I did not have any traditional experience in the art world when I bought Elder Gallery in 2017. At the time, I simply loved art, supported artists, and appreciated art’s ability to tell important and persuasive stories. As that relates to how I would run the gallery, there were a handful of things I knew: I wanted to use the space to address important societal issues through art in its varied forms; I wanted to work with artists who were living and experiencing life now; I wanted to push the envelope in Charlotte and make space for excellent artists who had been historically excluded; and I wanted to use the space – and art – to create community and enthusiasm for meaningful dialogue. I did not have a name for that, and back in 2017 I decided it made sense to simply tweak the gallery name and rename it Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art – contemporary artists addressing contemporary life.

After 7 years under that name, the gallery has come into its own. The gallery’s present success is built on its fearlessness, curiosity, and spirit of welcoming. We’ve created a space in Charlotte that has gained regional and national respect, with publications like the New York Times singling out one of our shows “Art to See This Fall.” We’ve mounted exhibitions that have drawn hundreds of people and made headlines across the art world. We’ve elevated traditional and well-known styles of artmaking through unique programming and diving deep into the artist’s intention. We have been a place to experiment and challenge the status quo. We have created a meaningful community connected by art.

The gallery’s reboot as SE CLT Gallery embraces reality. We are Socially Engaged in the SouthEast. And cheeky though it may be, SE CLT is also Sonya’s Elder.

Here’s to exciting adventures in the art world.