Six Places to Meet Local Artists in Charlotte, NC

This is a quick list of places where you can meet local artists face-to-face, see their work in person, and buy directly from them. Each spot offers public hours and working studio space, so you’re getting a real behind-the-scenes look at Charlotte’s creative community.

Photo by Brooke Brown Photography

Dilworth Artisan Station

South End

Dilworth Artisan Station was originally a furniture factory and has seen many changes over the years. It became a textile mill, and then storage for soldiers’ cars during World War II. Now, it's been converted to a hub for creativity, with over 20 artists working inside. The building is located at the end of East Kingston Avenue overlooking the Rail Trail. Join them on the first Friday of each month from 5:30-8:30pm for a Gallery Crawl from studio to studio.

The VAPA Center

Uptown

VAPA Center provides low-cost studios for creatives residing in Mecklenburg County and exhibition spaces for the visual and performing arts. It is home to over 450 creatives, several galleries, and theaters spread across three floors.

They host Open Studios on First Saturdays from 12-6pm and Art Markets on Second Saturdays from 6-10pm.

Goodyear Arts

Camp North End

Goodyear Arts provides gallery space, 20 artist studios, and free innovative programming for Charlotte audiences. This artist-led nonprofit has spent the past decade nurturing a deep sense of community. Core to their mission is the residency program which provides time, space, money, and community to local artists each year.

Open from 6-9pm on Fridays and from 1-4pm on Saturdays.

Activation Studios

Plaza Midwood

Activation Studios is an organization that occupies vacant space and fills it with creativity. About 18 resident members work out of their current space on the Arts+ campus (2304 The Plaza), where they'll be until building renovations get underway.

They host a lively open studios event on Final Fridays from 6-11pm.

Charlotte Studio Artists

NoDa

This artist-led organization partnered with the Johnston YMCA to create space for 25+ resident artists in the middle of NoDa, historically known as Charlotte's art district. They were voted Charlotte’s Best Art Gallery in 2025 by readers of the Charlotte Observer and Best Art Incubator 2025 in Queen City Nerve.

They are open to the public every Saturday from 10am-4pm and Third Thursdays from 5-8:30pm. They also host a Maker's Meetup every Second Saturday from 10:30am-12pm.

StudioWorks

Dilworth

Operating out of a historic property in Dilworth, this collective gallery + studio hosts 12 talented working artists. A quiet, inspiring space fostering focused creativity. There's also a Little Free Art Gallery right outside!

Open Studios every Wednesday from 11am-2pm and First Fridays from 5-8pm.