LOCAL/STREET 2023 — It’s R.I.P. in Year Three

60+ Charlotte-Based Street Artists Featured in the Exhibition’s Final Year

Nov. 12 to 19, 2023 | Mint Museum Uptown

Rest in peace, LOCAL/STREET. After just three years of introducing the Queen City to its favorite new artists, it’s time to pour one out in memory of this three-year cultural experiment.

“It’s three and done on LOCAL/STREET,” said curator Carla Aaron-Lopez. “I’m not ending LOCAL/STREET because we’ve run out of talent to showcase. On the contrary, we’ve just scratched the surface. We’re just getting started. But, it’s time to create a new challenge for local creatives and street artists to rise to.” 

The first iteration of LOCAL/STREET opened at the Mint Museum on Randolph Road in early 2021. It featured the work of more than 40 BIPOC creatives and street artists working in the Charlotte area. A collaboration between Aaron-Lopez and Jennifer Sudul Edwards, chief curator of the Mint Museum, LOCAL/STREET was one of the first cultural exhibitions to open in Charlotte once COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. 

More than 1,000 visitors swarmed the Mint over the course of just three days. In 2022, LOCAL/STREET welcomed thousands of visitors to the Mint Uptown to experience the work of more than 60 local creatives.

Opening Sunday, November 12, LOCAL/STREET: The Final Chapter brings the work of more than 60 Charlotte-based creatives to MINT5pace at Mint Museum Uptown. The works will be on view for one week. And then, LOCAL/STREET to give up the ghost and open the door for what’s next.

“After 2023, it’s time to set the new standard. We’ve shown Charlotte who we are,” said Aaron-Lopez. “Now, it’s time for the rest of the country to see it. No resting on laurels. No coasting on reputation. We’ve got more work to do.”

WHAT: LOCAL/STREET is a pop-up exhibition highlighting local artists of color who are defining Charlotte’s 21st-century visual identity. View a list of participating artists here.

WHO: This installation is a collaboration between Carla Aaron-Lopez and The Mint Museum, with support from the Infusion Fund and its generous donors, NC Arts Council, Arts and Science Council and Charlotte Is Creative. 

WHERE: Mint Museum Uptown – 500 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

WHEN: Opening Night: Sunday, Nov. 12 from 1 to 5 p.m. 
The exhibition will remain on display during normal museum hours through Nov. 19.

TICKETS: Tickets are available here.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

• Carla Aaron-Lopez, Installation Curator | caaronlopez@gmail.com
• Carrin Smaw, Relationship Coordinator | carrin@duragfestival.com 
• Tim Miner, Charlotte Is Creative | tim@charlotteiscreative.com

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