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Consider a Non-Traditional Venue

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Event Sites: Consider a non-traditional venue

An increasingly popular event site is the non-traditional venue.  Choosing a venue for an event is one of the most important decisions in the event planning process. It can influence the energy in the room, the event’s performance, not to mention the budget and logistics.

While there are the tried and true traditional hotel/conference center options, a non-traditional venue, such as a gothic church, barn, or museum are increasingly popular, and with good reason – they provide attendees and guests with a truly unique experience, ignite conversation, and usually offer the choice of bringing in your preferred rental partners.

After fleshing out the event details and requirements, you can begin your search for an unconventional space to meet your needs. The McColl Center for Art and Innovation, located in uptown Charlotte, NC, is a great example, having just recently become available to rent. This neo-Gothic former church provides a fresh, unique space with edge and excitement for corporate events, non-profit fundraisers, holiday parties and more. With a revolving display of work by the Artists-in-Residence, a convenient location with free parking, and large, open space featuring warm brick walls and high, beamed ceilings, this architectural treasure offers a one of a kind guest experience for both intimate and large scale events.

The bottom line: choosing a unique venue for your event will complement and enhance the purpose and energy you are striving for. There are many exciting options available that will work logistically and within your budget.

Ashes to Art, McColl Center [nFocus]

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Read the original article in nFocus.

McColl Center for Visual Art had over 300 people attend Ashes to Art over the three days the luncheon was held. Event sponsors included TCG Events, Inc., Quest Diagnostics, Steelfab, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, Carocon, and the Marc and Mattye Silverman Foundation, while tables were hosted by Board members, special friends, alumni artists and senior leadership.

The Center awarded its inaugural Luminary Award to Gabby Pratt, for her longtime incredible support of the Center and the community of Charlotte. She was presented with a piece by Anatony Tsiris, which he generously donated. The event’s fantastic centerpieces were designed and created by Terry Shipley, alumna resident, and were given to guests as an incentive for making commitments of $1,000 or more.

The event exceeded its goal and raised approximately $130,000 at present count. Presentations were made by alumni artists Anthony Schrag and Willie Little, as well as Board Chair Rip Farris, Board members Jeff Trenning and Debra Plousha Moore, National Advisory Board member Ken Lambla, and President Suzanne Fetscher.

Ashes to Art is held over three days in order to have the event onsite in the sculpture studio, which is transformed from a working studio to a banquet space for those three days. Porcupine Provisions catered the events, which were supported by Party Reflections and Eye Dialogue.

Ashes to Art is the Center’s most important fundraising event of the year, generating vital revenue that supports artists residencies and keeps our galleries open and free to the public.