Here are all the details for a great Friday in South End!

Explore South End! FREE Shuttle is on schedule for this Friday. Use it to visit galleries or other South End businesses. Shuttle begins at 6:00pm and runs to 9:00pm. You can pick up the Explore South End Shuttle at Atherton Mill near the Farmer’s Market, Lark and Key & Ciel Gallery, Gil Gallery, Food Truck Friday lot, Summit Ave near Boulevard at South End and between The Liberty and SoBo Loft.

Best places to park: Atherton Mill and then jump on the Shuttle (stop in Vin Master and The Spice Shop while you are there), behind Price’s Chicken Coop, or plenty of onstreet parking along Camden Rd.

Hashtag: #SEclt

First Friday Gallery Crawl Exhibitions

Elder Gallery: Exploring the Blue Ridge

Paintings by David Skinner

Skinner’s contemporary images of the California and Blue Ridge landscapes are derived from his deep respect for the legacy of the California plein air painters and their noble portrayals of light and terrain. He boldly defines his personal style within the genre by pushing the boundaries of color and composition, drawing upon the integrated traditions of the Bay Area Figurative and Abstract Expressionist movements. His work showcases his affinity for the light, space, and radiance of the landscape, his style signifying an integral understanding of the New York and San Francisco schools of Rothko and Diebenkorn.

The paintings in our exhibiton focus on the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding areas.  The painter looks forward to visiting family in the Virginia area where he can explore the landscape for inspiration.  Our exhibition features a variety of paintings that range from 13″ x 13″ works on paper to canvas paintings that measure 72″ x 52″.

Charlotte Art League

Back by popular demand, our June exhibit is the “Members Only Salon,”  a format we inaugurated with this year’s January show. For the “Salon,” CAL members are invited to fill the gallery walls with their best and newest work. Entrants receive a 4’x8’ wall in the gallery to hang as much as possible for the duration of the show. Floor space is also available for 3-D work. We want this to be a learning experience for artists on how to display, wire and properly hang their art. And it’s a great way for visitors to get to know our CAL artists, with their variety of styles, media and themes.

Lark and Key Gallery

Join us Friday, June 1st from 6-9 and meet the artists!

*elizabeth and tracey will be here and we are hoping to skype vicki in!

Born into a family of painters, musicians and creative thinkers, Elizabeth Foster was never bored as a child.  Always encouraged to “make things”, it was only natural that she would find her own creative path – eventually becoming a singer/songwriter and painter herself.  Elizabeth’s love of music influences her artwork.  She currently lives in Nashville, TN where Americana, Folk, Bluegrass, Jazz and Old Time players and performers surround her.  She is drawn to familiarity of the pattern within, the feeling of nostalgia and the underlying current of release. Her creative process incorporates these elements, allowing her to tell stories, often with a bit of whimsy, on canvas.

Franklin, TN based Vicki Sawyer spent her childhood amazed at the charming personalities of birds and the knowledge her father had about them.  She eventually came to the conclusion that if birds could make nests then they could make hats.  This inspired her bird paintings in which each bird wears a ‘hat’ of natural materials, with the series also expanding to include other animals and concepts, such as masks and encounters with toys.  Vicki’s detailed paintings draw you in and bring a sense of peace, vibrancy, joy and humor.

Tracey Broome uses clay to convey her view of the world – fragments of thoughts, feelings and memories of her life. Working out of her Chapel Hill, NC studio, she makes sculptural houses and barns that are inspired by discarded objects, antiques, old cemeteries, run down barns and dilapidated houses.  Her pieces often become sacred spaces for discarded treasures of our past, treasures that range from vintage doll parts to architectural objects.  With simple forms and serene colors Tracey offers a moment of contemplation for the viewer, hoping they find a connection to their own experiences and memories.

Ciel Gallery and Mosaic Studio

Wanda S. Hanson, Fiber Artist, at Ciel Gallery in June

For the month of June, Charlotte’s Ciel Gallery will host Exuberant Color, a solo exhibition by Chicago fabric artist Wanda S. Hanson. The exhibition opens Friday, June 1, with a Meet the Artist Reception from 6:00 – 9:00 PM.

When asked about the inspiration for her work, Hanson states, “For me, creating a quilt or fiber piece is less about communicating some deep inner thought, and more a celebration of color, pattern, texture and joy. My communication is sensory.” A quilting instructor for thirty-seven years, former quilt shop owner, speaker, businesswoman and published artist, her work oozes with refined expertise, and yes, Exuberant Color.

Still an enthusiastic instructor as well as color aficionado, Hanson will teach a three hour class on Intuitive Color ( http://cielcharlotte.com/artwork/2613134_Intuitive_Color_Visiting_Artist_Wanda_S.html ) on three dates during her time in Charlotte. Utilizing squares of fabric, hands-on color lessons will easily translate for any medium. Hanson will also be available to meet with other color enthusiasts after class from 3:00 – 5:00 on Saturday, June 2 and Thursday, June 7, as well as during the gallery crawl. More information about Wanda Hanson and her work can be found at http://exuberantcolor.blogspot.com.

Ciel Gallery is located at 128 E. Park Avenue, Charlotte, NC, 28203. Exuberant Color runs June 1 – 30, and gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday, 11:00 – 6:00, and Saturday, 10:00 – 5:00. for more information, please contact pam@cielcharlotte.com, or visit www.cielcharlotte.com. Exhibitions are free and family-friendly.

Gil Gallery

Artist Edwin Gil & Gil Gallery Presents: Through The Eye of Art Part 2 – AZUL The second in a four part series, artists from across North Carolina come together to express their artistic vision around the color Azul via different media. The Azul exhibition will launch June 1 at Gil Gallery 109 west Morehead St Charlotte Nc 28202 in uptown Charlotte from 6-9pm and run for two weeks . Azul is a collaboration of differente local artists . Don’t miss this opportunity to PAINT THE TOWN AZUL!

Charlotte Artery

Unexpected Finds

you are invited to our June 1st First friday Gallery Crawl and Wine tasting Event this coming Friday night June 1st from 6-9PM We will also be hosting a wonderful Jazz Singer….Nicci Canada Our Gallery will be host to the works of Ola McGee, a self taught painter. come by 1710 Camden Rd Charlotte, NC 28203 Unexpected Finds 704/333-8188

Hidell Brooks Gallery presents David Kroll- Recent Painting taking place from May 4^th-June 30^th with the opening reception at the Gallery Crawl from 6-8pm. David Kroll paints personal refuges and interior landscapes- places to visit for solace and sanctuary. Much of his work is intuitive and he strives to create a connection between the viewer and the power of the landscape, the web of life and the idea of nature itself.

Shopping – Lots of great little boutiques and furniture shops throughout all of South End. They aren’t all right next to one another so it takes a little navigation but here are some top picks. In the Camden Rd area (Bland St Light Rail Stop) you can hit Boulevard at South End, Black Sheep, Modern Fabrics, Unexpected Finds and South End Exchange. In the Atherton Mill area you can find SoBo Loft, The Benjamin Bear, Savory Spice Shop, Ferguson’s, High Cotton Home Company, Three Little Birds, and By Design. Furniture Row is the hidden gem of South End, located predominately near the New Bern Light Rail stop and consists of a 6 or 7 furniture warehouses along Griffith and Foster. Post & Gray is part of Furniture Row but not in the immediate mix but well worth the visit.

Enjoy Great Patios – South End has some great outdoor patio space to enjoy a nice meal or just a cold beer or glass of wine. Icehouse, Vin Master and Big Ben’s Pub are all located at Atherton Mill and have some nice patio space to enjoy. Icehouse clearly has the large outdoor area but Vin Master and Big Ben’s are located right along the Light Rail and I don’t know what it is about the Light Rail but it fascinates young and old. Mac’s Speed Shop is always a swarm with people on their outdoor patio. You will usually find some live music in the evening and they have some great BBQ and terrific craft beer selection. Tyber Creek Pub has undergone a series of renovations to both inside and outside. They always had a great outdoor patio but that have made great improvements and it’s a place that is hard to leave. The Liberty has a nice side patio and in the evenings typically has live music as does Pewter Rose. The Liberty sources locally and these guys were leaders in the craft beer scene before craft beer became so popular. The patio at Common Market is one of the best in Charlotte and has incredible wine and beer selections. You’ll find the most diverse mix of people and pets, and who knows what kind of funky entertainment you will stumble upon.

Food Truck Friday – The food phenomenon that has been prevalent along the west coast is finally showing up in strong force in Charlotte and the one place you can always count on finding food trucks is at Camden Rd and Park Ave, every Friday from 5-9pm in South End. The truck line-up changes from week to week so see below for the details. You can purchase beer or wine from Common Market of Phat Burrito, bring un-opened to the lot and consume with your food truck cuisine. No BYOB. We have some tables but feel free to bring your own.

Atherton Mill Market – The Atherton Market is Charlotte’s first indoor, year-round, farmers market that has a 100% commitment to locally sourced products. Saturday is the HUGE market day which runs from 9am to 2pm, and I highly recommend you get their early before things sell out. In addition to the great food offerings, there is always a cooking demo, live music, or something for the kids to do while you shop. Historically speaking, markets tend to revitalize old existing spaces and the Atherton Market is no different as it’s located in the old Trolley Barn within the redeveloped Atherton Cotton Mill. You can see an old Trolley car in the market and get a side of history with your veggies.

Enjoy Great Patios – South End has some great outdoor patio space to enjoy a nice meal or just a cold beer or glass of wine. Icehouse, Vin Master and Big Ben’s Pub are all located at Atherton Mill and have some nice patio space to enjoy. Icehouse clearly has the large outdoor area but Vin Master and Big Ben’s are located right along the Light Rail and I don’t know what it is about the Light Rail but it fascinates young and old. Mac’s Speed Shop is always a swarm with people on their outdoor patio. You will usually find some live music in the evening and they have some great BBQ and terrific craft beer selection. Tyber Creek Pub has undergone a series of renovations to both inside and outside. They always had a great outdoor patio but that have made great improvements and it’s a place that is hard to leave. The Liberty has a nice side patio and in the evenings typically has live music as does Pewter Rose. The Liberty sources locally and these guys were leaders in the craft beer scene before craft beer became so popular. The patio at Common Market is one of the best in Charlotte and has incredible wine and beer selections. You’ll find the most diverse mix of people and pets, and who knows what kind of funky entertainment you will stumble upon.

Art Galleries - When most folks talk about art galleries in Charlotte, NoDa is the place that many will direct you but truth be told, there is only one or two galleries in NoDa. I love NoDa and it’s a super fun neighborhood that is always lively and has great breweries, restaurants and Amelies, but to direct you there to visit art galleries would be misleading. South End has become home to the largest number of galleries in Charlotte and while many can be accessed via foot, some are spread out so you might need your car to hit them all. Here are some you should check out: Elder Gallery, Gil Gallery, Coffey & Thompson Gallery, Charlotte Art League, DOMA Gallery, Lark and Key Gallery, Ciel Gallery + Mosaic Studio, Unexpected Finds, and Hidell Brooks Gallery. Gallery Crawl is on the first Friday of every month so you no special event for Memorial Day Weekend but don’t let that stop you from doing your own gallery crawl!

Live Music – I will be the first to admit that South End isn’t the neighborhood that first comes to mind when you say “live music” but believe it or not…we have a lot of offerings. Amos’ Southend is a staple in the music community with concerts every week. Tremont Music Hall is off the beaten path a little but they have a huge lineup for Memorial Day Weekend. Don’t let the name fool you but World of Beer has more than just a ton of beer but they have live music Wed through Sun, and if you don’t look carefully you can miss the band cause the stage is in the ceiling. If jazz is a bit more your speed then stop by Sullivan’s as they have rotating jazz duos, trios, quartets..you name it. The happy hour menu is pretty incredible as well so you can enjoy the music, the food and ambiance of Sullivan’s at a little more reasonable price.

Shopping – Lots of great little boutiques and furniture shops throughout all of South End. They aren’t all right next to one another so it takes a little navigation but here are some top picks. In the Camden Rd area (Bland St Light Rail Stop) you can hit Boulevard at South End, Black Sheep, Modern Fabrics, Unexpected Finds and South End Exchange. In the Atherton Mill area you can find SoBo Loft, The Benjamin Bear, Savory Spice Shop, Ferguson’s, High Cotton Home Company, Three Little Birds, and By Design.  Furniture Row is the hidden gem of South End, located predominately near the New Bern Light Rail stop and consists of a 6 or 7 furniture warehouses along Griffith and Foster. Post & Gray is part of Furniture Row but not in the immediate mix but well worth the visit.

No shortage of opportunities in South End so if you are looking for an adventure to a neighborhood you haven’t visited in a while, have guests in town and want to show them authentic Charlotte places, or you are visiting this weekend and exploring the city, I hope you will come visit South End. Parking is free. 4 Light Rail stops throughout South End (Carson, Bland, East/West, Newbern) and it’s very walkable. Enjoy and have a safe Memorial Day Weekend!

Finally, the type of summer school we have all wished for…Beer Summer School. That is correct, World of Beer is offering a two month “course” on Monday’s during the hot months of July and August. The eight week school is only $40 and will give you an intro to beer and then take you through a wide variety of beers: IPA’s, Dark Beers, German Beers, Sour Beers, etc. In addition to learning and more importantly sampling, lots of beer,  you will get free glass ware and other goodies as well as meeting guest speakers from area breweries and reps. The full details area below. Space is limited so don’t delay!

Summer School

Every Monday at 7pm during the hot summer months of July and August, join World of Beer’s Preston Cannon aka @princeofhop for Summer School.

Week 1 – Intro to Beer

Week 2 – India Pale Ales

Week 3 – Dark Beers

Week 4 – Strong Beers

Week 5 – German Beer

Week 6 – Belgian Beer

Week 7 – Sour Beers

Week 8 – Graduation Ceremony – Receive your Summer School Diploma, t-shirt and celebrate with a beer party in your honor.

Summer School costs $40 and on top of learning about and tasting amazing craft beer you will get free glassware and other goodies, as well as, getting to meet and greet guest speakers from local Charlotte breweries.

To reserve your seat in class email Lisa.Weatherston@wobusa.com but spaces are limited so sign up today!

Below is the weekly email newsletter from Lynn Caldwell, Manager of the Atherton Market. Make plans to shop the market this Saturday to prepare for your Memorial Day Weekend!. Enjoy

What’s Happening at the Market?

Thanks to all of you who came to celebrate Food Revolution Day on Saturday!  If you were looking for the Fireman’s Pancake Breakfast, we’re sorry to say that it got postponed at the last minute until June 16th.  But that’s a firm date, they have volunteers lined up, and we can almost taste the pancakes.

This weekend is Memorial Day, so it is a sure bet that you’ll be firing up your grill in celebration of our fallen military heroes.  We’ll be showcasing some goodies this weekend to prove how easy it can be to impress your friends and family when you are the grill master.  Whether you are a carnivore, a vegetarian, or an omnivore, it is easy to become an expert in a hurry when you start with good fresh ingredients.

Memorial Day is also the kickoff to summer, and Simply Local’s newsletter last week was an eloquent introduction to the season.  In her product line Lollies are back, Ellington cheese from Looking Glass Creamery is fantastic, and Buchi Kombucha arrived last week. Get Me a Switch is a great new relish just in and she’s got a new Ashe County “Mountain (AKA Monterey) Jack.”  I also missed highlighting her interview in last Wednesday’s Charlotte Observer with Kathleen Purvis!  LynnErin is my idol when it comes to getting fresh healthful food on the family dinner table on busy weeknights.

In other vendor product news, Verve is beginning to offer candles in recycled wine bottles, and Pickleville is doing a special run of Hot Bread and Butter pickles tonight!  Urbana Teas now has their most popular blends in both bagged and loose leaf versions.  Monk’s Groovy Beans now offers pour over by the cup on Saturdays, which is the hottest trend in the world of coffee.  And the NC/SC high season of fishing just opened off the coast, so Lucky Fish is fully stocked with many coastal varieties.

Proffitt Family Farms will have hot dogs, pastrami, salami, and Andouille sausage made with organic beef and some pastured pork from Wild Turkey farms for juiciness, no nitrates added, fresh this Saturday.  They will also have tons of pre-made patties, taking that little bit of extra work out of your dinner. All of these fresh cooked beef/pork products are made at the Weeping Radish Artisan Butchery and are amazing!

The entire market is definitely experiencing an evolution.  Check out Cloister Honey’s new tasting bar and retail space, or let your kids do a craft in the new Kid Zone next to the trolley.  Cardais Gourmet’s bakery case slid into place last week, and Ohhlio Express is serving up samples and an expanding line of products from a newly designed booth.

We’re moving spaces and vendors around to make the market more navigable, but if you don’t find what you are looking for, please ask.  The bathrooms are now in the Northwest corner of the market, and seating is strategically located.  Every time you visit you’ll discover something new.

Our hours continue to be Tuesday 3-7 and Saturday 9-2 while we are under construction.  Expanded days and hours being announced soon.   Also, we still have 6 seats left for the 3rd Modern Dinner, so send a request to athertonmarket@gmail.com to get your ticket!
Keeping it fresh and local,
Lynn S. Caldwell
Atherton Market Manager
http://www.facebook.com/athertonmillandmarket

Charlotte loves food trucks and the one place you can count on the each week is South End for Food Truck Friday. Enjoy a few pictures from last week!

Auto Burger and Fry Guys made their Food Truck Friday debut last week. People Likey!

Your McDonalds billboards are proving very successful…oh wait.

Great part about Food Truck Friday…can come by bike, foot, segway, light rail, bus or car.

Please make certain to join us this Tuesday evening, May 22, for our May South End Meeting. We have a new CMPD Officer in South End (Kevin Krauz) that I want everyone to meet and we’ll have a special presentation about Brownfields from Carolyn Minnich. The meeting is at Byron’s in the Design Center of the Carolinas and is from 5:30-7pm. We will have a time of networking with light appetizers and cocktails from 5:30-6pm with the meeting starting promptly at 6pm. Thank your for all those who have already RSVP’d and for those who have not yet RSVP’d please email me at tboyd@charlottecentercity.org.
The agenda topics for the meeting are as follows:

I. Introduction to new South End CMPD Officer Kevin Krauz and review of South End public safety

II. Understanding of Brownfields Agreements and what that means to South End

III. Recap of recent Ecodistrict Conference in Portland

IV. Review of past and upcoming South End events

Remember that you can get more details about meetings and other happenings in South End online at www.southendclt.com. You can also enter your email address to get updates when new content has been added.

Thank you,

Ted Boyd

Director, Historic South End

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I know there are tons of you who love South End and share pictures via Twitter all the time as well as great places you enjoy frequenting. The photo above is no exception as it was shared on Twitter via @KyleHoltzhower or the one below via Rachel Sutherland @iftheshoefits and Amy Thomas @ItsAmyThomas. CNN is doing a City Smackdown between Charlotte and Tampa and I’d love for you to share your pictures and short story about why you love Charlote (South End specifically..ha!). All the details are below so inspire us!

Charlotte and Tampa, FL have been selected as “smackdown” cities by CNN to show off why residents love their city – all you have to do is submit a few short written reasons along with a fantastic picture or two, or even a video.

Go to the link below to submit your reasons why Charlotte (specifically South End) is a great city to live and find the opportunities of a metro area with the connections of a close, diverse community – the deadline is Monday, May 21st!  Let’s show everyone how We Make It Possible In Charlotte!

Pick your topic, your favorite reasons, your pictures or video and send it in to the link below!

Link to “City Smackdown: Charlotte” is:  http://ireport.cnn.com/topics/788285

FROM iREPORT on CNN BELOW:

City smackdown: Charlotte, NC

It’s time for a city smackdown!

As part of our Destination USA project, we’re pitting rival cities against each other. This time, it’s the rivalry of the convention cities: Charlotte, North Carolina (home of the 2012 Democratic National Convention) vs. Tampa, Florida (home of the 2012 Republican National Convention).

If you love Charlotte, here’s your chance to stand up for your city! Tell us the very best thing about it, or the one or two reasons you like it better than any other. Make sure to include your most stunning Charlotte photos to back up your claim. Show us why you can take on Tampa any day!

The best stories, photos and travel tips could be featured in a CNN story.

The May South End meeting date has been pushed back one week from Tuesday, May 15th to Tuesday, May 22nd and will be held at Byron’s in the Design Center of the Carolinas from 5:30 to 7pm. This month’s meeting is more content based and please see the tentative agenda below.

I. Introduction to new South End CMPD Officer Kevin Krauz and review of South End public safety

II. Understanding of Brownfields Agreements and what that means in South End

III. Recap of recent Ecodistrict Conference in Portland

IV. Review of past and upcoming South End events

If you have any questions please let me know and please send RSVP to tboyd@charlottecentercity.org.

Look forward to seeing you!

Ted

Director, Historic South End tboyd@charlottecentercity.org (704) 332-9592

South End Documents and upcoming meeting dates are below.

SE Vision Mission Organization Final

Three Year Strategic Plan Final

Meeting calendar:

May 22, 2012 Byron’s South End (info)

June 14, 2012 (social)

July 17, 2012 (info)

If you have any questions please contact Ted Boyd, (704) 332-9592 or email tboyd@charlottecentercity.org.

Congratulations are in order for Larry Elder, a pioneer in the Charlotte art community and in South End, on his relocation to an incredible space at the corner of Summit Ave and S Tryon Street. Please see details below and make plans to attend the Grand Opening today or Saturday.

Elder Gallery – 1520 S Tryon Street

After eleven successful years, Elder Gallery has decided to take a bold step and relocate to a larger, more functional space in the SouthEnd arts district.  The newly-renovated 6500 square foot gallery features twenty-eight foot ceilings, a mezzanine, abundant natural light and catering facilities.  In addition, meeting rooms are available for rent on a daily or weekly basis.

The success of the business has allowed owner Larry Elder to purchase the collection of paintings and drawings by the late abstract expressionist Carl Plansky.  “The significance of the Plansky Collection has caused me to realize that this collection dictates a larger, more appropriate space,” says Elder.  “We anticipate national and international interest, and want to properly showcase the work of Plansky and the other fine artists we represent.”

“We are committed to the South End district and feel that our presence on South Tryon Street will add a fresh element to the neighborhood,” says Elder.

A public grand opening is scheduled for today and tomorrow, Friday, May 11^th from 5:00 until 8:00 pm and on Saturday, May 12^th from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.   This event will feature the beautiful landscapes of David Skinner.

Skinner’s contemporary images of the California and Blue Ridge landscapes are derived from his deep respect for the legacy of the California plein air painters and their noble portrayals of light and terrain. He boldly defines his personal style within the genre by pushing the boundaries of color and composition, drawing upon the integrated traditions of the Bay Area Figurative and Abstract Expressionist movements. His work showcases his affinity for the light, space, and radiance of the landscape, his style signifying an integral understanding of theNew York andSan Francisco schools of Rothko and Diebenkorn.

In 1995, after nine months in Indiaand Sri Lanka, Skinner returned to New Yorkand saw nothing but gray. He knew it was time to head back home to Californiaand its particular qualities of light. “A transition occurred on that cross-country voyage, both physically and emotionally. As the land opened up and the sky overhead became more vast and brilliant, I understood what I had been deprived of in the dense confines of New York City” says Skinner.
The artist interprets the relationship of natural light with the land through a lens of diverse shades and tones. Vast, soothing color fields punctuated with daring, bold elements of flora are quintessential characteristics of Skinner’s unique vision.

Skinner’s fine art training includes the University of California at Santa Barbara and the Master of Fine Arts program at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan.   His exhibition at Elder Gallery will run through June 30^th.