The Charlotte Art League.

The first Friday of every month, the South End in uptown Charlotte is crawling with art lovers and foodies as they enjoy the First Friday Gallery Crawl and Food Truck Friday events. Art galleries all along Camden Road, Park Avenue and South Boulevard are open late with special programs and exhibitions on view. The Charlotte Art League (CAL) is a must-see stop with exhibition openings coinciding with the First Friday Crawl. For November, CAL will be exhibiting “Fall into Art,” a juried show.

Artists 18 years and older are invited to submit work for consideration. “Fall into Art” entries will be judged by Larry Elder, fine arts gallery owner and director of Carolinas Got Art! With no theme and no limitations on media, artist of all styles, talents and media should feel free to submit entries, although not all work will be accepted. Cash prizes will be awarded for the best entries: First place, $600; Second place, $400; and Third place, $200. Artwork may be submitted for consideration between 5-8 p.m. on Friday, October 25; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, October 26; and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, October 27.

In operation for more than 40 years, CAL does not fit within a single category of arts non-profits. In fact, it is hard to define: it is a gallery, a collection of studios, a support network and a classroom all in one. The League rents affordable working studios to artists; creates monthly exhibitions in its gallery space; and provides art workshops and classes. Its membership of about 150 people is open to emerging and professional artists, art educators and patrons. This inclusivity was part of the original intention of CAL’s founding members, Annie Ackerman, Wilma Allen, Doris Banisch, Dot Davis, Marie Dorsey and Kay Mitchell – five women who broke away from the Guild of Charlotte Artists in the mid-’60s.

Above all the Charlotte Art League supports Charlotte artists. The Vision Statement says it all: “CAL exists for the purpose of art: to create it, teach it, foster it, promote it, advocate for it and grow from it.” The significant number of artist studios within the League’s building fosters a creative community where artists can collaborate, critique each other and be inspired. Submitting work for CAL’s “Fall into Art” is a great way to get involved with this unique and supportive community.

The Charlotte Art League: 1517 Camden Rd., Charlotte; 704-376-2787 or [email protected]; www.charlotteartleague.org