It was only eight months ago that Anne Neilson Fine Art gallery was nestled in a quiet corner of SouthEnd among private artist studios and an antique shop. Just shy of their three-year anniversary, the gallery relocated and now operates out of a 5,200 square-foot space in the bustling shops at Morrison situated in the heart of SouthPark. Anne Neilson, owner and artist, opened the gallery with a mission to give back through art. She continues to commit a portion of all art sales to various local charities and organizations including The Harvest Center and Samaritan’s Feet.
The gallery’s roster of more than 40 diverse artists worldwide continues to be influential in the art and design community, landing in private and corporate collections around the world. Anne Neilson Fine Art gallery’s upcoming August exhibition will highlight one of their most recognizable artists and Charlotte local Marcy Gregg. Gregg’s compelling abstracts, simultaneously described as ethereal and modern, embody the divine grace bestowed upon her life over 20 years ago. At the age of 30, Gregg fell into a coma after a serious complication arose during the birth of her third child.
The severity of the incident left doctors concerned she would never recover and prepared her family for the worst. Miraculously, Gregg woke up several days later. However, having lost much of her memory, she believed herself to be just 17 years old. As she embarked on the daunting task of rebuilding her identity, Gregg began to put the details of her life back together with help from family and friends, and even started her own corporate consulting business. However, she could not shake the desire to create and the urge to paint was rooted deep inside. Gregg had majored in studio art in college, but the loss of her memory kept her from unlocking her talent. With a second chance at life, Gregg was eager to make the most of it.
She sold her successful business in 2006 and returned to her true passion – art. “I experience great joy when I stand in front of a canvas,” Gregg says. “In my miraculous healing, God gave me a second chance; and each day that I paint I have a second chance to pursue my love of art.” Today, 11 years after committing her life to painting, Gregg’s work can be found in galleries and private collections across the nation. “Unseen,” her second solo show with Anne Neilson Fine Art, is a collection of work that exposes her intimate process; a process that began several years ago and continues to influence her work today. The beginning of each piece is covered top to bottom with Scripture.
Even as layer after layer is applied, it remains the heart of the painting and serves as inspiration for the piece’s title when complete. While the foundation for the piece will forever be unseen, the process and result will remain, challenging its viewers to dig deep, discovering meaning and life within. “I am motivated by color and texture. It is what inspires me,” Gregg explains. “It is my goal in each painting to leave something to the imagination — lines lost or an unexpected perspective found. I want my viewer intrigued.”
Anne Neilson Fine Art invites you to participate in the show by searching for the Unseen, the deeper meaning behind the canvas of your life. The exhibit opens August 24 and runs through September 28. Visit www.anneneilsonfineart.com for more information. Anne Neilson Fine Art is located at 532 Governor Morrison Street, Suite C-110.