Our Story
Established in 1993 in the Western North Carolina Mountain community of Banner Elk, The Art Cellar Gallery has continued to offer the artwork of the area's most beloved artists, reaching throughout the Southeast and nationally to present an exciting variety of works in a broad range of styles and mediums. From primitive to realistic, impressionistic to abstract, the gallery features fine quality artwork by both established and emerging artists that is unlike anywhere else in the Southeast.
The Art Cellar Gallery provides our clients with a relaxed and comfortable exhibition space in which to select art which becomes treasured additions to their collections, large or small. We also provide corporate and private consulting and placement as well as purchase on approval and payment options. Our in house Frame Shop offers museum quality conservation framing services, consultations, and other specialty custom framing services.
Art Cellar Gallery Staff
Pam McKay, ASID
Owner, Gallerist
In 1993 a young and hungry Pam opened the Art Cellar in the lower level of the very building we still operate. Her 30+ year career has blossomed that small folk art & animation gallery where she lived in the back room to a robust artist representation, a loving community of artists and friends, and a flourishing interior design career at Dianne Davant & Associates. With an eagle eye and unwavering work ethic, Pam is truly a tastemaker of our community.
Mike McKay
Owner, Operator
Since leaving his own successful career in Hospitality Management to move to the High Country and help support Pam in achieving her dreams, Mike has been the keystone of our success. From opening his own custom frame shop to managing all day-to-day operations since the earliest days of the Art Cellar, Mike has been a guiding light behind the scenes for all of us.
Morgan McKay
Creative Director,
Marketing Director
From the crib to the camera, Morgan returned in 2023 to the High Country to take an official position on the Art Cellar team with a goal of ensuring success in the next 30 years of our story. From playing D1 basketball to a full 180 in embracing and studying the fine arts, Morgan is right back to where it all started for him. Inspired by Mike & Pam, and the community they’ve built, Morgan works to elaborate on what makes the Art Cellar special through his own lens.
Alex Cirulis
Gallery Director, CPF
Since joining the Art Cellar team in 2022, Alex has become an integral part of everything we do — yes, we mean everything. Originally coming to us with 10+ years of experience in the industry working at another custom frame shop & gallery, Alex has never stopped expanding her abilities. With a degree from App State in sculpture, a CPF certification, and now our Gallery Director, we’re ecstatic to see what new heights Alex can reach.
Mason McKay
Framer, Fabricator, Operations
“in the time of chimpanzees i was a monkey”
- Masons instagram bio
In his own world but a beaming light in everyone else’s, Mason brings the intangibles to our Art Cellar team. He has never met something he can’t fix, or at least take apart, and never shies away from a challenge. Mason is working to finish his degree from App State in furniture design to add even more to the Art Cellar offerings.
Arrington Hense
Curator of Collections
The most recent addition to our team is one of the most impactful. Arrington has embraced everything thrown her way with a smile on her face and unwavering confidence. Her ability to be a chameleon across all aspects of operation has enabled the rest of the team to flourish. Look for Arrington in the frame shop, on the gallery floor, behind the counter, on the table saw, or making the most addicting cookies you’ll never be able to stop thinking about.
Alaska
Security, Supervisor of Morale
The most high maintenance employee at the Gallery, Alaska keeps everyone on their toes. His energy is infectious and his cuddles are irresistible. Be sure to give him a head scratch, or a treat if you want a new best friend.
**Disclaimer: SEVERE attachment issues and he might follow you around the gallery during your entire visit