5 ways to experience art and culture for free in Charlotte
Throughout June SHARE Charlotte will explore Charlotte’s arts community, the opportunities arts programs create for all residents and all the ways everyone can get involved to create these experiences for everyone. #ArtForAllCLT
As a working mom of three, downtime is hard to come by. I usually want to curl up with my trusty sidekick mutt and cue up something on Netflix. But, I still have that urge to learn and art is one subject I can’t get enough of, even though I’m not terribly artistic (think stick figure drawings) or musical. However, I am always looking for opportunities for myself and my family to explore art and finding ways to explore for free is always a bonus!
Here are a few findings I’ve stumbled on where local arts nonprofits are hosting free events to improve accessibility to the arts community:
Strike up the band
The once-free Summer Pops series at Symphony Park now charges admission, but you can still enjoy the Charlotte Symphony for free at locations in the Charlotte area throughout the month of June, from St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church to Belle Johnston Park in Pineville.
Support up-and-coming artists
Enjoy performers of all ages at Blumenthal Performing Arts Open Mic Night. This event includes instrumentalists, singers, dancers, storytellers, poets, jugglers, magicians and any other kind of performance art that is suitable for audiences of all ages. Audience members are seated on a first-come, first-served basis.
McGlohon Theater, Spirit Square, 345 N. College St.
Friday, June 23, 7:30 p.m.
Go on a scavenger hunt
Charlotte has an abundance of public art displays. Take a day or two and use the county’s Public Art Locator Map to track down the city’s public art displays, like the newly installed Spiral Odyssey in Romare Bearden Park.
Many are in plain sight and part of architecture, while others are a bit off the beaten path. The map is not fancy or pretty, but it’s full of locations and art details and is highly effective. Challenge friends to see who can hit the most sites and meet up for brews after to compare photos.
Get “inside” art outside
Two local galleries teamed up to launch Inside|Out Charlotte, a program that brings notable works of art to the masses … outside. Last month, Inside|Out Charlotte launched in the Queen City with 50 reproductions of works from the Gantt Center and the Bechtler Museum. The products are framed to withstand the elements and have been placed in places like parks and gardens, along greenways, and at neighborhood gathering sites. Put on your Chacos and your critical eye and check out Inside|Out Charlotte.
What’s your Wednesday like?
Have you ever wanted to visit both Mint Museum locations (Uptown and Randolph), but just haven’t gotten around to it? Block off two (or more) Wednesdays this summer and check out both Mint Museum locations for free! Every Wednesday, from 5-9 p.m. both museums are open to the public free of charge. This week, in addition to free admission, enjoy Wine on Wednesday Uptown. There will be a cash bar serving red and white wine from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Mint Museum Uptown Shop, select merchandise on sale, plus one free wine refill per customer.
Visit SHARE Charlotte for more free arts events in June.
Photos: Charlotte Symphony, Nathan Villaume/My Camera Charlotte
This story was originally published June 11, 2017 at 11:00 PM with the headline "5 ways to experience art and culture for free in Charlotte."