The Queen City is home to many types of galleries, each different in their own right. The Lark and Key located in the historic South End is a good example. Opened in February of 2008, co-owners Sandy Snead and Duy Huynh work hard to create a gallery featuring local, regional, and national artists. Showcasing approximately forty artists and artisans, the Lark and Key offers curated artwork, pottery, and jewelry.
Snead, a native of North Carolina, graduated from Winthrop University with a degree in graphic design but her creative avenues broadened in time from visual stylist to textile designer, jewelry maker, and now gallery curator; whereas, Huynh, an immigrant from Vietnam, received her degree in painting and illustration from UNC-Charlotte. My original goal was to become a comic book illustrator, but somewhere along the way, I fell in love with painting, says Huynh.
Both share a love of art, but opening a gallery is challenging. We have learned a great deal about running a business, as well as working together as a couple, [but] predicting what people will respond to [is] nearly impossible. Featuring artists and artisans who work in various styles and mediums, Snead and Huynh agree that quality is crucial, but a connection to the work, and how it complements our aesthetics is key in our decision making process.
The overall theme of the Lark and Key is one that reflects the slightly whimsical, thought provoking, and subtly surreal. We try to interweave a calming and rustic sensibility that is reflective of the natural world, they explain. Designed with natural wood and soothing colors, the Lark and Key is a peaceful place where Snead and Huynh hope to inspire others with dreamlike wonder.
For further information or to view Lark and Keys artists and art visit them online at www.larkandkey.com.
