This is the first in a series titled “Creative Crossroads” — where we take a look at the current state of arts and creativity in the city.
When you envision an artist, what do they look like?
I think about Carlleena Person, a Charlotte painter I’ve run into at the farmer’s market and, more recently, at Femme Fest, selling her vivid, abstract paintings.
I think of my mother and her giant marshmallow flower, seen here on display (before the ants ate it) on the campus of Auburn University at Montgomery. Today she’s excited about water painting. Last month it was print making. She, like so many, is always crafting some new masterpiece.
Students stop to inspect Debbie Summerlin’s Marshmallow Flower at AUM
I think about Grant Henry, a.k.a. Sister Louisa, scrounging around at flea markets looking for Jesus pictures and tacky portraits to paint funny, yet profound, comments on. I think about the artists on the street corner, twisting copper wire into jewelry, and the songstress on a blue-tarp covered stage, sacrificing her heart through her lyrics.
I think about Ian Reid, founder of ArtCultureOnline.com, working hard to put art supplies in the hands of Charlotte’s underprivileged youth and elderly. I think about my friend, Kristin Vickery, who earns her living selling clay flutes — made in a kiln in her home — at festivals around the country. I think about our own CLT Blog photographers, pulling the spirit of Charlotte through their lens then offering it for all to see.
Yes, I also think about the impressive talent over at Theatre Charlotte and I get that architecture is an art at it’s core, but I don’t stop thinking about the variety of creative talent in our city when I leave their business establishments.
Unfortunately, though, when calculating the impact creative talent has on Charlotte and the surrounded area, those are the types of businesses our local government and business leaders look to when they feel the need to hold up their yardstick.
It’s by earnest belief, however, that artists of all mediums are worthy, that their contribution to our local and global economy is just as important to recognize.
It’s true that they probably won’t employ hundreds of workers, but often they employ themselves and they absolutely make our world a better place to live in.
Read More »
Or grab the feed
