The situation is serious. So, let’s play. PHOTO CREDIT: Brand the Moth Today is a serious day.
There’s no two ways about that.
So, let’s play.As you know, the Mecklenburg County Stay-At-Home order commenced at 8am this morning. It’s something we all need to take seriously for our safety and that of those around us. When we think about how we’re going to get through it all, humor, play and creativity might be at the bottom of the list. They need to be nearer to the top. They occupy our minds. They give us hope. They connect us to the world around us. We say … play every day.
And, so does Brand the Moth.Local nonprofit, Brand the Moth, gets it. The organization engages the Charlotte community through public art projects designed for and created with local artists & residents to spark creativity, connection & education. Earlier this week, Brand the Moth’s director of curation posted the image above reminding Charlotteans to take at least 15-minutes a day to play and create. Yesterday, she announced an art swap program, encouraging creatives of all persuasions – illustrators, painters, writers, poets, photographers, etc. – to send in original, postcard-sized art by April 10. After the art is received, it will be swapped between participants. Read instructions and guidelines here. “Art comes in many forms, and artistic expression is something that everyone can share and we all could use right now. It’s a renewable resource we want to foster and empower,” said Hannah Fairweather, Brand the Moth partner and director of curation. “Whether you are using creation as an outlet or appreciating the work of another, art has a way of bringing people together. With social media and technology, we have the means to stay connected to each other, but with art it’s also a way to stay connected to yourself. Plus, getting an envelope in the mail that doesn’t contain a bill, makes these tougher time a tiny bit easier,” she said. Artists will lead the way.We were introduced to Brand the Moth during SEED20 last year. Since then, we’ve been delighted to see how they’ve lifted up every corner of Charlotte with their public murals, collaboration with Charlotte SHOUT and other events and artist trainings. They make our city brighter. They take their creative mission very seriously. But, they do it with lightness and whimsey, along with skill. We need that now. It reminds us that, though life is serious today, life is always serious. Play was needed two weeks ago. It’s even more important now. Hannah and Brand the Moth remind us that, as we work our way out of this, Queen City creatives will lead the way. Tim Miner & Matt Olin
Charlotte Is Creative Tell us how you’re engaging your own #CreativityInCaptivity using the link below.
With the Stay-At-Home Order … What can we ACTUALLY do?
On Tuesday, Mecklenburg County issued a stay-at-home proclamation that goes into effect starting Thursday, March 26 at 8am and will run through April 16th. By issuing the stay-at-home, officials hope to curb the spread of COVID-19 throughout Charlotte, the surrounding areas, and North Carolina. But, there’s still plenty of fun, creative stuff you CAN DO … so, we’ve made a list. Check it out. Read up on what this new ordinance means for Queen City creative community … and the Charlotte area in general.
King Carla & Dammit Wesley Want You to Look Cool During COVID-19 PHOTO CREDIT: King Carla & Dammit Wesley Here on Day One, it may seem like Stay-At-Home will last forever, but Charlotte artists King Carla & Dammit Wesley want you to focus on what you’ll be wearing when you get to mix with society again. King Carla has released a series of designs featuring the names of Charlotte neighborhoods in her unique handwriting you can order on tee shirts, mugs and more. Dammit Wesley has added his own fashion statement to the mix, unveiling his new “Hood Mona Lisa” tee for sale.
If the Store is Out of Purell … Head to 
We can deal with a great many things being blocked to us for now … but access to local coffee isn’t one of them. It’s a good thing Queen City coffee roasters are operated by clever business men and women. Enderly Coffee in Enderly Park is offering home deliveries on Fridays and free shipping if you buy 3 bags or more. Pure Intentions Coffee is available for purchase online, Whole Foods or local vendors. If you know of a local roaster innovating under the current conditions, please let us know.
Designers Make Masks Haute Couture 
Masks are all the rage these days, at least according to @BrandonHilton and @TheHouseOfLemond, who have both designed fashionable “COVID-wear.” We’re not sure they actually have the power to keep out the contagion, but they may just propel your look to the next level.
Helping Nonprofits Navigate New Waters
To provide guidance and insight to Queen City nonprofit organizations adjusting to the COVID-19 crisis, Next Stage has launched #TheNewNormal, a new series of 30-minute, online roundtable discussions with nonprofit leaders Fridays at noon. The first event is Friday, March 26 and features Don Jonas of Care Ring, Banu Valladares of Charlotte Bilingual Preschool and Shannon Binns of Sustain Charlotte. Register for free.
More Information about the State of Creativity …
SEED20 is March 31, But You Can Start the Party TODAY!
The annual SEED20 event is Tuesday, March 31 at 7pm. Social Venture Partners (SVP) has decided the show will go on — online — and tickets are still available. You CAN get the party started early, though. Voting is open for the Community Vote prize. Between now and March 31, you can vote once a day for any of the 20 members of the SEED20 Class of 2020 (wow … that’s a lot of 20s). The organization with the most votes will get a $1,000 cash prize to further their work. Vote here today … and tomorrow … and the day after that.
More Good News to Know…
OrthoCarolina Launches TeleMedicine
While the focus is on social distancing and avoiding the outbreak, all of us still need vital and routine medical care. To serve their patients, while allowing them to stay safely at home, OrthoCarolina has made telemedicine available. This new service allows you to meet with your doctor or physical therapist by phone or computer. They can evaluate, diagnose and develop treatment plans with you via video chat and smartphones. Learn more or make an appointment. OrthoCarolina is a partner of Charlotte Is Creative and The Biscuit.
Many are comparing dealing COVID-19 to fighting a war. If that’s true, down here in the South, we know we’re fighting a war on two fronts. Never forget people: Pollen is (also) the enemy. 📸 = @ncarolinacore P.S. For the inquiring minds, you guessed right. The man in the photo above is Matt Olin’s twin brother, Mike.
Cast Iron Vegan Pizza by Ben’s Plant-Based Kitchen
We all could use some comfort food right about now and it doesn’t get more comfortable than homemade pizza! This delicious dish can be vegan or not, depending on the cheese you choose, but we think the vegan option is pretty tasty. You can find this recipe (plus a whole lot more) on the mouthwatering, HUG Micro-grant awarded YouTube page: Ben’s Plant Based Kitchen. Send Us Your Home Cooking Home Runs!Please, share your favorite easy recipes with us! Local recipes will get bonus flavor-factor points!
Faux Five #4: The Kid N’ Play
As we’ve been saying for the last few days, we all need to find new, cool ways to say “Hi” to the people we meet or see over Zoom without actually touching hands. Today, we’re going seriously old skool on this one with the “Kid N’ Play.” Although you may need really long legs to stay 6 ft. apart, we’re extremely confident that if you can pull the “faux five” off in public, you’re going to get serious style points. Especially if you can pull off the additional “jump-over-your-own-leg” move. Got a “Faux Five” to recommend? Send us a GIF, video or photo right here!
In times like these, we need examples of courage and leadership more than ever. Thad Tate, one of Charlotte’s earliest and most influential African American businessmen, checks both of those boxes. He was a leader in the community who owned and operated an uptown barbershop for over 60 years, served as director of the Mechanics’ Perpetual Building and Loan Company and made various civic contributions such as founding the Grace A.M.E. Zion Church, a Brevard Street branch of the public library, and a branch of the YMCA. He also founded the Mecklenburg Investment Company. It’s building is one of the few that still remain from the old Brooklyn neighborhood. Thad was focused on making Charlotte better and doing what was right for the community. There is a lesson to be learned here, as we all are trying to do what’s best for our community during these trying times. Thad Tate’s statue can be found on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway at the Metropolitan. The Mecklenburg Investment Company building can be found at 233 S. Brevard St. Directions: Little Sugar Creek Greenway-C3, Charlotte, NC 28204 This Queen City exploration is powered by OrthoCarolina.
Explore other “Where Are We in CLT?” destinations here.
Don’t go around hungry. If you missed the last batch of The Biscuit, don’t worry. We’ve kept it warm for you … and full of satisfying Southern sassiness. Click here to dig in, y’all.
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