I recently took the time to visit The Mahler Fine Art gallery and was shown around by one of the owners, Megg Rader. For those that are not familiar, the history of the gallery starts with The Collectors Gallery that was in City Market since 2004. With the revitalization of Fayetteville Street and the opening of City Plaza, the owners made a move to one of the plaza’s pavilions. The Collectors Gallery on the plaza focuses on crafts such as pottery and jewelry from North Carolina artists. In May of 2009, The Mahler opened at 228 Fayetteville Street in the renovated Mahler Building. This gallery features a wide variety of abstract and representational works.
The space in the Mahler building is beautiful and the history is well preserved. Built in 1876, the Mahler Building was owned by the Mahler family, who lived on the third floor. Below the family of silversmiths was a watch repair shop on the second floor at one point in time in the building. The storefront is not original but the upper floor facade resembles the original design with the round arch windows. If you are a sucker for those few buildings in downtown with the original walls exposed, they have one and its gorgeous!
Stop by the Mahler and the Collector’s Gallery during their opening hours or on your First Friday tour. Their next event is on Thursday, February 4th. They will be open from 6-9pm with cocktails and a special Valentine’s day treat.
The Mahler Fine Art
Website: www.themahlerfineart.com
228 Fayetteville Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
(go to map)
Tues-Fri: 11am-5pm
Sat: 12pm-4pm
919-896-7503
The Collectors Gallery
Website: www.thecollectorsgallery.com
443 Fayetteville Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
(go to map)
Tues-Fri: 10am-6pm
Sat: 12pm-4pm
919-828-6500
Click images for larger viewing
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What about Adam Cave Fine Art on Hargett Street, or Lee Hansley Gallery on Glenwood?
Hey Kurt! It’s Shawn Brewster. I guess what makes the Mahler Fine Art a little different is that Megg Rader’s partner, Rory Parnell has owned a gallery in several different locations in downtown Raleigh for the last 25 years. The Mahler is located in a building she purchased with another partner who together painstakingly renovated the building so as to retain its historic character. Megg and Rory’s longtime commitment to being actively involved in the revitalization of downtown Raleigh lead to their vision of also opening a N.C. fine craft gallery in one of the glass building on the new city plaza. They were committed to this Endeavour when it was still an idea without a blueprint. Both galleries grace the heart of Raleigh on Fayetteville street. Megg and Rory have the utmost respect for their friends Lee Hansley & Adam Cave along with the many other gallery owners in Raleigh who are driven to provide a vibrant art scene. Say, “hello” to Elizabeth!