A black and white photo of a river with flowing water, rocks, and a large, weathered tree branch lying partially submerged along the riverbank.
Abstract still life painting featuring a cracked eggshell and yolk, with textured patterns in shades of yellow, orange, purple, and beige.

The Little Market is an exciting new project of the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts, hosted by Hillsborough Real Estate Group, at 118 N Churton St.

Our current show, “Fragile Light” (through Aug 19) features the work of Jessica Poland and Holden Richards, as well as giftable items by NC artists.

We are open Fridays 2-6pm, Saturdays 12-4pm, and Last Fridays 6-9pm.

Please give us a follow on instagram! If you’d like to show your work at The Little Market, keep scrolling for the application.

Little Market Artists

“Fragile Light” (June 19th - August 19th)

The Little Market, Hillsborough’s new satellite gallery by the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts, is proud to present “Fragile Light,” an exhibition of works by photographer Holden Richards and painter/printmaker Jessica Poland. The opening reception will be held Friday, June 27th from 6-9pm.

A native North Carolinian, Holden Richards works exclusively with large format film cameras, many over a century old. His images—captured along the creeks and rivers of Orange and Durham counties—are printed using historic processes such as Kallitype and salt printing. With a meditative eye and a deep reverence for the natural world, Richards’ work offers viewers an intimate and timeless connection to place.

Jessica Poland uses monoprinting and casein painting to explore the beauty and fragility of the environment. Her luminous works are inspired by memories of nature in her native Indiana and decades spent in North Carolina’s Piedmont. Mysterious marks, textured surfaces, and the interplay of light and color speak to her fascination with the living world and our relationship to it.

Together, Richards and Poland invite visitors to slow down, look closely, and rediscover the subtle landmarks that shape our sense of place.

HOURS: Fridays 2-6, Saturdays 12-4, Last Fridays 6-9pm
SHOW DATES: June 19th - August 19th
LOCATION: 118 N. Churton St, Hillsborough

“Visions” (August 21st - October 14th)

The Little Market is pleased to present “Visions,” a new two-person show featuring the expressive watercolor work of Beth Bale and William Schaefer.

Beth Bale brings her deep love of nature to life in expressive watercolor. A self-taught artist and teacher, Beth captures animals, florals, and landscapes with fluidity and experimentation. Her work reflects a playful and curious approach to the medium of watercolor, rooted in the rhythms of her life on a 12-acre farm.

William Schaefer paints visual stories shaped by memory, emotion, and quiet reflection. Working in watercolor and mixed media, his luminous compositions blend strong value contrast and rich color to evoke connection. Each painting invites the viewer to slow down and rediscover the emotional undertones of the everyday.

Together, Schaefer and Bale explore the spaces where feeling, nature, and narrative meet.

The Little Market is an exciting new collaboration between the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts and the Hillsborough Real Estate Group, providing exhibit space for local and emerging artists and handmade giftable items by NC crafters. Admission is free and all works are available for purchase.

HOURS: Fridays 2-6, Saturdays 12-4, Last Fridays 6-9pm
OPENING RECEPTION: Friday, August 29th, 6-9pm
CLOSING RECEPTION: Friday, September 26th, 6-9pm
LOCATION: 118 N. Churton St, Hillsborough

Apply to show your work at The Little Market

We are eager to hear from artisans of all types!

Please note: we do not accept single cards, stickers, or print-on-demand items. Prints and boxed card sets are allowed. We do not currently have jewelry, but are open to it!

The mobile form is finicky; please use a desktop or laptop to submit the form.

Street view of The Little Market, a small shop in a brick building with columns, trees, and parked cars on Churton St in Hillsborough, NC.

The Little Market is dedicated to showcasing curated, rotating exhibitions and creative collaborations. Our mission is to provide a fresh, engaging space where artists and the community connect through art. We aim to foster creativity, support artistic exploration, and create new opportunities for both established and emerging NC artists.

The Hillsborough Gallery of Arts is honored to partner with Hillsborough Real Estate Group on this project!