As soon as Tracey Marshall-Becker opened her first gallery, she was sketching ideas for something bigger.
She dreamed of a creative space where artists, neighbors, and the community could connect. To do that, she needed to buy a building—and that process turned out to be more challenging than expected.
Two banks turned down her application without meeting her. SBA documentation nearly derailed the purchase. And then, weeks before closing, the city said she needed an $80,000 sprinkler system.
Tracey had the experience, the plan, and the vision. What she needed was a lending partner who could help her navigate the financial process, and she found that in United Community.
The relationship began by understanding her plan. Justin Spradley, our commercial relationship manager in Winston-Salem, said, “Tracey had a clear idea for what she wanted Marshall Muse Gallery to become. As a partner, our role was to listen and help structure financing to support her.”
For Tracey, the relationship became a partnership. Justin and other members of the United team visited, checked in as the project moved forward, and returned once it opened.
“It was wonderful to be talking to somebody face to face about what I needed and have somebody show interest,” Tracey said. “They were with me every step of the way.”
Today, Marshall Muse Gallery operates out of an 8,700-square-foot building in Greensboro, North Carolina. It’s a creative hub with a gallery, café, nine artist studios, three classroom studios, and an event space.
Classes book months in advance. Guests attend children’s classes, birthday parties, yoga nights, create and sip sessions, exhibitions, and community events.
It’s the space Tracey always imagined—filled with artists, students, customers, and community.
