Art on Display

When ERIKA PIFHER moved to Leland last June, she chose the area because of its support and love of the arts.     

“I did a lot of research and found out it’s a community that’s very supportive of the arts, especially local artists,” says Pifher. “That was one of the factors that drew us to Wilmington, to the area.”    

Pifher, who spent most of her career teaching elementary art, knows all too well the artist’s struggle to cover costs of publicly displaying artwork – from entry fees to supplies to the overarching commission structure.   

Almost as soon as her moving boxes hit the floor, Pifher – whose resume includes work as a textiles design assistant, a commissioned furniture painter, and a handmade jewelry maker – set out to become involved with the local art scene, including the Art League of Leland and Wilmington Art Association. Wanting to address the issue of exhibition expenses, Pifher and her partner, JEANNE MCINTOSH RIETZKE, a fellow artist and author, got to thinking: How can we make art free in Wilmington?   

Their solution was Free Art Wilmington, an organization dedicated to getting artists’ work in buildings across Wilmington without a fee or commission. Free Art Wilmington works with Cape Fear Commercial to identify buildings across the area that could display local art in hallways and lobbies. From there, Pifher and Rietzke curate the “shows,” work with the building managers on artwork choices, then install the pieces on a ninety-day basis. The buying and selling of the art is handled by the artist and buyer, thereby eliminating the commission structure. 

“We contacted a commercial real estate manager in Wilmington and were able to find some places,” Pifher says. “They have empty walls where they didn’t have a lot of artwork, and they were thrilled to be able to partner with us and allow artists to come in and have their artwork on display.” 

Free Art Wilmington is able to stay free to local artists because there is no entry fee or commission. Oftentimes when artists apply to display in a gallery, they’re charged a nonrefundable entry fee, and the gallery will take a portion of any artwork sold.  

Current buildings featuring artwork from Free Art Wilmington include 1838 Sir Tyler Drive, 1001 Military Cutoff Road, and 1979 and 1985 Eastwood Road.

Once Free Art Wilmington is more established, Pifher hopes other cities adapt her and Rietzke’s model. 

“I’ve always been an advocate for art and for people of all ages to explore their own creativity,” Pifher says. “I think it’s very important to share your art, that’s why we make it. It’s made to be seen. I really think this is something that could grow into something more, something bigger, and something even outside of Wilmington.” 

Artists interested in having their artwork installed in one of Free Art Wilmington’s buildings are encouraged to reach out to Free Art Wilmington on Facebook @FreeArtWilmington.

To view more of photographer Aris Harding’s work, go to arisharding.com.

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