What’s up this week in Charlotte’s visual arts?
Each week, Grace Cote, Lia Newman, and Kati Stegall offer Observer readers a to-do list on immersing yourself in visual arts around town. Newman is director/curator of the Van Every/Smith Galleries at Davidson College, Cote is senior coordinator at Jerald Melberg Gallery, Stegall is Art-in-Transit program administrator at the Charlotte Area Transit System, and they collaborate on the blog HappeningsCLT (happeningsCLT.com).
For a seasonlong visual arts calendar, go to: www.charlotteobserver.com/entertainment/arts-culture/article100517602.html.
What to see
Recently a piece of Charotte’s public art art collection received international notoriety in London’s Telegraph Newspaper online. “Metalmorphosis” by Czech artist David Černý is featured in a slide show of “20 Amazing Sculptures from around the World” and is in fitting company with other internationally renowned artists such as Jaume Plensa, Jeff Koons and Louise Bourgeois. “Metalmorphosis” is one of the artist’s more conservative works – but perhaps the most interesting fact about the sculpture is that the work was commissioned by Count Riprand Arco-Zinneburg, a member of Austrian royalty who lived in Charlotte, raised six countess daughters and created a massive real estate company. You can see the sculpture in situ at Whitehall Corporate Center – or even online with a live webcam!
Where to go
One of our favorite new art projects in Charlotte is ArtPop. Founded in Charlotte three years ago, the program is now in 14 different cities and has worked with more than 200 artists. If you aren’t already familiar, ArtPop means “Art + Public Outdoor Project,” and its mission is to promote local artists’ work and make art accessible to communities through available media space. You’ve probably noticed the billboards on your way to work or school. On June 3, you can support the project at the third annual Bids for Brushstrokes. Work by former ArtPop artists (and more) will be auctioned and your ticket includes entrance to the party, complimentary spirits and light hors d’oeuvres. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bids-for-brushstrokes-the-3rd-annual-artpop-auction-tickets-32350382866
This story was originally published May 30, 2017 at 6:01 PM with the headline "What’s up this week in Charlotte’s visual arts?."