Who We Are
ABOUT US
Kudzu Art Zone, Inc. dba Norcross Gallery and Studios formerly known as Kudzu Gallery and Studios. Norcross Gallery & Studios is an organization of volunteer artists whose focus is the support and advancement of local art and artists throughout the community. Norcross Gallery & Studios’ name derives from the founding artists’ vision of forming an art organization with resilience and tenacity.
Led by a four-member appointed Board of Trustees, Norcross Gallery & Studios enjoys non-profit corporate status, enabling grant and civic financial support. As well as the capacity to receive tax-deductible donations.
The true strength of Norcross Gallery & Studios lies in its committee structure. While overseen by the Board of Trustees, each committee provides structure for member input and action. Committee activities are the driving force behind Norcross Gallery & Studios’ success. It is essential that every member take an active role as a volunteer in his or her area of strength and interest. Varied committee efforts in turn provide opportunities to the membership as a whole through programming, exhibition opportunities, social networking, and community outreach.
Through partnership with the City of Norcross, Norcross Gallery & Studios has secured a brick and mortar site for continued growth. As members continue to join and new initiatives are begun, volunteer members remain the source of Norcross Gallery & Studios’ strength. Members should expect to have an active ongoing role in Norcross Gallery & Studios’ success.
Norcross Gallery and Studios holds 7 member-only exhibitions annually which allows artists to share their work. In 2013, Norcross Gallery & Studios held its first annual Open Juried Exhibition, with entry available to all artists in the state of Georgia. Norcross Gallery & Studios exhibitions and receptions are always free and accessible to the general public.
OUR MISSION
To support the growth and development of the local artist community and expand the awareness of visual arts through education, exhibitions, and special programming.
Statement of Purpose
Norcross Gallery & Studios is a cultural leader. As such, we serve both the local artists and surrounding community by promoting the importance of the visual arts with regard to cultural heritage, professional development, and economic growth. We organize and present numerous exhibitions and programs throughout the year, featuring talented artists who are renowned at the local, regional, national, and international levels, thus demonstrating proactive local leadership by educating artists of all ages; cultivating and growing audiences; and initiating and encouraging collaboration among diverse artists, institutions, communities, and supporters.
Vision
Our vision is that the Norcross Gallery and Studios in Norcross GA be a multi-disciplinary place of creativity and growth, regionally recognized as a leader in the presentation and support of artists and emerging visual art forms. In doing so, we encourage exploration and involvement across the diverse cultures of our communities.
History
Kudzu Art Zone, Inc. dba Norcross Gallery & Studios formerly known as Kudzu Gallery and Studios became a 501(c)(3) corporation in June 2006 when a group of artists shared their vision for a thriving artist community in the heart of our historic downtown area. In late 2006, the City of Norcross GA donated a 3,200 sq. ft. building – containing a spacious gallery and eight artist studios, along with ample space for meetings, workshops, and artist development opportunities – at 116 Carlyle Street, our current home. Since those early days, Norcross Gallery & Studios has become a place of fellowship where member artists receive access to a supportive community, creative space, and professional development opportunities.
