Photo by Derek Anderson

Art Lives Here brings together works by artists we have chosen to live with, many of them friends who are rooted in Durham and in our home state of North Carolina. Drawn largely from our personal collection, the exhibition offers an introduction to Boardinghouse Arts through the art and relationships that have shaped us.

Our collection has grown over time through friendship, curiosity, admiration, and a desire to support artists whose work matters to us. Art Lives Here considers collecting not as an exclusive practice reserved for experts or people with significant means, but as a form of participation and stewardship: a way to support an artist, and an opportunity to care for their work and allow it to become part of the texture of our lives.

As Boardinghouse opens its doors, we want the gallery to feel a little like entering our home. The works gathered here tell stories about the artists and communities we care about and offer a glimpse of what is to come. 

Special thanks to our friends who shared their personal stories and are trusting us to steward work from their collections for the duration of this show.

Love,
Laura & Shirlette

Art Lives Here includes 35 artworks by 27 artists in 13 Durham collections.

Artists: William Paul Thomas, Beverly McIver, Lamar Whidbee, John Felix Arnold III, Elsa Hoffman, Katy Mixon, MJ Sharp, Kate Medley, Phil Freelon, Keisha Scarville, Kennedi Carter, Saba Taj, Hiva Kadivar, Catherine Edgerton, Renzo Ortega, Carrie Alter, Clarence Mayo, Jim Lee, Kesha Bruce, Ann Marie Kennedy, Susan Harbage Page, Mikalene Thomas, Meg Stein, Antoine Williams, Clarence Heyward, Stacy Lynn Waddell, and Warren Hicks

Collectors: Linda Belans, Warren Hicks & Martha Wilkes, Laura Ritchie & Shirlette Ammons, William Paul Thomas, Jennings Brody, Gail Belvett, Mavis Gragg, Catherine Edgerton, Saba Taj, Elizabeth Ott, Carrie Alter & Matt McMichaels, Jim Lee, and Walker Page