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WHAT’S GOING ON at the Art Cellar in Banner Elk? Getting ‘Fresh New Look’ for 21st Year in Business

By Paul T. Choate

The Art Cellar is going to look a lot different come early Spring 2013. Photo by Ken Ketchie
The Art Cellar is going to look a lot different come early Spring 2013. Photo by Ken Ketchie

Jan. 14, 2013. Have you noticed all the construction going on at the Art Cellar on Shawneehaw Avenue in Banner Elk? Entering their 21st year in business, the gallery is doing some significant remodeling and sprucing up.

Established in 1993, the Art Cellar began as the lifelong vision of Pamela McKay, who focuses on showcasing the artwork of those indigenous to the mountains of Western North Carolina, which has had an impact on so many in the arts. Now, the popular gallery and frame shop will be looking better than ever.

“This is something we have wanted to do for a long time, so we are really giving a fresh new look to the building,” said Liz Brown, gallery director.

The extensive remodeling effort is being done by Banner Elk-based Hendricks Construction and has been going on since just before Thanksgiving.

Improvements include new roofing, a totally remodeled entrance and “entry gallery,” a new patio area, large showcase windows, new interior walls and a “fresh new appeal from the road,” Brown said.

That fresh new street appeal, in addition to the showcase windows, will include new stonework, rustic wood and brand new siding.

Though the gallery does not plan to add to the square footage of the building necessarily, the new walls will still be a significant change for them. Brown said because of adding new walls it allows them to set up new areas for displays and new ways to display their artwork.

“We’re really excited about it. It’s a good project,” Brown said. “Clint [Hendricks, contractor] has been wonderful and his crew has just been great getting everything rolling.”

The project has an anticipated completion of early spring 2013.  

The entire remodel was planned and designed by gallery owners McKay and her husband Michael. Despite being such a big project, Brown said they haven’t run into any significant problems and expect to finish right on schedule.

The Art Cellar is located at 920 Shawneehaw Ave., Banner Elk. For more information, call 828-898-5175 or visit artcellaronline.com.

Additional images
Photos by Ken Ketchie

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