April 2014

Ciel Gallery in Charlotte, NC, Re-invents Itself as Ciel Gallery: A Fine Art Collective

When Ciel Gallery opened its doors in 2008, it made history: it became the first gallery in the United States dedicated to mosaic art. Now, six years later, Ciel celebrates a new beginning: it changes its name to Ciel Gallery: A Fine Art Collective, and, in addition to mosaics, Ciel will now showcase 27 local artists.

An exhibition titled Regeneration, will feature new works by 17 local artists, on view from Apr. 4 - 30, 2014. A reception will be held on Apr. 4, from 6-9pm.

The exhibition will represent transitions of medium, technique, and spirit. The thousands of visitors who come to this vibrant neighborhood near downtown to enjoy the Food Trucks, restaurants and other galleries, will also get to see an exciting group of new artists. On view will be paintings, sculpture, encaustic works, jewelry, photography, and ceramics, in addition to the mosaics Ciel has become known for.

Ciel - it’s French for “sky” and is pronounced CEE-EL - is next door to Lark & Key Gallery, and across from Carrabba’s Italian Grill, and just one block from the LYNX light rail’s Bland Street Station.

“We’re thrilled with the change,” says founder Pam Goode, “as well as the opportunity to serve local artists after five years focusing on the international art community. There’s a world of talent in Charlotte, and we’re honored to showcase a variety of mediums as well as a wealth of cultures under one roof.” Goode created a new piece for the show, which she’s titled, “My Life as A Hill.” It features a mound with a tree on top, branches reaching to the sky, and is symbolic of growth as the reflection of interior lives.

New member Claudia Soria also plans to use the change to test new concepts in her collage-paintings. “I love painting landscapes,” Soria says, “But now I’m approaching my work in a more abstract way, as well as using photographs from distant lands, including Bolivia, where I’m from.”

Ciel will now operate as a collective run by the member artists. They include: Tina Alberni (painter), Tim Shaeffer (painter), Teresa Hollmeyer (glass mosaic), Amy Hart (metal sculpture), Caroline Coolidge Brown (collage and mixed media), Diane Pike (painter), Donna Sandoe (jewelry), Miriam Durkin (painter), Chris Craft (encaustic), Cindi Spillman (photography), Elyse Frederick (mixed media), Randy Leibowitz Dean (wood carving and painting), Rebecca Haworth (collage and mixed media), Laura McRae Hitchcock (painting), Emily Andress (paintings), Claudia Soria (painting) and Pam Goode (mosaic). The gallery also works with a small number of consigners.

Variety also means visitors will find works in a range of prices, beginning under $30. Ciel will maintain its tradition of working studio space where member artists can teach. Classes already are scheduled in encaustic, drawing, armature, and mosaics.

“We’ve got so many more people with so much energy now. It allows us to get our fingers farther into the community,” says Goode. She adds with a laugh, “I can work these artists for a long, long time.”

Future shows in the works include Back to the Garden in May, a show focused on trees in September and a show to benefit breast cancer research in October.

For further information check our NC Commercial Gallery listings, call the gallery at 980/202-2435 or visit (www.cielcharlotte.com).

[ | April 2014 | Feature Articles | Download Carolina Arts' Current Issue | Carolina Arts Unleashed | Home | ]