South Charlotte Living Magazine February 2024

South Charlotte LIVING

Botanica imports the finest preserved flowers and foliage from growers in many countries around the world: South Africa, Spain, Ecuador and Italy just to name a few. We then create classic, everlasting arrangements from these beautiful botanicals.

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February is our month for Love and Arts

We love everything about February! Even though we show love and want to be loved every month during the year, there is something about February each year that makes us want love and encourages us to show love a little more in February, one of the coldest months of the year. The love for our families, friends, significant others and business associates is a little stronger this time of year.

After winding down from the holidays and enduring the changes that come with mid-winter in January, our senses begin to come alive again and we are a little more in touch with the arts during February. This February we feature the things we love and our love for the arts. We’re excited to introduce you to one of our best loves this February, Botanica which creates works of beautiful art from preserved flowers and plants. When you visit their showroom in Uptown you’ll be in total awe of their artistic creations!

southcharlottelivingmag.com

Lynn Zimmer and Melinda Burris Co-Publishers

Melinda Burris, Edie Marshall Editors

Melissa Latin Social Media Director

Melinda Burris, Effie Russell, Jessica Landon, , Edie Marshall, Charlotte Christian School Writers

Charlotte Creative, Botanica, Carmel Christian School, Kobi Brinson, Arlene Ferebee, Jeremy Singleton Photographers

Picante Creative Design & Production

Amy Estridge, Rachel Moore, Ad Designers

Barbara McKay Advisor

We also share with you our love for Italian food at Zinicola, one of the best restaurants in Ballantyne where food is art. We’re proud of our youth and love how the talented students at Carmel Christian, one of our favorite private schools, are learning about the arts. As we begin to think about Spring and the changes forthcoming in a new season, we share with you ideas about decorating with art in your home. Finally, we feature a fantastic home in the special South Charlotte neighborhood of Ballantyne Country Club. It’s move in ready and listed for sale by one of our favorite realtors, Jackie Smith and her team at Charlotte’s Finest Properties.

As in every month during the year, we love all of our marketing partners, readers, viewers and social media followers.

Enjoy the month of Love and the Arts in February South Charlotte!

Lynn and Melinda

Co-Publishers

South Charlotte Living

Lynn Zimmer

Melinda Burris

Nouvelle Furnishings Hosted a Special Live Art Event

International Award-Winning Spaniard Artist, Jonay Di Ragno showcased his animated artistic skills and talents while painting live during an Early Winter furniture shopping event. He performed surrounded by beautiful furniture and accessories in Nouvelle Furnishings’ spacious showroom, as his latest art collection ‘Divine Light’ was on display. Guests were fascinated by Jonay’s performance while they sipped on cocktails, enjoyed fine appetizers and shopped for furniture.

WHO, WHAT, WHEN AND WHERE

Novant Foundation’s New Year’s Eve Celebration

Some of Charlotte’s most beautiful people came out to Novant Foundation’s Stop the Stigma New Year’s Eve Gala at the Mint Museum Uptown. The event created an opportunity to bring a focus to mental health challenges in our community and to support the need to provide better access and help to those in need of assistance. The black-tie celebration did not disappoint with unforgettable performances featuring Charlotte Ballet dancers in a Project Runway Fashion Show led by local designer Luis Machismo. Captivating entertainment was provided by Carolina Opera’s tenors during dinner and guests danced the night away with festive music provided by the Charlotte Symphony.

WHO, WHAT, WHEN AND WHERE

The BOTANICA Art of Preserved Nature at

Written by: Effie Russell

Forever can be a very, long time! Natural flowers and plants at their peak are a sight to behold. They are a mirage of life. Nothing compares to the way flowers can arouse the emotions and stimulate the senses. However no matter the type, origin, the amount we pay for them and how beautiful and hardy they are when fresh, in a few days or in a couple of weeks at best they will begin their demise and become dull, fragile, sad and decadent until they become remnants of themselves that we will want to discard

If you are seeking to maintain and enjoy the ornamental presence of plants and flowers that look fresh, ductile, soft, malleable, have a satiny appearance and even have a faint whisper of their original scent on a continuous basis then preservation is the perfect solution for keeping the beauty of what was. There are many sentimental and special reasons for keeping the beauty of foliage in place for a much longer perpetuation of time with beauty and survival than what nature will allow. Right here in Charlotte, you can become overwhelmed and amazed when you visit Botanica’s showroom on Morehead in Uptown. Botanica has the finest in preserved botanicals.

Botanica and Bryan McRae

Bryan McRae, the owner of Botanica located at 510 W. Morehead (next to Bank of America Stadium) in Charlotte,

has been in the plant and floral preservation business for 25 years. Botanica imports the finest preserved flowers and foliage from growers in countries around the world including South Africa, Spain, Ecuador and others.

Once these botanicals arrive in Charlotte, Bryan and his team create classic, everlasting arrangements. Botanica only uses real flowers that were harvested at their peak and are some of the most exquisite, preserved plants and flowers available anywhere.

When you see preserved plants and flowers for the very first time you’re simply in awe and overcome by the artistry and beauty they exhibit. It’s overwhelming to realize that nature is standing still, to be enjoyed and can exist this way for all to behold. Flowers and plants are selected at their best and are transformed into supple, natural looking, long lasting, and gorgeous specimens of what they were when fresh.

Moisture in the plant is replaced with glycerin, a natural, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly substance. In some cases natural dyes are used to enhance color and appearance. The results are plants and flowers with a fresh, natural organic look and feel for excellent longevity. Botanica products are much better and much more superior to manufactured traditional artificial flowers.

Bryan started Botanica in 1992 in Charlotte. His goal was to mesh his design skills with the fabulous potential of using real preserved flowers and bring this niche industry to a global market. Bryan has been successful with Botanica. He now has a showroom in Atlanta and Botanica’s creations can be seen in some of the most prestigious residential and commercial interiors in the world.

You will be amazed when you visit Botanica’s Charlotte showroom. It’s an exceptional

experience to appreciate while shopping for creative designs, textures and colors. Purchases from Botanica can become conversation pieces for years to come.

Botanica’s Home Collection

To further enhance beautiful home interiors, Bryan has added a collection of custom pillows to the showroom for complimenting homes along with botanicals. Pillows from Botanica are all made in North Carolina and handcrafted from some of the finest fabrics available including those from Scalamandre, Schumacher, Thibaut and many more. Botanica also wholesales their creations to retail stores and others in the interior design industry.

> Visit Botanica for an unbelievable experience at 510 W. Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28208, 704.338.4051, botanicanc.com.

A new era of comfort with

As a family-owned & run Carolinas-based industry leader in luxury organic textiles, we provide our customers with clean, natural home products that are soft, durable and environmentally friendly. We use only 100% Organic Cotton in our products, which ensures safety and sustainability and the comfort to Live Grund.

with Living

in Ballantyne Fall in love

Written by: Melinda Burris

What was once a more than a 2000 acre hunting tract in southern Mecklenburg county, has become one of the most successfully developed communities in the country for living, working and playing. Some of the finest homes for living well in Charlotte exist in Ballantyne. Jackie Smith and her team of experienced and professional realtors at Charlotte’s Finest Properties are some of the best experts for assisting with finding the right home or for help with listing a home for sale in the Ballantyne area or anywhere in the Charlotte area.

The Charlotte’s Finest Properties team can help lead you and your family to the right house for enjoying all that Ballantyne has to offer or help you list and sell your home anywhere in the Charlotte area so you can move to Ballantyne and fall in love!

Charlotte Finest Properties’ listing at 14117 Ballantyne Country Club Drive is an ideal choice for living a life you’ll love in Ballantyne. It’s

positioned on the 4th green of Ballantyne Country Club’s golf course which is one of Charlotte’s finest.

The three story, 5,145 sq ft home has been renovated and is move in ready with fresh paint, new interior and exterior designer lighting and ceiling fans, newly stained hardwood floors, custom hardware and hinges, updated plumbing, beautiful mirrors, new roofing, windows and more. The elegant home has a two story foyer with an elegant dining room, a chef’s kitchen with stainless steel

This dream home is located in the heart of Ballantyne

appliances and an island with seating, a walk-in pantry, a breakfast room next to a great family room with a gas fireplace.

The upper level features a primary suite with a renovated bath highlighting double vanities with LED lighted mirrors, an oversized shower, a freestanding tub and walk-in closet. There are 3 secondary bedrooms and 2 full baths upstairs, a laundry room, an office, exercise and play rooms. An enchanting 3rd floor has game and bonus areas with a full bath and walk-in storage space.

The home is prime for outdoor living with a screened porch, a patio and porches. The backyard is perfect for outdoor entertaining and has space for a custom pool to be added. A 3 car garage will house your luxury vehicles perfectly.

This dream home is located in the heart of Ballantyne and is in walking distance to the new Ballantyne Bowl entertainment

complex behind the Ballantyne hotel and is easy to get to all else that the Ballantyne area has to offer. Its proximity to I-485 also makes it easy to get to Uptown Charlotte and to the airport.

> For this home and help with finding a perfect home to make you fall in love with Ballantyne contact Jackie Smith at Charlotte’s Finest Properties, www.cltsfinest.com, 704.773.6575.

For the Love of

ITALIAN FOOD

Written by: Effie Russell

When dining out, more than one in five Americans prefer Italian food, according to some surveys. Italian food is comfort food at its best! Whether it’s seafood, pasta, pizza, bread, sauces, desserts or wine, we love to indulge in Italian cuisine.

When dining out, more than one in five Americans prefer Italian food, according to some surveys. Italian food is comfort food at its best! Whether it’s pasta, pizza, bread, sauces, calamari, desserts or wine, we love to indulge in Italian cuisine.

Italian food is the one thing that we love most about Italian culture. We have a special appreciation not only for the quality and tantalizing flavors that are synonymous with Italian cooking, we also enjoy and respect the cultural traditions that value creating a family-friendly atmosphere conducive to sharing delicious food and good times. It keeps us wanting more!

Zinicola, an upscale Italian restaurant in Ballantyne Village, is truly a place to warm the heart anytime with great food and a welcoming atmosphere. Richard Cranmer, Zinicola’s lead chef and owner, began his training while growing up and watching

his mother cook every day. His restaurant’s name, Zinicola, was created from her maiden name. When his family spent summers in Italy visiting his grandmother, he watched her make family meals from scratch and his family brought her recipes back to America with them.

Richard’s interpretation of Italian cuisine comes from his love and passion for Italy, its food and his family. The pastas, sauces and desserts are made in house by hand just like his ‘nonna’ did. Zinicola has the food you’d expect to find in Italy if you visited there. You can even feel the Italian vibes while watching the chefs lovingly cook the food and work in the kitchen. It’s food that feeds the soul!

While spending years in culinary training in high-end kitchens, Chef Cranmer honed his skills, but the essence of

his food remains the same. It is an expression of Love. Zinicola serves lunch, dinner and grab to go meals. Zinicola also has an extensive cocktail and wine list to please any palette. Richard and his chefs create unique daily specials from seasonally market fresh items and pure ingredients, too.

In addition to having great food, the decor and inviting atmosphere at Zinicola confirms that you’re in the right place to engage in conversation with your friends, family and associates. There is an inspirational feeling which encourages you to create unforgettable memories. The ambience gives you a feeling of warmth, comfort and casual elegance. There is no other place like Zinicola for group dining events, utilizing its three private dining areas. The staff provides exceptional service, too. They are friendly, welcoming and treat you like family. You feel like you’re a part of the Italian family at Zinicola!

> For more information about Zinicola, visit zinicolaitalian.com. Zinicola is located at 14835 Ballantyne Village Way, Charlotte, NC 28277.

Art Programs at Carmel Christian School

Kids Can Discover Their Talents Early

Written by: Jessica Landon and Carmel Christian School

Photography: Jeremy Singleton and Carmel Christian School

Carmel Christian School, an outstanding South Charlotte private school, has an extensive Arts program for all ages including theater, band, choir, Ignite Worship Bands for middle school and high school students, dance and elementary music.

The Arts at Carmel Christian School includes eleven staff members who work with students in all three school divisions (Elementary, Middle and High School). The school’s vision is to be the preeminent Christ-centered arts education organization in Charlotte for the training

their God-given, creative talents and discover new abilities daily. Their mission is to prepare student-artists for the conservatory, college, or career to which they are called.

Beginning in kindergarten, elementary students take general

music and art classes as part of the specials curriculum. In addition to these classes, fifth graders have the opportunity to participate in creative arts class, which is a drama-focused special class. In Middle and High School, students take more specialized Arts classes as their elective, with options such as Band, Choir, Theatre, Photography, Studio Art, Yearbook, Ignite Band and more.

Extracurricular opportunities are also provided for students. There are musical productions for middle and high school students in which students

can participate as cast or crew for the shows. The high school arts club meets after school to work on various projects, including sets for the musicals and decorations for various student events. The student pep band plays during home varsity basketball games and pep rallies. Throughout the year, there are numerous opportunities for students to showcase their talents with concerts, art

displays, musical productions and more. The Honors Acting Studio class recently competed in the North Carolina Theater Conference (NCTC) at Charlotte Catholic High School where the class received Excellence in Acting and Excellence in Costume Design awards. Studio Art students have received multiple “Best in Show” Awards at the ACSI Art Festival and an Honorable Mention award in the prestigious Southern Teachers Agency Student Art Contest. AP Art students assemble portfolios throughout the year, working on twenty pieces to submit (15 answering an “essential question” and five of their “best ever” pieces) for college credit. Additionally, they have been awarded generous art scholarships (most recently to SCAD and Anderson University). Middle school and high school Ignite Band students lead their peers in worship each week during chapel. High school students also work diligently throughout the year to put together the award-winning Journeys yearbook as well as “Blue & Gold,” the school’s newspaper.

> For more information about the school and any of its performances please visit carmelchristian.org.

Decorating YOUR HOME WITH ART

Written by: Edie Marshall

Our homes are a reflection of who we are, an extension of our preferred tastes and our life experiences. Our walls and furniture pieces can showcase our collection of photographs, artwork, collectibles and accessories, displaying our life’s journey. Photos, art and accessories in your home are confirmation of how you’ve evolved. They complement your rooms and are visual evidence of what inspires you and represent the people, places and memories you value most.

Art Placement is Key

Consider the purpose and the atmosphere you are seeking to create when deciding on what items to add to a room. It’s also important to think about where to hang photos, paintings and place your accessories. Candid snapshots or prints of memorable family vacations and events tend to suit informal areas like the family or entertainment rooms, while

portraits and other fine art paintings frequently lend the perfect touch to a dining room, a living room or a foyer.

Contemplate the furniture and accent pieces you already have in each room, their layout and the colors already in the room. Each image or hanging should evoke a mood that is in sync with the overall atmosphere. Thoughtfully taking time to display items will enable you to create a cohesive, esthetic environment. There are also more practical considerations you must evaluate before you strike the first nail, like the placement of windows, columns or light fixtures.

Add To the Scene, With Accent Lighting

Artwork should be lit so that the piece becomes a focal point. There are three primary lighting options to choose from, energy-efficient LED lights, halogen lighting and the traditional favorite,

Each image or hanging should evoke a mood that is in sync with the overall atmosphere.

incandescent lights. The right choice for you will depend on the condition of your artwork and whether you wish to create a mood that is warm and inviting or cool and sleek. Accent light fixtures can be placed on the ceiling, walls or table lights can be positioned to accent your art.

Creating A Gallery Wall and Considering Hanging Heights

There is no correct height for hanging photographs or art. Gallery walls featuring a mix of shapes and sizes can be positioned at varying heights, instantly creating a central focal point as the observer is engaged with a cohesive combination of objects and imagery. We’ve all seen gorgeous

displays of art, family photos and other treasured keepsakes hung in what appears to be perfect precision so that the collection can even follow a path down a hall or on a staircase. As you develop your distinctive home décor, don’t shy away from experimenting with a variety of configurations. Done properly, these presentations can make a lasting impression on any visitor to your home.

Plants And Accessories Are the Perfect Compliment

Plants and accessories can add the finishing touches to your rooms. Plants have a tendency to bring a room to life and accessories work their magic as accents. Balance your plants with art hanging on your walls. Windows can also become living works of art provided by nature as colors change during each season.

Subscriptions are also available for delivery of issues directly to your mailbox. Visit southcharlottelivingmag.com to order!

MONIQUE MAY, MD, MHA The Physician in The Kitchen

Board-certified family physician and Founder of Physician in the Kitchen®. Dr. Monique’s passion is to help people discover, cook and eat delicious plant-based foods. Her mission is to fix America’s health, one plate at a time.

• Take her 1:1 cooking and how to plant-base your pantry classes!

• Check out her books, Mealmasters and Doc, Fix My Plate!

• Book her for your next speaking engagement!

980-202-0456

www.drmoniquemay.com

@physicianinthekitchen

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EVENTS

COMING SOON

...There’s so much To do in Charlotte!

MEAN GIRLS the Muscial

February 13 – 18, 2024

Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Arts Center, Charlotte

Direct from Broadway, MEAN GIRLS is the hilarious hit musical from an awardwinning creative team, including book writer Tina Fey (30 Rock), composer Jeff Richmond, lyricist Nell Benjamin and director Casey Nicholaw. “This musical delivers with immense energy, a wicked sense of humor and joyful inside-jokery”, per New York Magazine. Blumenthalarts.org

The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson

February 15 - 17, 2024

Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Arts Center, Charlotte

A Play with Music starring Denyce Graves, this compelling story follows Mary Cardwell Dawson, who broke the glass ceiling in the African-American community by creating an inclusive space for young people to be heard while developing their musical talent and life lessons. Blumenthalarts.org

An Evening with Gladys Knight

February 21, 2024 8:30 PM

Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte Gladys is known as the “Empress of Soul”

who has recorded hits through the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s with her family group Gladys Knight and the Pips. Do not miss her as she performs on the stage live right here in Charlotte! Gladysknight.com

The Charlotte Home and Remodeling Show

February 23 - 25, 2024

Pools, Spas and Saunas; Roofing, Siding and Gutters; and Windows and Doors. Charlottehomeandremodelingshow.com

Chris Botti

February 24, 2024 @ 8 PM

The Knight Theater, Charlotte Grammy winning trumpeter Chris Botti has been one of the most popular instrumentalists in the world for nearly three decades. He has successfully crossed over from jazz renown to pop stardom, but his first album in more than a decade finds him crossing back with a small group focused on acoustic jazz and classic standards. Do not miss the opportunity to experience this great artist live! Carolinatix.org

Norman Brown

February 24, 2024 @ 6:15 PM

Middle C Jazz Club, 300 S Brevard St, Charlotte

The Park Expo & Conference Center, 800 Briar Creek Rd, Charlotte Just in time for spring, come on out to get ideas on how to spruce up and refresh your home at this informative show. Thinking of adding a pool, planning to install new windows, looking for new landscape ideas? This is the show for you! Exhibitors on site will represent the following categories: Automation and Garage; Construction and Renovation; Entertainment and Electronics; Fashion and Style; Financial / Mortgage; Flooring; Food and Beverage; Health and Wellbeing; Heating and Cooling; Home Appliances; Home Décor and Furniture; Home Products and Services; Housewares; Kitchen and Bath; Organization; Outdoor, Garden and Landscape;

Spend the evening with this Grammy winning smooth jazz guitarist and singer. As noted on his website, “Norman Brown is the true successor to Wes Montgomery and George Benson. He’s a jazz musician of the highest order, but you hardly notice because you’re having so much fun listening to him.” This is an opportunity for you to experience that live! Normanbrown.com

Diana Krall

February 25, 2024 @ 7:00 PM

Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Arts Center, Charlotte

Diana Krall is the only jazz singer to have eight albums debut at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. To date, her albums have garnered two Grammy®Awards, ten Juno® Awards and she’s earned nine Gold, three Platinum, and seven multi-Platinum albums. As The New York Times recently noted, she possesses “a voice at once cool and sultry, wielded with a rhythmic sophistication.” Blumenthalarts.org

At Zinicola, the table is a celebration, a coming together of time and place bolstered by exceptional service and a warm, inviting atmosphere. We want you to feel at home. We want our food to inspire. We want you to know that a refined experience doesn’t have to feel cold. Instead, we aim to feed the soul and we invite you to our table.

Above all else, we welcome you to sample our authentic Italian cuisine & wine selection today!

14935 B allantyne V illage S te . 14

C harlotte , n C 28277

980.299.2979

www zini C olaitalian C om

Making dining plans for a special occasion?

Celebrate with us and let our chef create an exquisite dinner party for you and your guests!