Charlotte Celebrates the Return of the Of Earth and Sky Art Exhibit at International Arts Festival

Charlotte Welcomes Back the Inspiring Of Earth and Sky Exhibit

Charlotte, NC is buzzing with excitement as the Charlotte International Arts Festival (CIAF) unfolds, bringing a wave of creativity and inspiration to the Queen City. Among the standout features of this year’s festival is the Of Earth and Sky public art exhibit, an initiative that aims to intertwine poetry and the vibrant energy of our city.

A Unique Art Experience

Launched back in 2021, the Of Earth and Sky exhibit has quickly gained a reputation for being one-of-a-kind, offering locals and visitors alike a fresh perspective on the beauty around them. This captivating exhibit features a collection of large-scale poetry installations scattered throughout various city locations—some paired with local artwork, while others stand alone in unexpected places. Bree Stallings, the director of artistic experiences with Blumenthal Arts, curated this innovative exhibit and expressed her enthusiasm about its return this year after a brief hiatus.

“I had a lot of fun curating that,” Stallings shared. “I wanted each piece to both resonate with its location and evoke a sense of reflection from those passing by.” This year’s exhibit features 25 new installations selected from 65 poems, each carefully chosen to complement its surroundings. As they mix poetry with their locations, festival-goers are bound to find unexpected moments that spark curiosity and interaction.

Art That Surprises

The installations this year come in diverse shapes and sizes. Whether you find a poem nestled in the grass, plastered on a window, or even one that is only visible when it rains, there’s a delightful surprise waiting for everyone. “They disrupt the landscape,” Stallings remarked. “Some are so massive that you can’t help but notice them, while others might require you to take a second glance.”

Each installation invites attendees to pause their busy lives and engage in a moment of reflection. “It’s something really special that only public art can achieve,” Stallings added, highlighting how the poems prompt people to view their city through new eyes.

The Roots of Earth and Sky

Interestingly enough, the Of Earth and Sky concept didn’t originate in Charlotte. It traces its roots back to the United Kingdom, where installation artist Luke Jerram kick-started a similar exhibit. However, with Stallings’ vision, this Charlotte adaptation has transformed into an attraction beloved by the community. The festival also features Jerram’s new installation, Gaia, showcasing the Earth’s surface from a stunning perspective.

During the festival, a poetry party scheduled for September 19 from 6-8 p.m. at Levine Avenue of the Arts will allow local artists and attendees the chance to mingle with Jerram. This fun gathering promises to be a vibrant opportunity for creativity and networking.

Engaging with Artists

As part of the CIAF, Stallings also hosts an interactive panel called Ask the Artist Anything, which is set for September 18 from 6-8 p.m. Attendees will engage with guests like Keith Tucker, an Australian public art expert. Stallings explained, “It’s not just about the basics; we dig into real, nitty-gritty aspects of the art world.”

This engaging dialogue allows local artists to bridge connections and gain valuable insights into the art scene, enriching the community bond. “We aim to create a stronger network,” Stallings commented on the goal of the festival.

A Reflection of Change

The current installations in Of Earth and Sky were inspired by the question: “What do you think of when you think of space?” This inquiry signals a shift from the past years, where art themes heavily resonated with the COVID era. Stallings hopes the installations will remain, becoming a lasting fixture in the community while reflecting the evolving thoughts and concerns of local creatives.

“It’s truly remarkable how thematic elements change over time,” she noted. “It acts almost like a time capsule, showcasing what our creative community is contemplating at any given moment.”

Join the Journey of Discovery

This year’s Of Earth and Sky exhibit promises to be a delightful experience for everyone, inviting you to explore the art that’s woven into the fabric of Charlotte. As attendees meander through the locations on Levine Avenue and The Green, they’ll find themselves immersed in the literary beauty that flows through our city. Whether you’re a poetry aficionado or someone simply looking to enjoy a stroll, this festival is sure to leave you inspired.

So mark your calendars and prepare to be captivated once again by the dynamic artistic expressions that Charlotte has to offer during this year’s CIAF!