South Home New South Home is a design firm known for crafting timeless, livable spaces that strike the perfect balance between Southern charm and modern sophistication. Led by principal designer Melissa Lee, each project is a reflection of effortless style, layered textures, and a keen eye for detail.

Whether refreshing a single room or overseeing a full-scale renovation, New South Home captures the heart of Carolina living with a refined yet welcoming touch.

Pheasant Hill Designs Pheasant Hill Designs is an award-winning boutique firm in Charlotte, NC that specializes in residential design. Kendra White, the firms’ founder and principal designer, prides herself on a modern aesthetic that will be tailored to her individual clients’ needs and wants. The

firms’ goal for every client is to create an inviting home and environment that will allow the family to feel as if they are in their own sanctuary. This is achieved by listening to client priorities, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences. Whether planning a renovation, kitchen or bath update or building your dream home, Pheasant Hill Designs can help you navigate the entire process seamlessly.

Tyler Interiors As a wife and mother of two, Natalie Tyler understands the balance between form and function—and how that harmony transforms a home. As founder and principal designer of Tyler Interiors, she believes in the power of thoughtful curation to elevate everyday living. Each project is tailored to the lifestyle of its residents, blending timeless design with modern ease. Rooted in classic style yet refreshed with clean lines and contemporary accents, Natalie’s spaces are refined, inviting, and built to endure. Through an organized, collaborative process from concept to completion, Tyler Interiors is dedicated to exceeding client expectations with purpose and precision.

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INDEX Aguilar Design Studio.............. 47

Gerrard Builders .......................20

Mint Hill Orthodontics..........28

Allen Tate Real Estate .............91

Grand Living Homes ..................81

Mint Museum ................................14

Arcadia Homes ............................31

Grande Custom Builders ........27

Myron Greer ...............................60

Art Of Stone ................................55

Graper Harper .............................18

Nestlewood Realty ...................39

Atlantic Bay Mortgage ............29

Graser Smith ................................79

New Life Building Supplies ......37

BAAS Construction ..................53

Great Design 4U ...........................75

New South Homes .....................61

Blue Ridge Mountain Club ........23

Heart Of NC ...................................38

Omni Hotels & Resorts............. 90

Brandon Lawn Real Estate .......19

Helen Adams Realty ..................45

Peppermint Forest .....................65

Built On Hospitality ................44

Hendrick Auto ..............................13

Picture House Gallery.............. 6

California Closets ...................59

Home Of Golf ................................72

Premier Sotheby’s ........................4

Carolina Health Span .............33

J Layton Interiors........................ 11

Renaissance Patisserie............ 38

Copain.......................................

40

Kingswood Homes....................... 15

Rustic and Main.......................... 49

Cottingham Chalk .....................25

Larry Diehl US Bank.................. 33

Soundvision................................ 76

Counter- .......................................43

Lucy and Company....................... 17

Starving Arts.............................. 77

Culture and Heritage Museums.... 33

Ludowici .......................................49

TLG Doors..................................... 16

Dapper Development .................63

Majestic Bath............................. 56

The Bascom................................... 34

Diamonds Direct ......Back Cover

Matthew Alexander.................. 51

Village On Morehead................ 35

Enzo’s Italian Market...............50

McDevitt Agency.......................... 8

Windsor Jewelers........................ 2

Ferguson .....................................67

Metro Greenscape.................... 80

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