NC MAKERS at Gaston Museum: A Photography Exhibit Celebrating North Carolina Artists and Makers
- Melissa McCauley
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
Across North Carolina, creativity thrives in studios, workshops, farms, and forges—often far from the spotlight. NC MAKERS, a new photography exhibit at the Gaston County Museum of Art & History in Dallas, NC, brings that creative process into focus, shining a light on the artists, craftspeople, and makers who shape our state through their work.
NC MAKERS at Gaston Museum: A Photography Exhibit Rooted in the Act of Making
Opening February 10, 2026, this exhibit by Gaston County photographer Joshua Braswell celebrates the people behind North Carolina’s vibrant maker culture—capturing them in the places where ideas become objects and creativity becomes craft.
NC MAKERS is more than a photography exhibit—it’s a visual exploration of the creative process. Braswell spent an entire year traveling across North Carolina, photographing makers as they worked in their everyday environments. The exhibit features North Carolina artists, craftspeople, farmers, metalsmiths, ceramicists, and blacksmiths, documenting the physical and emotional intensity behind handmade work.
“The makers in this exhibit do amazing things,” Braswell says. “I’m grateful to everyone who allowed me into their spaces of making.”
Many of the artists invited Braswell into their studios without knowing him beforehand—a level of trust that adds depth and authenticity to the photographs. Viewers are invited to witness moments that are usually unseen: the sweat, the focus, the movement, and the quiet determination that define the act of creation.
Featuring Makers from Across North Carolina
The NC MAKERS exhibit highlights creators from across the state, including:
Mi-Sook Hur, metalsmith and enamellist at the Penland School of Craft near Spruce Pine
Michael Hofman, a porcelain artist based in Asheville
Blacksmiths at Yellow Rose Forge in Forest City
Together, these makers represent the diversity of North Carolina’s craft and art scene—from the mountains to the Piedmont.
A Cinematic Approach to Photography and Storytelling
Braswell’s background in video production and cinema influences his approach to photography. Drawing inspiration from film noir and early expressionism, he uses both black-and-white and color photography to tell each maker’s story. Images were captured digitally, with careful decisions made during editing to enhance mood, texture, and movement.
Museum curator Alicyn Wiedrich notes Braswell’s ability to capture detail and emotion, encouraging visitors to look closely.
“Through his photographs, I invite you to find the rough hands, the sweat, and the intense focus that allows the act of making to be so powerful.”
Supporting NC Artists Through Museum Exhibits
A Gaston County native, Braswell’s creative journey began at Highland School of Technology, continued through Gaston College, and led to a degree in Media Studies from UNC-Greensboro. His work reflects a deep connection to North Carolina and a commitment to using photography as a form of storytelling rooted in place.
“I love living in and exploring North Carolina,” Braswell says. “My aim is to continue to have my photography focused on our state.”
Whether you’re searching for North Carolina art exhibits, passionate about craft and handmade work, or looking to connect with the state’s thriving maker community, NC MAKERS offers a meaningful reason to visit Gaston County and experience North Carolina creativity up close.
Make a Day of It in Dallas, North Carolina
A visit to NC MAKERS is also an invitation to explore Dallas, North Carolina, a small town with deep roots and an easygoing pace that rewards curious travelers. The museum sits near historic downtown Dallas, where visitors can enjoy local dining spots, grab coffee, and take a walk through a community that values both its past and its creative present. For art lovers traveling across the state, Dallas offers a relaxed setting to slow down, connect, and make a day of your visit with more things to do in Dallas, NC just steps away from the museum.
More Than an Art Museum
The Gaston County Museum of Art & History is known not only for compelling art exhibitions, but also for bringing the region’s story to life. In addition to rotating exhibits like NC MAKERS, the museum features historic buildings, permanent history exhibits, and immersive displays that explore Gaston County’s textile heritage, rural life, and cultural evolution. Whether you’re drawn in by photography, history, or hands-on learning, the museum offers multiple reasons to linger, explore, and return.
Experience More Art Across Gaston County
If NC MAKERS sparks your curiosity, there’s even more to discover. Gaston County is home to a growing arts scene, with galleries, public art, creative events, and cultural spaces spread across its towns and downtowns. From rotating exhibitions and performances to local makers and artists sharing their work, visitors can experience art in many forms throughout the county. Explore more art experiences in Gaston County and build a creative itinerary that pairs perfectly with your museum visit.
Visit the NC MAKERS Exhibit at Gaston Museum of Art and History in Dallas, NC
The Gaston County Museum of Art & History. The public is invited to a free opening reception with the artist on Friday, February 20, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
Museum Hours:
Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 am–5:00 pm
Saturday: 11:00 am–4:00 pm
Admission is free.
