By Aaron Fiedler, Arts & Science Council

Mystery, murder and intrigue unfold at the Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts and throughout Center City Charlotte with a story by an anonymous writer. The Lady of Charlotte follows the investigation of a murder at the Mint Museum Uptown and it’s going to take the cooperation of the community to solve the crime!

The story, supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the Arts & Science Council, is told page-by-page at kiosks throughout Center City. Participants begin the story at a kiosk at the corner of N. Tryon St. and 7th St; each page then direct participants to the next location in Uptown to continue the story.

ASC staffer Alex Aguilar helps kick-off the murder mystery at the Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts with ASC President Scott Provancher (right)

The two week event kicked off at ASC’s 2012 Make Your Mark campaign at the Mint Museum Uptown. Readers can “vote” on the likely suspect at http://www.Facebook.com/ASCCharlotte before the final page is read at a public event on Tuesday, Feb. 14. During that event, the mystery’s author and the story’s villain will be revealed. Those who correctly guess the identity of the story’s villain will be entered into a drawing for a year-long pass to the Mint Museum and a $100 CarolinaTix gift card.

Click here to read the first page of the story and begin your investigation.

With the recent spring-like weather, it’s hard not to think about getting out. February is chock full of various arts offerings, including a lot of musical performances inspired by this romantic month.

Of course, the best place to start looking for what’s happening is our own Charlotte Culture Guide (sponsored by the Arts & Science Council, a Knight arts grantee). Please note that many of these organizations are supported, in part, by the Arts & Science Council.

Whether you want to see a performance, hear some beautiful music or draw Valentine’s day themed risque models, Charlotte is the place to find just about anything your heart might desire. Here are just a few cool things happening this month.

On Tues. Feb. 7, the First Presbyterian Church — on 200 W. Trade St. in uptown Charlotte — will present one of its free Tuesday concerts. This time it’s “Brahms in Love.” The shows are at 12:10 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Charlotte Chamber Music teams up with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte for a program that explores the relationship between Johannes Brahms and his lifelong Valentine: Clara Schumann. You’ll hear works by both Clara and Robert Schumann, interspersed with the ever-charming “Liebeslieder” (Songs of Love) Waltzes by Johannes Brahms.

Saturday, Feb. 11, in the McGlohon Theatre — in Spirit Square, uptown at 345 N. College St. — Charlotte Carolina Voices is celebrating “a crazy little thing called love” in its annual Valentine’s concert. Featuring the smooth sounds of Carolina Voices’ Impromptu and Festival Singers choral ensembles, the concert will explore the journey to falling in and out of love through musical selections from Jason Mraz, Patsy Cline, Lady Antebellum, James Taylor and much more.

The Charlotte Symphony (a Knight arts grantee) joins forces with the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte and Charlotte Children’s Choir to present two performances of Carl Orff’s boisterous and sometimes-bawdy “Carmina Burana.” On Friday, Feb. 24 and Saturday, Feb. 25, “Charlotte Symphony KnightSounds: Carmina Burana!” will offer a different take on romance with passionate songs of love, lust and drinking.

If classical music is not your thing, there are plenty of other events.

The 5th Annual Runway for the Ballet “Heart & Soul” blends fashion and dance, while benefitting the North Carolina Dance Theatre (a Knight Arts grantee). On Saturday, Feb. 11, you’ll have two chances to enjoy cocktails and high fashion in this show featuring Neiman Marcus’ hottest spring looks. Both the matinee and evening show will be held at the Patricia McBride and Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance, located uptown at 701 N. Tryon St.

"Heart & Soul" event information.

If laughter is your goal, check out the return engagements of “Spamalot“ at the Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts, Feb. 17 through 19.

And, finally, for the artist looking for cheeky inspiration, check out the local Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School session on Monday evening, Feb. 13.  It’ll be a “Valentine’s Fantasy” all evening long. Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School is what happens when “cabaret meets art school.”  Founded several years ago in New York by the illustrator and performance artist Molly Crabapple, it is now celebrated in more than 140 cities around the world.

"Spamalot" at the Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts. Photo By Scott Suchman

It doesn’t matter whether you are a seasoned dancer or new to salsa, there is something for everyone at the “4th Annual Charlotte Salsa Invitational.” The party starts the evening of Friday, Feb. 3 leading into two full days of salsa workshops and professional performances on Saturday, Feb. 4 and Sunday, Feb. 5.

Salsa On1, Salsa On2, Bachata and even the Kizomba styles are all coming together in one location. It could almost be called a “Salsa International” with the different cultural varieties of this dance the event will represent. Yet, all have the common root in the very exciting — and always fun to watch — skillful movement, precision and sexiness of salsa.

Fourth Annual Charlotte Salsa Invitational banner.

World Dance Center is the sponsor of this annual event. Its owners, Rodrigo A. Jimenez and Wendy Jimenez, are well known dancers and educators who are passionate and accessible, in addition to being plugged in to the Charlotte community and greater salsa world. They make dance fun and easy to approach for everyone.

Rodrigo is originally from Chile, where he studied Latin American folklore and Flamenco dancing, which he began performing at an early age. In the United States, he continued his dance studies on International Latin Ballroom (he’s a silver medalist), Latin American Folklore, Flamenco and Capoeira. He performed and toured in the United States, through Europe in 2002 and South America in 2003. He moved to Charlotte in 2003 and has been teaching dance and performing since.

Wendy is originally from El Salvador and has been dancing since 2006. In just a short period of time, she has become a top dancer and performer for Charlotte Salsa. Currently, she teaches beginners, general and intermediate classes along with Rodrigo at their “World Dance Center” and other venues, where Charlotte Salsa is involved. She performs and leads workshops for various Salsa Congresses, as well as special events, Latin festivals and school programs.

What is nice about the weekend of events is you can submerge yourself or take one workshop. You can even just attend one performance. Full weekend event passes are $150, which you can purchase online or at the door. There is even a “beginners” package that includes a four-hour beginners salsa boot camp, plus the Saturday night show and party. Individual workshops are very affordable at only $25 each. (Like most conferences, this Charlotte Salsa Invitational will be held at one venue, the Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel.)

The well-known performers will also be the workshop instructors during the day.  They include duos Abel Pena & Zulmara Torres (seen on the video clip above), Christian Oviedo & Alien Ramirez, Junior & Emily Alabi (nine-time world-renowned dance champions) and Luis Gutierrez & Pia Sanz. Other performers are Proyecto Barrio, Mambo Dinamico, Shaka Brown, Paso Fino, Magna Gopal and Griselle Ponce.

If you love salsa or have always wanted to learn more, this is going to be a memorable event and great opportunity to work with some of the best salsa dancers in the United States. For more details, check out the website.

“4th Annual Charlotte Salsa Invitational”
Sponsored by World Dance Center
Held at Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel
Friday, Feb. 3 through Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012

Yesterday celebrated a milestone in the fight to end homelessness in Charlotte. Moore Place is a brand new community of one-bedroom efficiency apartments with on-site special services for individuals with a history of chronic homelessness. Jan. 29 was its grand opening and community open house.

Moore Place will utilize a number of integrated components, including an art room with lots of natural light and donated supplies. Throughout the building hangs original artwork by talented local artists. Moore Place worked with the McColl Center for Visual Art (a Knight arts grantee) to secure a variety of permanent artworks from artists who are center alumni.

Original artwork in Moore Place by Isaac Payne. Photo by C. Jarvi

As is the case with much of Moore Place, the art was generously donated by individual artists, including Eric Anderson, Diane Hughes, Marge Louden Moody and Isaac Payne.

When one approaches the unit, it’s obviously new, but it is also inviting. The architecture and landscaping have a welcoming feel. Walking through the garden pavilion area to get to the main door is only the first hint that Moore Place is different. Upon entering, you do see the security station — which is important to keep the residents safe — but immediately you are greeted with light, openness and art on the walls.

Moore Place art room. Photo by C. Jarvi

The natural light throughout the building is incredible. Large windows combined with the warm green and gray color scheme make you want to sit and enjoy the space. The art on the walls  — whether realistic or more abstract — invites contemplation. It’s comforting, like Moore Place itself.

Moore Place art room. Photo by C. Jarvi

There are currently approximately 800 people who are chronically homeless in Mecklenburg County, meaning they have been homeless for years. Experts say living outside can become life-threatening. In an attempt to carry out Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s 10-year plan to end homelessness, the Urban Ministry Center in Mecklenburg County created Moore Place, a community-funded housing development that provides permanent supportive housing.

But, this is about more than getting folks off the street. It will offer these chronically homeless individuals stability and a variety of services and opportunities that are all in one place. The idea is to make it a “normal” apartment building, with built-in support services, like access to social workers and a health room.

Moore Place is a great example of a community working together. Much of the financial backing has been from private sources — individual, corporate and foundation combined with some public monies — along with the work of many, many individuals. (Each of the 85 units has a donated laundry basket filled with supplies the tenant will need. This year-long senior Girl Scouts’ project is only one example of the hard work and generosity that has made this dream a reality.)

The tenants must be recommended as a good candidate for Moore Place. In addition to background checks and lease agreements, they will be expected to pay 30 percent of their income toward rent and utilities and adhere to the Tenant Code of Conduct. This is an exciting new approach in Charlotte’s fight to bring folks off the street and back into the mainstream.

Moore Place is yet another concept by the Urban Ministry Center to address the homeless issue in a manner that considers the whole person. The Urban Ministry Center — on 945 N. College St. —already offers a variety of hands-on, daytime activities for folks struggling with homelessness. This includes a successful arts program called ArtWorks 945.

Moore Place volunteer opportunities are currently evolving, but they are looking for individuals to assist with art classes, computer skills and light landscaping. Contact Tenant Services Coordinator, Katie Church at kchurch@urbanministrycenter.org, for more information.

The Arts & Science Council (a Knight Arts grantee) is transforming our city through its creative and innovative programming. Some Charlotteans may not realize the magnitude of what this organization is doing in their own backyard. Or, they know them by name but not really what they do. As we head into the National spotlight, it’s exciting to note and celebrate a sampling of the incredible work of our Arts & Science Council (ASC).

Arts & Science Council has always done significant work for our city, but as the times have changed, it has, too. It is all about joint ownership and creative approaches that not only build on past victories but embrace new technology and behaviors.

Teaming up with Knight Foundation,  Arts & Science Council created a new online micro-giving program in which individuals can give any amount to a very specific project of an arts, history or science organization. power2give.org was created to address the changing trends in philanthropic giving and has now been launched in other cities as well.

Arts & Science Council believes in and integrates research and planning into its strategic vision. Whether through private sessions with city leaders or a recent online survey for everyone in the community, it invites feedback about what is and is not working as well as ideas for the future.

Traditionally, arts councils have been distributors for funding in the form of grants and operating support to both individuals and organizations.  Arts & Science Council continues this tradition while improving on it. One example is the “Regional Artist Project Grant” which originally was up to $5,000 for an individual artist, depending on whether they were emerging or established.

In this latest fall 2011 grant cycle, Arts & Science Council revamped the program to make its funding dollars stretch further. Among the changes, the grant amount was less, but this meant it could support more artists’ projects. The application, itself — often a stumbling block for artists — was also simplified.

Arts & Science Council has many partnerships with other organizations, large and small. In addition to direct funding, it offers a wide variety of training for both individual artists and the people behind organizations, whether staff, board members or other volunteers.

Arts & Science Council consistently provides business training — like the Artist as an Entrepreneur Institute — for artists who are notoriously bad with that part of their profession. In addition, it works with a number of emerging community leaders through different programs like the Cultural Leadership Training Class.

For the Charlotte community at-large, it provides the Charlotte Culture Guide. This free, online cultural resource gives everyone access to events and activities happening around town.

One of the creative ways  Arts & Science Council responded to the funding cuts in our public schools is by partnering with DonorsChoose.org to support arts and cultural projects in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. When donors chose to contribute to these arts, science and history-based projects submitted by Charlotte-Mecklenburg School teachers,  Arts & Science Council doubled each gift by providing a dollar-for-dollar match, as long as funds remained available.

These are just a few examples of how our Arts & Science Council is definitely shaping a vibrant cultural life for all.

Arts & Science Council
Power2give.org
Charlotte Culture Guide

[Please note that Carmella Jarvi has received funding through Arts & Science Council.]

By Elizabeth Miller, Knight Foundation

Nearly 4,000 people will have a chance to enjoy their first-ever opera performance in Charlotte this week – for free.

In effort to bring opera to new audiences, last fall Knight Foundation announced it would reserve all the seats to Opera Carolina’s Jan. 28 performance of Madama Butterfly and distribute the tickets to members of the greater Charlotte community who had never before attended an opera.Tickets were distributed earlier this month on a first-come, first-served basis to those that had registered online in December. Due to an overwhelming response to the request for tickets, an extra free performance was added on Jan. 24 to accommodate more first-time opera-goers.

Madama Butterfly, photo courtesy of Opera Omaha

Madama Butterfly is considered to be Italian composer Giacomo Puccini’s masterpiece and is often cited as one of the most popular and best-loved operas. After winning tickets to a performance, opera-novice @mindofandre tweeted: “Sweet! Just won tix to see Madame Butterfly (never been to opera before) in Charlotte. Thanks @knightfdn!”

In explaining Knight’s support for the performances, Susan Patterson, program director/Charlotte at Knight Foundation, says: “If you ask opera novices if they want to go see their first opera, a lot of them are put off by the cost, but we’re eliminating that barrier. We’re hoping to engage a wider audience in the arts. As we’ve seen through the success of Random Acts of Culture®, people are often mesmerized by powerful, evocative music and we want to encourage that kind of participation here in Charlotte.”

We hope you, and all the others who will attend their first opera, enjoy the performance.

Additional support for the Jan. 24 performance is provided by the Arts & Science Council, the Foundation for the Carolinas, the Hearst Corporation and several other private donors.

Opera Carolina’s Madama Butterfly at Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center: Jan 21, 26 and 29: Reserve tickets at 704.372.1000 or operacarolina.org

On Q Productions’ “Season 3: The Sound of Music” gets better with every show. “The Amen Corner” is a poignant and unforgettable story about human nature, suffering and our relationship with God — or one could say religion.

Watching the performance, you realize it is set in another time, but incredibly James Baldwin’s three-act play was written 58 years ago. Set in the early 1950s in Harlem, it opens with a rousing Sunday morning service of a passionate black “corner” church. The choir sings “Let the trouble come” and the lead character, Sis’ Margaret, preaches on setting one’s house in order.

On Q Productions’ “The Amen Corner.” Photo by GKJ Photography

If you have never been to a get-down gospel black church, you are in for a treat. This may be a theatrical performance — and there are the occasional reminders — but, because you are seated in an intimate black box theater, it feels like you are sitting in church.

This show opens and closes with passionate, soulful Christian music. The main characters, the church choir and congregation are outstanding. It is a relatively small stage for so many performers, but “The Amen Corner” is well done and the time flies by. The cast does a great job moving from singing to acting, from focused prayerful passion to mean human in-fighting.

On Q Productions’ “The Amen Corner.” Photo by GKJ Photography

Sis’ Margaret is a most incredible performance by Terry Denise Henry. We watch her transition from stoic church leader to a woman with struggles like all of us. In the end, Margaret’s epiphany is that ‘‘To love the lord is to love all his children — all of them, everyone — and suffer with them and rejoice with them and never count the cost.’’

The cast worked very well together, but the standouts were Sheila Sherrod-Robinson as Margaret’s sister Odessa and LaShea Stukes as a “pure” yet deviant Sis’ Moore. The music throughout is moving and well-done, but listening to the solo by Lori McLaurin as Sis’ Rice at the end, I knew I was listening to a professional gospel singer.

It is hard to miss Baldwin’s foreshadowing of some major social issues we are still facing today. “The Amen Corner” is built around our struggles with sadness, poverty and how to cope. We watch women and men fight to be on top and witness very personal battles with imperfect humans and their questioning of God’s will.

On Q Productions is in its third-year residency as Blumenthal’s only African-American theater company. The founder, Quentin “Q” Talley, picks plays that are from the African-American perspective but deal with universal themes. They are entertaining, yet they leave you thinking. His company is the recipient of a two-year matching grant through the Knight Foundation and the Arts & Science Council (also a Knight arts grantee).

Please note “The Amen Corner” has been a very popular performance, so you might want to get your ticket early.  (I did not see an open seat at Sunday’s show.)

On Q Productions presents:
“The Amen Corner”
by: James Baldwin
directed by: Ruth Sloane
choreography by: LaTanya Johnson

Wednesday, Jan. 25 is “Pay what you can” night.


Thursday, Jan. 26, Friday, Jan. 27 and Saturday Jan. 28 are your last chance to see the show.

Duke Energy Theater (at Spirit Square)
 at 345 N. College St., Charlotte

This past weekend, people all over the country celebrated the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture (a Knight arts grantee) also offered several days of activities to commemorate this significant American leader. Monday’s day-long free admission with performances, presentations and discussions throughout was the culmination.

Photo provided by the Gantt Center of MLK Day activities.

It was exciting to visit the Gantt Center on Jan. 16 and see people representing many ages, colors and backgrounds in attendance. All kinds of individual discussions about King, as well as the different offerings and exhibitions, could be overheard.

MLK Day activities. Photo provided by the Gantt Center

The day was filled with engaging, challenging and downright fun activities. Many were inspired by King’s passion for civil rights. This included a talk with writer Valaida Fullwood and photographer Charles Thomas. Their book, “Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists,” reframes philanthropy with its unique collection of photography and stories. During slavery and its aftermath in America, communities would have perished without the generosity, innovation and sacrifices of its members — who rarely have been heralded as philanthropists.

Writer Valaida Fullwood and photographer Charles Thomas with their book, “Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists.”

A powerful artistic expression of the dichotomy of the African-American experience lies in the exhibitions within the two upper galleries:  “Cash Crop” and “Rhythm-A-Ning.” Both shows are on view through June 30, 2012.

Stephen Hayes’ “Cash Crop” is a forceful and chilling exhibition. But, just like the Holocaust, we must not forget our past. Artist Hayes was originally motivated by an encounter with an image of a slave ship diagram in a printmaking class, which eventually lead to his “Cash Crop” installation. Fifteen life-sized sculptures — chained together — represent the 15 million Africans who were shipped to the Americas as slaves.

(Please note this show has adult themes. Historical materials are also provided with this installation.)

There was excitement and happy chattering throughout the Gantt Center. However, as people moved toward the “Cash Crop” exhibit, a more somber mood prevailed. People of all ages and colors were reading, thinking, talking quietly — taking it in. The emotional charge of these life-sized figures was palpable.

Their eyes closed, the concrete slaves are bound, yet have a peaceful and dignified presence — perhaps an inner strength coming from their deep faith. As viewers walk in and around the figures, the clank of the metal shackles under foot is a visceral reminder of the horror these people lived through.

In stark contrast in the gallery directly across is “Rhythm-A-Ning: James Phillips, Charles Searles & Frank Smith.” These three artists produced work that visually reflects the qualities and characteristics of jazz. (And, the jazz sounds playing in the background as you enter sets the mood to take in this exciting exhibition.)

Each artist — in his own way — has improvised with color, rhythm, patterns and forms to create a completely new approach to their art form. They use light, color and sound as a starting point for their abstract artistic improvisations. This work, like jazz improv, is abstract, breaking traditional artistic “rules.” The art is both messy and clean, with various strata of embedded details. There is pure emotion and layers of meaning in this work even though it is “abstract.” Searles’ “Double Dutch” is an acrylic and wood relief wall sculpture, which has asymmetrical musical balance with definite nods to jump rope and only one of the many great works in this show.

“Rhythm-A-Ning” is quite a refreshing and uplifting experience after “Cash Crop.” And yet another reminder of the amazing legacy the African-American people have given in spite of overcoming some horrific experiences.

The Harvey B. Gantt Center
for African-American Arts + Culture
at Levine Center for the Arts
551 S. Tryon St.
Charlotte, N.C.

“Stephen Hayes: Cash Crop”
“Rhythm-A-Ning: James Phillips, Charles Searles & Frank Smith”
Both exhibitions are on view through June 30, 2012.

January is an exciting month for the arts at Davidson College (a Knight arts grantee). “Davidson Collects: A Celebration of Art & Learning” is the culmination of much work, support and the generosity of many individuals. The jewel of this exhibition is the acquisition of a new Magdalena Abakanowicz outdoor sculpture specially conceived by the artist for the Davidson College campus.

Magdalena Abakanowicz (Polish, b.1930), "The Group of Ten," 2011, bronze, 64 1/2 by 137 3/4 by 118 inches overall. Photo provided by Davidson College Galleries

This sculpture is the Polish artist’s first in the Southeast and the fifth in Davidson College’s major onsite sculptural works. The “Group of Ten,” created in 2011 and made of bronze, is quintessential Abakanowicz. Viewers will get to see it inside the William H. Van Every Gallery during this show, but the piece will be permanently installed outdoors in March 2012.

The opening reception is Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m., with a short program led by President Carol Quillen at 7:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public and will be held at the Van Every/Smith Galleries in the Katherine and Tom Belk Visual Arts Center.

Davidson College has long been known for its permanent art collection, now numbering more than 3,000 pieces — including many works on paper — representing 500 years of art history. Building on this tradition, it also has a “Campus Sculpture Program,” which acts as an extension of the college’s permanent art collection and further reinforces the focus as a research center by offering students and members of the Davidson community an opportunity to interact with this work.

In addition to the Abakanowicz piece, “Davidson Collects: A Celebration of Art & Learning” is an exhibition highlighting more than 50 new works from Davidson College’s permanent art collection, featuring unique works by Jim Dine, Hans Hofmann and David Hockney.

In the Edward M. Smith Gallery one will find a selection of unique works on paper by the internationally renowned artist Sean Scully. This show serves to complement the display of his “Wall of Light Red Shade” painting hanging in Davidson’s E.H. Little Library.

Finally, it is most fitting for this prestigious institute of higher learning, that this opening night will also commemorate the book launch of “Davidson Collects: 100 Writers Respond to Art.” This is a new 280-page, full-color book, which includes essays by one hundred Davidson students on works from the College’s permanent art collection.

The Van Every/Smith Galleries play a fundamental role in the life of Davidson College. The galleries provide a challenging forum for the presentation, interpretation and discussion of primarily contemporary artworks in all media for students and members of the Davidson community, as well as for national and international visitors to the campus.

“Davidson Collects: A Celebration of Art & Learning”
The exhibitions will be on display Jan. 19 through March 2, 2012.
Opening reception: Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Van Every/Smith Galleries in the Katherine and Tom Belk Visual Arts Center


Davidson College, 
315 N. Main St., 
Davidson, N.C. 28035

GALLERY HOURS: 
Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 Weekends: Noon to 4 p.m.



Guest parking is available in the lot behind the Belk Visual Arts Center. The building is wheelchair accessible. All programs of the Van Every/Smith Galleries are free and everyone is welcome.

By Susan Jedrzejewski, McColl Center for Visual Art 

Beginning their term the second week in January, McColl Center for Visual Art welcomes our 2012 Winter Artists-in-Residence. Several opportunities are available to visit the Center to meet our artists, including events on January 17 and 27th.

Not previously open to the public, McColl Center for Visual Art now invites the community to sit-in on Artist to Artist, a free and intimate presentation where each resident has a chance to introduce themselves and their work to one another through brief slideshow presentations. Join us in the boardroom on Tuesday, January 17 from 6 to 7:30 PM to hear from each one of our artists.

Or join us for our Opening Receptionon Friday, January 27 from 6 to 9 PM as we welcome the arrival of our newest group of residents and the Converge exhibition. “Converge” explores themes of identity and inclusion featuring works by alumni Knight Artists-in-Residence, Quisqueya Henriquez and Sonya Clark. The works showcased in the exhibition represent a convergence of art, history and diverse cultures using a variety of materials and techniques. For more information about planning your visit www.mccollcenter.org or call 704.332.5535.

The 2012 Winter Artists-in-Residence include:

• Margarita Cabrera, Knight Artist-in-Residence, is a Mexican-American artist, activist and organizer whose soft vinyl sculptures representing potted plants and automobiles address timely issues related to border relations, labor practices and immigration. Turning crafts and their manufacture into a vehicle for social commentary, Cabrera draws on the community to help create collaborative works of art that are used as a platform to raise political and socio-cultural consciousness as a means for survival and empowerment for the Spanish-speaking immigrant community. Working with displaced immigrants – Cabrera organizes workshops and ad hoc corporations to close the gulf between third world production and first world consumption.

Margarita Cabrera: Space in Between – Nopal (in Collaboration with Candelaria Cabrera)

• Dawit Petros, Knight Artist-in-Residence, has lived in three different continents: Africa, Europe and North America. The effects of his nomadic life are evident in his work, which is inspired by history, cultural memories and minimalism. Petros uses mixed media, installation, video, performance and photography as a springboard to delve into relationships between subject, object and location and the transformation that happens though migration. Petros was born in Eritrea, raised in Kenya and Canada and lives and works in Brooklyn. He has exhibited his work in group exhibitions throughout Canada and the US, including the Studio Museum in Harlem and Museum of Contemporary Art, Detroit, MI.

Dawit L. Petros: Single Cube Formation, No. 2, Santa Barbara

• Rashaad Newsome, Gantt Center Artist-in-Residence, uses performance, video and collage to investigate power and status associated with people of color and the gay community. Newsome borrows intensively from hip-hop music and popular culture to create work that challenges current ideas regarding social protocol and hierarchy as they relate to human behavior. Newsome is presently showing at the Marlboro Gallery in New York City. He was born in New Orleans and received a B.A. in Art History at Tulane University before studying Film at Film Video Arts in New York City. He has exhibited nationally and internationally at venues including New York, Prague and Berlin.

Rashaad Newsome: SWAG (Video Still 3)

• And Matthew Steele, a sculptor from Bloomington, Indiana; Mary Giehl, Carolinas Health Care Artist-in-Residence from Syracuse, NY; Patricia Leighton and Del Geist, UNCC Artists-in-Residence and painter, David Theissen, a Charlotte-Mecklenburg school teacher as our Gail Peacock Art Teacher-In-Residence.

Matthew Steele, Manifest