President's Message
Dear Members,
I hope this message finds you well and inspired. Spring has sprung and it's killing my nose. But the weather is very nice.
Our Guild is strengthened by each member who brings their talent, time, and passion to this organization.
I would like to extend sincere gratitude to everyone who helped make our recent exhibition at Christ Church Episcopal such a wonderful success. It was a beautiful show that reflected the depth of talent within our membership and the power of art to connect people. Our judge was Cynthia Howard; President of the Mathews Art Guild and she made some wonderful award choices. From the artists who exhibited their work, to the award winners, to those who volunteered behind the scenes, and to the many visitors who attended, thank you for helping create such a memorable event.
Moments like these remind us that the Guild is more than an organization, it is a vibrant creative community. On April 22, 2026, Andy Braitman, painter and art educator, joined us for our monthly meeting and it was fantastic to hear about his life in the arts. If you missed it, we have finally received the funds from a generous donor to purchase video equipment. The YouTube link is below. Please check it out, it is worthwhile for sure.
Looking ahead, we have exciting opportunities on the horizon with future exhibitions and programs that will continue to showcase our members while expanding our presence in and outside the Charlotte community. Submissions for the Mint Museum Uptown exhibition are now open, and you need to make sure your membership is current before you submit. Also open for submissions is the GCA exhibition at Cain Center for the Arts in Cornelius. Click on the links in this newsletter to go to our website and submit, become a member, or donate. I encourage each of you to stay engaged, participate when you can, and continue supporting one another and the GCA. Whether you exhibit, volunteer, attend events, or simply cheer on fellow artists, your involvement matters.
The arts enrich our city, create dialogue, and bring people together in meaningful ways. Through the Guild of Charlotte Artists, we have the privilege of contributing to that spirit and helping it thrive.
For close to two years, I have had the privilege to serve as your President. I appreciate you all and hope you continue your creative journeys.
Thank you for being part of this remarkable organization. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the months ahead.
Warm regards,
Mikel Frank
President, Guild of Charlotte Artists
Upcoming events.
Member Highlight
Maryna Solohub
My name is Maryna Solohub, and I am an artist who brings decorative crochet toys to life.
I was born and raised in Ukraine—a land rich in history, culture, and warmth. When war forced me to leave my home, I carried with me my family, memories, and the spirit of my country. A graphic designer by profession, I turned to crochet and embroidery as a way to find solace and strength during these turbulent times.
Most of the proceeds from the sale of my dolls go to humanitarian aid for those whose lives have been devastated by war.
Art is my way of giving back, of maintaining hope—thread by thread, stitch by stitch.
Lynn Alker
Lynn Alker is a mixed media, abstract artist living and working in Raleigh N.C. A self described ‘’emotional painter”, Lynn uses bold applications of color and mark making to express a variety of subject matter, such as equality, mental health, and environmental awareness. Her paintings are spontaneous, and it is the mystery of this abstract evolution that speaks to her.
“Art is transformative. It invigorates, energizes, soothes, heals. We will always need art and I am grateful for my artistic voice.”
Martie Rector
Martie Rector is an oil painter who lives in Davidson, NC and has a studio is in Cornelius, NC, at 2019 Catawba Avenue.
Martie was an art teacher for 35 years in Ohio before moving to NC in 2023. During her teaching years in Ohio her art was mainly focused on mixed media. When she moved to NC, she started taking oil painting lessons.
She studied at the Holt School of Fine Art and at Andy Braitman's studio and paints landscapes and still lives.
Support the Guild of Charlotte Artists!
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering and promoting the visual arts in our community. Your generous donation helps us provide valuable resources and opportunities to Charlotte's artistic community. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference!
