Gallery at the Cotton Company

The Gallery at the Cotton Company is the art side of a marketplace on South White Street in downtown Wake Forest, run under the motto yesterday’s architecture, today’s artisans. Everything on the shelves is handmade by the vendor who sells it, from pottery and jewelry to candles, body products and fine art.

Local work hangs on the walls and is for sale, and artists in residence keep working studios on site, so some of what you see was made in the building. More than 80 vendors fill the space between the marketplace and the gallery.

What to know

• Bob and Elizabeth Johnson bought the historic building in January 2000 and began its renovation.
• The renovation won an Anthemion Award, shared with architect Matt Hale and builder McDonald-York.
• A later phase opened in March 2001 with all 14 artist studios filled.
• The Graham, an event space in the building, can be rented for gatherings.
• Makers who want a stall can apply to become a vendor.