Pastel Society of NC

  • Home
  • Our Artists
  • Membership
    • Membership Information
    • Signature Membership
    • About PSNC
    • PSNC Resources
    • PSNC Member Portal (login required)
  • Programs
    • 2022 Programs
    • 2021 Programs
    • 2020 Programs
    • 2019 Programs
    • 2018 Programs
    • Meeting Archive
  • Events
    • Exhibitions and Workshops
  • News / Announcements
    • Member News
    • Artist Opportunities
    • Member News Submission
    • Complete News Archive (2008-present)

Possible development of an artists’ co-op in downtown Chapel Hill

May 19, 2009

There will be an informational meeting at 1pm tomorrow, Wednesday, May 20 at 109 East Franklin Street regarding the possible development of an artists’ co-op in downtown Chapel Hill.

BY DANIEL GOLDBERG : The Herald-Sun
dgoldberg@heraldsun.com
May 15, 2009

Backers of arts look at working studio idea

CHAPEL HILL — Ideas for a working art space in downtown have bounced around for years, according to Martha Shannon, coordinator for the Orange County Arts Commission.

Supporters of the arts, tourism and economic development want to find out if the concept is ready to move beyond the idea stage and onto something that will boost the profile of both the artists and Franklin Street.

Local artists and other interested individuals will meet Wednesday at 109 E. Franklin Street — next to the new Clothing Warehouse — to discuss possible models for an art location in Orange County’s most well-known business district. Shannon said the first step is determining whether the local arts community will support what is envisioned as an artist-run cooperative, a downtown attraction that could feature both a commercial gallery component and acting working space for members.

“I think there is a lot of interest out there and there certainly has been over the years,” Shannon said. She pointed to the annual Orange County Artists Guild Open Studio Tour that has experienced steadily increasing interest since 1995.

A centrally located co-op would provide artists with a boost in exposure and make it easier for visitors to experience local works. Laurie Paolicelli, executive director of the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau, said that in the past art supporters have given tourists a map to studio locations in the rural parts of Orange County. In terms of accessibility, “that’s a tourism no-no,” she said.

“I’ve always been attracted to the idea of an arts co-op because there’s such a natural zone there between the Ackland Art Museum, Kidzu and the Morehead Planetarium,” Paolicelli said. “It seems like such a natural zone that we don’t promote enough.”

Meeting planners haven’t settled on a specific proposal for an arts co-op. Town Economic Development Officer Dwight Bassett said there are several examples of successful art spaces — The Hands Gallery in Boone, the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, Va. — that Chapel Hill may explore. Some co-ops encourage local artists to become members and then give them access to public work space, sales opportunities and even require a commitment to help staff the facility.

Two artists from The Hands Gallery will attend Wednesday’s meeting and present details regarding the operation of that particular facility. Shannon encouraged people planning to attend the meeting to contact her at 245-2335. The meeting is scheduled to last from 1pm to 2:30pm.

Filed Under: general news

Upcoming Zoom Presentations for 2023

February 11th – Maryann Mullett
March 11th – Mark Ivan Cole
April 8th – Terrilynn Dubreuil
May 13th – Fred Fielding
June 10th – Regina Burchette
July 8 – Jane Steelman: “How to manage your PSNC google page”

Each meeting will from 10 am – Noon US Eastern Time

Membership Information

Fill out our online application and join us for an upcoming meeting.

Already a member and have something to share? Fill out our blog item submission form to announce your latest show, class, or a general announcement to the group.

Get PSNC updates delivered to your inbox!

Shows / Workshops

6th Annual PURE COLOR: Online International Juried Exhibition of Pastel Paintings
View the online exhibit.



Two Upcoming PSNC Member Shows at Ambleside Gallery and the Imperial Arts Center
See more details.

View all upcoming shows.

Recent News / Announcements

If you are a current PSNC member and want to share your news, fill out the form here.

Celebration of Life Service for Helen Knapp

Member News, Betty Hendrix

“Fun with Feathers!” Paint-Along with Rita Kirkman, on Zoom

Arizona Pastel Artists Association’s 2023 Open International Exhibition

“Don Keyfurry” Paint-Along with Rita Kirkman, on Zoom

OPEN CALL – Arte Laguna Prize 17

A “Baby Bunny” Paint-Along with Rita Kirkman

© 2023 Pastel Society of North Carolina | 909 Fairgreen Road Greensboro, NC 27410