I Heart rail trail in south end
Charlotte is such an amazing city for diverse and vibrant art. This year I have made it my mission to search out all the amazing art installations this city has to offer. Let’s start with one of my favorite areas, South End. On any given day, this old “mill town” is a bustling area full of breweries, boutiques, and galleries. The best way to experience South End is to walk along the 3.5 mile sidewalk that runs along the LYNX blue line. This is known as the Rail Trail and is home to tons of fun interactive art installations both temporary and permanent. I made sure that this year I would not miss the I Heart Rail Trail Lights. From March 4-20th this light up art installation is back for it’s 3rd year with one-of-a-kind art!
Stop 1:"EFT Night Shift"
Kiik Create’s installation is made up of six brightly painted graphic sculptures. It is located on the Lawn at Atherton Mill. It looks amazing during the day but even better at night when its comes to life with blacklight LEDs. Each colorful sculpture serves as “a visual icon representing a latent energy awaiting activation”.
Stop 2: "Movimientos illuminados"
Translating into “Illuminated Movements”, this installation is located on the Tremont Ave. Lawn at Atherton Mill. Created by Katrina Sanchez Standfield and Caleb Roenigk, this colorful display of large-scale noodles loop, weave, and flow together, connecting to create an archway. The mushrooms are just an added bonus.
Stop 3: "Garden of Light"
At the Dilworth Artisan Station, you can see Meredith Dallas’ “Garden of Light- A Wish for the Future”. This sculptural installation is an abstracted garden made up of lighted dandelions. This space is meant to make viewers “enjoy the beauty of nature” and “make a wish for their future”. This one was my personal favorite!
Stop 4: "sweet dreams"
Located at the RailYard, this installation by Oliver Lewis is inspired by the “comfort and protection of a nightlight” that he felt as a child. The three oversized nightlights create a glow that illuminate the area. The artist combines technology and science-based art in his work, and actually has a background in chemical engineering.
Stop 5: "Ze Portal"
Located at the plaza 1100 South, this installation represents “an escape room located in the hustle and bustle of the urban environment”. As a viewer the intention is to walk through “Ze Portal” and feel removed from the chaos “allowing for a feeling of balance and renewal”. It is created as a collaboration between ARKO and Luvly Moon, who are both muralist and street artists in Charlotte.
Don't forget the bites & brews in South End
I hope you have an opportunity to go check this out! Of course you should combine it with grabbing a bite or drink at one of the many restaurants or bars located all around there. My two favorites are the Trolley Barn (located right next to Atherton Mill), or Charlotte Beer Garden (located on Tryon Street) but there are a ton of other choices within walking distance.
