IS A REFLECTION OF OUR COMMUNITY'S
Our community shapes our identity and, in turn, we shape our
HISTORY AND IDENTITY. COMMUNITY IS MORE THAN
community. The quality of our physical environment,from the
THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT WE INHABIT.
buildings we create to the sidewalks we walk on, has a power to
IT INCLUDES THE PEOPLE AND OBJECTS WE INTERACT
define our community identity, to transform our public spaces
WITH ON A DAILY BASIS.
and create a meaningful sense of place.
Public Art creates livable cities, educates and enriches the spirit
and pride of its citizens. It strengthens economic development
A RT I ST S F R O M A R O UN D T H E C O UNT RY A R E C O M M I S S I O NE D TO C R E AT E P UB L I C
and tourism.
A RT A N D A R E E D U C AT I N G T H E M S E LV E S I N T H E PR O C E S S TO PR O D U C E A RT T H AT
S P E A K S O F T H E FA C I L I T Y, H I STO RY A N D T H E C O M M UN I T Y.
" O C U L US R E F L E C TO R "
by James Carpenter
E A C H Y E A R , T H E C I T Y O F C H A R L O T T E A N D M E C K L E N B UR G
COUNTY SET ASIDE FUNDS USED TO CONSTRUCT OR RENOVATE
As you walk through the halls of
PUBLIC BUILDINGS FOR PUBLIC ART. THESE PROJECTS MAKE
the Convention Center, be sure to
UP THE PUBLIC ART PROGRAM. THE PUBLIC ART PROGRAM
look up. Perched in the oculus in
I S A D M I N I S T E R E D B Y T H E A R T S & S C I E N C E C O UN C I L .
the Grand Hall is the "Oculus
Reflector" by nationally known
artist Jamie Carpenter.
This glass and steel piece reflects
and refracts sunlight streaming
through the oculus, creating
shifting patterns and designs
on the floor.
" H O M E M O V I E " by Paul Rousso
Artist Paul Rousso created what he calls a "visual snapshot" of the Charlotte family and community.
The painting is meant to be watched rather than looked at. The artist hopes that viewers will create their
own visual metaphor of Charlotte's face. Look for familiar Charlotteans.
This painting depicts the cultural
values of the African-Americans
who once lived on the site of the Convention Center in Second Ward.
" R E M E M B R A N C E S O F C H A R L OT T E ' S S E C O N D WA R D :
B R O O K LY N A N D B L UE H E AV E N " by T.J. Reddy
C H A R LO T T E
CONVENTION
C E N T E R Public
ART
TOUR
Public Art
T H E C H A R L O T T E C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R I S T H E S I T E O F T H E F I R S T P U B L I C A R T P R O J E C T S C O M M I S S I O N E D UN D E R T H E C H A R L O T T E - M E C K L E N B UR G P U B L I C A R T C O M M I S S I O N .
L O O K A R O UN D T H E C H A R L O T T E C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R T O S E E W O R K S B Y S E V E R A L
L O C A L A R T I S T S A L O N G W I T H P I E C E S B Y N AT I O N A L LY K N O W N A R T I S T S .
" C E L E B R AT I O N " by James Biggers
" H O M A GE TO N O RT H C A R O L I N A "
by Richard Lippold
The “Celebration” mural depicts the cultural and religious
" I ' V E K N O W N R I V ER S " by Juan Logan
Juan's painting is full of symbolism, some subtle and
diversity of Charlotte. The artist chose to depict Charlotteans
Located in Exhibit Hall C Lobby, this delicate wire sculpture
some obvious. Notice the bus with square wheels –
celebrating the birth of spirit.
was reassembled under the watchful eye of nationally
symbolizing transportation, but not education – the bus
known artist Richard Lippold. Originally housed in Bank of
is merely a vehicle. The golden throne symbolizes the
America, this piece was in storage for several years before
days of Sweet Daddy Grace and the House of Prayer,
being donated by the bank.
a Charlotte icon.
" D I V ER S I T Y A N D H O P E "
by Robert Tynes
" T H E G O O D L I E ST L A N D "
by Ruth Ava Lyons
“ N AT UR E M A D E , H A N D M A D E :
I C O N S O N L E V E L 7 6 8 ” by David Dahlquist
The painting, divided into sections, depicts
different aspects of Charlotte. The side panels
David Dahlquist’s work represents an opportunity to react
and respond to the surrounding architecture in a dramatic
way, while at the same time beginning a “story” that
people can and will enter into in a physical way.
Like windows, the medallions make a connection
between the building itself and the landscape, the state,
the organic world that goes unseen inside the building.
Other symbols recall history, architecture, and agriculture,
past and present, recognizing the inherent role that
Business, sports, and education are all found in this painting.
people play in all of these disciplines. The horizontal band
include images of influences that helped shape
Look at the symbols and try to determine what they
functions to order concepts almost like a contemporary
the city, those of industry. The middle panel
represent. Did you notice the picture of Dorothy Counts,
“totem.” And in so doing, it marks a place.
is dominated by the image of a hand,
the first African American to enter Harding High School in
representing growth of community prosperity
Charlotte? This painting shows many aspects of life in
and future promise.
Charlotte.
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