HUGS & Bolts – October 2024

TWO CREATIVES STRUCK BY BOLTS OF INSPIRATION ⁣

At the September and October CreativeMornings/CLT gatherings, two Charlotte leaders  –  Kelsey Van Dove, director of educational innovation at Do Greater Charlotte, and Sherry Waters, founder of The Pauline Tea Bar Apothecary – were awarded a “Bolt of Inspiration” Award from Charlotte Is Creative.

This award, sponsored by UNC Charlotte and the Savage Way, is presented each month to individuals for their significant, ongoing support of our local creative community. Get to know more about these recipients below.

KELSEY VAN DOVE
Do Greater Foundation

Van Dove leads the charge at Do Greater Charlotte, a nonprofit that empowers underserved youth communities by providing access to creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship. Through her leadership, Van Dove and her team inspire the next generation of creative entrepreneurs with hands-on training and mentorship. ⁣

Q&A with Van Dove

What inspired you to work in education?
Witnessing the lightbulb moments—the ones where you see the gears turning and creativity sparking.

What was it about Do Greater that called you to work for them … other than founder William McNeely?
Do Greater is all about creating space for youth to explore, imagine, and design their future—and that’s a movement I couldn’t resist joining.

Why is it important to you to work with and support local creatives?
Supporting local creatives means investing in a future where creativity and innovation thrive, and who doesn’t want to live in a vibrant and unique community surrounded by art, music, and fresh ideas?

What keeps you going?
Caffeine :)

SHERRY WATERS
The Pauline Tea Bar Apothecary

Waters cultivates peaceful, creative havens across Charlotte through her two Pauline Tea Bar locations — Arty Avenue (in the Camp Greene community) and Beatties Ford Road (near the former Excelsior Club). These purpose-driven spaces welcome reflection and artistic expression. Her unwavering support of local artists through performances, exhibitions and workshops has made her a cornerstone of the Charlotte creative community.⁣

What inspired you to create The Pauline Tea Bar Apothecary?

It was always my dream to create a space where people could connect with themselves, their creativity, and each other. The concept grew out of a desire to offer a peaceful refuge—a place where community could be built through shared experiences and quiet reflection.

How does art play a role in the spaces you’ve created?

Art has always been integral to what we do. Whether it’s visual art, performance, or music, we want to ensure that our spaces encourage creative expression. Artists have the power to transform environments and inspire deeper thought, and we are proud to provide a platform for them.

You’ve recently opened a third location. What’s the vision behind it?

Our new location (1017 Beatties Ford Road) builds on the foundation we’ve set, but it also expands into new areas. It’s more than just a tea bar—it’s a hub for creativity, wellness, and personal growth. I’m excited to continue supporting artists and the wider community through this new space.

What advice would you give to creatives looking to find their own place in the world?

I always tell people to stay true to themselves. The world can be loud, but if you keep listening to your inner voice and sharing your unique gifts, you’ll find a community that resonates with your authenticity.

SIX LOCAL CREATIVES H.U.G.GED IN OCTOBER

At CreativeMornings/Charlotte earlier this month, Charlotte Is Creative (publishers of The Biscuit), recognized six local creatives with a $250 H.U.G. (“Helpful Unfettered Gift”) micro-grant to assist them with the execution of a nonprofit or for-profit creative project:⁣⁣

• Ashley Tate – @dancert8
  Tate will use the HUG to pay for a movement artist to teach during a dance symposium in October.
• Dominique Bostic-Arrington – @livelearnplay_OT
  Bostic-Arrington will use the HUG to fund a mural at LiveLearnPlay.
• James Divers – @jdiversphotodesign
  Divers will use the HUG to purchase wireless lavalier microphones.
• Makeda Johnson – @makedairoquois
  Johnson will use the HUG to hire a videographer and photographer to create visuals for a single she has produced.
• Philip McRorie – @daaclt
  McRorie will use the HUG to pay for 10 hours of subsidized studio space.
• Teil Taliesin – @teil_r
  Taliesin will use the HUG to help cover repairs for her oboe.

GIVE A H.U.G. | GET A H.U.G.

H.U.G. micro-grants are made possible with support from individual donors and corporate sponsors LISC, LPL Financial, Wray Ward, and Hot Sake Audio Studio. ⁣

Additionally, poet Kurma Murrain sponsored a gift and performed an original poem to commemorate the occasion.⁣ And, as a surprise belated birthday present for Charlotte Is Creative co-founder, Tim Miner, friends, family, colleagues and loved ones pledged more than $5,100⁣ to the H.U.G program from 

To apply for a H.U.G. or donate to a H.U.G., visit HUGGrant.com.