You’ve driven past it countless times – that beautiful historic train depot in downtown Mooresville. But inside that familiar building is one of the region’s most vibrant arts communities, where neighbors discover hidden talents and professional artists find their creative home.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the Lake Norman area, Mooresville Arts offers something rare: a truly welcoming place where anyone can explore creativity and join a thriving 70-year-old community.
“Everyone knows where the depot is,” says Dixon Handshaw, chairman of the board. “They may not know it’s Mooresville Arts, but it is.”
More Than a Gallery
Step inside and prepare to be amazed. The gallery occupies what was once a tobacco and cotton warehouse. All the original wood remains – weathered planks that tell decades of stories.
“People walk in here and they just look around with their mouth open,” Handshaw explains. “They’re just amazed.”
This isn’t just a place to look at art – it’s where you buy art for your home. Pieces range from $75 to $5,000, supporting local and regional artists. Admission is always free, and someone will personally show you around.
“When you walk into Mooresville Arts, somebody is going to talk to you,” Handshaw promises. “We intend to be a welcoming place.”
Never Painted Before? No Problem
Complete beginners become confident artists here. Their work ends up hanging in the same gallery where they once felt intimidated to enter.
“We have a lot of people who came to us who’d never painted before,” Handshaw says. “And their work is hanging in this gallery. They sell their work and they’re well-known painters right now.”
The photography program grew from zero participants to over 50 in just four years. Classes run in winter, spring, and fall, with summer workshops. You’ll find watercolor, oil painting, acrylic, 3D art, and fiber arts.
“You need to learn how your camera sees things,” Handshaw explains. “Then you can learn how to make it see things the way you want it to.”
Free events bring the community together. The Sunday Salon happens the first Sunday of every month from 2 to 5 PM. About 15 photographers gather to share work and learn from each other.
Gallery openings pack over 100 people into the space for receptions with drinks, food, and artist talks.
Why Your Neighbors Are Getting Involved
The organization now has nearly 300 members—significant growth reflecting Mooresville’s status as America’s fastest-growing city. Artists come from Raleigh and Georgia to participate, making this a regional destination.
The recent winter show received 111 entries. The juror selected just 41 pieces to display—evidence of the high quality work being created here.
Your Town’s Creative Investment Pays Off
Mooresville Arts started in 1955 when artists met in the War Memorial Building to paint together. In 1978, the town made a smart decision, leasing the historic depot for a small amount and covering utilities.
This partnership lets the organization focus on programming instead of overhead. The investment paid off—downtown now has three galleries clustered in one area.
In 2018, fundraising transformed the warehouse into the current stunning gallery. The organization grew from all volunteers to five paid staff members.
“We have moved from being a totally volunteer organization to being more of a professional organization,” Handshaw explains.
Ready to Get Involved?
Start with a visit. Gallery admission is free. Someone will personally show you around. Check mooresvillearts.org for hours.
Try a class. Winter, spring, and fall offerings in multiple mediums. No experience required.
Join photography community. Sunday Salon first Sunday of each month, 2-5 PM (free).
Support through membership. Join nearly 300 other local arts enthusiasts.
Volunteer. Help with show installations and events.
Business sponsorship. Great visibility with engaged local audience.
Save the dates!
Your Creative Community Is Waiting
Dixon Handshaw retired in 2016 and walked into Mooresville Arts four years ago asking if they taught photography. They didn’t, but were open to starting.
“I said, you want to? And she said, well, sure, we could look into that.”
Now he teaches photography and has found his “artist home.”
“This place has given me my artist home,” he reflects. “I have made very many great friendships here.”
In one of America’s fastest-growing cities, Mooresville Arts proves that growth doesn’t mean losing community. Whether you’re rediscovering a childhood passion or trying something new, your creative home is waiting in that familiar train depot downtown.
And yes, someone will definitely talk to you when you walk in.
Mooresville Arts
103 W Center Ave
Mooresville, NC 28115
(704) 663-6661
About the author:
Jeff Hamm is the creator and producer of The Best of LKN. He’s a local real estate agent and digital marketing professional.
Since 2020, Jeff has been sharing the stories of Lake Norman’s most inspiring small businesses and nonprofits.
When he isn’t working, you can usually find Jeff boating, playing pickleball, cycling local greenways, and taking walks with his dogs Sam and Maisy.
Jeff Hamm
Broker: LKNreal
Founder: Epic Journey Media
Photo credit: LKN Images by Kathleen Martin
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