Help Inspire Two Local Artists Creating Public Art for Charlotte and Mecklenburg County
By Bernie Petit
Help inspire the work of two local artists commissioned by ASC to create public artwork in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County by participating in their virtual Community Engagements.
Meredith Connelly, who is creating public art for the planned Mecklenburg County Ezell Farms Community Park in Mint Hill, will lead a workshop for her project at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 9.
Meanwhile, Matthew Steele will connect with residents and stakeholders at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, to discuss his project for the City of Charlotte-funded J.W. Clay Boulevard Streetscape project in the University City area.
RSVP in advance is needed to receive the virtual meeting link for both Community Engagements.
“Community engagement plays a vital role in ASC’s public art process,” said Todd Stewart, vice president of public art for ASC. “Commissioned artists seek inspiration and knowledge from residents in the form of their personal experiences and the histories of their communities. The relationship between residents and public artists is amplified when artists live and actively participate in the communities they are designing for.”
The American Painted Lady butterfly is a source of inspiration for “Wings,” Connelly’s concept for public art for Ezell Farms. Her Community Engagement is an opportunity to learn more about the development of the artist’s concept and provide feedback.
During his Community Engagement, Steele will provide an overview of his experience and past projects and listen to residents to learn about the history of the area to inspire his artwork. He’s especially interested in hearing University City residents respond to the following question: What are some significant pieces of history associated with this neighborhood, personal or otherwise?
ASC staff will participate in both Community Engagements. ASC manages the public art programs for Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte.
About Meredith Connelly
Meredith Connelly, based in Cornelius, is a multidisciplinary artist whose work is inspired by science, nature and technology. Her works have been on view at art museums within the Southeast and are housed in various private and corporate collections. Her public projects include the “I Heart Rail Trail” in Charlotte’s South End and “Lights,” an illuminated walking trail commissioned by the U.S. National Whitewater Center in 2019.
About Matthew Steele
Matthew Steele is an artist and designer living and working in Charlotte. Often utilizing the aesthetic of function and industry, Steele draws parallels between the man-made and human technologies of the self. With a BFA in sculpture from Indiana University, Steele came to Charlotte in 2012 for an artist residency at McColl Center. He has exhibited at Locust Projects (Miami), The Sculpture Center (Cleveland), The Mint Museum, Hodges Taylor, UNC Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College, Winthrop University and Goodyear Arts. His work is found in collections nationally and internationally, including AXA, Art in Embassies, Charlotte Skin and Laser, Honeywell, the Haan Collection (Indiana), Marriott, and Beacon Partners.