What do you get when a large group of artists, writers, talkers, drinkers and creative types get together on a Thursday night to share art and ideas, as well as copious amounts of alcohol? A hot mess and/or a world class party, of course. Thousands of others across the globe do it all the time and Charlotte will have a chance come Sept. 25 when Pecha Kucha rolls.
This underground art/social movement held in basements, galleries, theaters and garages in cities around the world may be the perfect answer to the inexplicable inferiority complex this city seems to suffer. Finally, a supremely good reason to party and make the rest of the Southeast take notice of us for reasons that have nothing to do with banks or race cars.
At a Pecha Kucha (pronounced pet-cha k-sha) soiree, artists and art-inspired individuals have an opportunity to show 20 images, at 20 seconds per image on any subject they want; no subject is off limits. It's a no-holds-barred event with lots of debate and social interaction (and drinking) playing a major part in the merriment. The mandated looseness of the event might prove difficult for this city, but the group responsible for bringing it here will do their best to ensure it doesn't morph into another wine-and-cheese snooze fest.
Lead by Point 8 Forum and it's unofficial point man Manoj Kesavan, the local American Institute of Architects chapter and faculty from Winthrop University, Pecha Kucha Charlotte hopes to showcase a varied selection of artists in a wide realm of mediums. Other gatherings have presented slides on homemade tattoos, motorcycles, neon light art, black-and-white photography and more traditional art forms.
"This is about finding a new way to look at and communicate different, creative thoughts," says Kesavan. He, like many other artists in this city, hopes to see a cross section of participants at the first event. "You don't have to be a painter or sculptor to join in," says the Charlotte-based architect, who adds that he hopes to hear from more "outsiders" than traditional known artists in town. "There are some people who don't fit our Point 8 Forum," he says. Kesavan is referring to the monthly discussion forums he and other colleagues present that are often topic-driven and, unlike Pecha Kucha, sometimes very structured.
To some, the six-minutes, 40-seconds time limit might feel restricting. Kesavan begs to differ. "The limited number of images forces you to be creative and say what you need in a concise way." Event host Douglas Welton will ensure that artists keep to the schedule and don't babble on. Recognizing the need for a venue for emerging artists to express themselves, two Tokyo-based architects came up with the Pecha Kucha concept (Japanese, for chatter) and with the time-limited format as a way to control the ramblings of artist types. Freedom of expression took flight.
Artists are free to say what they want, whether it be contentious, outrageous or otherwise. Some might play upon the current political climate while others might take their opportunity to get up on an artistic soapbox. "Some artists are activists," says Kesavan who thinks it wouldn't be unusual or unheard of for some to make strong statements given the chance.
Kesavan hopes Pecha Kucha will stir more than just interest and give the artistic community a stronger voice. "Evidently, the mere presence of a large number of people does not constitute a community. And the sum of all their work does not add up to become a 'culture' ... If there is anything resembling a creative community here, it is insular -- a subculture quite isolated from the majority of the populace. No amount of creative output will become a part of the culture until it is integrated into the larger society. Conversely, great art requires an enlightened audience, a demanding and challenging culture." Spoken like a world-class citizen.
Charlotte Pecha Kucha Night kicks off Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Petra's Piano Bar & Cabaret (1919 Commonwealth Ave.). For more, visit www.point8.org.
More visual arts listings
August
ART FOR ART'S SAKE This exhibition explores the idea that an art object is best understood as an autonomous creation to be valued only for the success with which it organizes color and line into a whole. Opening reception Aug. 1, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 1-29. Charlotte Art League, 1517 Camden Road. 704-376-2787. www.charlotteartleague.org.
ROBIN Y. ZAVADA EXHIBITION Aug. 1-30. City Hall Rotunda Gallery, 155 Johnston St., Rock Hill, S.C. 803-328-2787. www.yorkcountyarts.org.
JO ROBINSON The exhibit will display a small collection of sculptures and paintings. Aug. 1-31. Main Gallery. The Art House, 3103 Cullman Ave. 704-962-9700. www.thearthouse.biz.
CHRIS THOMAS AND SHAWNA HEATH Exhibit will feature acrylic sculptures from Thomas and paintings from Heath. Opening reception Aug. 1, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 1-31. Glover Studios Gallery. The Art House, 3103 Cullman Ave. 704-962-9700. www.thearthouse.biz
19TH ANNUAL JURIED COMPETITION EXHIBITION Opening reception, Art Crawl & Awards Presentation Aug. 21, 6 p.m. Aug. 20-Sept. 21. Dalton Gallery. Center for the Arts, 121 E. Main St., Rock Hill, S.C. 803-328-2787. www.yorkcountyarts.org.
CHARLOTTE PAINTS: NEW WORKS BY FIVE CHARLOTTEANS Featuring art by Jim Chapman, Stephanie Neely, Angela Nesbit, Jane Schmidt and Darren Young. Opening reception Aug. 22, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 22-Sept. 16. Shain Gallery, 2823 Selwyn Ave. 704-334-7744. www.shaingallery.com.
HERB JACKSON, LYDIA MUSCO, RYAN O'MALLEY AND CORT SAVAGE. Opening reception Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. Aug. 29-Oct. 8. Van Every/Smith Galleries. Davidson College, 315 North Main St., Davidson. 704-894-2519. www3.davidson.edu.
THE NATURALIST'S WORLD Numerous painters, one photographer and one N.C. ceramist depict the many facets of the world's landscape. A portion of all sales will be donated to the Catawba Riverkeepers. Through Aug. 29. Elder Gallery, 1427 South Blvd. 704-370-6337. www.elderart.com.
MY CHARLOTTE -- REGIONAL REDSKY ARTISTS In honor of the gallery's five year anniversary, RedSky Gallery artists created works that represent their view of Charlotte. The show includes work by Svetlana Baklanova, Wil Bosbyshell, Andy Braitman, Loren DiBenedetto, Sylvia Coppola and many more. Through Sept. 11. RedSky Gallery, 1244 East Blvd. 704-377-6400. www.redskygallery.com.
SONGCATCHER: A VISUAL INTERPRETATION OF SOUND Through Aug. 30. Lark & Key Gallery, 453B E. 36th St. 704-379-1826. www.larkandkey.com.
THE LIGHT FACTORY'S FIRST JURIED ANNUALE. Juried by Julian Cox, this exhibition showcases work from emerging artists around the county who are pushing the photographic medium. Free. Through Sept. 9. Knight Gallery. The Light Factory, 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755. www.lightfactory.org.
THE LIGHT FACTORY'S 36TH ANNUAL MEMBERS SHOW All work exhibited is submitted by members of The Light Factory, from professional photographers to soccer moms and artists of all mediums. Now through Sept. 14. Middleton McMillian Gallery. The Light Factory, 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755. www.lightfactory.org.
THE DOG SHOW A collection of 12 Green Rice Artists display their dog art. Through Aug. 31. Green Rice Gallery, 451 E. 36th St. 704-344-0300. www.green-rice.com.
September
JUDITH CUTLER Designated a "Master Pastelist" by the Pastel Society of America, her works will be on display. Opening reception Sept. 5, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 1-30. Main Gallery. The Art House, 3103 Cullman Ave. 704-962-9700. www.thearthouse.biz.
OPEN PASSAGE: SCOTT UPTON Upton's work is an abstraction of his life experiences. He works with bold complementary colors and kindred tones. Opening reception Sept. 5. 6 p.m. Sept. 2-Oct. 31. Center of the Earth Gallery, 3204 N. Davidson St. 704-375-5756. www.centeroftheearth.com.
TRUE GRIT CONTEMPORARY CRAFT EXHIBITION. Opening reception Sept. 26 featuring an artist talk with Mark Leach and Myra Gray. Sept. 12-Nov. 1. McColl Center for Visual Art, 721 N. Tryon St. 704-332-5535. www.mccollcenter.org.
MOYE Solo photography show. Opening reception Sept. 5, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 5-30. Glover Studios Gallery. The Art House, 3103 Cullman Ave. 704-962-9700. www.thearthouse.biz.
TONY HERNANDEZ: NEW ENCAUSTIC PAINTINGS AND WORKS ON PAPER Features figures adrift in nondescript landscapes. Sept. 5-Oct. 31. Hidell Brooks Gallery, 1910 South Blvd., Ste. 130. 704-334-7302. www.hidellbrooks.com.
DAVID SKINNER'S THE LAND OF THE BLUE RIDGE Featuring paintings of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding areas. Sept. 5-30. Elder Gallery, 1427 South Blvd. 704-370-6337. www.elderart.com.
CHARLOTTE FOUST: UNSEEN PASSAGE Series of mixed media by Foust that explores a lifetime of memories and experiences that result in an imaginative waking dream. Opening reception Sept. 5, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 5-Nov. 2. Lark & Key Gallery, 453B E. 36th St. 704-379-1826. www.larkandkey.com.
JASON BASDEN, TOM FLEMING, BRACKEN JOHNSON: STORYTIME-3D SCULPTURES Exhibit will feature a variety of works from each artist that strive to bring out the inner child in viewers. Opening reception Sept. 5, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 5-30. Green Rice Gallery, 451 E. 36th St. 704-344-0300. www.green-rice.com.
POLITICAL REVOLUTION Art that deals with intellectual and philosophical developments, and moral and social reform. Opening reception Sept. 5, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 5-26. Charlotte Art League, 1517 Camden Road. 704-376-2787. www.charlotteartleague.org.
MORE OR LESS Michelle Harvey Collins is a Davidson College graduate, Her new solo exhibition explores a range of subject matter from landscapes to figurative works. Opening reception Sept. 5, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 5-30. Providence Gallery, 601-A Providence Road. 704-333-4535. www.providencegallery.net.
CONTEMPORARY MOSAIC ART Exhibit with all mosaic art. Opening reception Sept. 5, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 5-26. Ciel Gallery and Studio, 1519 Camden Road. 704-577-1254. www.cielcharlotte.com.
LANDSCAPES NEAR AND FAR: ANDY BRAITMAN This artist balances new techniques and his classic and ever-popular style of painting in this new show. His landscapes from Nova Scotia represent the cool waters, the boats and fishing houses of the northern province. In contrast, his Italian landscapes explore the warmth of the sun against the mountains of Siena. Opening reception Sept. 12, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Sept. 12-Nov. 12. RedSky Gallery, 1244 East Blvd. 704-377-6400. www.redskygallery.com.
JAMES ROSATI: SIMPLE LINE, COMPLEX FORM Displayed will be Rosati's 30-year survey of sculpture and works on paper exhibited inside the gallery, as well as a special feature outside of the gallery. This includes a monumental sculpture. Sept. 13-Nov. 1. Jerald Melberg Gallery, 625 S. Sharon Amity Road. 704-365-3000. www.jeraldmelberg.com.
NEW WORKS BY VERONICA CLARK Opening reception Sept. 19, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 19-Oct. 2. Shain Gallery, 2823 Selwyn Ave. 704-334-7744. www.shaingallery.com.
EARTH AND SKY BY JONAS HOWARD AND JEREMIAH MILLER Oil and acrylic landscape paintings that explore terrestrial and celestial imagery. Opening reception Sept. 19, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 19-Nov. 8. Norvell Gallery. Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 East Liberty St., Salisbury. 704-636-1882. www.waterworks.org.
IN PLACE: MEMORY AND MOVEMENT BY MICHAEL SIMPSON AND KATHLEEN BURKE Large scale oil paintings on canvas that explore still shots of nature. Opening reception Sept. 19, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 19-Nov. 8. Woodson, Osborne and Stanback Galleries. Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 East Liberty St., Salisbury. 704-636-1882. www.waterworks.org.
PLEIN AIR CAROLINA 2008 Plein Air Carolina group presents paintings of Carolina landscapes created in the open air. Opening reception Sept. 19, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 19-Nov. 8. Young People's Gallery. Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 East Liberty St., Salisbury. 704-636-1882. www.waterworks.org.
October
THE WAR AGAINST PEACE Exhibit featuring any forms of medium. Ciel Gallery and Studio, 1519 Camden Road. 704-577-1254. www.cielcharlotte.com.
TATYANA BUCK Acrylic works that express emotion, energy and individuality. Opening reception Oct. 3, 7p.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 1-31. Main Gallery. The Art House, 3103 Cullman Ave. 704-962-9700. www.thearthouse.biz.
JENNIFER KINCAID, ALLISON LUCE AND ALYSSA WOOD CLAY EXHIBITION Opening reception Oct. 2, 6 p.m. Sept. 26-Oct. 29. Dalton Gallery. Center for the Arts, 121 E. Main St., Rock Hill, S.C. 803-328-2787. www.yorkcountyarts.org.
NEW WORKS BY ALICE WILLIAMS Opening reception Oct. 3, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 3-Nov. 4. Shain Gallery, 2823 Selwyn Ave. 704-334-7744. www.shaingallery.com.
CIRCLE OF EIGHT POTTERY EXHIBIT A collective of North and South Carolina based potters know as Circle of Eight showcase their works. Opening reception, Oct. 3, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 3-Nov. 2. Lark & Key Gallery, 453B E. 36th St. 704-379-1826. www.larkandkey.com.
KATE VASSEUR: NOSTALGIA Featuring art that blends fantasy with an element of nostalgia. Opening reception Oct. 3. Oct. 3-Nov. 2. Green Rice Gallery, 451 E. 36th St. 704-344-0300. www.green-rice.com.
FALL INTO ART 2008 Regional juried art competition and exhibition, where artists age 18 and older may enter to compete for $1,000 cash awards. Opening reception Oct. 3, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 3-24. Charlotte Art League, 1517 Camden Road. 704-376-2787. www.charlotteartleague.org.
MIXED COMPANY Exhibit will feature deft melding of monochromatic tones and textured works by Rod Wimer and landscape works by Jean Cauthen. Opening reception Oct. 3, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 3-31. Providence Gallery, 601-A Providence Road. 704-333-4535. www.providencegallery.net.
TEXTURES VESSELS: DALE DUNCAN This exhibition explores contrasting surface textures based on design elements from both traditional and contemporary pottery shapes. Opening reception Oct. 10, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Oct. 10-Nov. 12. RedSky Gallery, 1244 East Blvd. 704-377-6400. www.redskygallery.com.
CHEAP JOE'S EMPLOYEE SHOW Art, demos, samples and coupons. Opening reception on Oct. 10. Oct. 3-31. Glover Studios Gallery. The Art House, 3103 Cullman Ave. 704-962-9700. www.thearthouse.biz.
INTO THE MYSTIC This exhibition features works that highlight one of the most essential elements of photography, light. Artists include Connie Sullivan, Heather D. Freeman, Kit Kube and Michael Wilson. Opening reception Oct. 16. Sept. 14- Jan. 4. Knight Gallery. The Light Factory, 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755. www.lightfactory.org.
THE DAY OF SMALL THINGS: PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL WILSON A mid-career retrospective of the work of photographer Michael Wilson who has photographed some of today's most important musical artists (Lyle Lovett, B.B. King, Emmylou Harris, John Hiatt, The Neville Brothers, Waylon Jennings, David Byrne and many others). Free. Opening reception Oct. 16. Sept. 18--Jan. 4. Middleton McMillan Gallery. The Light Factory, 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755. www.lightfactory.org.
BELOVED DAUGHTERS: PHOTOGRAPHS BY FAZAL SHEIKH. Opening reception Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. Oct. 17-Dec. 11. Van Every/Smith Galleries. Davidson College, 315 North Main St., Davidson. 704-894-2519. www3.davidson.edu.
FRIENDS OF THE BRUSH AND CANVAS Featured artists Mary Erickson, Hodges Soileau and William Farnsworth have created paintings of coastal and mountain landscapes. Oct. 20-Nov. 1. Elder Gallery, 1427 South Blvd. 704-370-6337. www.elderart.com.
November
UNSEEN EXHIBIT Features works that explore what is unseen, unnoticed, unstated and taken for granted in life. Ciel Gallery and Studio, 1519 Camden Road. 704-577-1254. www.cielcharlotte.com.
CHARLES WALKER Through his art, Walker explores the intangible aspects of the human experience, such as mood, tone and how we as humans perceive the world. Nov. 4-Dec. 27. Center of the Earth Gallery, 3204 N. Davidson St. 704-375-5756. www.centeroftheearth.com.
MIRANDA LAKE: RECENT PAINTINGS Mixed media works. Nov. 7-Dec. 20. Hidell Brooks Gallery, 1910 South Blvd., Ste. 130. 704-334-7302. www.hidellbrooks.com.
WISHFUL THINKING Group exhibit featuring new works from Duy Huynh and other gallery artists. Opening reception Nov.7, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 5-Dec. 30. Lark & Key Gallery, 453-B East 36th St. 704-379-1826. www.larkandkey.com.
NEW WORKS BY WILLIAM JAMESON Opening reception Nov. 7, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 7-Dec. 2. Shain Gallery, 2823 Selwyn Ave. 704-334-7744. www.shaingallery.com.
SOLO EXHIBITION: AARON MORGAN BROWN Featuring a series of surrealistic paintings. Nov. 7-29. Elder Gallery, 1427 South Blvd. 704-370-6337. www.elderart.com.
GRACE MCKINNEY Exhibit features works derived from the simple shapes of nature. Opening reception Nov. 7, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Nov. 1-30. Main Gallery. The Art House, 3103 Cullman Ave. 704-962-9700. www.thearthouse.biz.
SOLO SHOW Antoine Williams presents new works. Opening reception Nov. 7, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Nov. 1-30. Glover Studios Gallery. The Art House, 3103 Cullman Ave. 704-962-9700. www.thearthouse.biz.
HOLT MCLEAN AND CARLA GARRISON McLean uses light and color to create paintings of traditional landscapes with her own twist, while Garrison blends old world rustic with the fantastical. Nov. 7-30. Green Rice Gallery, 451 E. 36th St. 704-344-0300. www.green-rice.com.
ELEMENTS Featuring new works by Mike Watson and Wil Bosbyshell. Opening reception Nov. 7, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 1-15. Charlotte Art League, 1517 Camden Road. 704-376-2787. www.charlotteartleague.org.
NEW WORKS BY HILARIE LAMBERT AND KURT BUTLER Show features works by Charleston artist Hilarie Lambert and introduces the landscape paintings of Kurt Butler. Opening reception Nov. 7, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 7-29. Providence Gallery, 601-A Providence Road. 704-333-4535. www.providencegallery.net.
A SALUTE TO BLACK MOUNTAIN COLLEGE In honor of the 75th anniversary of Black Mountain College (as well as the gallery's 25th anniversary) this exhibit features works by artists taught at the school, including Robert Motherwell, Willem de Kooning, Joseph Albers, Robert Rauschenberg and more. Nov. 8- Jan. 3. Jerald Melberg Gallery, 625 S. Sharon Amity Road. 704-365-3000. www.jeraldmelberg.com.
CHRISTMASVILLE EXHIBITION Nov. 12-Dec. 31. Dalton Gallery. Center for the Arts, 121 E. Main St., Rock Hill, S.C. 803-328-2787. www.yorkcountyarts.org.
THE NATURE OF BEING: MELISA CADELL AND SARAH FAULKNER Featuring the works of North Carolina ceramic artist Melisa Cadell and Sarah Faulkner's paintings, which focus on nature. Opening reception on Nov. 14, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Nov. 14-Dec. 31. RedSky Gallery, 1244 East Blvd. www.redskygallery.com.
ATMOSPHERES: FORMED AND FORMLESS BY MAJA GODLEWSKA AND NATALIE BORK Godlewski uses cloud imagery to examine form and formlessness, while Bork's abstract paintings find the relationships between chaos and control. Opening reception Nov. 21, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 21-Feb. 7. Woodson, Osborne and Stanback Galleries. Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 East Liberty St., Salisbury. 704-636-1882. www.waterworks.org.
THE QUEST: DREAMS AND COINCIDENTAL DISCOVERIES BY DON MOORE Exhibition includes figurative paintings that explore dream imagery, past lives and thoughts transformed into symbols. Opening reception Nov. 21, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 21-Feb. 7. Stanback Gallery Hall. Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 East Liberty St., Salisbury. 704-636-1882. www.waterworks.org.
FIFTH ANNUAL ARTISTS INVITATIONAL EXHIBITION AND SALE This exhibit features a variety of emerging and established regional artists and craft makers including ceramicists, jewelers, painters, glass artists, doll makers and more. Opening reception Nov. 21, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 21-Feb. 7. Young People's Gallery. Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 East Liberty St., Salisbury. 704-636-1882. www.waterworks.org.
DRAWN: CROSSING THE LINE Opening reception and curator/panel discussion on Nov. 21, 6 p.m.-9p.m. Nov. 21-Jan. 3. McColl Center for Visual Art, 721 N. Tryon St. 704-332-5535. www.mccollcenter.org.
December
SIMPLY RED Features predominately red pieces in any medium. Ciel Gallery and Studio, 1519 Camden Road. 704-577-1254. www.cielcharlotte.com.
HOLIDAY GROUP SHOW Opening reception Dec. 5, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 5-Dec. 31. Shain Gallery, 2823 Selwyn Ave. 704-334-7744. www.shaingallery.com.
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN IMPRESSIONIST: DANIEL BAYLESS California-based artist Daniel Bayless will display his oil paintings that pay tribute to the American urban and rural landscapes. Dec. 5-31. Elder Gallery, 1427 South Blvd. 704-370-6337. www.elderart.com.
PAUL HASTINGS, GREG BARNES: EAST MEETS WEST Landscapes in oil and pastel. Opening reception Dec. 5, 7-10 p.m. Dec. 1-31. Main Gallery. The Art House, 3103 Cullman Ave. 704-962-9700. www.thearthouse.biz.
ILLUSTRATORS SHOW Featuring the works of illustrator and sculptor Bill Nelson. Dec. 5-31. Green Rice Gallery, 451 E. 36th St. 704-344-0300. www.green-rice.com.
GEM SHOW Regional artists submit small works that measure between 5" x 5" and 16" x 20". The exhibition will be a "cash and carry" show for the holiday gift-giving season. Opening reception Dec. 5, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 5-26. Charlotte Art League, 1517 Camden Road. 704-376-2787. www.charlotteartleague.org.
THIRD ANNUAL HOLIDAY EXHIBITION: HIP TO BE SQUARE Features square paintings of various and mixed media in a variety of sizes and subject matter by select gallery artists. Opening reception Dec. 5, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Providence Gallery, 601-A Providence Road. 704-333-4535. www.providencegallery.net.