It's Party Time

Mark your calendars for next Sunday, December sixth. It's Maddi's Annual Holiday Party at both galleries. We are filled to the rafters with wonderful ideas for holiday gifting and decorating, and this party is our customers' all-time favorite.

In addition to nibblies and cups of cheer, you can enjoy our famous "Pick-a-Pop" discount. Everything in the gallery is on sale, 10-40% off, depending on your luck pulling the perfect lollipop. And the entire crowd enjoys the results.

A few years ago, a gentleman spent a long time considering a major purchase, a large Chris Roberts-Antieau piece. Having finally decided to go for it, he drew his pop and earned a 35% discount. His wife told us later they put the magic pop on the mantle under the picture.

So make it to Maddi's this Sunday and you will save on everything you purchase! The Charlotte gallery is open noon until 6 p.m. and the Birkdale gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Happy Holidays from everyone at Maddi's!

Charlotte's New Arts District

Timing is everything. Just a few years ago, when all seemed well in the world of banking, Wachovia undertook building a new headquarters building surrounded by an arts complex. That building is nearing completion, although now it is slated to become the headquarters for Duke Energy.

And the wonderful arts district is becoming a vibrant reality. The Knight Theatre debuted last month with Steve Martin on banjo and bluegrass music, too. It will be the new home of the North Carolina Dance Theater. Then a week ago the new Harvey Gantt African-American Center opened to rave reviews. Built on a very narrow strip of land, the architecture is exciting and the galleries are beautiful.

Scheduled to open next, in early January, is the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. With its terra cotta exterior, the building is the inspired design of noted Swiss architect Mario Botta. The museum will house the collection of Andreaes Bechtler and his family, featuring mid-century European modern masters.

As a prelude, Mr. Bechtler was on hand last week for the installation and unveiling of "Firebird" a huge mirrored mosaic by Niki de Saint Phalle. The seventeen foot colossal bird has received a warm welcome by Charlotteans and the excitement generated by the new arts district may be the city's 2009 highlight.