One Year of ArtintheQC.com

I talk too much. I’m impatient. I get too emotionally invested.

For most of my life, I thought these were weaknesses. But in the last year, I’ve realized they are my greatest strengths. Because when you care this much—about art and artists in Charlotte—you have to be loud. You have to believe deeply. And you have to take action.

In December 2023, I launched ArtintheQC.com with no funding, no sponsors, and no guarantees. Just a belief that Charlotte’s creative community deserved more.

The results speak for themselves:

• 1,000+ events listed on the Calendar

• $1,000 in cash paid directly to eight artists at the Speed Paint Showdown

• 200+ opportunities for artists shared

• A growing database of 35+ area galleries and museums

• Web traffic from 34 states

• 21 artists promoted across the website, Instagram, and emails

• And one new Exhibitions page that showcases the specific exhibitions rotating through the city at any given time

I’m incredibly proud of these numbers, but none of this would be possible without you. Your support fuels this platform, amplifies artists, and proves what’s possible when we show up for each other. Artists, simply by existing, bring extraordinary value to this city. That value deserves to be seen, celebrated, and supported. Thank you for being part of this community and for helping make that vision a reality.

Here’s to another year. We’re just getting started.

With gratitude,

Alexandra Smith