Gallery Zella opened in Bryson City in March of 2016. Zella Jackson Hannum and Brain Hannum retired from their respective careers to devote their time to Gallery Zella and the work of nurturing the arts and artists in the region. Zella has decades of experience running galleries, consulting art entrepreneurs, and writing about the art market. Brian retired from a career as a systems engineer in the defense industry and is a poet, a fine art photographer, and a musician.
Gallery Zella is located in an historic bank building that has been an iconic architectural feature of Bryson City for over a century. The gallery displays a unique collection of five locally known painters, three fine art photographers, four artisan jewelry designers, two sculptors, and a stained glass maker alongside a curated collection of internationally renowned artists in over 2,000 square feet of gallery space. Twelve-foot-high ceilings and large front windows define a space that’s covered top to bottom with fine art and crafts.
Visitors to Gallery Zella will find a large selection of handmade items including etched wooden bookmarks, turned & burned vases and plates, art cards, jewelry, and homemade jellies and salsas that are farm-to-gallery fresh. The gallery’s Meet the Artist receptions feature live music, demonstrations, opportunities to meet up to six artists, promotional pricing, and refreshments. Gallery Zella also annually produces the Smoky Mountain Arts Festival Columbus Day Weekend under a big tent for art and craft shopping “rain or shine.” Also available are classes including paint-and-sip sessions.
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 12-5 pm April-December
Friday & Saturday 12-5 in January, February & March
