CSA.

It is time for the Community Supported Art (CSA) fall growing season. That’s right – shares to receive nine limited-edition works of art from local Charlotte artists go on sale this Thursday July 31st at 10 a.m. The Community Supported Art Program started in 2013 and is based on the concept of Community Supported Agriculture, wherein consumers buy a share in a farmer’s produce to receive a seasonal allotment.

The Arts & Science Council (ASC) has taken this innovative idea and applied it to local art. The $500 share consists of one art work from each of the nine artists selected by a special jury from numerous applications. Shareholders will receive their art at three unique, private pick-up events where they will have the opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy the surprise of opening the artwork. The art produced for Community Supported Art is limited-edition and unavailable elsewhere, which is what makes it fresh and local, like an agricultural CSA.

According to the ASC, “One of the most important success criteria for the Community Supported Art program is in building lasting relationships between art producers and consumers. It’s one thing to buy a piece of art; it’s another to meet artists at the pick-up site to ask questions, talk about their practice, or just say hello.” The CSA will help connect artists and art lovers in a way that encourages a buy-local spirit.

The fall 2014 artists:

• Arthur Brouthers, an abstract painter
• Brittani George, who works in painting and drawing
• Allison Luce, a ceramic sculptor
• Jonathan Grauel, who will create a digital iPad drawing for CSA
• Liz Saintsing, who works with printmaking
• Dulce Tavares, a mixed media and upcycling artist
• Julie Wiggins, who will create a porcelain tumbler for CSA
• Clayton Young, a photographer
• Pamela Winegard, who will create an encaustic monotype

Pick-up Event Dates:

• Monday, September 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

If you are interested in buying a share, check the ASC’s Community Supported Art website for the sale link to be activated.