An Exhibition of Creative Prowess … and Creative Friendship Michal Bay with Cecilia and Leandro Manzo “Something fundamental for me is the great joy that comes from having true friends who encourage and promote the artistic work that one does, knowing how complicated this profession can be sometimes.” – Leandro Manzo
More than 100 paintings and prints created by Charlotte artist Leandro Manzo are on display right now at Merino Mill, a former textile factory, in Mooresville. The exhibition, “Leandro Manzo: Origen,” spans his work over the last decade and features a mixture of old, new and never-before-seen pieces. It will be open to the public through April 9, 2021. But, there’s something else on display that many visitors won’t see — the creative friendship and support of Manzo’s patron, Michal Bay. Bay, the developer of Merino Mill, has known Manzo for five years. He has purchased several original works from Manzo and donated space for his current exhibition. The admiration is mutual. And, it’s this friendship — and others like it — that has been vital to keeping Manzo working and active in Charlotte’s creative ecosystem. PHOTO CREDIT ABOVE: Monica Galloway
Help Us Identify 2020’s Unsung Creative HeroesAs tough as this year was, there were bright spots. Behind so many of those bright spots were bright people — creatives using their talents and their passions to lift our spirits, challenge us and keep us going. Many gave of what they had without hope (or desire) for recognition. We want to get to know them and share a little light with them. In early 2021, we’ll share the “Unsung Creative Heroes of 2020.” To identify them, we need your help. Please click the button below and let us know: - Who used their creative and artistic powers to carry this community in 2020?
- Who did the work without the credit?
- Which creatives deserve more love in 2021?
We want to know them so our city can know them, too. 
 PHOTO CREDIT: Emily Decker Logan Cyrus Puts a New Lens on the Charlotte RegionLogan Cyrus, a freelance photographer whose work has been featured in Charlotte Magazine, Our State and The New York Times, is looking at the Charlotte region through a different lens. In 2016, Cyrus was on the scene when Justin Carr was fatally wounded during a protest over the police killing of Keith Lamont Scott. The photograph he took that night was recognized by Time magazine as one of the “Top 100 Photos of 2016.” Cyrus, a Navy veteran who served two combat tours in Iraq, has captured many of the most important events in the Charlotte region since moving to North Carolina in 2004. Last month, Cyrus launched a newsletter featuring his photographs and stories he feels are important in and around the Queen City. His most recent story concerns social justice demonstrations at the Alamance County Courthouse in late November. Read the latest edition here.
VIDEO: “WOW! That’s What I Call Christmas: 2020”The holidays are upon us. And, after the traumatic year we’ve all had, many of us are simply trying to blot out a tumultuous 2020 with twinkle lights, adorned trees and carols. However, many of the beloved songs of the season just don’t seem to ring true given the past nine months … so, Biscuit-makers Matt Olin and Tim Miner updated them to better reflect our pandemic-riddled world … and, yes, they sang them, too. Now, you can “enjoy” them at home. (NOTE: Friends of The Biscuit, Wray Ward, bundled the song snippets into a video and played it at their year-end staff meeting. Thankfully, no one quit in protest.) 
 Photo courtesy of Rosa Renteria PODCAST: Charlotte Art League Spotlight on Rosa RenteriaWith so many creatives working in every corner of the Queen City, it’s hard to catch up with them all. Luckily, we have friends who share our passion for introducing creative people behind the creative work. This week, we have a special guest podcast. Sara Kate (SK) Baudhion of the Charlotte Art League sat down with painter Rosa Renteria on the inaugural broadcast of their “Artist Spotlight” series on Spotify. They discuss some truths artists rarely talk about. (Sometimes, dipping into your emotions to create really hurts. Other times, amidst the business of life, you can feel guilty making time for your art.) Renteria, featured in The Biscuit’s “Latinx Creatives” series this fall, has dealt with all of it. And, she’s embraced her life as a full-time artist. Listen in on their conversation. 
We’re not going to lie. The post above got us a little misty about holiday shopping in old Eastland Mall. That’s why we love our new best Instagram friend, @_CharlotteEAST. As the official account for the East Charlotte Advocacy Board (managed by board member J. Michael Haithcock), the account is incredibly active. The account owner posts photos and information several times a day. What they share demonstrates the beauty of their neighborhood … and their neighbors. Spend a minute a day on this feed, and you’ll learn something you never knew about East Charlotte’s past, something you can jump into right now and something you’ll want to keep an eye on. If you’re in the mood for more online wanderlust through Charlotte, we recommend checking out @HistoricWestEndCLT and @UnivCityCLT. You just may hear more about them soon here in The Biscuit. Know of a Queen City creative we should know? Tell us here.
 PHOTO CREDIT: Meredith Thomas Five Ways to Combat Cabin FeverWith school out and cabin fever having set in somewhere around late April, you know what we’re going to recommend — a #PhotoSafari across the city. It’s time for your pod to mask up and venture into the outdoor wilds of the Queen City for a little exploration and some great photo-taking. (Pssssst! While you’re out, there are plenty of local businesses and creatives who’d be happy to see you.) Here are some recent favorites: 1) The Metropolitan has set up a “Santa Station” (our words) to send a message to the North Pole. It’s open until Dec. 24. There’s another mailbox at the Square of Trade and Tryon Streets. 2) Kyle Mosher, one of the Black Lives Matter mural artists, just released a video by Maleek Loyd about a new mural he’s painted in South End at SPENGA Charlotte on W . Tremont Ave. 3) A new(ish) mural by Jalene Januze is waiting for you on South Boulevard, near Beijing Chinese Restaurant, to show your North Carolina pride. 4) The artist known as @CLTChalkArt painted a trash can in front of the Johnston YMCA in NoDa. It joins other cans we featured in October by an array of Charlotte artists and depicts four scenes from the history of NoDa — from its birth as a mill village to its modern resurgence as Charlotte’s art hub. 5) While you’re in NoDa, here’s a fun one. This week, the artist @StencilSpray challenged photographer (and new mural hunter) Brooke Brown to find his latest work somewhere in Charlotte. He provided a photo only, no real clues. She did it in less than a day — but it wasn’t easy. It was in the restroom of the TAC Gallery two blocks from the Johnston Y. While you’re at the gallery, you can admire the art and pick up last-minute holiday gifts. P.S. If you take photos of any of the spots above, please share on social media and use the hashtag #CLTPhotoSafari. If you know the artist’s name, share the love and give him or her credit.
This time of year, people have visions of dancing sugar plums. But not us. We’re dreaming of the “World’s Best Pecan Pie” from Anderson’s on Elizabeth Ave. The three Anderson brothers opened Anderson’s (originally called Mercury Sandwich Shop) in 1946 across from Presbyterian Hospital at Hawthorne and Elizabeth avenues. The legend grew from there. Here’s a look at Anderson’s in 1989 and the dining room in 1960. When brother Jimmie took over the business, he began advertising “The World’s BEST Pecan Pie” and serving generous slices of Southern deliciousness every day. Eventually, the dining room closed, but Gary, Jimmie’s son, kept the kitchen and transitioned the business into catering. Anderson’s still offers 10-inch, extra-deep pecan pies with a recipe that hasn’t changed since 1959, as well as chocolate pecan, coconut cream, lemon meringue and banana pudding — just to name a few. If you’re in the market for a Christmas treat, Anderson’s is taking orders online through Dec. 23, and they’re open for pick-up until noon on Dec. 24. But, they warned us, the orders are coming in fast … just as they have for decades. DIRECTIONS: 1617 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
Don’t go ’round hungry. If you missed the last batch of The Biscuit, don’t worry. We’ve kept it warm for you. This batch featured: - An exploration of the soul of the CLT skyline with photographer Laura Wolff
- A look into the creative ways Roof Above is aiding homeless Charlotteans
- A podcast celebrating five years of Charlotte Is Creative projects
- A “12 Days of the QC” parody song for the Holidays
- A #PhotoSafari to all four #CountOnMeCLT window murals
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