Having lived in Charlotte for over 35 years, Minnesota native Jerald Melberg enjoys watching the city change. It has been astonishing, he says. Born and raised in Anoka, Minnesota, (better known as Lake Wobegon, the fictitious name made famous by author Garrison Keillor) he is a proud descendent of Norwegian farmers.
In 1977 after receiving an offer to become Curator of Exhibitions at the Mint Museum of Art, Melberg relocated to Charlotte. The art scene was once small, he says. But now
between the McColl Center, UNCC, and independent artist studios, there seems to be a burgeoning scene.
This February, the Jerald Melberg Gallery will celebrate its 30th anniversary. During this history, says Melberg, Ive gone from being 35 to 65 years of age. Im completely different. Hopefully, what Ive learned to have is more patience and a more highly trained eye. As a nationally and internationally renowned gallery, the Jerald Melberg Gallery was elected a member of the Fine Art Dealers Association and the only gallery from North Carolina to be consistently invited to participant in international art fairs.
Melberg feels privileged to represent a stellar group of living artists and some of the most important estates of the second half of the 20th century, artists from all over the United States, as well as from Europe and South America. I do not believe there is such a thing as a local artist, says Melberg. Everyone has to live somewhere.
The gallery itself is unassuming with right angled rooms, track lighting, and high ceilings; the focus being the Art. Melberg looks for a particular visual poetry, something that is beyond simple decoration, something that makes you see the world differently, and artists he gravitates towards. It hasnt been easy; there have been difficult times, but according to Melberg, It has always been a downright pleasure.
For more information visit them online at www.jeraldmelberg.com.
