CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Bringing Africa to you is the goal of Calstain Ganda’s brand new gallery in Charlotte called Real African Art.

There are nearly 300 different pieces inside this gallery that all come from Africa. Ganda is originally from Zimbabwe, but moved to North Carolina to attend UNC Pembroke decades ago. He grew up with many artists while in Africa, and soon fell in love with their work.

It was on the weekends while living in the U.S. that he would sell their work at smaller shows and expos.

“When the pandemic hit, at least most of their sales dried down significantly and the idea from my side now was 'how can I support them even further,'” Ganda says.

So, with that in mind, he decided to self fund and open the art gallery, showcasing the works of over 70 African artists.

Ganda grew up with and knows nearly half of them. While at UNC Pembroke, Ganda met Trey Bailey who also helps him run the art gallery.

“We’re trying to share with the community and let them know they have a piece that’s custom made,” Bailey says. “They know the artists and that connection is a strong point to have for art.” 
 
Every piece provides information about the artists which Ganda believes sets them apart from other galleries. 
 
“While most of us have nice things we will not always know who made them,” he says. “I think this is a very big factor that puts us aside from anyone that sells art.” 

If it wasn’t for the pandemic, the Real African Art gallery likely wouldn’t exist. Ganda is trying to make sure everyone who walks through its doors understand that his mission here is deeper than just art.

Ganda has created a website that highlights all of the artists and their stories in his gallery. You can learn more about the artists and their work here.