Featured Artists
The Brick Gallery is where we host featured artists and special events
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"Realistic Peace"Acrylic paintings by Chelsea McGrew
Full Circle Arts welcomes Chelsea's solo exhibit in the Brick Gallery. Show dates: April 6 - May 2, 2026 Chelsea greeted guests during the Open Competition Reception on Thursday, April 16, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. About Chelsea
artist bio:
Chelsea McGrew is a self taught artist who lives in Hickory, NC. She has been trying to turn her love of art into a career since the beginning of 2020. She uses acrylic paint to create realistic and non realistic works of art. Although specializing in custom portrait painting, she also paints a variety of subjects. Her use of bold colors and her application of many thin layers of acrylic creates a type of realism that is uniquely her own. Artist statement:
"Realistic Peace" I have always been in search of happiness. My mind is loud and self doubt is even louder. Painting has helped me find peace of mind. When I am in a creative flow state, when my hands and brain are working together and my thoughts are turned down, that is when I am at peace. Painting realistically has taught me that there is no such thing as perfect and that, that is okay. I'm learning to be happy with the imperfections and trying to learn from the mistakes instead of beating myself up about them. It has truly taught me patience with myself and in turn has made my life more peaceful because I have always been my harshest critic. |
Video tour of Chelsea's exhibit |
Student Tiny Art show 2026
14th annual Tiny Art show February 19 - March 21, 2026
“Creative Expedition” May 15 - June 21, 2025Discover the dynamic and joyful art of Melissa Crosson in an exhibition hosted at Full Circle Arts' Brick Gallery from May 15 through June 21, 2025. This captivating showcase invites art lovers and fashion enthusiasts alike to immerse themselves in a diverse collection of works, highlighting Melissa’s fearless exploration of color and creativity over many years.
Melissa's artistic journey spans a wide range of mediums, from vibrant acrylics on canvas to innovative runway fashion. Rooted deeply in a love of color and a passion for sharing joy, her work radiates energy and emotion, making each piece a unique experience. This exhibition curates a thoughtful selection from her ever-evolving portfolio, offering a glimpse into the boundless imagination and heart that defines her practice. Join us at the Brick Gallery within Full Circle Arts to celebrate Melissa’s vibrant vision and to witness how color can transform spaces, moods, and perspectives. Whether you are a longtime admirer or new to her art, this collection promises to inspire and uplift. For a preview of Melissa’s latest creations, follow @Melissacrossonart on Instagram. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the joyful spirit and colorful world of Melissa Crosson live in person this spring. |
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Full Circle Arts' STUDENT TINY ART SHOW
The art is on display March 20 to April 26, 2025 at the same time as FCA’s 13th annual Tiny Art Show.
Full Circle Arts’ Student Tiny Art Show consists of works submitted by local students from Grandview Middle School, Northview Middle School, Longview Elementary School, Hickory High School, and Hickory Career & Arts Magnet School. |
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Beth Oczkowski, "Painting with Paper"
December 13, 2024 - January 4, 2025
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Beth is a very well known and talented artist.
Quilling is an art form that involves the use of strips of paper that are rolled, shaped, and glued together to create decorative designs. Where Did Quilling Originate? The exact origins of quilling are unclear, as there is no detailed documentation on how this intricate art form began. It is widely believed that quilling started after the invention of paper in China during the Eastern Han period (25-220 CE). The spread of paper-making techniques likely facilitated the development of paper crafts like quilling. Another theory suggests that quilling may have originated in ancient Egypt, where thin strips of precious metals were used to create similar decorative designs, possibly influencing later paper-based quilling techniques. |
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FAVORITE PLACES
September 14 - October 19, 2024 Victoria Morales and Chris Witherspoon |
Click the names below to see the artists bios and their art currently in the brick gallery.
VICTORIA MORALES ART
Native from Chile, Victoria is a Forestry Engineer with a Master of Science in Environmental Management. She moved to the USA 21 years ago. She lived in High Point, NC for 14 years, and now she resides in Hickory, NC. In the USA, she has actively worked as Spanish Interpreter and Spanish teacher, as well as being involved in the High Point and Las Vegas International Furniture Markets, Cub Scouts of America, Health and School Systems, and Artistic and Cultural events. Currently, she works for a non-profit where she can pursue her passions for helping others, education, the environment, and visual arts through the community. Victoria has been painting for almost two decades. Her favorite media is oil. She loves to paint landscapes, flowers, and people from different places from around the world. She aims to make a difference and spread knowledge through her artwork. “I like to paint objects and themes where light plays a key role, creating unique patterns and values of shades, allowing me to interplay with fascinating tones of warm and cold colors. Bright colors are also fundamental for my art. I truly enjoy incorporating them in all of my paintings in order to show the richness and contrasts of the different cultures and their unique landscapes.” cHRIS WITHERSPOON ART
As a native of Hickory, North Carolina, I love everything this state has to offer. From the majestic Great Smoky Mountains to the ever- changing coastal Outer Banks, there is no better place to draw inspiration for my art. For me, my art is a great stress reliever. My paintings are primarily landscapes and present a sense of peace for the viewer. I have worked in healthcare for over 3 decades. It was only after my victory over cancer that I began to paint. I work in multiple mediums including alcohol ink, acrylics, and pastels. However, my love is watercolor. I enjoy the flow of the colors and the freedom that I feel when painting with this medium. I am a self-taught artist. I have joined groups such as Foothills Painters and Unifour Artists in the area to help expand my art experience and knowledge. The artists in these groups are not only amazing, but they have become my family. I continue to grow with their help. |
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Pet Projects, Paintings and Collages by Karen Parker and Walt McGervey, June 7 - July 13, 2024.
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Impressions, an exhibition of original prints by Meredith Janssen, January 12 - February 24, 2024.
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Tiny Art from Northfield Middle School October 26 - December 2, 2023
Julie Stephan September 21 - October 14, 2023
A Celebration of Abstract Expressionism in alcohol ink.
A Celebration of Abstract Expressionism in alcohol ink.
Clay James, new Exhibiting Member, June 9 – July 8, 2023
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Two Points of View: Colored pencil drawings by Ellen Schwarzbek and Kathryn Regel. May 4 to June 3, in Full Circle Arts’ Brick Gallery.
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The Art of Collage April 8 - 29, 2023. Works by four artists: Vyvyan L. Dunne, Janice Harris, Maria Register, Carol Turner. The images are created mostly of various types of paper, with some added paint.
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