Lift Every Voice

Organized by Brand The Moth and BlkMrktClt.

The connection between art and community is the key thread for public art. That connection becomes even more critical when art serves as a vehicle for dialogue. Public art is inherently designed for the public – not just to consume – but to experience and engage. What the artist creates, the viewer makes their own. And while there may be a life and death cycle to this transitory form of art, this further reinforces the humanity it reflects.

The Black Lives Matter mural painted on June 9, 2020 created a safe space for discussion and observation, for mourning and for celebration. The BLM Plaza, anchored by 3rd Street and MLK Jr. Boulevard on Tryon, provided a place for the community to reflect, to gather, play, create and to connect. The Untitled Series continued to reinforce that connection through collaboration, experimental art and creative freedom.

Video courtesy of Charlotte Star Room.

Lift Every Voice is an evolving installation expressing the nature of public art and social activism. Both reflect the reality of the world around us, while acting as a catalyst for change. The BLM mural is an example of the power of uncensored and unrevised voices; which, when placed in the hands of the public, takes on a life of its own, filled with individual interactions and stories.

Public art is not a singular answer, but rather asks the questions and offers perspective. Inside these walls our voices are but echoes, but only for a time to reflect and to grow. For the more voices we hear, the louder we become.

About The Oganizers

Brand The Moth

Founded in 2016 by Sam Guzzie and Hannah Fairweather, Brand the Moth organizes volunteer community mural projects, promotes community arts and mural education and supports first-time muralists by giving them the knowledge and tools they need to succeed. Learn more at brandthemoth.com.

BlkMrktClt

BlkMrktClt is a gallery and studio space based in Charlotte, NC that works with local photographers and artists of color to offer a safe, creative space to work in. BlkMrktClt hosts a variety of exhibitions and workshops for the artist and the community. Learn more at blkmrktclt.com.

To read about each artists' meaning behind their designs, visit CLT is Creative.

B - Dammit, Wesley

Instagram: @dammit_wesley
Website: blkmrktclt.com
Twitter: @DAMMIT_WESLEY

L - Dakotah Aiyanna

Instagram: @dakotahaiyanna
Website: dakotahaiyanna.com
Twitter: @DakotahAiyanna

A - Zacc McLean & Ty Adams (Assist: Naji Al-Ali)

Instagram: @part_t1m3, @shin.tytsumaki, @najiarts
Twitter: @zaccm_art, @tytsumaki

C - Abel Jackson

Instagram: @artbyabel
Website: abelartworks.com
Twitter: @ArtByAbel

K - Garrison Gist

Instagram: @2gzandcountin
Website: etsy.com/shop/ArtByGarrisonGist
Twitter: @2gzandcountin

L - Owl & Arko

Instagram: @owl.clt, @arko.clt

I - Kyle Mosher (Assist: Zachery Peele)

Photo credit: Charlotte Is Creative

Instagram: @thekylemosher, @tragiczack
Twitter: @thekylemosher
Website: kylemosher.com, tragiczackart.threadless.com

V - Franklin Kernes (Assist: Lo’Vonia Parks)

Instagram: @fk.creative, @lovoniaparks
Twitter: @FKernesCreative, @lovoniaparks
Website: fkernes.square.site, www.lovoniaparks.com

E - Kiana Mui

Photo credit: Charlotte Is Creative

Instagram: @kmuiii
Twitter: @kmuiii
Website: etsy.com/shop/KianaMArts

S - Marcus Kiser & Jason Woodberry

Photo credit: Charlotte Is Creative

Instagram: @marcus_kiser, @jason_woodberry
Twitter: @jason_woodberry
Website: kisercorp.me, jasonwoodberry.com

M - Georgie Nakima

Instagram: @gardenofjourney
Twitter: @gardenofjourney
Website: gardenofjourney.com

A - Matthew Clayburn

Instagram: @matthewclayburn
Twitter: @MatthewClayburn
Website: matthewclayburn.com

T - Frankie Zombie

Photo credit: Charlotte Is Creative

Instagram: @frankie.zombie_
Twitter: @FrankieZombie2
Website: frankiezombie.com

T - CHD:WCK!

Instagram: @chdwckart
Twitter: @chdwckart
Website: chdwck.com

E - John Hairston Jr.

Instagram: @jagolactus_
Website: allcitystudios.com

R - Dari Calamari

Photo credit: Charlotte Is Creative

Instagram: @daricalamari
Website: daricalamari.com