Sep 28, 2021 - Culture

3 must-see public art installations in Charlotte this fall

Emma Way

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giant bunnies uptown — Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios

A few of the public art installations planned for the now-postponed Charlotte Shout festival are still in town this September and October.

Take some time to stroll around Uptown and see these displays before they’re gone.

[Related Axios story: Charlotte’s biggest festival is off for 2021]

(1) “Intrude Bunnies”

The giant blow-up bunnies are back in Uptown after a two-year hiatus. Created by Australian artist Amanda Parer, the display is located near First Ward Park. You can’t miss the massive sets of upright ears.

Pro tip: Go at night to see the bunnies illuminated.

Timing: The show is up and running daily from 10am to midnight from now through Oct. 12.

Location: In a grassy field near First Ward Park at 301 E. 7th St. in Uptown.

(2) “Gaia”

This striking 23-foot globe will hang from the ceiling of Founder’s Hall through the end of the month. It’s a sight to be seen day and night. Titled “Gaia,” the touring piece was created by artist Luke Jerram and is presented by Blumenthal Performing Arts.

What the artist is saying: “I hope visitors to Gaia get to see the Earth as if from space; an incredibly beautiful and precious place. An ecosystem we urgently need to look after — our only home,” Jerram says of the piece via his website.

Timing: Up until Oct. 1.

Location: Inside Founder’s Hall in Uptown at 100 N. Tryon St.

gaia giant earth display — “Gaia” by day. Photo: Emma Way/Axios

gaia by night — “Gaia” by night. Photo: Rebecca Bereiter, courtesy of Blumenthal Arts

(3) “Of Earth and Sky”

More than 200 Charlotteans submitted poems to be featured in this large-scale installation and walking tour about what it was like living through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We asked people to share what they’ve been through, what they’re thinking and what their vision is for the future,” Blumenthal CEO and president Tom Gabbard tells me, calling it “really, really moving.”

What’s next: The poems — curated by award-winners Boris “Bluz” Rogers, Jay Ward and Jordan Bailey — will be printed in an anthology.

Timing: The display, also produced by artist Luke Jerram, is up from now through Oct. 31.

Locations: The walking tour takes guests through Uptown to various locations. View the map here.

Part of the “Of Earth and Sky” display outside the Mint Museum. Photo courtesy of Blumenthal Arts, taken by Kevin “Surf” Mitchell and Noah Llambias through the nonprofit Creating Exposure through the Arts.