FIVE POINTS PLAZA

In Collaboration with Artist James Stacy Utley
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

This project weaves community engagement, collaboration, and research to create two public art pieces commissioned by the City of Charlotte for the Historic West End neighborhood. Collectively the Excelsior Collection is named after the Excelsior Club that is a landmark in Charlotte, North Carolina and a staple in the African American Community and Historic West End. Individually the pieces are titled “Ever Upward” and Even Higher” which are the Latin definitions of Excelsior.

“Ever Upward” is a seven foot abstract form that represents the faith walk that the community has continued on. From “the walk UPWARD” that Dorothy Counts made to integrate public schools in Charlotte, “the charge UPWARD” that every student that passes through the arch of Johnson C Smith University takes, “the road UPWARD” that is Trade Street from “uptown” to the highest point which is Biddle Hall and the “the prayers UPWARD” as we continue on this journey. It all begins with faith. The four sculptures will be located on W Trade Street just beyond the I-77 overpass.

“Even Higher” is located at the new Five Points Plaza. Inspired by the folding narratives of a quilt, the three panels ranging from 18 to 28 feet tall represent Perseverance, Inspiration and Icon. Each panel will have a designed perforated panel that is backlit with the images of Dorothy Count Scoggins, Biddle Hall, and the signage for the Excelsior Club.