Downtown Wilmington is full of interesting art galleries. One special gallery is located in Old Wilmington City Market, which was established in 1880 as a meat and produce market and was considered one of the South’s most beautiful shopping malls. Placards inside and out tell the place’s history, as do some vendors who still remember selling and buying food there. Ever colorful, the restored market these days is lined with unusual shops. That’s where you’ll find The Bryand Gallery.
Mike Bryand, a resident in the Wilmington area for over 27 years, developed a deep love for the character of the Carolina coast. His photography catches glimpses of iconic locations in Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Topsail Island, Southport, and Oak Island.
There’s a picture of Causeway Café on Wrightsville Beach, the Fat Pelican on Carolina Beach, beautiful sunsets over the Intracoastal and over the Atlantic Ocean.
Bryand’s magic is what happens after he has his picture. Once Mike has the perfect photo, he manipulates it in post-production to reveal hidden character. In some photos, they turn into realistic looking oil paintings. Others pull the stunning pink, purple, and orange hues out of the sunset and turn the photo into a surreal neon dream. A photo of a summertime packed beach turns into a timeless watercolor.
Mike Bryand’s art is stunning on canvas and is a great way to remember your favorite area locations. In addition to his own art, The Bryand Gallery features works by other talented local artists as well.
For more information visit www.mike-bryand.squarespace.com
