Charlotte Artist Picks Up Her Grandfather’s Paintbrush
Amber Thompson Is Keeping Her Grandfather’s Passion Going
Long before the renaissance of the mural movement hit the Queen City, a hand-painted mural of a Cola-Cola bottle has graced the corner of 6th and Graham. It’s been in need of a touch up. Amber Thompson, a graphic designer from Lake Norman area, restored it to its glory this week. The last person to do it? Her grandfather, Andy Thompson, in 2002.
See before/after photo and read more of Amber’s Story.
This week’s episode of the Biscuit Podcast features interviews with Erin Santos, co-founder of the Isabella Santos Foundation, and Sam Guzzie (above) of Brand the Moth, Talking Walls and the META Mural Residency. Somehow we sneak in a “Mogul Moment” with Nikki Eason and a Queen City Quiz Show prize challenge. Here’s the run of show:
- Matt & Tim’s Intro – 1:18
- Erin Santos – 7:47
- Brand the Moth – 26:26
- Mogul Moment – 36:24
- Queen City Quiz Show – 38:55
Talking Walls Announces 2019 Muralists
On Wednesday night, the organizers of Talking Walls announced the names of the artists (a combination of local and international guests) who will add 16 new murals to the Charlotte scene Oct. 16-29. Find out who they are!
12 Projects Selected for $200,000 in Knight Foundation Grants
On the heels of Talking Walls, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation revealed the winners of its inaugural Celebrate Charlotte Arts grant, a special funding initiative supporting the Queen City’s creative spirit. Twelve projects were selected out of a field of more than 200 applicants and each will receive their share of the $200,000. Here’s the list of the projects selected.
Earlier this week, we heralded the launch of a new “business” in Charlotte called In A GIF. And, while it’s not strictly “real” yet, our contest to win a free set of your own personalized GIFs like Matt up there is totally real. To enter for a chance to win, give us your name HERE by Saturday at 11:59pm.
As reported in Charlotte Agenda, Amazon recently opened a new fulfillment center in Charlotte called “CLT4” – and this particular facility will also employ a legion of orange robots that can lift up to 1,500 pounds and handle roughly 40 percent more volume. We asked the four stock images below what they thought of this seemingly pre-apocalyptic development in the Queen City.
Southern Ladies Arm Wresting League – Sept. 20
Rebecca Henderson told Tim he’d be allowed to compete in the Southern Ladies Arm Wrestling (SLAW) League if he beat her. Better luck next time buddy, you got SLAWtered.
SLAW welcomes all female/femme identifying individuals to celebrate their strength and compete in some good ol’ fashioned arm wrasslin’. The inaugural SLAW tournament is happening TONIGHT — Friday, September 20 — from 7-9pm at Not Just Coffee – Jay Street. Who knew when they said not just coffee, they meant arm wrestling, too? Click here for more information.
Queen City Comedy Experience – Sept. 22-29
We know a LOT of funny peeps in Charlotte and they’re all involved in the Queen City Comedy Experience, running uptown September 22-29. This third year will feature local talent, regional acts and national headliners in an array of stand-up, improv, magic, podcast and short film offerings. This ain’t no night at the Chuckle Hut; this is a bonafide week-long comedy marathon. So get out there, laugh it up, and be sure to tip your waitress. Tickets available here.
And, we’re excited to say the RNCelexa and RNCialis “faux-mercials” we made with Charlotte Squawks will be featured in the event’s film festival.
There’s more where that came from. These upcoming events have got us excited for lots of different reasons.
- It’s never too early to start your holiday shopping (for yourself).
Uptown Flea
Sept. 21 – 406 N Tryon Street - Wait… you can get organic food from places other than Whole Foods?
National North Carolina Day
Sept. 28 – Charlotte Regional Farmers Market - Come for the run. Stay for the brunch. (Okay, maybe just eat brunch & donate.)
5K/10K & Fun Run For Kids Cancer
Sept. 28 – South Charlotte - Here’s your chance to drink beer with a one-year-old …
NoDaHood Market One Year Anniversary Party
Oct. 5 – Divine Barrel Brewing
The Panthers have had a rough go of it lately. Perhaps the power of creativity can propel them to victory over the Arizona Parrots … ahem! … Cardinals. This week’s Panthers #GameTimeGraphic is the work of Charlottean Nick Black (@nick.v.black). Share it, post it and show the world you love the Cardiac Cats AND Queen City creatives.
