Raney Rogers: Art is closer than you think
Smart Gallery is not just the newest addition to fine art galleries here in Kinston, it is so much more.
The Gallery is a part of a bigger picture called Smart Kinston City Project Foudation, of which there are only four in the state of North Carolina. Founder Stephen Hill had the vision to renovate homes in the Mitchelltown district of Kinston, paint them in Crayola colors and rent them to artists brought in from all around to work on their craft, share with the community through murals, school classrooms and public events and now to exhibit their art in the beautiful and spacious Smart Gallery located at 210 N. Queen St.
Smart Kinston City Project Foundation aspires to meld art and artist (we all being artists) to elevate learning and creative experiences for all ages, most specifically elementary and middle school students. Through the years many arts programs and opportunities have been lost to budget cuts and lack of interest, but our artists, or “smARTists” as they are affectionately called are here to help change that. Partners of Smart Kinston are Lenoir Community College, the Community Council for the Arts and Art 105. Many new plans were slated for 2020 and of course COVID closed the door temporarily but slowly that door has reopened and once again we are revisiting our goals and planning new experiences for the public to enjoy while learning and engaging in the arts. Without art in our lives how can we know the colors and shapes of diversity? Without art how can we grow and learn and be inspired that we can be anything we want to be, we just have to know to want it.
There are so many beautiful creations of art right here in our community. According to the North Carolina Arts Council there are over 154 art forms, surely something for everyone, and counting.
While Smart Kinston has plans to get our artistic energy out to you, you are encouraged to take advantage of the art that is there just waiting for you to see. Visit Kinston's Galleries, come to the free events which are wonderful opportunities to learn, nibble on some cheese and fruit, take a class which are always affordable and spread your wings. You will be glad you did!
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