TheBiscuitMay242024

NEW MURAL HONORS CREATIVE ICON, DEBORAH TRIPLETT

Earlier this month, a team of artists led by Sharon Dowell unveiled a vibrant mural dedicated to photographer and Queen City creative legend, Deborah Triplett, at Moxie Mercantile in Plaza Midwood. Triplett passed away in 2023. Funded by the Plaza Midwood Merchants Association and community contributions, the mural features flowers, butterflies, and Triplett’s iconic red lips.

“Deborah Triplett was a cherished Plaza Midwood resident. Her beautiful heart continues to inspire and heal us,” said Dowell.

In 2020, Charlotte Star Room created a short video with Triplett chronicling how she turned to local artists she knew to make something beautiful out of her cancer diagnosis. Several of the artists featured in the video participated in the creation of the new mural.
WATCH THE VIDEO.

Visit the mural at Moxie Mercantile at 2008 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte, NC.

WATCH NOW: Measuring & Evaluating Success – Storytelling for Small Businesses

Recently, Ralphine Caldwell, executive director of the Charlotte office of Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), offered a free online course focused on helping creatives tell their stories in ways that entice investment and new business from investors. This online training was part of the free Creative Convos offered by Charlotte Is Creative, publisher of The Biscuit.

In her 60-minute talk, Caldwell shared invaluable insights on how small businesses (including creatives) can effectively collaborate with funders and use data to drive success.
WATCH THE VIDEO.

FREE MATERIALS: Help Arts+ Clean Out and Get Free Materials

When: June 8 | 9 a.m. to noon
Where: 2304 The Plaza

Arts+ is inviting all artists, makers, and creators to help clean out their future home in the former Plaza Presbyterian Church at 2304 The Plaza. When the church ceased operations, everything—from furniture to office materials, books, toys, and games—was left behind.

From 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 8, help them by helping yourself. Pick up supplies and materials for your projects for free. For Arts+ to transform the church into a new facility—a hub of artist studios, performance space, and more—they need the old classrooms cleaned out. Your participation is invaluable. Don’t miss this chance to support the community and gather materials for your art.
MORE INFO.

OPEN CALL: Apply for NoDa Bizarre Festival

Deadline: June 1

The NoDa Neighborhood and Business Association will host the first NoDa Bizarre on Saturday, August 3, 2024. This festival celebrates local arts with artists, musicians, live art demonstrations, and vendors of handmade products. Creatives, artists and makers are encouraged to apply to be a vendor, performer, live demonstrator and more.
MORE INFO.

FUNDING: $5 Million Available in Final Round of Beyond Open CLT

OPEN DATE: Aug. 5

Foundation For The Carolinas has announced the third and final round of the Beyond Open CLT grant program. Beyond Open is a competitive grant program focused on economic mobility, supporting diverse-owned small businesses (minority, woman, veteran, LGBTQ, persons with disabilities) in Charlotte’s Corridors of Opportunity.

This round will award up to $5 million in grants, with individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $150,000. Beyond Open has already distributed over $10 million to local small business owners and nonprofits in its first two rounds. Beyond Open offers online materials to help applicants begin preparing now and information sessions will begin in June.
MORE INFO.

Courtesy of Independent Picture House

NEW CREATIVE SPACE: Independent Picture House Expands

Independent Picture House is expanding to include a fourth auditorium, estimated to have 145 seats, making it the largest at the venue. This new space will not only host film screenings, but will accommodate local artists and groups for poetry, theater, improv/comedy, live music, and private and public events, as well.

Additionally, a pre-function area will be added for educational offerings, community events, discussions and other artistic activities.
MORE INFO.

Courtesy of the VAPA Center

CREATIVE SPACE: $1.7 Million Coming for VAPA Center Upgrades

The VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts) Center will receive $1.7 million from Mecklenburg County to improve building conditions, coupled with a five-year lease extension. Since opening in 2022, the center has seen significant growth in visitors and activities. The funds will support critical upgrades, including fireproofing, signage, sprinkler modifications, a dedicated outside air supply system and fire alarm system enhancements. Little Diversified, VAPA’s architect of record, will oversee the improvements starting in July 2024.
MORE INFO.

The Snake’s Riddle | CREDIT: Jeff Cravotta Photography

SHOW: Moving Poets Performs Snake’s Riddle

When: May 24, 25 & 26
Where: VAPA Center

Moving Poets’ newest theatrical adventure, Snake’s Riddle, is open through Sunday, May 26, transforming the VAPA Center into a space that lives between a theater and a club. The show is a culmination of 30 local, regional, and international artists collaborating to create an original, live performance featuring actors, musicians, singers, and dancers.
SEE TIMES & SECURE TICKETS HERE.

LIVE ART: A Celebration of Local Artists in Sheffield Park

When: Sunday, June 2 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 3100 Winterfield Pl. (Next to Winterfield Elementary)

In partnership with over 20 local artists and Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, Charlotte Is Creative invites you to watch local creatives, artists, and makers at work during The Art Party in Sheffield Park on June 2. This free, family-friendly art party will showcase works installed throughout the park, live DJ sets, dance performances, and frosty treats. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy artists beautifying the park and get a chance to create something yourself.

EVENT: CreativeMornings Featuring Jonell Logan

When: June 14 | 8 a.m.
Where: The Hamilton at AvidXchange Music Factory

CreativeMornings will hold its 101st gathering on Friday, June 14. The morning features Jonell Logan, a powerful local creative and arts leader addressing the global theme of “Pattern.” Doors open at 8 a.m., with the program starting at 8:30 a.m. and concluding at 10 a.m. Attendees will enjoy live music, hot coffee, breakfast bites, hugs, high fives, old friends, and new friends. Tickets are limited.
SECURE YOUR FREE TICKET.

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