Get Out There! Yard Art Day is Back

By Kellee Stall on September 3, 2020

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This Labor Day will go down in history as the best Yard Art Day ever. Are you new to Charlotte? Perhaps you haven’t heard of Charlotte’s annual Yard Art Day? Stop, please click here, then come back!

Charlotte photographer Deborah Triplett is a creative queen in Charlotte. She was struck by the idea for Yard Art Day (YAD) on May 2, 2012.

Deborah told me: “I was letting my mind wander after reading an article about photography. I reflected on the idea that art should be democratic and accessible to all. And, wouldn’t it be grand to not have the art judged and allow for all mediums?”

Thus, Yard Art Day was conceived and received by her beloved city.

Tom Pettacia, who’s managed YAD logistics since 2014, is energized by Debroah and YAD’s mission to encourage people create no matter what their artistic skill is. Last year, Tom put 400 miles on his car to view Charlotte’s largest and most diverse art show. He said, “I love seeing what comes out of everyone’s heads! Every single person is creative and this is your day to show us.”

If It’s Creative, Bring It on YAD

Tom has seen everything from cardboard installations to live BlueGrass lawn performances.

YAD Organizers Tom Pettacia & Deborah Triplett

Getting involved in YAD is easy. The only rules for participation are:

1) You or your household must create the yard art yourself.

2) No selling. (This is not a craft sale.)

3) All art must be displayed in front of your house/apartment/business.

Click the image below for a map of every single participant for the city to enjoy.

COVID Did Stop YAD … It Fueled the Biggest One Yet

Tom and Deborah were concerned COVID would decrease the interest this year but it has done the exact opposite.

Tom says, “Everyone’s itching for something to be a part of. Yard art allows everyone a chance to create and view creations while practicing social distancing.”

With 130 households participating, this year boasts the largest Yard Art Day yet. “We have several in both Carolinas and one participant in Michigan!”

At age 71, Deborah dreams of YAD being spread globally.

“I can’t express enough how this year’s turnout means so much to me. My way of giving to a community and city that I’ve loved since the 80’s.”

Tom added he wants the seed of creativity planted in Charlotte to sprout and become a nationwide Labor Day celebration: “I’d like Yard Art Day to always maintain the integrity of its grassroots intentions; that everyone can participate and Yard Art Day is curated by the community for the community.”