In 2009, Center of the Earth Gallery will celebrate over 20 years as a dynamic
venue that is dedicated to the exhibition of significant art of our time.
We represent over 50 artists of all styles, media, and price ranges. From
strong emerging artists to those well established, our artists are widely
collected and present a broad spectrum of the regional and national fine
art world. CTE artists have been published in Art & Antiques, Art
News, Traditonal Home, American Artist, among many other publications. This cutting
edge contemporary art gallery is located in Charlotte, North Carolina in
the heart of the Historic North Davidson Arts District (NODA), which has
become a haven for the visual and performing arts.
Our extensive list of corporate clientele includes clients such as Neiman Marcus, TransAmerica, Bank of America, The Federal Reserve Bank, Hearst Corporation, and Philip Morris USA.
Our mission is to discover and showcase high quality and collectible talent in the contemporary art market. Owners Ruth Ava Lyons and Paul Sires each have over 30 years of experience in the fine arts. Both Ruth and Paul are practicing professional artists as well as dealers. Their reputations as mature artists complement their broad knowledge of various art forms. Both received their Masters degrees at Cranbrook Academy of Art.
Ruth Ava Lyons, Managing partner & Co-Owner, is a former Fulbright Fellowship recipient. She has taught at several colleges and institutions and her paintings are contained in many museum, corporate, and residential collections. Ruth was nominated Charlotte Businesswoman of the year in 1992.
Paul Sires, Co-Owner, has received several grants and awards for his sculpture, including an NEA Fellowship. His sculpture can be viewed in many institutional collections and Percent for Art Public Commissions across the country.
Sharon Dowell, Director, graduated with a BFA from UNC Charlotte, where she concentrated in the areas of illustration and painting. Sharon also independently curates and has exhibited in the Southeast, L.A., and New York City and has works in the collections of Fidelity Investments, Duke Energy, and The Federal Reserve Bank.
Todd Payne, Gallery Assistant, currently teaches at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he received his BFA in Sculpture. Todd is a two time recipient of the Rhein-Medall Prize for Community Art and his sculpture was recently featured in the McColl center for Visual Art's second Annual Launched Exhibition.
Gracie Smith, Gallery Associate, graduated with a BA in Art History with honors from UNC Chapel Hill, where she studied the objectification of the female form in French Impressionism. Gracie has spent time traveling and continuing her studies in both Florence, Italy, and Paris, France.
CENTER OF THE EARTH GALLERY
