New Downtown Angier Art Gallery To Celebrate Grand Opening Oct. 2

The Artists Coalition Opens Permanent Gallery In Downtown Angier

ANGIER, N.C. – A new nonprofit arts organization is putting down permanent roots in downtown Angier with the opening of a gallery and community arts space next month.

The Artists Coalition will officially open its new home at 45 W. Depot Street on Friday, Oct. 2.

Both events are free and open to the public.

The opening marks a major step for an organization that began with the goal of creating more opportunities for artists in Angier and the surrounding region to show their work, meet other artists and connect directly with the public.

The Artists Coalition was founded by Dezaraé Leto, who serves as founder and executive director. A co-founder serves as director of operations, helping oversee the day-to-day work of developing the nonprofit and turning its downtown space into a functioning gallery.

Leto leads the organization’s overall vision, programming and direction, while the operations side handles much of the communications, technology, logistics and hands-on work involved in operating the space.

The organization received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit recognition earlier this year and has spent the past several weeks transforming the Depot Street location into a working gallery and community arts space.

The goal, organizers said, is to create more than a traditional place to hang artwork.

Plans call for rotating exhibitions, workshops, artist talks, live music, plein air events, makers markets, community gatherings and other programs designed to make the arts a more regular part of life in the Angier area.

The Coalition was created around the idea that artists in the region need more places where they can create, exhibit their work, connect with one another and have their work seen.

Opening a permanent downtown location, organizers said, gives the group an opportunity to build something lasting while making art more accessible to the broader community.

‘In Good Company’

The grand opening will also debut the Coalition’s first exhibition, “IN GOOD COMPANY.”

The show features 15 local and regional artists, including a special inclusion artist, working in painting, mixed media, ceramics and photography.

The exhibition’s name was chosen to reflect not only the artists whose work will be displayed, but also the members, supporters, neighbors and friends who helped take the Artists Coalition from an idea to a permanent downtown space.

The title also represents a larger theme behind the organization — that art grows through community, collaboration and people supporting one another.

The Friday evening reception will give visitors an opportunity to view the exhibition and meet some of the artists whose work is included.

The Artists Coalition’s grand opening and ribbon cutting will begin at noon Friday, Oct. 2, at 45 W. Depot Street in downtown Angier.

The “IN GOOD COMPANY” Artists Reception will be held later that evening from 6 to 8 p.m.

Both events are free and open to the public.