Catching up with Smarty Mom: Judith Voglesonger

You were introduced to my friend Judith Voglesonger back in 2012, when her business (JWV Artists) was relatively new. Since then, this gal has been very busy and has recently launched her rebranded business Art House Charlotte. It seems like the perfect time to check in with her and see what’s new! I first became friends with Judith after we shared a great adventure together coaching our boys on an Odyssey of the Mind Team in 2014. I’m also lucky enough to have used Judith’s amazing design skills to help me purchase some gorgeous paintings for my home. I definitely could not have done it without her!

Photo credit: Brooke Brown Photography

Smarty Mom: Judith Voglesonger

Smarty Mom Stats:
Mom of: Weston 12, Anna Grace 11, Sarah Scott 9
Years in Charlotte: Coming up on 10 years in Charlotte! As an Air Force brat, that’s the longest I’ve lived ANYWHERE!
Hometown: Did I mention I’m a military brat…what’s a hometown? I went to high school in California…Edwards AFB, Mojave desert…middle of nowhere..That’s the second longest I’ve lived anywhere…5 years.
Alma Mater: University of Florida, Go GATORS
Occupation: Mom to 3, Owner / Art House Charlotte –I’m an art dealer. I sell art.

I loved working with you to by original art which I find to be a very daunting task. Tell us about Art House Charlotte.

Art House Charlotte is still the same concept as JWV Artists, but with a more descriptive name. I specialize in selling original, affordable art. My goal is to take the intimidation out of the process of purchasing original art. You don’t need a degree in art history or a huge budget. You just need to trust your eye and buy what you like. I vet all the Art House Charlotte artists so I can ensure that they are talented and affordable.

Before meeting you, buying art seemed really challenging for several reasons. I have a limited knowledge of art, I don’t always “understand” art and original art is expensive! You’ve really made the whole experience so easy! What should buyers expect?

I do my best to create a relaxed, laid back art purchasing experience. You should expect to see some amazing original artwork in a no pressure environment. Of course it’s helpful if you bring pictures of available wall space. My website, www.arthousecharlotte.com and my facebook and Instagram are kept current by my fabulous Marketing Director, Jennifer Branham. So it’s also helpful to have an idea of what you’re drawn to and what you like. It’s all about following your eye and trusting yourself. My original photographs and watercolors start around $55 and the price range tops out at around $5000 for a very large piece. The majority of the work I sell is under $2000.

What are the biggest mistakes people make when choosing art?

I think the biggest mistake people make is not buying art FIRST. So many folks will come to me with fabrics from drapes and throw pillows they are trying to match to a painting. I’m fortunate in that I get to work with many designers who share my philosophy of ‘Buy the art first and design the room around it’ – Trust me, you’ll have the art for much longer than you will those throw pillows.

How did you first become interested in the art scene?

I worked for an art collector, Thurston Twigg-Smith, when I lived in Hawaii. It was art at a totally different level and extremely contemporary. When I moved back to the mainland, I started looking for art that I could afford. I realized there is a wealth of fabulous art out there at an affordable price point, but you couldn’t find it in galleries. That’s when the seed was planted for Art House Charlotte. I knew I could find a way to bring affordable art to your average bear and not bleed for it.

Are your kids artistic?

My kids are artistic in their own ways. My son, Weston, was just admitted to the Northwest School of the Arts piano program. My middle daughter, Anna Grace, won the CMS K-5 Certificate of Recognition this year for her work in art class. Her henna hands were on display uptown. My youngest, Sarah Scott, is my crafty girl. She loves everything artsy, but she is more into the dramatic arts. We live in such a sports centric society, I try to make sure my kiddos are exposed to the arts.

When is your next art show? How can we get a look at your works?

It looks like my next art show will be July 13th down at the new David Weekley community, Waverly. I’m doing my best to increase my geographic reach. We did a show at The Frock Shop in Plaza Midwood recently and I’m always on the hunt for a fabulous new zip code in which to pop up a show. That being said, my home gallery is always accessible via appointment and I have open hours twice a month where folks can just drop in and check things out.

Now for the lightning round:

You always look fantastic—favorite boutique for clothes? Why thank you. I don’t have a ton of money to spend on designer clothes, or a heap of time to look. I do most of my shopping at Bevello at Phillips Place and online at Nordstrom.com – sales baby!

Favorite spot for girls night? I love the Foxcroft Wine Co., Reid’s Southpark and Dean and Deluca. I live in Southpark, so I prefer to stay within stumbling distance. That being said, any of my friends couches or kitchens will suffice. I am grateful to have some amazing friends. Always a good time, no matter the location.

Celebrity crush? HA! Good question. Hadn’t really thought about it before. I like funny guys…so it’s NOT your usual suspects…I think Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, and Jason Seagal are hilarious…but Kit Harrington is easy on the eyes, so that works too.

Guilty pleasure? I love Asian & Indian food. Love Saigon Palace, Bombay Grill…sushi is my fave, so I’ll have to say New Zealand Café in Matthews. It’s a bit of a drive, but you can’t beat it! So yes, Asian food is my guilty pleasure.

Favorite family restaurant? My kiddos love Azteca. We go every Sunday night. It’s our thing.

Favorite blog (other than Charlotte Smarty Pants of course!)?
I don’t have much time for blog reading, but I do love CLT veggie! www.charlotteveggie.com Rajul Parekh is one of my dearest friends and her recipes are always healthy, filled with flavor, user friendly & DELICIOUS!

Here is a small sample of some artists Judith showcases in her studio:

Janine Medlin

Julie Barnett

Allison Chambers

Lauren Reddick

Meredith Parker

Larry Duke