The young woman sits in tranquil concentration, parallel with her easel. One hand holds the edge of her drawing pad while the other clasps a pencil that can be heard softly stroking the paper, adding life to her sketching. The morning has long since crossed over the midday and the amber light of evening is drawing long shadows on the studio floor. In the presence of her passion, she is unaware of  time.

  Journey forward with this young woman and meet Diana McLaughlin, co-owner of Broad Street Gallery Artists Co~op, twenty years later. "What I realized during those drawing classes, right here at Mitchell Community College, was that I could do that all day without answering the phones, without eating, without being disturbed." Although her artistic dreams were set aside to start a family, she has lived in Germany, Virginia and near Washington, DC where she could still embrace opportunities to explore cultural art and visit the finest museums in the world. 

  Diana says her early art classes at MCC really shook her up when she realized she would "never really be satisfied doing anything else if it weren't art related in some way." As she arrived back in Statesville about two years ago her thoughts were "to paint what I want to paint!" And to revive her artistic desires, she also wanted to produce and show her art in a gallery, assuming she would certainly find them in Statesville. She was dismayed to discover there were no galleries where artists could expose and sell their work. However, Diana did find herself drawn to private gallery and studio owned by David Shoemaker, a local and renowned artist. Although Diana was producing art, without a professional portfolio or list of awards, she could only hope to show in his gallery. She was overjoyed when David graciously invited her to share his studio space, agreed to critique her work and was willing to offer his gallery as a place for her to show her art beside his to our community. Diana is thankful that David had done so much work to open the first private art gallery here. "He opened the door to my future."

  As a self-taught artist, Diana reveals one of many challenges artists face when attempting to show and sell their art. Without credentials or the reputation of being a 'known' artist in some way, most galleries prefer not to take the challenge or risk of showing an artist who is new and without a pedigree. She understands how artists struggle and aspire to connect with people who will appreciate their artful expressions. She also believes, together, a community and its artisans can experience shared benefits and intends to nurture all the solutions that will possibly support both.

  Diana is now well beyond her early aspirations of art for enjoyment. She and Jay White, her business partner and fiance, wisely established a frame shop within the last year to help support the gallery "so we can consider showcasing any of the artists who have come in the door and show our own art whenever we want to." Their love of the artisan community and Statesville has been an organic, creative destiny - to enhance our both communities and evolve an environment for artists to gain exposure and sell their work.

  Diana and Jay have a long-term, cultural vision for downtown Statesville - to build an art center as a cooperative venture with serious, local artists. Talented artists and art lovers continue to stop by the gallery and participate in the Downtown Art Crawls to find each other. Several downtown businesses have also successfully positioned art of various local artisans where it is being appreciated and ultimately bought by an admirer. 

  A comprehensive artists cooperative in Statesville's cultural future will require space and the equal, vested ownership of the artisans in the organization. The concept of an art destination for art seekers; where artists can produce art in their own studio spaces, educating visitors as they walk through the artisan-owned art center is a viable, working economic force in many progressive communities. This visionary art center would perfectly complement our community forums which urge a continued emphasis on arts and culture. 

  Diana proudly coaches Amanda Muncy, her assistant director and resident framing intern. Diana notes her own accomplishments were made possible the day Amanda walked through her doors and asked for a job that did not exist! Amanda will attend UNCG in Greensboro this fall where she plans to major in fine art education. Amanda considers her internship in the gallery a blessing. "I am in the midst of others who are following their dreams and as a young artist this has been inspirational for me." 

  Diana still reminds herself each day that "I have an art gallery; because it is beyond what I ever imaged having! I am deeply indebted to all the patrons that have kept my doors open for over a year. I'm especially thankful for Jay, who is here for me everyday." Even unimaginable dreams come true!

  For the past fourteen months, the Broad Street Gallery and La Dolce Vita Cafe have hosted monthly 'First Fridays', attracting local residents downtown as a social destination to enjoy and artists receptions and musical performances. Art and music lovers are invited to First Fridays from 6 - 9 p.m. at the corner of Broad and Center Streets.  

  Artists and businesses may contact Diana McLaughlin, Broad Street Gallery Artists Co~op, at 704.682.9864 or email dianemacartist@gmail.com.

Janet Harriman