50 local artists to be featured at the Mint Museum Uptown

What’s happening: Charlotte native Carla Aaron-Lopez (King Carla) will curate her second show at the Mint Museum. It’s set for June 16 on the museum’s fifth floor from 6-9pm. 

What to expect: LOCAL/STREET highlighted more than 40 local artists of color at the Mint Museum Randolph last year, and with more space in Uptown, Aaron-Lopez hopes to expand this year’s show to 50 local artists. 

Why it matters: In an interview with Aaron-Lopez last year, she told me that many of the artists in the exhibit had never dreamed of showcasing their work in a space like this. 

We caught up with Aaron-Lopez to discuss what June will hold.

Of note: Answers have been edited for clarity and brevity.

Axios: “How will year two differ from year one?” 

King Carla: “It’s at the Mint Museum Uptown instead of Randolph. I’ve been given the opportunity to curate this exhibition on the 5th floor, which is often reserved for special events like this.”

• “One goal I had this year was to bring back select artists from last year but also include new artists to the line-up. I believe this year’s new mix of artists will be an awesome visual experience for the city of Charlotte.”

Axios: “What’s the target number of artists? Will they all still be local?”

King Carla: “I’m still trying to keep it at 50 artists, but I get really excited and want to create as much space as possible for the locals doing the work. Everyone will still be local to Charlotte with a few of our close South Carolina cousins in the mix.” 

Axios: “What’s the timeline for announcing the artists?”

King Carla: “I’m going to drop that list this Friday, April 8, late in the afternoon. I haven’t notified any of the new artists yet, and I expect some people to be surprised at this year’s group.” 

Axios: “How does year two compare to year one in size? Bigger, smaller?”

King Carla: “This year is going to be bigger than last year because I have received more funding and support with the help of Tim Miner and Matt Olin of Charlotte is Creative. We wanted to uplift this exhibition as it is an extensive survey of Charlotte artists and creatives.”  

Axios: “This has been a labor of love for you, as a connector of people in the city you grew up in, how does it feel to see it continue to grow?” 

King Carla: “When I was a young woman entering college, I didn’t feel as if I connected with the city I was born in. I felt as if I had no place to grow here.”

• “Since I’ve returned home in 2014, I’ve been watching Charlotte’s growth and hearing about how so many transplants enjoy Charlotte but miss the art experiences they have attended in major cities.”

• “I believe Charlotte to be a major city of the South and it is time for us to start creating visual experiences for the public that match what major global cities produce.”
• “Our creative arts economy is growing very quickly, and it is time for Charlotte to recognize the many artists (small business owners) that are a part of that economy through exhibition opportunities like LOCAL/STREET.”

Axios: “What will be the format this year? Will people be able to purchase the art on-site or connect with the artists after?”

King Carla: “The format will be similar this year with new additions such as two performance art segments (one traditional, one underground) and more sculptural installations.”

• “Works can be purchased on-site, but will not be released until after the exhibition.”
• “I will continue to encourage collectors to purchase works straight from the artist. That’s a level of power that should be left in the hands of the artist.”
• “At the same time, new artists must get into the practice of talking to strangers about their work. You never know when a sale or opportunity will be gifted your way unless you speak. The same goes for someone interested in an artist, you must speak in order to get to know them, their process, and the value of their works.”