Join us on June 12th at 6:30pm for an engaging evening of art and conversation as Executive Director Heather Wilson sits down with collectors Onay Gutierrez and Jeffrey Childers. Discover the story behind their remarkable journey of collecting contemporary art and the deep personal connections that inspired them to build a collection representing the powerful narratives found in We Belong Here.

Over the past decade, Onay and Jeffrey have developed meaningful relationships with artists and gallerists, starting with North Carolina ceramicists and expanding to include diverse global voices, particularly from the African diaspora. Their collection is a celebration of culture, identity, and the universal stories that connect us all.

Hear how their collection has evolved and how it has deeply enriched their lives. Onay and Jeffrey will share the catalyst moments that sparked their passion for collecting, and why sharing these works with a wider audience matters so much to them.

Art, for them, is more than visual—it’s a conduit for connection. Their hope is that every visitor finds something in the work that resonates on a personal level, reminding us that we all belong.