Carolina Art Garden

I’ve watched with a sort of happy jealousy the soft opening of the Carolina Art Garden in Cornelius. Owner David Austin has transformed a large part of his family’s Oak Street Mill (behind Cornelius police station) into a soaring space dedicated to local artists, potters and jewelers. Soon he will add a coffee bar and frozen yogurt to reach his dream of making art accessible to the locals. This is just the sort of thing I’d dream of doing in my retirement. David just got to it first!

David says he wants to create a family-friendly environment, free of elitist attitudes and sky-high prices. Just a great place to hang out – see some amazing artwork, maybe hear some music and meet friends for a drink. He’s well on his way. David gave me the tour of the place and talked passionately about the artists he represents. He spoke about them in almost a fatherly way. Protective, encouraging and always with just a sweet amount of brag!

Photo by Alex Romero, at Carolina Art Garden

Featured currently in the Carolina Art Garden is the work of photographer Alex Romero. The Philippines native came to this country when he was employed by Shell Chemical and then later with BASF. His photos mix his love of travel (to so many countries I could hardly count) with a focused stillness. I believe you might best describe his work as “colorfully peaceful.” He captures his subject so well you’ll want to reach in and touch the leaf, sit in the boat or get on a plane and see it for yourself.

Art Around Town,” by Lisa Jewel, appears Fridays on DavidsonNews.net’s Guide page. Lisa is keeping a sort of “visual journal” of interesting objects she finds in the area. Some are items for sale at local galleries, others prized possessions in our homes. Have an object to share? Email Lisa, lskjewel@aol.com. See her previous columns in the Art Around Town category