CIAF ArtWalks + Artist

Overview

Be a part of the CIAF celebration by exploring interactive installations created just for the arts festival from both local and international artists.  Take a Behind the Scenes tour of several Blumenthal Fellow’s projects, go on a scavenger hunt for 100 Tiny Things and be inspired hearing about the creative process from amazing artists. On the September 23^rd ArtWalk, we will end at the “Chalk The Walk (way)” community chalk art street gallery.

Two CIAF ArtWalks + Artist

• Sunday, September 17, 6 pm with Blumenthal Fellow Laurie Smithwick
• Saturday, September 23, 11 am with Blumenthal Fellow Claire Kiester

Each one-hour-and-15 minute ArtWalk + Artist begins at the Ballantyne’s Backyard entrance located at 11625 Community House Road.  This event is free, family friendly, and easy walking.  Sign-up suggested to secure your spot.  Free parking is available at parking decks located at Ballantyne’s Backyard.  Food and drink available for purchase at the festival.

For more information:

Charlotte International Arts Festival is an annual celebration of imaginative visual and performing arts from the most creative international and local minds. Fun for everyone, from families to individuals, we invite you to stay awhile, play, and welcome curiosity, as we begin to see our city through new eyes. With over 200 attractions, many for free, this festival has something for everyone.  For more information and a full schedule go to www.charlotteartsfest.com

Blumenthal Fellow Laurie Smithwick is an abstract painter, printmaker, and muralist steeped in formalism. She uses composition, line, and color to create abstract art that aims to elicit emotion. Her design work earned her a Grammy nomination and she has delivered a Tedx talk on the genesis of ideas. Want to know more? Go to www.lauriesmithwick.com or @lauriesmithwick on Instagram.

Blumenthal Fellow Claire Kiester is a fiber artist, printmaker and educator from Chapel Hill, NC. She completed her BFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2021 and now resides in Charlotte, NC. Claire uses printmaking and crochet techniques to reveal embedded personal memories hidden in everyday objects. Her work champions accessibility, often featuring recycled materials. She works to educate and inspire young artists within the discipline of printmaking. Want to know more? Go to www.clairkiester.com or @clairekiester_art on Instagram.

ArtWalks CLT is a local non-profit that connects community to local murals, street art and public art and artists through free self-guided neighborhood artwalks accessible on your mobile device.  Artwalks are available for NoDa, Plaza-Midwood, South End, Elizabeth, Historic West End, the East Side and Uptown.  Want to start walking?  Go to www.artwalksclt.com or follow @artwalksclt on Instagram.