Charlotte, like many cities, is experiencing a transformation. As much as it is known for its banking roots, there is a deep arts base, too. Charlotte ARTery is an interesting group that is part of this metamorphosis. Its newest show, “TransFUSION: New Artists, New Work, New Exhibit” opened Friday, May 6 at the Gaines Brown Gallery in Historic South End at 1520 S. Tryon St.

This new show features recent work by Charlotte ARTery artists: Julie Benda, Janet Lasher, Ashley Lathe, Bev Nagy, Sharon Dowell, Teresa Hollmeyer, Paul Keysar and Jon Tarleton. “TransFUSION” features guest artists: Cher Cosper, Allison Luce, Isaac Payne and Terry Shipley. It is an eclectic mix of color, texture, realism and abstraction by some of Charlotte’s best artists.

Lathe, one of the founding members, has newer abstract circle paintings — watercolor on polyester — next to some older silkscreens. This shows contrast between where he is now and how he got there. Core artist Nagy’s 3-D vessels are surprisingly affordable. “Totally tubular, an act in three clays” are simply wonderful clay and mixed media vessels with some abstract visuals that are intriguing.

There are glass and clay wall hangings, traditional acrylic and oil landscape paintings, inviting abstract work, some outstanding figurative drawings of Payne and much more. Gaines Brown Gallery is an open space that seems to fit the exhibition perfectly. There is plenty of room to step back and contemplate the artwork.

Charlotte ARTery was started a few years ago by a handful of hardworking local artists. From the beginning, the focus was on getting local artists’ work exhibited in Charlotte in non-traditional gallery settings. As a group of artists, different skills and talents are brought to the collective table.

Several times a year, these artists secure a space currently unused or underused and transform it with movable walls and reception decor. Over time, the venues have been getting better and the shows, along with the improved marketing materials, are gaining momentum. “TransFUSION: New Artists, New Work, New Exhibit” is like all its shows in that it is a cross section of abstract and realistic, 2-D and 3-D artwork and represents some of Charlotte’s vast talent pool of local artists. (Many of whom have been residents at McColl Center for Visual Art and won artist’s grants.)

People agree that the arts are often a catalyst for transformation,whether it’s a personal, individual experience with a work of art or artists moving into a bad area and changing a neighborhood over time from within. Charlotte ARTery is doing a little of both. It inspires the community with individual creations and is part of neighborhood conversions as it sets up galleries in different spaces.

Its goal is to have a permanent home with exhibition gallery, a daily gallery and studios for artists.  Having recently received a Cultural Innovation Grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, with matching funding by the Arts & Science Council, it is one step closer. (Additionally, this exhibit was made possible, in part, with funding by the Arts & Science Council and the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Cultural Resources, and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes a great nation deserves great art.)

If you missed the opening reception, you can catch the Closing Reception on Friday, June 3 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It is always free, and there is plenty of free parking nearby. (Or, contact Teresa Hollmeyer at 704-604-3832 for an appointment.)

Charlotte ARTery’s “TransFUSION: New Artists, New Work, New Exhibit” Gaines Brown Gallery in Historic South End at 1520 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203 (corner of S. Tryon St., Camden Road and W. Summit Ave., across from The Common Market). Closing Reception: Friday, June 3, 6 to 9 p.m.