My Studio and the Charlotte Art League Moves to a new location in July or August 2021

NoDa’s new art house cinema has a 

name: The Independent Picture House

By Katie Peralta Soloff | February 10, 2021

The new nonprofit art house cinema planned for NoDa has name: The Independent Picture House.

The name is an amalgamation of suggestions that the Charlotte Film Society came up with over the last several months. It’s meant to underscore that the theater isn’t linked to a corporate entity, says Jay Morong, the society’s program director. It will show independent and foreign films.

Why it matters: The closure last spring of the Manor Theatre, a Charlotte institution since 1947, marked a sad milestone for the city’s independent film industry. In the span of about 27 months, Charlotte went from having 13 screens specializing in independent and foreign films to zero. Last year, the Regal Ballantyne Village closed; before that, AMC bought Park Terrace at Park Road Shopping Center and began showing mainstream movies there.

Brad Ritter, president of the film society and former manager of the Manor, said in a statement the nonprofit theater’s independence will allow it to work with local and regional filmmakers and film festivals and provide them with affordable place to showcase their work.

State of play: Ever since the Manor closed, the Film Society has been raising funds for a new nonprofit art house theater. So far, they’ve raised more than $106,000 from more than 740 donors. The number of supporters points to the strength of the grassroots effort, Morong says. “If you’re going to build a community space to show film, you have to have community support. You have to show the community actually wants this thing. This does that. This was the goal all along,” Morong says.

With consulting from The Foundation For The Carolinas, the Film Society recently began a drive to raise an additional $500,000 from 100 foundations and families.

Details on the new space: Demolition is underway at 4237 Raleigh St., an old industrial building near the Sugar Creek light rail station. The theater will have three screens. It will serve concessions, beer and wine, and will offer annual memberships.

The theater is part of the Greenway District, a development by Charlotte-based Flywheel Group. The area will have the feel of a small town center, with multi-family housing, retail, and office space. Already, the area is attracting a number of small local businesses, including a new art gallery and bar called Art Room, Oso Skate Park, and Charlotte Art League.

The Charlotte Business Journal talks to Wil Bosbyshell

The Charlotte Business Journal talks to Wil Bosbyshell 

Tell us about Komen Fireworks? 

My architectural work focuses on the interaction between architectural silhouettes and the surrounding sky (or fireworks). I seek deep shadows at night, and then transform architectural detail into massive shapes against the shadows and light. I like to achieve unique perspectives from common, but overlooked vantage points.  

Where are you from? What brought you to Charlotte? (or if from Charlotte, what has kept you here?)

I was born in Florida, but spent my first and many subsequent summers in Banner Elk. Being a kid from Florida, you head to North Carolina for the cool air so you can wear a jacket and socks. After spending my summers in NC at camps like Camp Kanuga and Camp Cheerio, I finally moved here in 1992. 

What is your opinion of the Charlotte art scene?

It’s picking up at a steady rate; I wish it were faster! The range of art expression in venues, events and exhibitions like The Charlotte Art League, C3, Goodyear Arts, Elder Gallery, the McColl Center and The Mint is very exciting. I’ve been part of the Charlotte art scene for decades, and I can say that right now, Charlotte has many talented artist’s with a lot to say! 

What is your favorite or most inspirational place in the Charlotte area?

I like nature and being outside, so the US National White Water Center is awesome fun. Camp North End is a great combination of art, music and food and interesting architecture as well. The Mint’s awesome exhibitions of local artists recently have been a great edition to more it’s more national shows. I love the Mint’s 4th floor! 

What inspires you? What inspired this piece/idea?

I am inspired by what I observe and experience in real life. That can include the texture of bark on a tree or the dramatic light and color of fireworks or a camp fire. Reality is beautiful and fascinating.  

How did you start making art?/Why do you make art?

I was drawing before I can remember; I can’t stop myself from drawing and painting. I failed 2nd grade because I was drawing instead of paying attention. My life works better if I can get to my studio and draw! 

Who are your biggest influences?

Andrew Wyeth is so amazing as an artist; his watercolors are full of life and spontaneity. Locally, Andy Braitman and Harris Holt really influenced me as an artist. 

How have you developed your career?

Teaching art makes me a better artist. Being around other artists at the Charlotte Art League keeps me on my toes! 

How do you seek out opportunities?

I try to be open and listen to what is going on and to that voice in my head saying, “create”. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

“Lead an ordinary life and make extraordinary art!” Cornel Rubino said that to me in a class I took with him. 

What is the biggest challenge you face professionally?

To stay focused on the art and make the time to get to my studio. 

What is your dream project?

I am looking to leverage the Tree Series in partnership with an organization to help bring awareness and change in behavior with regard to climate issues. Potential partners can reach me at mbosbyshell@aol.com. 

Most people like and are familiar with trees, especially in Charlotte the “Tree City”. My Tree Series could be an entry point in the discussion about the complex issue of climate change. My Tree Series seeks to personalize trees to engage the viewer. I want my tree drawings, and the viewer’s understanding of how they relate to world climate events, to be universally accessible. The Series brings trees into our daily conversation so we can talk about climate change in a way that is personal to us. 

Gallery Crawl Tonight

Two of my sketches for the Weight figure drawing series were juried into the Charlotte Art League Spring Show.  The show opening is tonight from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the Art League in Southend.  The drawing above is one of the sketches to be judged into the show.  See you tonight!