We’re Fired Up for the Potters Market at the Mint (and You Should Be, Too)
After a two-year hiatus, the Potters Market at the Mint is returning. Be ready.
“There’s nothing that compares to holding a piece in your hand while the maker tells you how it was made. Those kinds of experiences really add to your appreciation of the work, and I think that’s a key part of this show.” – Vince Long, president of the Mint’s Delhom Service League, on the Potters Market at the Mint
If you know and love North Carolina pottery, you probably already know that the Potters Market at the Mint (on Randolph) is coming up on Saturday, Sept. 25. If you think you may have an interest in pottery, there’s no better place to test the waters.
We talked to Delhom Service League President Vince Long about the event’s history, the participating potters and why it’s an ideal place to begin building a collection.
Click here to learn more about this event, how to get in and tips to be ready.
Space at McColl Center is the Realization of a Dream for Emily Núñez
“[When I was growing up], I visited [McColl Center] a few times with the Studio 345 program, and I always wanted to work here. So this is a dream come true.” – Emily Núñez
The intimate community of creatives working together in the new artist studios at McColl Center is about to get a new neighbor — Charlotte native and visual artist, Emily Núñez.
Núñez recently earned a BFA from Appalachian State University. While she’s excited to begin her career in Charlotte, Núñez — like many working artists here — needs space to create. That changes for her on Oct. 4 when she begins her mini-residency in McColl Center’s artist studios.
This month, Núñez was selected to be the second participant in a new collaboration between Charlotte Is Creative, publisher of The Biscuit, and McColl Center to provide three mini-residencies to local artists at no cost.
Read about how Núñez began her creative journey in Charlotte and what she intends to create during her time at McColl Center.
Wined, Dined and Gentrified
This weekend, a local theater production of FixaPlate will explore gentrification and displacement in Charlotte.
At any table where there is talk of government-sponsored housing displacement over dinner, you might also be served side dishes of side-eye glances, under-the-table kicks and quieting coughs.
Rarely would you find yourself in the middle of such a discussion amidst a jubilee of dance, theater and interactive art installations. And yet, that is the experience Kat Martin and her production company, Mixed Metaphors, intend to dish out with their production of FixaPlate, a one-part full-length play, one-part exhibition and two parts community discussion among on-stage actors, featured artists, community partners and the audience.
Grab a fork and click this link to learn more about FixaPlate.
Last week, Charlotte artists, MyLoan Dinh & Bunny Gregory led a team of volunteers to create another sidewalk mural — part of the Patchwork Crosswalk program organized by MoRA (Monroe Road Area) — at Chippendale and Monroe Road, next to Oakhurst STEAM Academy. (BONUS! SWIRL Cupcakes is just a stone’s throw away!) There will be three crosswalk locations in total when done.
What’s the Inspiration?
This one is called “WONDER” and is (according to Dinh) “inspired by the playful creativity and curiosity of children.” She added, “We hoped to capture through the imagery, color palette and quilt patterns the radiant energy, lightness and pure joy of this next generation of innovators, creators and problem solvers.”
How Can I Find Out More?
We dropped by on a sunny (and quiet) morning to catch a glimpse. See those here, but head over to the MoRA website to learn more about this work, the artists behind it and how the Patchwork Crosswalk program came together.
Four Great Bites Around Albemarle Road
We asked local historian and culinary adventurer, Tom Hanchett to name a few of his favorite culinary delights on (or just off of) Albemarle Rd. Here’s what he served up! Find more of Tom’s picks and stories at HistorySouth.org.
ONE: Golden Bakery
SPECIALTY: Syrian Meat Pies
ADDRESS: 3145 N. Sharon Amity Rd.
“Open every day, but the best time is Friday afternoon after midday prayers at Charlotte’s mosques. That’s when sambousas sometimes appear. They look like empanadas — delicately spiced beef or chicken in a crescent of thin pastry. No sambousas? Get the four-cornered meat pies called ‘fatayeh.’” – Tom
TWO: Island Grocery
SPECIALTY: Jamaican Patties
ADDRESS: 5861 Albemarle Rd.
“Super-flakey rectangles of golden pastry filled with a slurry of beef or chicken.” – Tom
THREE: Delicias Restaurante Latino
SPECIALTY: Honduran Baleadas
ADDRESS: 6341 Albemarle Rd.
“The baleada is the Honduran cousin of the quesadilla, a folded flour tortilla loaded with beans as well as cheese. A single $2 baleada will fill you up. Seeking something smaller? Go with a pupusa. It’s a Salvadoran staple, a corn pancake stuffed with chopped pork & cheese.” – Tom
FOUR: La Riviera Marisqueria
SPECIALTY: Mexican Seafood
ADDRESS: 6023 Albemarle Rd.
“Mexico’s Pacific Coast is rich in seafood traditions. Don’t miss the many variations of ceviche: shrimp and more served cold in lime juice.” – Tom