TheBiscuitMay12024
Kings Drive Art Walk | Courtesy of Festival in the Park
“For the Love of Art and Community”
The 14th Kings Drive Art Walk is May 4 and 5By DC Lucchesi Since 1964, Festival in the Park has been a cherished tradition in Charlotte, uniting people from diverse backgrounds through a celebration of arts, crafts, music, and entertainment. Building on that legacy, Festival in the Park organizers launched the Kings Drive Art Walk in [YEAR] to create a more casual and easy-going opportunity for people to connect with the arts in Charlotte in the spring. Returning this Saturday and Sunday to one of Charlotte’s most-loved linear parks, KDAW will wind along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway nestled between East Morehead Street and Pearle Park Way Bridge along Kings Drive. More than 100 fine and emerging artists – nearly 50% of which hail from the Charlotte area – will display their work for art enthusiasts and families alike. Explore a list of artists HERE. 
Kings Drive Art Walk | Courtesy of Festival in the Park
An Extra Special OpportunityMixed media artist Michelle DeFillipo, a Charlotte native, is one of the artists on display this year. She says events like this encouraged her to pursue her creative passion. “To be in Kings Drive Art Walk is extra special because it’s my hometown,” added DeFillipo. “When I was little, my mom took me every year to Festival in the Park, and that was how I dreamed of being an artist.” Creating unique spaces where people can experience new artists in new ways is part of what has driven KDAW’s development, says Mark Boone, board president of Festival in the Park. “For many artists, the Kings Drive Art Walk is their first event of the calendar year after spending the winter months in their studio creating new pieces for our patrons,” said Boone. “The Kings Drive Art Walk is a testament to our commitment to celebrating the arts and bringing our community together. It’s about creating a space where everyone can appreciate and engage with fine art in a beautiful setting.” Just in Time for Mother’s DayKDAW stands out as a curated showcase of fine art, featuring artists from eight different states carefully selected by a dedicated committee. The event strategically precedes Mother’s Day, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with artists, explore a variety of artworks, and even commission personalized pieces. And, since it’s free and open to all, it’s an event that’s easy to approach. Acoustic musicians will provide a background track to the mellow vibe along the Greenway, but the focus remains on the opportunity for everyone to experience art and artists at a casual, but intimate pace. 
Make a plan. Take a walk.The 14th annual Kings Drive Art Walk takes place: - Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- The event will happen rain or shine.
KDAW is located on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway at 600 South Kings Drive, (at the corner of East Morehead St.), Charlotte, NC 28203. Parking information HERE. 
Robert Krumbine of Charlotte Center City Partners
CREATIVE PROFILE: Robert Krumbine, Charlotte’s “Event Wiz”Speaking of long-time creative events in Charlotte, it’s time to get to know a little more about Charlotte’s self-proclaimed “Event Wiz,” Robert Krumbine. (No, seriously. It’s his license plate ID AND his Instagram handle.) In his role as Chief Creative Officer & Senior Vice President of Events at Charlotte Center City Partners, Krumbine is the quarterback of the Charlotte SHOUT! team each year. In early May, Charlotte Is Creative, publishers of The Biscuit, awarded Krumbine with a Bolt of Inspiration (created by The Savage Way and sponsored by UNC Charlotte) for his passion for incorporating local creatives and makers into the events he produces.
And, now that the Vision Awards and Charlotte SHOUT! are in planning mode again (Yep. Krumbine led his team to produce both over the same three-week period.), we thought this would be the perfect time to get to know him a little better. How did you get to Charlotte?I arrived in CLT in February 1988 after being laid off in Washington, D.C. I worked my network and found an opportunity to join a small entertainment company that was looking to grow into an event-focused business. My first big gig was the grand opening of the Charlotte Coliseum on Tyvola Road. What’s kept you working here?Besides that Charlotte is where I’ve raised my family, I think what keeps me here is the knowledge that I have been able to be a part of the transformation of this city. I hope my legacy is that I have created and produced memorable everlasting special events that have made this a better place for all. 
A street performer from Charlotte SHOUT! in 2019
What was the origin of SHOUT! in 2002? Why bring it back in 2019?I was asked to join Center City Partners in 2001 and to create a signature event for the city. Not long before, Charlotte had lost three tentpole community festivals – Springfest, Jazz Charlotte, and First Night Charlotte. My task was to create an event that celebrated art, culture, and community, and that is what SHOUT! is all about. Unfortunately, the Great Recession in 2008 forced us to pause the festival in 2009. It wasn’t until 2018, with the 250th anniversary of Charlotte, that it became clear that we needed a signature event once again. We brought SHOUT! back in May 2019 and, although hampered and stalled by the pandemic, we have never looked back. This year’s festival welcomed almost 650,000 visitors over 17 days. It was glorious. 
What are some of your favorite projects you’ve worked on here?There are so many great events I have had the pleasure of being a part of. From grand openings of the Coliseum, Convention Center, and Bank of America Stadium to major events like Cityfest Live, Speed Street, and the Democratic National Convention. - The 1994 Final Four Street of Champions will always be my all-time favorite. I had such a pivotal role in demonstrating what Charlotte hospitality could look like. We created a dynamic, energy-filled, temporary destination in Uptown that drew 380,000 visitors and ultimately transformed this city.
- Charlotte SHOUT! is a close second and it was the reason I joined Center City Partners. I’ve been able to use the platform of this mission-based organization to truly affect how the urban core is viewed and appreciated.
The murals in “Luminous Lane” debuted at Charlotte SHOUT! in 2023.
Why is working with local artists important to you?I believe Charlotte is an incredibly creative city, and we need to celebrate that every day. Our diverse collection of local artists, musicians, food artisans, dancers, designers, etc., need opportunities to flourish and grow. They need to feel welcomed and appreciated in their own home and not forced to leave for other places to make their way. I have always been convinced that we can do whatever we want right here in Charlotte. If we simply plant the seeds and provide the support we can prove that to the world. When people ask you about the creative community in the Queen City, what do you tell them?You need to see it, touch it, smell it, taste it, and listen to it. Come and be inspired by the myriad voices that are making a difference in this community. We are a creative and innovative place, and we’ve only just begun. MEET THE EVENT WIZFollow Robert Krumbine, watch his adventures and reach out to him on Instagram. | The Biscuit is proudly sponsored by: |
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