Art search, special merch and more: How Charlotte’s art scene will be part of Lovin’ Life

It’s almost time for the inaugural Lovin’ Life Music Fest to make its debut in Charlotte, but the first-of-its-kind festival won’t just be about music.

You heard it here first: Along with performances from over 40 pop, rap and rock artists, organizers told CharlotteFive in an exclusive interview they will bring a bit of the city’s art scene to the three-day event, with the help of “creative powerhouses to add to the festival vibe.”

From local nonprofit Charlotte is Creative to Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Schools, some of the city’s biggest and emerging artists will be playing a hand in the upcoming festival with special merch, an art search for prizes and more.

“While this is primarily a music fest, it’s important for us to highlight and celebrate the vibrant arts community in Charlotte that gives the Queen City personality,” said Jenny Eickmeyer, LLMF assistant festival director.

‘Creative fusion’ at festival

With the help of Charlotte is Creative, organizers announced there will be an “art search” for fans during festival weekend. Each day, original pieces from local artists will be hidden throughout the festival grounds for fans to keep if found — including some that will have artist meet-and-greet passes, wristband upgrades and other special prizes.

“The finders-keepers nature of Art Search gives festivalgoers a new level of excitement and a reason to get there early,” Eickmeyer said in a statement to CharlotteFive.

Charlotte is Creative also launched a design competition for local and regional artists with the winning design to be featured on limited edition merchandise at Lovin’ Life.

“To have an event of this size — and an impact on Charlotte — want to engage creatives at that level and make them part of the larger celebration ... (it) was really exciting and something that we wanted to jump on right away,” Tim Miner, co-founder of Charlotte is Creative, told CharlotteFive.

“What’s been exciting over the last several years is that festivals and organizations and business leaders are starting to look to individual artists and grassroots arts organizations to add their flavor to their larger initiatives, understanding that creatives are a true part of conveying the spirit … of the personality of Charlotte,” Miner said. “So that when you tap into those artists, you’re also sharing a little bit of what it means to be a Charlottean.”

You’ll also be able to check out the work of student artists from First Ward Creative Arts Academy and Northwest School of the Arts throughout the venue, plus a special piece from Matt Moore, the creative genius behind some of Charlotte’s most iconic murals. Be sure to look out for a new mural he’ll be bringing to life at the festival entrance.

How to go to Lovin’ Life Music Fest

Lovin’ Life Music Fest will be held May 3-5 in the First Ward area of Uptown Charlotte at 300 N. Brevard St. Find details at lovinlifemusicfest.com.

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This story was originally published April 11, 2024 at 6:00 AM.

Chyna Blackmon

The Charlotte Observer

Chyna Blackmon was a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Support my work with a digital subscription