December SouthPark 2025 by SouthParkMag

FROM THE EDITOR

Each year after the holiday frenzy, our family makes a pact — next year, instead of staying home for the holidays, we’re going on a tropical vacation, somewhere warm. No stress-baking, minimal decorating, and zero last-minute shopping runs to pick up something — anything — to make sure everyone has the same number of gifts. (Or that obligatory “big” item that no one actually wants or needs, so it doesn’t look like Santa forgot to come.)

And each year, life happens. My kids, now in their 20s, make other plans or can’t take time off work. The travel budget is exhausted by July. The flu hits early. Or, yours truly forgets to make reservations before flights and hotel rooms are booked — or reach astronomical rates.

This year, our main reason for staying home is a 13-pound, wriggly little bundle of energy who isn’t quite old enough to be left alone. A month ago — a little spontaneously — we adopted an 8-week-old puppy so our playful 3-year-old rescue dog would finally have a companion (shoutout to Halfway There Rescue and Elsa’s Pride!).

So instead of lying on a beach enjoying a warm ocean breeze, we’ll be taking turns snuggling on the sofa with our new furry family member. (And perhaps, dreaming about next year’s tropical holiday.)

As Charles Schulz famously said, “Happiness is a warm puppy.” Happy holidays! SP

CATHY MARTIN

style (page 84)

L

a s t - M i n u t e L u x u r y

No time? No problem. Woodhouse Spa SouthPark holiday gift cards are as effortless as they are meaningful.

22 December

BLVD.

22 | interiors

A home bar highlights vintage glassware and décor collected through the years.

26 | entertaining

Mary Wilson’s hibiscus punch has sugar, spice and all things nice.

30 | cocktails

Shaken, stirred and stylishly continental: Sala brings European flair to Eastover.

36 | food + drink

Vicente Bakery & Bistro’s exquisite handmade pastries

42 | cuisine

Memory, art and love: Christa Csoka’s shrimp and grits

47 | explore

Thomas Dambo’s installation of seven giant trolls across N.C. is the biggest in the United States.

53 | arts

Caroline Calouche’s eponymous troupe celebrates 20 years of aerial dance and circus artistry.

57 | around town

What’s new and coming soon in the Queen City

59 | happenings

December calendar of events

DEPARTMENTS

65 | art of the state

Second act: Raleigh artist Pete Sack

71 | simple life

If wishes were wheelbarrows

130 | swirl

Parties, fundraisers and events around Charlotte

136 | gallery

The year in photos

ABOUT THE COVER:

Holiday on the farm: Model Olivia Pires photographed by Olly Yung; styling by Whitley Adkins (page 84)

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL CHURCH, REMY THURSTON, HEATHER ISON

84

WINTER ARTS PREVIEW

75 | Happy endings, new beginnings by Page Leggett

Our 18 picks for the merriest ways to ring out the old, and ring in the new

FEATURES

84 | Merry moments styling by Whitley Adkins photographs by Olly Yung Style: Back to nature with a holiday at the farm

92 | Contemporary comfort by Andrea Nordstrom Caughey photographs by Dustin and Susie Peck Grandmillennial meets modern in this Matthews family home.

102 | Knead to lead by Michael J. Solender photographs by Richard Israel

An acclaimed documentary spotlights Charlotte baker, change agent and nonprofit founder Manolo Betancur.

106 | Full circle by Ross Howell Jr. photographs by Richard Israel Jonathan Justice comes home to Charlotte — and the art world he’s always loved.

TRAVEL

111 | Resort redux by Cathy Martin

A Georgia retreat ushers in a new era, with help from interior designer Charlotte Lucas, a celebrated Southern chef and sparkling new amenities.

116 | lnn the mood for adventure by Michael J. Solender

The European-styled Lilly Valley Inn offers a cozy launchpad for trails, trout fishing and tranquility.

additional credits,

PHOTOGRAPH

Italian brass Chiavari chairs upholstered in Tigre by Scalamandre, $2,145/pair, Cruzana Collection at Slate Interiors. For

see the feature starting on page 84.

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Contributing Writers

Andrea Caughey, Jim Dodson, Asha Ellison, Ross Howell Jr., Ayn-Monique Klahre, Page Leggett, Ebony Morman, Liza Roberts

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Daniel Coston, Justin Driscoll, Megan Easterday, Heather Ison, Richard Israel, Dustin and Susie Peck, Remy Thurston, Olly Yung

Contributing Illustrator Gerry O’Neill

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blvd.

people, places, things

HOME SWEET HOME

This stunning gingerbread replica of Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, was made last holiday season at The Cypress of Charlotte, much to the delight of residents who live there. It was crafted by the culinary team led by Richard Kwarteng, who studied architecture before becoming a chef. The gingerbread houses have become an annual tradition at The Cypress, offering Kwarteng a creative departure from his day-to-day responsibilities as executive chef. Each year, the house takes three to four weeks to build. This year’s house, a model of The Cypress clubhouse, was set to debut Nov. 28. Note: The display is for residents and guests and is not open for public viewing. SP

TOP SHELF

In a Sedgefield sitting room, a home bar highlights vintage glassware and décor collected through the years.

photographs

Heather Ison

Interior designer Melinda Chesson felt like a kid in a candy shop when styling the bar in this sitting room, part of a larger home renovation in Sedgefield. The homeowners had amassed a large collection of artwork and home décor from their travels and prior work with a London firm that handled estate sales.

“The glassware is from all over the world,” Chesson says. She designed the sitting room as a place for the couple to entertain and enjoy drinks before or after dinner, or perhaps read quietly before bedtime. She cre-

SOURCES:

Designer: Melinda Chesson Interiors

Architect: Alison Hall Architect

Contractor: Watershed Builders

ated the entertaining nook from a burlwood console with brass open shelving and the homeowners’ existing bar cart. The fireplace mantel was re-stained to match wood tones in the rest of the home; woven cane and leather swivel chairs and grasscloth wallpaper add texture.

Chesson grew up in Connecticut before studying interior design at Indiana University.

“I like to say that I kind of marry New England with Southern style,” says the designer, who launched Melinda Chesson Interiors in 2022.

For this project, a big part of the job was helping the homeowners “figure out how they could take all the items they have and love, and display them in a way that felt less chaotic and more put-together and curated,” she says.

“Pretty much everything in the house has meaning, and a story behind it.”

— Cathy Martin

HOLIDAY CHEER

Mary Wilson’s hibiscus punch has sugar, spice and all things nice.

photographs by Remy Thurston

Celebrate the magic of the season at Specialty Shops SouthPark — a beautiful outdoor destination for holiday shopping and dining. Discover one-of-a-kind gifts in charming boutiques, explore festive finds from distinctive brands, and savor the season with cozy al fresco dining.

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Nothing gets the party started like a festive holiday punch. And making a batch of cocktails ahead of time allows the host to join the merrymaking, too. “Hosting for the holidays should be effortless,” says Mary Wilson, beverage director at FS Food Group’s Mama Ricotta’s and Little Mama’s. “A festive punch like the Hibiscus Holiday Punch keeps the glasses full, the conversation flowing and the host out of the kitchen.” Wilson’s fruity (and boozy) mixture has floral notes from hibiscus-infused gin; ginger liqueur adds a hint of spice. “I am a true believer of making things simpler for yourself, and constantly having to make drinks during a party can make it hard to enjoy it — a delicious and strong holiday punch fixes all of that!” SP Cathy

Martin

HIBISCUS

Serves 10

INGREDIENTS

HOLIDAY PUNCH

15 ounces hibiscus-infused Chemist gin, or any gin of choice (*see recipe below)

5 ounces Luxardo Maraschino liqueur

5 ounces fresh lime juice (about 8 limes, or use a bottled juice such as Santa Cruz Organic)

15 ounces fresh pineapple juice (Wilson recommends Natalie’s, available at grocery stores; canned juice can be substituted.)

5 ounces Carpano Bianco vermouth (or any white vermouth)

2.5 ounces Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur

For garnish: fresh or dehydrated citrus slices, raspberries, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, edible rose petals

DIRECTIONS

1. Fill a punch bowl with large ice cubes.

2. Measure all the liquid ingredients into a large bowl or pitcher and stir well. Pour into punch bowl.

3. Garnish with fresh or dehydrated lemon, orange or grapefruit slices, berries, cinnamon sticks, and/or edible rose petals.

4. Serve immediately in punch glasses.

*HIBISCUS-INFUSED

GIN

1. In an airtight container, combine one 750 ml bottle of gin with 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers, available in the international section of most grocery stores. (In a pinch, you can use hibiscus tea bags.)

2. Let sit at room temperature overnight. Strain out hibiscus flowers. Note: Leftover infused gin can be kept indefinitely.

FIRST LOOK:

SALA

Shaken, stirred and stylishly continental: Moffett Restaurant Group’s new cocktail lounge brings European flair to Eastover. by Michael J. Solender photographs by Justin Driscoll

There was little fanfare in September when Charlotte chef and restaurateur Bruce Moffett quietly opened Sala, a European-style cocktail lounge next to his stalwart Italian restaurant, Stagioni.

The opening was, however, an homage to Blanche Morgan Reynolds-Gourmajenko, the Charlotte socialite and legendary hostess who built the Tuscan-style villa in the 1920s at the spot where Stagioni and Sala now reside. Sala is the newest addition to Moffett Restaurant Group’s portfolio, which also includes

Barrington’s, Good Food on Montford, and Bao and Broth.

“Blanche was all about hospitality and entertaining,” Moffett says. “Our vision here is an extension of that feeling. We offer an accessible before or after dinner experience where people can enjoy a cocktail or light glass of wine in a relaxed and comfortable space.”

When the compact space — formerly a day spa — became available, Moffett initially thought of opening a coffee shop. But citing a need for more bar space at Stagioni, General

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Manager Lee Ann Dolcetto quickly talked him out of that idea. The team pivoted to create an extension of Stagioni, but with a broader European flair.

There are nearly 100 imported wines featuring French, Spanish and Greek varietals and nearly two dozen by-the-glass selections. Wines are mainly light and semi-dry; think rose, orange wine, Cotes-du-Rhone and rioja. Many are well-suited as aperitifs to prepare your palate for dinner ahead.

The cocktail menu follows a similar easy-sipping format, with both classic and seasonal libations. There are more than a half-dozen variations on the spritz, ranging from the classic (Aperol, prosecco, soda) to the more esoteric, such as the Hugo (elderflower, prosecco, mint) or the Sbagliato (Campari, prosecco, sweet vermouth).

Snacks include a board with charcuterie and cheeses curated by Orrman’s Cheese Shop, seasonal oysters and ceviche, truffled cauliflower puree, Tuscan white bean salad, and goat-cheesestuffed piquillo peppers.

About 60% of Sala guests dine at Stagioni, Moffett says.

“We wanted to create a casual place where people can enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine and appetizer before stepping next door. We’re also open for the after-dinner crowd who would like dessert, a late bite or to extend their evening with a coffee or after-dinner drink.”

An Exceptional Experience in the Heart of SouthPark

Sharon Square features an array of fine places to wine, dine, and socialize, all in a beautiful and walkable outdoor setting. Enjoy great moments dining with family and friends at any of our sit-down restaurants that offer award-winning dishes and extensive wine and cocktail menus.

RECIPE: SUGAR COOKIE

A dessert cocktail for a sweet send-off

Sala offers guests several dessert cocktails to close out the evening. The Sugar Cookie is a nutty, chocolatey and just slightly savory goodnight kiss.

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ ounces vanilla vodka

½ ounce amaretto

½ ounce Baileys Irish Cream

2 ounces almond milk

Ice

DIRECTIONS

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all additional ingredients, and shake vigorously until wellchilled, about 15–20 seconds.

2. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

At just 50 seats, Sala (meaning “room” in both Spanish and Italian) exudes a Euro-chic vibe with clean lines and a soothing palette.

An L-shaped banquette hugs aquamarine walls to create intimate seating, and the windowed back door opens to a breezeway and the promise of culinary treats to come. A pair of blue and gold abstract paintings adds a

contemporary feel to the minimalist space. Sala also features a private room that seats 20 on the second floor. To come: an upstairs patio for additional seating. Miss Blanche would undoubtedly approve. SP

Sala is located at 715 Providence Road salaclt.com

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PASTRY PERFECTION

How Vicente Bakery & Bistro creates exquisite handmade pastries by Ebony L. Morman | photographs by Megan Easterday/Easterday Creative

Before Vicente Bakery & Bistro co-owners Sam Chappelle and Yerman Carrasquero signed a lease, the couple sat outside of their current storefront on South Boulevard and counted.

“Weekends, 50 to 100 people an hour, just on that side of the street,” Chappelle recalls. “Weekdays, less. A little less.” It was their way of determining if the location had potential — watching the rhythm of the block, foot by foot, head by head, hour by hour.

At the time, foot traffic felt like everything, and the logic seemed sound. But now, with more time and experience in Charlotte, that mindset has changed.

“I think maybe foot traffic doesn’t matter quite as much as I

thought,” Chappelle says. “Charlotte is a driving city.” The fact that people travel up to an hour to get their hands on the bakery’s buttery pastries proves just that.

Still, there’s something irreplaceable about being in South End, one of Charlotte’s most walkable neighborhoods, and near the bustling Rail Trail.

“If even just one in 10 people are going to give us a try, that’s enough,” Chappelle says.

After two-and-a-half years, that hypothesis has rung true, especially on weekends when Vicente sells nearly 1,000 croissants — its signature pastry — a day.

Top: Vicente Bistro co-owners Yerman Carrasquero and Sam Chappelle. Below: Vicente’s kouign-amann and other assorted pastries

NO CUTTING CORNERS

Back in 2023, the shop could barely produce 300 croissants daily. But adding staff, along with a new proofer and refrigeration area, changed all that, significantly boosting production. These days, they’re less likely to sell out before noon, despite the long lines. While that makes it a bit easier for more people to get the Vicente experience, Chappelle is keen on preserving quality without sacrificing the nuances of the process.

“We have to really carefully increase production, because we can’t just make more croissants,” he says. “Our croissants proof for eight to 10 hours overnight, so I have to know the day before what’s going to be ready for the next day.” It’s a lengthy process — about 36 hours — that includes mixing the base dough, laminat-

ing it with butter, chilling, shaping and baking it off.

Customers get to witness part of that process thanks to the bakery’s workshop aesthetic. Part of the partners’ original vision included showcasing how much hands-on effort is put into the product. They also wanted to shy away from a cutesy coffee-shop vibe, leaning more into an industrial feel for the 1,800-square-foot space.

The production-kitchen setup sometimes garners statements like, “Wow, you’re really cutting out the dough.” Chappelle’s response: “Yeah, it’s a real bakery.”

AN EARLY PASSION FOR BAKING

In bakeries where everything — including quiches, coffee cakes and empanadas — are made from scratch daily, things take time.

“If we rushed it, it wouldn’t taste right and the texture wouldn’t be as good,” Chappelle says. “The fermentation, which is another word for proofing, basically gives it the flavor that you really can’t duplicate in a prefabricated product.”

Creating complex pastries is a long way from one of Chappelle’s earliest food experiments. At 10, he wanted pancakes for dinner, and his parents, who weren’t fans of cooking, gave him the green light. Using a boxed mix, he let his imagination run wild.

“I remember putting Halloween candy in my pancakes, thinking that was the most amazing thing in the world,” he says. “Not very nutritious, and they looked really ugly, but that’s something I remember very fondly.”

After starting out as a statistician, Chappelle switched paths and attended the Culinary Institute of America in Napa, California. Later, he gained hands-on experience in Argentina, working at hotels and catering for embassies under a Swiss-trained chef known for precision and large-scale production. There, he learned how to prepare thousands of croissants, empanadas and other items for high-volume events.

INSPIRATION FROM ALL OVER

Chappelle describes the products at Vicente as artisanal, fresh and unique, with influences from all over — just like the owners. Carrasquero, who runs the front of the house, and Chappelle, who’s responsible for the kitchen, have roots in Venezuela, England, Boston and beyond, with a diverse team working behind the scenes.

Whether it’s their dulce de leche croissant (a nod to Carrasquero’s Venezuelan roots), the tomato harissa pastry (inspired by a friend from North Africa), or the coffee roll (a riff on a cinnamon roll that’s made with brioche dough and scraps of croissant dough), each item is layered with personal stories, cultural influences and a commitment to quality.

Then there’s the kouign-amann, a technically demanding pastry that originated in Brittany, France. It’s like a caramelized croissant, made with sugar laminated into the dough and more sugar on the outside, which forms a crunchy coating when baked.

“They’re pretty messy [to make] but delicious,” Chappelle says. “You can’t really find them almost anywhere, so people really seek them out.” SP

TALE OF THE PLATE

MEMORY, ART AND LOVE

Christa Csoka’s shrimp and grits by Asha Ellison | photographs by Justin Driscoll

At the Artisan’s Palate, near the corner of 36th Street and The Plaza, there’s a gallery with a rotating display of local art, a wall featuring domestic and international wines, and a hallway connecting the restaurant to a secret garden. This menagerie of concepts is what owner and executive chef Christa Csoka always wanted: a space where art and community come together, where she can tell meaningful stories about her life and her family, through food and drink.

MEMORIES FROM THE KITCHEN

A native New Yorker, Csoka grew up a proud “military brat.” At West Point, she watched in awe as her Hungarian father, an Army colonel and professor, and her Brooklyn-born Irish mother hosted servicemen and senators for weekly dinners in their home. Csoka was so captivated by cooking that her mother bought her a children’s cookbook when she was 6.

“It was all about cooking silly stuff,” Csoka recalls. “Like cutting a hot dog on the outside so it curls into a circle in the oven. I was obsessed with every recipe.” As she got older, Csoka began planning and preparing the family’s Sunday dinners.

FROM DISHWASHING TO FINE DINING

At 15, Csoka got her first job as a dishwasher at the West Point Club. A year later, she was head banquet waitress, serving digni-

taries including former President George H.W. Bush. She went to college and earned an English degree at Penn State, but she couldn’t escape the call of the kitchen.

“Cooking was the thing that always brought me back to myself,” she says. “At 30, I found myself at a pivotal point in my career. I had to ask myself, ‘Are you happy?’” In 2001, Csoka enrolled at the French Culinary Institute in New York, then worked in kitchens from New York to Chicago, where she trained under Michelin-starred chefs and followed the careers of the legendary French chefs who inspired her: Jacques Pépin, Jacques Torres, Daniel Boulud.

“It’s been 20 years since then, and the world is so different now,” she recalls. “I remember times when I was the only woman on the line — you had to be one of the boys back then.”

HELLO, CHARLOTTE

In 2004, Csoka moved to Charlotte to be with her parents as they approached retirement.

“I was barely making my rent in Chicago at the time,” she recalls. “My mom thought Charlotte might be good for me to come and learn, because Johnson & Wales (University) came to the city and the culinary landscape was shifting.” Instead of pursuing her dreams right away, she managed her father’s leadership-development business while catering on the side. “Every year, I’d tell him, ‘I need to

SHRIMP AND GRITS

Serves 6-8

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

½ pound andouille sausage, cut into small slices

1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

½ red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 cup white onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

½ cup unsalted butter

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup dry white wine

2 ½ cups seafood or chicken stock

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)

Salt and pepper (to taste)

Cheese grits (see recipe below)

DIRECTIONS

1. Place andouille sausage pieces in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat; fry sausage until browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove sausage from heat.

2. Saute onion, peppers and garlic in the sausage drippings with a tablespoon of olive oil until the onion is translucent, about 5-8 minutes. Stir sausage into cooked vegetables and mix to combine. Add wine, and reduce by half.

3. While cooking vegetables, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; stir in flour to make a smooth paste. Turn heat to low and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is medium brown in color, 10 to 20 minutes. Watch carefully as the mixture can burn easily.

4. Pour the butter-flour mixture into the Dutch oven with the sausage and vegetables. Place the Dutch oven over

medium heat and pour in the stock, cayenne and Worcestershire sauce, cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens. Simmer for about 20 minutes.

5. Just before serving, add the shrimp to the sauce and cook until they are pink and plump, about 3 to 4 minutes. Serve over cheese grits.

CHEESE GRITS

INGREDIENTS

2 cups milk

4 cups water

2 cups stone-ground white grits

¼ cup grass-fed butter

¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese

½ cup Parmesan cheese, and more to taste

½ cup heavy cream, plus more to make creamy if needed

½ cup butter for end (to taste)

Salt and white pepper (to taste)

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large pot, heat 1 cup of milk (save the rest for adding to grits after cheese) and water until boiling. Add the butter and grits and stir until the liquid boils again. Lower the heat to simmer, add the nutmeg, cover and continue cooking for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring often and adding water or milk if necessary.

2. Once cooked through, add the cheeses, salt and pepper and a little more milk, and continue stirring until fully incorporated (about 10 more minutes). Add heavy cream and more butter to taste and adjust seasoning.

do my own thing’ and he’d say, ‘Give me one more year.’”

But in 2019, Csoka’s father suffered a stroke that caused them to shutter the business. “I might have stayed with him forever if that hadn’t happened,” she says. “When it did, I knew I had to do what I was meant to do.”

WHERE FOOD MEETS ART

In July 2019, Csoka opened The Artisan’s Palate. Inspired by her sister, an artist, and her experience transforming the craft shop at West Point into a warm, inviting mecca for visitors, Csoka developed the restaurant as a community gathering space. She also wanted to share stories about her experiences and her family through the menu. The Firehouse Meatballs? Her Irish grandfather’s recipe from his time working in a Brooklyn firehouse alongside an Italian immigrant who showed him the way. The Shrimp and Grits? A redemption story of her own.

“I thought grits were awful, and I never wanted to see them again,” Csoka laughs, recalling her grandmother’s grits she had

been served as a child. “She would make them from a cardboard box, plop them down like oatmeal and add sugar and raisins.”

Years later, a trip to Charleston and a proper bowl of shrimp and grits changed her mind.

“When I tasted them, the skies opened up, the angels sang and there were beams shooting down,” she says. “It was my first real experience with Southern food.”

Today, Csoka’s grits are a far cry from the boxed version her grandmother used to make.

“The grits are cooked for 90 minutes with cheese, butter and chicken stock until they’re glossy,” she says. “They have to be stone-ground heirloom grits — it matters!”

As the scent of her roux deepens and the shrimp turn coral in the pan, she returns to the same simple truth she’s carried since childhood: food is memory, art and love, all served on a plate.

“And that’s what I want people to feel when they make my recipe,” she says. “I want them to feel the joy of discovering something amazing for the first time.” SP

MAKING MAGIC

Thomas Dambo’s installation of 7 giant trolls across North Carolina is the biggest in the United States.

by Ayn-Monique Klahre | photographs by Richard Israel

At the edge of the woods, the troll peeks out: a baby by the standards of her kind, but at over 12 feet tall, she’s a giant to most of us humans. In one hand, she’s holding onto her mother’s tail, which winds deep into the trees — all the way to the hidden spot where Mom sleeps with one eye open, attentive to her children. This baby troll’s siblings have gone further afield to play, and their father is foraging nearby.

These trolls are not alive, of course, but a multifigure sculpture called The Grandmother Tree from Danish artist Thomas Dambo. There are five of these trolls in Raleigh’s Dorothea Dix Park, one in the Southwest Mill District of High Point and another in Crescent Communities’ River District in Charlotte. Taken together, The Grandmother Tree is the largest permanent installation of Dambo’s trolls in the United States.

The idea to bring the trolls to North Carolina came when Dix Park Conservancy Art Task Force chair Marjorie Hodges and her husband, Carlton Midyette, visited the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Maine. There, they came across a Dambo troll installation called Guardians of the Seeds.

“We saw the trolls and it took us 30 seconds to say, we need

these for the park,” says Midyette. He worked with philanthropist Tom Gipson to lead a campaign to finance a project of that scale for Raleigh.

In Charlotte, developer Crescent Communities saw its troll, named Pete with the Big Feet, as a natural extension for its vision of the River District, a new 1,200-acre master-planned community in west Charlotte.

“Big Pete is more than just a striking public art piece,” says Rainer Ficken, senior managing director of the River District. “He’s an invitation for Charlotte and its visitors to engage with the land in a new way, to explore our public trails and to reflect on the impact each of us has on the environment.”

Part of what attracted Dambo to this project was the way his installations would be part of reinventing and reengaging with urban spaces. The 308-acre Dix Park, for example, was a longtime site of a state psychiatric hospital.

“It’s a land of reinvention and restoration,” says Kate Pearce, executive director of Dix Park for the City of Raleigh.

For each of his installations, Dambo crafts a narrative around the trolls that offers a sustainability lesson and a little mystery, too.

Pete with the Big Feet is a 65-footlong sculpture in the River District

In his telling, the North Carolina trolls are all protecting the Grandmother Tree, the oldest and wisest tree in the forest, who is hidden in another forest in the area, disguised as a regular tree. Pete, the Charlotte sculpture, is a teenager who has ventured away from home; he’s lying near a pond in the woods bordering Airline Bike Park. The sculpture is 65 feet long.

Each of the seven trolls wears a medallion around its neck that contains pieces of the same heritage tree. Taken together, they share the location of the Grandmother Tree. (We’ve been told it’s in Raleigh, but that’s as much of a hint as we got.) The medallions were made by Billy Keck and Melody Ray of Raleigh Reclaimed, a company that makes furniture using salvaged woods.

In part of the poem that tells this story, Dambo says:

But one species, all trolls, has learned to fear through evolution

Invasive, a pollution, you must never trust a human

A human seeks the oldest trees, to kill and cut them down and chop it up in tiny pieces, haul it, burn it in their town

And so the trolls have cast a spell, enchanted the grandmother tree

So no human can find her; now she looks like any other tree

But every time the moon is dark, the red wolves howl and bark

This is the sign that sparks the start, the trolls to search the park

Each of the trolls came together through a robust community effort. Dambo and his team of professional troll-makers designed

the creatures and built the frames, then used local volunteers to build the trolls on-site. In Charlotte, Crescent Communities solicited volunteers from their own staff, as well as nonprofit partners including Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Catawba Lands Conservancy, Sustain Charlotte and the Tarheel Trailblazers.

Dambo’s team also worked with local organizations to source the reclaimed materials to build the trolls. Crescent Communities used its own construction waste, as well as recycled material donations from D.H. Griffin and She Built This City. In Raleigh, Habitat Wake and its ReStores donated much of the material, as did Raleigh Reclaimed, which sourced rot-resistant woods like cedar, oak and locust for the project.

“We use materials that otherwise would go into landfills or the waste stream, so we had a built-in process for collecting these materials,” says Ray. “It just made sense to partner on the project.” Additionally, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel chipped in 17 tons of old bourbon barrels (most of which went into making Raleigh’s mama troll’s 620-foot tail), and Midyette donated the remains of a fallen-down barn and about a mile of old fencing he had on his property.

The goal with The Grandmother Tree is to draw visitors to these natural areas — and for these visitors to experience the same sense of magic and wonder as Dambo did going into the forest as a child, he says.

“It’s about bringing magic back into spaces,” says Pearce. SP

PAY A VISIT TO PETE: Charlotte’s troll is located in the Westrow mixed-use town center at the River District, bordering Airline Bike Park. Visit trollmap.com for more information on the artist and troll locations.

The sculpture’s foot is 10 feet tall

STRONG FOUNDATIONS. BRIGHT FUTURES.

Trinity Episcopal School - the only independent K-8 school in Charlotte's center city - nurtures curious minds and engaged citizens.Students are challenged to think critically and make a difference in the world.

Admission details and Open House dates at:

UP IN THE AIR

Caroline Calouche’s eponymous troupe celebrates 20 years of aerial dance and circus artistry. by

Michael J. Solender

Gastonia native Caroline Calouche wanted to be a dancer since childhood. At Texas Christian University — where she earned BFAs in ballet and modern dance — Calouche experienced her first aerial dance performance.

With her appetite whetted, she went to Europe, where she studied, performed and taught in Rome, Brussels and Austria. While completing a postgraduate program in choreography at the Salzburg Experimental Academy of Dance, Calouche encountered the magical mix of circus arts and narrative dance.

Upon returning to Charlotte, Calouche founded her eponymous troupe, Caroline Calouche & Co., in 2006. Since then, she has blended aerial dance, contemporary technique and creative energy into more than 100 original choreographic works. CC&Co. has

been an artistic resident with Blumenthal Arts since 2012 and has performed on stages across the Southeast.

In 2018, Calouche founded the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center, serving students across a range of experience levels. Her preprofessional program, LaunchPad, supports emerging artists with mentors, technical training and performance opportunities to prepare them for careers in the arts.

“Caroline is beyond passionate about her art form,” says CC&Co. board chair Blair Primis. “She’s committed to passing along the knowledge she’s gained and believes deeply in the impact arts organizations can have on their communities. That’s why she serves as a role model for so many young people, sharing her guidance, insight and mentorship with aspiring artists.”

Clara’s Trip

The 2025–26 season marks a milestone for CC&Co., as the company celebrates its 20th anniversary with special performances and a multicity tour of its holiday production, Clara’s Trip. In March, the troupe’s performance of Carmina Burana will feature a live orchestra and chorus with more than 100 performers.

SouthPark sat down with Calouche to talk about her company’s staying power, and what it takes to thrive as a community-based arts organization.

Responses are lightly edited for clarity and length.

Could you possibly envision 20 years of Caroline Calouche and Co. when you started your company?

When I began, I did foresee a lengthy career and a decades-long stretch for my company. My first show was named Risk. It was a contemporary dance show with three other performers and me. I named it Risk because this whole industry is just a series of big risks, one after another. But I was confident. When I officially started doing aerial dance after a couple of years into it, I added more risk to the equation. I’ve never looked back, and, to date, the company has worked with more than 250 artists in performance.

What do you wish you knew then that you know now?

More about the business side of operating a nonprofit organization. Like many artists, I want to make art, and my brain is focused more on that than on operations. I wasn’t afraid of learning, but I didn’t know what I didn’t know.

What does being a community-based arts organization mean to you?

Charlotte is so diverse in age, ethnicity and cultural backgrounds. I want to reflect that as much as I authentically can. It also means that people

PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL CHURCH

Caroline Calouche

relate to the work that they’re seeing — they see somebody on stage that looks like them, or they see a discipline that they’ve never seen before.

I believe in sharing knowledge with others in the community and lifting other artists up. In Charlotte, the arts may not get as much attention (financial support) as sports or other forms of entertainment, so I believe we need to find a way to reach people to have these shared connections and moments to build community. What are some artistic milestones your company has achieved over 20 years?

Carmina Burana in 2015 was a fantastic experience. It [involved collaborating] with artists who have different skill sets, more than contemporary and silks and trapeze. It’s been a piece of work that I’ve listened to since I was a teenager. I played it nonstop and choreographed in my living room. It’s been in my brain ever since.

During the pandemic, we did a live-stream production called Dance and Circus for All. We had a variety of disciplines, from hiphop to hip-hop dance to Cyr wheel, silks, rope apparatus and others. This came from a pivot off an ASC grant for a live performance, which I couldn’t do because of Covid. I figured out ways to work remotely with artists through Zoom videos and Zoom rehearsals.

Crossroads was our largest production and was supported by the Knight Foundation in 2017. It was a huge show that we put on at First Ward Park with 30 performers. It was an homage to Charlotte’s history and diversity and the crossroads of how Charlotte was founded.

To what do you attribute your staying power?

I have a lot of grit and determination. I’ve also had tremendous support through the years from my personal and artistic family, the arts community, and the many community partner relations I’ve enjoyed through the years. SP Clara’s Trip, a cirque-and-dance iteration of Nutcracker, runs Dec. 12–14 at Booth Playhouse. carolinecalouche.org

GIFT GUIDE

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The Beckworth, a new 240-room hotel, will open in the historic Johnson Building in uptown Charlotte. The hotel is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton and will feature four dining outlets led by Built on Hospitality, the team behind Goodyear House, Folia and others. The Beckworth is located at 212 S. Tryon St.; opening is slated for fall 2026.

eat + drink

MICHELIN MADNESS

The Queen City was buzzing over the news that Counter-, the immersive tasting-menu restaurant from Chef Sam Hart, earned a Michelin star in the inaugural Michelin Guide American South Awards. The westside restaurant also earned a green star for its sustainability initiatives. Eastside Vietnamese cafe Lang Van earned a Bib Gourmand, given to restaurants offering high-quality food at a great value. Other Charlotte-area restaurants recommended by Michelin: Customshop, Supperland, Restaurant Constance, Ever Andalo, Haberdish, Rada, Omakase by Prime Fish, Prime Fish, Little Mama’s, Kindred and Hello, Sailor.

CHRISTMAS CANTINA

La Buena Christmas Cantina, a Mexican-themed holiday bar, pops up Dec. 2–Jan. 4 at Hermanita (inside El Malo Tacos) in Plaza Midwood. Expect ’80s-themed holiday decor and festive cocktails like the Ponche Navideño — a traditional Christmas punch with rum, piloncillo, cinnamon, anise, fig, pear, hibiscus and sugarcane — along with bar snacks including house-made buñuelos. Hermanita is part of Chango Food Group, which also owns Mal Pan at Piedmont Town Center.

shop

Local womenswear boutique Winston’s opened at Phillips Place.  Mizzen+Main — the menswear brand behind the machine-washable “best damn dress shirt” — opened at SouthPark Mall. The 2,800-square-foot space is the brand’s first indoor location.  Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana also plans to open at SouthPark Mall. SP

The Beckworth

Hermanita

Counter-

December HAPPENINGS

For more can’t-miss cultural events, see our Winter Arts Preview on page 75.

EVENTS + ACTIVITIES

Holidays at the Garden through Dec. 27

Glowing lights, visits with Santa and an adults-only speakeasy are a few reasons to visit this annual holiday attraction at Stowe Conservancy in Belmont.

Ice skating at The Bowl through Jan. 4

The Amp Ballantyne debuts an ice rink just in time for the holidays. General admission is $20 and includes skate rentals; kids 5 and under are $12.

Charlotte Invitational

Dec. 4

For the second year, this tennis exhibition at Spectrum Center features a double-header, this time with Madison Keys vs. Venus

Williams and Frances Tiafoe vs. Taylor Fritz.

Fourth Ward Holiday Sip & Stroll

Dec. 4-6 | 5-9 p.m.

Stroll among the historic Victorian charmers, with sips and bites from neighborhood restaurants, in this annual holiday tradition.

Mark O’Connor’s An Appalachian Christmas featuring Maggie O’Connor

Dec. 5 | 8 p.m.

The Grammy Award-winning Americana, bluegrass, classical and jazz duo stops at Carolina Theatre to play songs from their new album, A Christmas Duet.

Winter Artisan Market

Dec. 6 | 2-7 p.m.

Shop from more than 50 local vendors at Anne Springs Close Greenway while enjoying live music and cozy firepits. Parking is $5 for members, $15 for nonmembers.

Camp North End, which also hosts its annual

Markets on Dec. 6, 13 and 20.

Charlotte Invitational

Ice skating at

Mistletoe

Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne

Dec. 14-28 (excluding Dec. 25)

View gingerbread creations while supporting Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital.

A Sainted Christmas Carol: Iced Scrooge

Dec. 20 | 7:30 p.m.

“America’s Got Talent” finalists Sainted Trap Choir performs a trap-soul take on the Dickens classic at Carolina Theatre.

New Year’s Eve Celebration with the Voltage Brothers

Dec. 31

Ring in 2026 at Middle C Jazz with the electrifying funk and R&B sounds of The Voltage Brothers. The seven-piece ensemble has performed at multiple Super Bowls, presidential inaugurations and the 1996 Olympics — and they’re still grooving.

MUSEUMS + GALLERIES

Snow Days: Winter Experience at Discovery Place ongoing

In this immersive family-friendly exhibit, Fourth Ward Holiday

walk underneath Northern Lights, learn about animals in winter, build a traditional igloo and admire snowflake photos.

The Wild South at Jerald Melberg Gallery through Jan. 3

Brian Rutenberg’s 10th solo exhibition at the gallery features his vibrant abstract landscapes, including small works on paper.

Hunt Slonem at Toshkova Fine Art through Jan. 5

Born in Maine and influenced by time spent in Hawaii and Nicaragua, Slonem’s neo-expressionist paintings featuring bunnies, butterflies and other flora and fauna are instantly recognizable. SP

Scan the QR code on your mobile device to stay updated on events at southparkmagazine.com.

The Wild South 5, by Brian Rutenberg. 2025

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Raleigh painter Pete Sack says he never set out to become a professional artist, but he’s been a successful one for nearly 30 years, nonetheless. His work is featured in several corporate collections, including Duke University Hospital; his résumé features dozens of prominent solo and group exhibitions; and he’s currently got a waiting list for commissions.

Known for paintings that feature finely nuanced portraiture through an abstracted lens, Sack often obstructs faces with shapes and colors, combining pencil drawings with watercolor and, finally, oil paint. Sometimes he layers two or three portraits of the same person on top of each other, with just enough expertly-wrought detail to recognize who it is.

His completely abstract paintings are no less contemplative. One such series, Thought Patterns, “was created with the premise that we begin every day as a new person,” he says. Depicted as layers of spheres and ovals of various hues, some are cool and moody, others

SECOND ACT

Raleigh artist Pete Sack takes a turn as community leader.

by Liza Roberts

buoyant, a few bright and jangled. The resulting paintings reflect the moods and thoughts of the days he made them.

“Each day we are reacting to fresh thoughts, actions and environments,” he says. Working with a limited palette and the self-imposed requirement that he complete each piece within a single day, Sack says the works are fully representative of a particular moment in time.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Sack’s path began in 1988 at Raleigh’s Visual Art Exchange, a nonprofit hub for nurturing, connecting and showcasing artists, after he earned his BFA at East Carolina University. “It was where you got your pieces on the wall,” he says. He spent nearly five years as an artist in residence at SAS Institute in Cary, where he made

The Discarded Masks (count as carry on baggage) Oil and watercolor on paper, 40 x 30, 2024

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as many as 150 works of art for the growing software company’s walls. These days, Sack’s got a downtown Raleigh studio and a dedicated roster of collectors.

None of it happened by sitting back and waiting for things to come to him. For years, Sack worked to create opportunities for himself, finding creative ways to get his art seen outside the gallery system. That included working with real-estate developers and interior designers, making art he could be proud of to suit them.

The spirit of those efforts expanded to the wider community in 2023 when he and three other established Raleigh artists, Jean Gray Mohs, Lamar Whidbee and Daniel Kelly, created The Grid Project, an art collective focused on mounting pop-up exhibitions for local artists. The collective has put on 10 shows in the last two years, exhibiting work by 25 artists. Those exhibits spawned the creation of what Sack and Mohs call the Boylan Arts District, an effort to connect the various arts and special-interest communities of that creative corner of Raleigh — music, poetry, cycling — and to get them cross-pollinating each other.

COMING FULL CIRCLE

The present moment is asking a lot of Sack, and a lot of his own deeply layered experience, calling on everything he’s learned over the last 27 years about what it means to be an artist in Raleigh.

@mosaic_summitforgirls, @growingourgirls | www.growingourgirls.com

Left to right: Brittany Pasut, Kristy Boyles, Kristin Mountcastle

Origins II, Acrylic on canvas, 48x36

Sack was tapped last spring to co-direct the VAE with Mohs. The two aim to revive the 45-year-old Raleigh institution, bringing it back to its roots as a resource for artists and a place for them to learn the practical business of being an artist, connect with other artists and show their work.

In October, under the VAE banner, the duo opened Echoes of Modernism, an exhibition examining how modernist architecture shapes our political, social and economic lives. Curated by artist Sam van Strein, it included work by international artists Amba Sayal-Bennett, Daniel Rich, Frances Lightbound and van Strein.

Meanwhile, Sack’s art has made its own demands. Last year, he had back-to-back shows for a monthslong stretch, and worried about “saturating” the market.

The demands of his work with VAE has given him time to “take a step back, to recalibrate” his art, and to think about where to take it next.

“My sketchbook is filling up, I am building up the reserves, and I’m excited to see where the work goes,” he says. “Toggling between the figurative and the abstract is still something that I’m pushing. At the end of the day, I’m always going to be an artist. I’m building up to something bigger.” SP

No Turning Back (it’s been taken care of), Oil and watercolor on paper, 40 x 30, 2024

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Designing With Purpose: IDS Charlotte Brings Creativity

and Compassion to the Community

Charlotte’s design community is thriving with creativity, connection, and purpose—and at the heart of it all is the Interior Design Society (IDS) Charlotte Chapter. More than just a network of talented designers, IDS Charlotte is a collective of professionals who believe that great design should not only enhance homes but also uplift lives.

As one of the largest design organizations in the country, IDS provides members with education, resources, and a community built on collaboration over competition. In Charlotte, that spirit shines through hands-on events, creative workshops, and mentorship opportunities that help designers connect, grow, and stay inspired.

Leading the way is a dynamic Board of Directors, including President Julie Peach of J Peach Interiors and Membership Chairs John Castano and Sharon Torrealba of Avid Painting & Home Remodeling, along with a talented team of local leaders passionate about supporting the next generation of designers.

This month, IDS Charlotte will showcase its spirit of generosity at the Enchanted Masquerade Charity Gala, cohosted with Dell Anno Charlotte. Guests will enjoy an evening of elegance featuring a silent auction, a curated dinner, and handcrafted cocktails—all supporting Hospitality House of Charlotte, a nonprofit that provides comfort and lodging for patients and caregivers during medical treatment.

It’s more than design—it’s a shared passion for making a difference. At IDS Charlotte, every collaboration, every event, and every beautifully designed space reflects a community committed to creativity, compassion, and connection. We hope to see you at the gala on December 10th!

IF WISHES WERE WHEELBARROWS

Then babies would ride

by Jim Dodson

Twenty years ago, as part of our move home to North Carolina from Maine, I gave my beloved Chevy truck to a local kid who thought Christmas had come early. “Old Blue,” as I called her, was getting on in years and prone to stalling out from time to time. But, oh, how I loved that truck. She gave our tribe many fine memories, including carrying me, my 7-year-old daughter, Maggie, and our dog, Amos, through a 6,000-mile camping-and-fly-fishing trip across the golden West that became the premise for a book.

Last Christmas, friends may recall, still pining for Old Blue, I jokingly wished that Santa would bring me a shiny new Chevy pickup truck. On one level, I’m glad my truck wish failed to come true. On another, everywhere I went the following year, I seemed to see fancy pickup trucks with old dudes like me behind the wheel, an unnaturally cruel sight for a fellow quietly suffering from years of truck lust.

So, I asked myself: What the heck does an old dude like me, who lives and gardens in a quiet suburban neighborhood, really need with a shiny new pickup truck?

The answer is nothing. Or pretty much nothing.

On the other hand, if Santa had indeed brought me the shiny, new pickup I’d wished for, this year I could have impressed my neighbors by hauling home the largest Christmas tree ever in the back of my truck, a Currier and Ives scene for the age of consumer excess.

Instead, as usual, we purchased a lovely little fir tree at the roadside lot where we’ve found the “perfect” holiday tree for many years and drove it home on the roof of my elderly Outback. It looked sensational with its tiny lights glowing from our den’s picture window on a deep December night.

Still, old wishes die hard.

During an afternoon trip to the grocery store the other day, just when I thought my truck lust was finally a thing of the past, a whitehaired fellow about my age parked beside me and climbed out of a beautiful, cobalt-blue Sierra Denali 1500. It was a real beauty, and for a crazy, covetous moment, I wished I had one just like it.

“How do you like your rig?” I cordially asked.

He beamed. “It’s absolutely fantastic. Gave it to myself when I retired last year. One of the new self-driving models with four-wheel drive and a crew cab that’s perfect for hauling our four grandkids around town.” He added it had all the latest high-technology toys plus real leather seats and a super sound system.

“Feel free to take a seat in it, if you’d like,” he graciously offered.

I thanked him but declined the offer and wished him happy grandkid-hauling, then went on my way, realizing that I hadn’t quite gotten my yen for a shiny new pickup truck completely out of my system.

Fortunately, my next stop at Lowe’s brought me back to earth. As I

loaded 10 bags of mulch and a hundred pounds of organic garden soil into my trusty old Outback “garden car,” I spotted something by the store’s front doors I truly wanted and needed more than a fancy new pickup truck: A row of shiny new wheelbarrows.

The act of making wishes is as old as the invention of the wheel. In ancient European folklore, wishing wells were places where any spoken wish — often accompanied by a coin tossed into the water — was thought to be magically granted. The ritual itself was a means of connecting with the divine and requesting blessings or favors. Wishing wells, in fact, exist in the lore of almost every world culture and still have a place in modern society, often found in spiritual and historic gardens, and even used in contemporary fundraising campaigns. And don’t forget, as Jiminy Cricket pointed out, when you wish upon a star, your dreams may come true.

In the modern context, however, the word “wish” simply means “a desire or hope for something to happen,” which makes me hear my late papa’s voice on the subject.

He was something of an armchair philosopher. One of his favorite expressions was “Whatever is worth wishing for, son, is worth working for.” Probably because I was such a wishful kid, I heard this pithy bit of wisdom dozens of times while growing up.

As a lover of adventure books, for example, I wished and dreamed to someday be another Rudyard Kipling or Edgar Rice Burroughs,

maybe even Jules Verne. Later, my literary wish grew into being the next T. H. White or Ernest Hemingway. On another front, because I was a kid who was happiest outside, in a garden or on a golf course, I wished to someday be either a forest ranger or someone who built beautiful gardens for a living, maybe even a golf-course designer.

None of these wishes came true.

Or did they? Fueled by such youthful desires, I grew up to become a newspaper reporter like my father and found that I was even more drawn to stories about real people, history, nature, poets and things that make dreamers wish for a better world. Along the way, I’ve also built five landscape gardens and even designed a golf course.

In short, I’ve lived long enough to know the old man was right — that if we wish for anything, including a better world, we all must work to make it happen.

So, whether by starlight or ancient wishing well, this Christmas I’m wishing for a couple of very special things: more goodwill and kindness to each other in our troubled human family, and a safe and happy delivery for my daughter’s baby girl, due on Christmas Eve.

As a new grandpa, I can’t wait to tool my first grandchild around in my shiny new wheelbarrow. SP

Jim Dodson is a writer in Greensboro. His newest book, The Road That Made America: A Modern Pilgrim’s Journey on the Great Wagon Road, is available wherever books are sold.

HAPPY ENDINGS, NEW BEGINNINGS

Our 18 picks for the merriest ways to ring out the old, and ring in the new by Page Leggett

Ancient Roman philosopher Seneca the Younger is said to have written (or chiseled into stone): “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” (And here you’d been thinking that wisdom originated with Semisonic’s 1998 hit, “Closing Time.”)

Each December offers a chance to tie up loose ends. And each January offers a clean slate. (How many diets have I started on Jan. 1? The same number I’ve broken on Jan. 2.)

And February packs a lot into 28 days. There’s love and romance (Feb. 14), Mardi Gras (Feb. 17) and a good excuse to rewatch a classic Bill Murray film, Groundhog Day (Feb. 2).

We have some thoughts on ways to close 2025 — and kick off 2026 — on a high note. You’re surely aware of holiday hits like Handel’s Messiah (Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Dec. 5-7), Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker (Dec. 5-21) and Theatre Charlotte’s

A Christmas Carol (Dec. 5-14). Many are part of our holiday traditions, and they’re likely part of yours, too. We’re reserving this list for events you may not know about.

Of course, our recommendations involve music, art and cinema. And not a single mention of a gym membership.

December 2025

A Motown Christmas presented by Blumenthal Arts at Knight Theater, Dec. 1

A supergroup assembled from past and present members of some of Motown’s most legendary bands, including The Temptations, The Miracles and The Contours, will perform holiday favorites

Sarah Brightman

WINTER ARTS PREVIEW

Left: Pink Suitcase with Pendant and Sunglasses, by Andrew Leventis.

Right: Picturesque Waterfront Views, by Holly Keogh.

and some of their own greatest hits. Expect the inimitable Motown choreography, costumes and irresistible harmonies you’ll want to sing along to. Tickets available through carolinatix.org.

Andrew Leventis and Holly Keogh: Proposal for a Story at SOCO Gallery, through Dec. 31

Both artists share connections to Charlotte and London, and both have exhibited locally (at SOCO and The Mint) as well as internationally. Leventis earned an MFA from Goldsmiths, University of London, before returning to his native Charlotte. Keogh also grew up in North Carolina and graduated from UNC Charlotte before moving to London to earn her MFA at Goldsmiths. Both artists are realists. His still lifes of perishables like food and flowers represent the fleeting nature of life. Her abstracted, kaleidoscopic paintings address themes of femininity, belonging, desire and Jungian psychology. socogallery.com

The Spark That Drives Us, Waterworks Visual Arts Center, Salisbury, through Feb. 28, 2026

Described as a “high-octane art exhibition,” this show elevates the automobile to an art form. Works by five world-class automotive

artists glorify, according to the gallery, “the curve of a fender, the gleam of chrome, the roar of a straightaway … the stories tucked into every set of wheels.” Le Mans champion-turned-painter Stefan Johansson’s canvases capture the adrenaline of racing. Michael Furman’s photography highlights the sculptural appeal of automotive design. And Richard Pietruska’s sleek sculptures celebrate the automobile’s form. waterworks.org

Jazz Greats: Classic Photos from the Bank of America Collection at The Harvey B. Gantt Center for AfricanAmerican Arts + Culture, through April 26, 2026

This tribute to three generations of jazz legends — including Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane and Louis Armstrong — and their lasting cultural impact features 33 iconic black-and-white photographs shot by 15 renowned photographers. Nearly all are gelatin silver prints made from negative film, known for a depth and clarity digital photography rarely matches. ganttcenter.org

JOY! Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte at Galilee Center, Dec. 4–6

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte’s signature holiday celebration is a seasonal mashup of the sacred and profane. Where else will you find hymns and high camp on the same program? Morten Lauridsen’s “O Magnum Mysterium,” “That Christmas Morning Feelin’” (from the Will Ferrell movie, Spirited) and Dan Forrest’s arrangement for men’s voices of “Angels We Have Heard on High” are all in the mix. gmcharlotte.org

Jazz Room Holiday Show: Preservation Hall Legacy All-Stars, presented by JazzArts Charlotte, Dec. 5–6

The Preservation Hall Legacy All-Stars bring a taste of New Orleans to the Queen City. Soulful carols, swing tunes

Renaissance, Romanticism, and Rebellion: European Art from the Smith-Naifeh Collection is generously presented by the Mint Museum Auxiliary with supporting sponsorship by The Hartford and First Horizon Bank. Individual support is kindly provided by Laura and Mike Grace. The Mint Museum is supported,

by the City of Charlotte and the North Carolina Arts Council. IMAGE: Max Clarenbach (German, 1880–1952). Winter Day in the Erftauen (detail), oil on canvas. The Smith-Naifeh Collection.

and traditional jazz all come together in this festive holiday celebration at Booth Playhouse. Jazz Arts co-founders Lonnie and Ocie Davis hail from New Orleans, where Ocie played with the world-famous Marsalis family. So, this annual event feels like Old Home Week. thejazzarts.org

Holiday Jazz featuring Joe Grandsen at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Dec. 5 (shows at 6 and 8:15 p.m.)

Joe Grandsen may have been born in the wrong era. The 54-year-old was barely out of high school when he began touring as a sideman — not with rock bands popular with his peers — but with the big bands of Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller. The trumpeter and vocalist gives off Sinatra vibes, and his shows often include selections from Ol’ Blue Eyes’ songbook. His holiday show has become a Bechtler tradition; and he’ll again join the Ziad Jazz Quartet for a festive evening that’ll put you in the holiday spirit — and take you back to the Big Band era. (If you miss Gransden at the Bechtler, you can catch his “Little Big Band Holiday Show” at the Cain Center in Cornelius on Dec. 13.) bechtler.org

Sarah Brightman: A Winter Symphony at Ovens Auditorium, Dec. 10

The world’s best-selling soprano — known for originating the role of Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera on both West End and Broadway stages — has a vocal range of over three octaves. She’s lent her famous voice to such prestigious events as the Concert for Diana, the Kennedy Center Honors and the 1992 Barcelona and 2008 Beijing Olympics. Her annual holiday tour is a grand spectacle, with an orchestra, choir, guest artists, elaborate staging and plenty of costume changes. Expect to hear holiday standards and a few show tunes. ticketmaster.com.

Robert Earl Keen presents “The Greatest Christmas on Earth” at Carolina Theatre, Dec. 12

Fortunately for his fan base, which is as big as his native Texas,

WINTER ARTS PREVIEW

Keen’s 2022 retirement didn’t take. The holiday season finds him touring again — and fans know that, for REK, “the road goes on forever, and the party never ends.” Every Keen show is a party — raucous, irreverent, funny and festive — and you can count on hearing “Merry Christmas from the Family.” With a career spanning more than three decades, Keen is as great a showman as he is a songwriter. thecarolina.com

D.L. Hughley at The Comedy Zone, Dec. 12–14

He’s starred on the big and small screens (“The Hughleys,” The Original Kings of Comedy, Scary Movie 3), hosted the BET Awards and his own talk show, written multiple books, hosted talk shows, and been a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars.” Not bad for a former gang member who grew up in south central L.A. He was expelled from high school but went on to earn his GED, which he worked into a stand-up comedy album. In his stand-up act, Hughley dishes on entertainment, pop culture, what’s trending in social media and the latest news. He should have plenty to say about today’s headlines. cltcomedyzone.com

Christmas with the Drifters at Cain Center for the Arts, Dec. 18–19

The Drifters would make a great subject for a Broadway jukebox musical or biopic. Since the group’s founding in 1953, no fewer than 60 people have served as lead singer. Fights and firings, breakups and reunions — the group has had as much infighting as Oasis and as many personnel changes as Genesis. But it’s all peace and goodwill for their holiday show. The group — a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — is famous for its iconic version of “White Christmas.” cainarts.org

Dillon Fence: 35 years of Rosemary at Neighborhood Theatre, Dec. 18

It’s been 35 years since the jangle-pop quartet from Chapel Hill led by Greg Humphreys released their debut full-length LP, Rosemary. Soon after, the group became one of the biggest regional

Dillon Fence, from left: Scott Carle, Chris Goode, Greg Humphreys & Kent Alphin

Jason Isbell

draws on the college circuit in that era. They broke up in 1995 but reunite occasionally — much to the delight of their now-middleaged fans who love feeling like they’re back in college — if only for a night. Humphreys, Kent Alphin, Chris Goode and Scott Carle return to North Carolina this month to celebrate the milestone anniversary. As the song goes, they’ve got “Something for You.” Cravin’ Melon opens. neighborhoodtheatre.com

January 2026

An Evening with Jason Isbell at Ovens Auditorium, Jan. 16

He’s one of the best musicians to come out of Muscle Shoals — and that’s saying something since Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones and Bob Seger have all recorded in the legendary Alabama studio. But the Grammy winner is leaving his band, the 400 Unit, back home and heading out on a solo tour. It’s a rare chance to hear Isbell, who blends cerebral and poetic songwriting with rock, folk, soul and Americana, with just his powerful voice and his guitar. ticketmaster.com.

TUSK: The Classic Tribute to Fleetwood Mac at Gambrell Center at Queens University of Charlotte, Jan. 24

Sure, there are plenty of Fleetwood Mac tribute bands — Twisted Gypsy, Fleetwood Macrame, Charlotte’s own Tell Me Lies. But this band claims to play “note-for-note renditions” of the band’s

timeless hits (“Don’t Stop,” “Second Hand News,” “Little Lies” and on and on). They’ve been at it for 17 years, and some of TUSK’s members have known each other since childhood, which contributes to their on-stage chemistry. gambrellcenter.org

The 2026 Charlotte Jewish Film Festival, Jan. 24–Feb. 22

Now in its 22nd year, the CJFF consistently delivers high-caliber feature films and documentaries you’d never see otherwise. The festival opens at the Carolina Theatre with Swedishkayt: YidLife Crisis in Stockholm. YidLife Crisis (Canadian comedy duo Eli Batalion and Jamie Elman) head to Sweden to unearth a treasure trove of Jewish culture in the unlikeliest place. Billed as a “gefilte fish out of water” comedy, the movie celebrates the surprising ways language and cultural identity continue to evolve. The duo will perform live following the screening. Another highlight: the North Carolina premiere of An Officer and a Spy on Jan. 31 at the Independent Picture House. The film, directed by Roman Polanski and starring Academy Award-winning actor Jean Dujardin, won the Grand Jury prize at the 2019 Venice Film Festival. View the complete schedule and purchase tickets at charlottejcc.org.

February

2026

The Flick presented by Theatre Charlotte, Feb. 12–20

If you love movies and/or movies about movies (Cinema Paradiso, The Player), you’re likely to love a play about the power of the cin-

Preservation Hall

ematic art form. Especially one that garnered the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Playwright Annie Baker, who won an Obie for The Flick in 2013, went on to write and direct the 2023 critical darling arthouse film, Janet Planet. In Flick, three employees at a once-grand movie house become friends while debating films, sweeping up popcorn and cleaning spilled soda. Some have criticized the play’s three-hour length — but not the New York Times, whose critics named it the third-greatest American play of the past 25 years. theatrecharlotte.org

Hair presented by Queen City Concerts at Booth Playhouse, Feb. 27–28

Couldn’t we all use some peace and love right now? (Not to mention sex, drugs and rock and roll.) The Tony- and Grammy-winning musical Hair celebrates the 1960s in all their groovy glory. The iconic production premiered off-Broadway in 1967; it’s since been reprised twice and made into a movie starring Treat Williams as the charismatic leader of a tribe of hippies. Luminaries such as Melba Moore, Ben Vereen, Keith Carradine and Meatloaf appeared in its first Broadway run. We’re eager to see QC Concerts’ take — especially the jubilant “I Got Life” scene. Learn more at qcconcerts.com; tickets at carolinatix.com.

Primary Trust presented by Three Bone Theatre, Feb. 6–22

In Eboni Booth’s 90-minute play, Kenneth — a lonely, Black bookstore employee in upstate New York, avoids facing reality by hanging out most nights in a Tiki bar with a drinking buddy he may be imagining. When he’s laid off, he must confront a painful past and uncertain future he’s long avoided. The winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Drama is more hopeful than the premise would make it seem. Booth has said her play is really about the human need for connection: “We need each other … to be able to let people in is crucial.” threebonetheatre.com. SP

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Merry Moments

Holiday at the farm: Get back to nature and savor cherished moments in a peaceful, pastoral setting

styling and production: Whitley Adkins

photographs: Olly Yung

hair and makeup: Jami Svay

set stylist: Brooke Werhane

model: Olivia Pires

styling and set assistant: Sydney Gallagher

photography assistant: Damien Cain

greenery: Grey Joyner Interiors on location at Adkins Nature Retreat , Fort Mill, South Carolina

The Great western shirt, $395, and The Great Nordic scholar cardigan, $395, both from Poole Shop; Ganni skirt, $490, Thirty-One Jane; Kristin Hayes belt buckle, $650; Justin hat, set stylist’s own

Christmas wrapping paper and ribbon, Paper Twist; Stainless-steel spade, $74.99, Gardens on Green

Ralph Lauren blazer, $698, wool pant, $398, and plaid scarf, $110, all from Ralph Lauren Phillips Place; Vintage Ralph Lauren shirt, $27, East 8th Vintage; boots, model’s own

Twisted polished dome ring, $1,175, and scroll pin, $1,870, both from Bailey’s Fine Jewelry

Watering can, $57.25, aged scallop planter, $48.75, and custom topiary, $125, all from Gardens on Green; antique terra cotta planter from Brooke Werhane Interiors

La Vie Style House maxi duster, $850, La Vie Style House Phillips Place; Arch4 Whistler sweater, $845, Showroom; trousers, suspenders and boots, model’s own; vintage hat, stylist’s own

Twisted polished dome ring, $1,175, horizontal fluted polished ring, $1,450, Ippolita bangle bracelet in sterling silver, $395, Ippolita bangle in 18K yellow gold, $1,695, all from Bailey’s Fine Jewelry

Antique basket, $65, East 8th Vintage

The Peach Stand in Fort Mill, South Carolina, opened in 1980 and sells local produce and gourmet foods, with a butcher shop, restaurant and deli, bakery, and ice-cream parlor.

Aje Thea gown, $1,099, Showroom; Hunter Bell Eloise blouse, $425, Thirty-One Jane; Justin hat, set stylist’s own

Twisted polished dome ring, $1,175, Bailey’s Fine Jewelry; Imagine earrings, $250, Kristin Hayes Jewelry

On table, above: Surya and the Moon rose quartz necklace, $18,000; ruby flower pin, $3,490, oval link chain necklace, $17,350,14K yellow gold tubogas flex bracelet, $6,925, 14K yellow gold polished mesh stretch bracelet, $9,050, Ippolita branch bangle in silver $395, Ippolita hammered bangles, $1,695 and $1,895, St. Christopher pendant necklace, $2,395, all from Bailey’s Fine Jewelry

Opposite page: Surya and the Moon Prosperity necklace, $500, emerald earrings, $4,800, and pearl extensions $3,400; ruby flower pin, $3,490, horizontal fluted polished ring $1,450, Luna pearl lux caviar ring, $1,150, twisted polished dome ring, $1,175, all from Bailey’s Fine Jewelry; Sabel Collection yellow gold octagon link necklace, $3,495, Roberto Coin Venetian medallion large pendant, $8,140, twotone David Yurman chain necklace, $5,800, all from Fink’s Jewelers

Voliere Muschio dinner plate, $168, Provence wood platter with iron handles, $400, Holly table napkins, set of 4/$150, white flower Santa, $365, Les Ottomans goblet, $75, all from Elizabeth Bruns;

midcentury brass deer, set of 2/$285,1960s 22K gold Iris double old-fashioned barware, $96, vintage abalone inlaid silver tray with pair of vessels, $110, all from Cruzana Collection at Slate Interiors; vintage plates from East 8th Vintage

Charcuterie from Gourmand Market; assorted pastries from The Peach Stand, Fort Mill, South Carolina Veronica Beard dress, $498, Veronica Beard Phillips Place; Avant-Garde black velvet coat, $275, East 8th Vintage; The Adkins earrings, $400, and Bird collar, $250, both Kristin Hayes Jewelry; Primaura sterling silver cuffs, $395 and $475, Thirty-One Jane

Right: Ralph Lauren tweed jacket, $698, denim blouse, $168, and jeans, $248, all from Ralph Lauren Phillips Place; boots, model’s own

Opposite page: Scroll pin, $1,870, ruby flower pin, $3,490, love knot stud earrings, $1,050, horizontal fluted polished ring, $1,450, Luna pearl lux caviar ring, $1,150, twisted polished dome ring, $1,175, silver bell ornament, $30, silver cup, $72, silverplate jewelry box, $75, all from Bailey’s Fine Jewelry; Roberto Coin jasmine green tourmaline and diamond flower necklace $21,730, Roberto Coin jasmine green tourmaline and diamond flower ring, $18,690, Sabel Collection yellow gold octagon link necklace, $3,495, Roberto Coin Venetian medallion large pendant, $8,140, all from Fink’s Jewelers

Jardins de Florence tea cup, $85, and saucer, $60, Matignon green dessert plate, $370, Autumn Woods printed napkin, set of 4/$108, and large acrylic tray, $395, all from Elizabeth Bruns; Supriya pillow, $265, and Matouk Lanza silver throw, $495, both from Bedside Manor SP

Left: Sea New York Joan dress, $425, and Sea New York cape, $295, both from Showroom

14K yellow gold tubogas flex bracelet, $6,925, and 14K yellow gold polished mesh stretch bracelet, $9,050, both from Bailey’s Fine Jewelry; Roberto Coin jasmine green tourmaline and diamond flower ring, $18,690, Fink’s Jewelers

Original artwork in vintage frame, $965, and vintage Marbro table lamp, $785, both from Cruzana Collection at Slate Interiors; vintage silk lamp shade, East 8th Vintage

CONTEMPORARY

The use of natural wood was a priority for homeowners Tim and Mandy Hicks. A teak root-ball coffee table and carved-wood console add warmth in the great room. Designer Lynn Blackwell also added grandmillennial touches like stacked antique creel baskets used as a side table.

“Ahome should surround you with things you love. Developing a favorites list is the perfect launch point,” advises Fort Mill, South Carolina, interior designer Lynn Blackwell of Lynn Blackwell Design.

Blackwell’s revitalized Hicks family home in Matthews reflects just that alchemy of passions from homeowners Tim and Mandy. “Their wish list? A mix of natural, rustic woods; shades of purple; a moody, masculine feel; and traditional elements, too,” she says.

By contrast, their starting point was the opposite — a newish home with large, open spaces, straight lines, cool tones, light floors and walls, and silver metal accents.

“Even though the house was only two years old, we wanted the design to feel timeless and collected,” says Mandy Hicks. “With two teen boys and a dog, we are an active family, and happiest in nature. We also love travel, especially the Caribbean, and Lynn incorporated all of this.”

Blackwell started by adding layers of color, texture and pattern, embracing a rich, yet serene palette accented with black and charcoal grays to ground each space.

“Next came warm, medium-toned woods for case goods and hues of green and purple in textiles and art,” the designer says. “Because using natural

COMFORT

Grandmillennial meets modern in this Matthews family home.

Andrea Nordstrom Caughey | photographs by Dustin Peck

wood was such a priority, we incorporated it into nearly every room,” from a burl-wood chest in the foyer to a live-edge coffee table in the basement.

For added texture, Lynn also added pieces with caning in the foyer and dining room, natural materials for lighting, and other woods with a heavier grain.

“Texture in fabrics was essential, too — aged velvets for the great room sofa, dining room and primary bedroom chairs; nubby linen for the living room sofa; distressed leather on the great room and basement chairs; pebbled vinyl (for

Burl-wood counter stools and seagrass pendants add warmth and texture in the kitchen.

Opposite page: The living room has become a favorite spot for the family to relax by the fire and for puzzles and games.

easy care) on kitchen counter stools, breakfast room chairs and the basement dining area banquette,” she says.

After discovering that Mandy craved “grandmillenial” touches, Blackwell paired these with modern elements. A few vintage standouts: antique transferware platters on the dining room wall, chinoiserie umbrella stand in the foyer, vintage pottery and books on shelves and tabletops, a vintage rattan floor urn full of antique canes in pretty woods, stacked antique creel baskets for a side table in the great room. “Abstract art happily melds with antique landscapes, botanicals and black-and-white sketches.”

Entertaining large groups was also essential. “We wanted cozy spaces for four, but also for the interiors to function for groups of 100, too,” Mandy says.

“While we use all of the rooms more than I expected, the most surprising has been the living room. We really wanted to make sure it was more than just a sitting room — an elevated space that was beautiful but also welcoming to our teen boys and their friends.” The space is filled with books, collected items, a cozy fireplace, and a game table for puzzles or mahjong. “It really has become a favorite spot for our family.”

It also echoes Mandy’s quest for durability and livability above all else. “My design mantra has always been ‘wipeable!’ Nothing can be off limits to family, pets and friends. Fabrics and textures must stand up to the way we live.” SP

Below: A charcoal oak bed adds texture in the primary bedroom, accented with shades of purple.

KNEAD TO LEAD

A nationally acclaimed documentary spotlights Charlotte baker, change agent and nonprofit founder Manolo Betancur.

by Michael J. Solender | photographs by Richard Israel

Birthday cake isn’t usually recognized as a tool against chronic homelessness and the indignity of life on the streets. Yet more than 10 years ago, Manolo Betancur, owner of Manolo’s Bakery, Artisen Gelato and Higher Grounds by Manolo, saw it differently.

He learned that Raise You Up Ministries, a local nonprofit serving Charlotte’s unhoused, held birthday celebrations but didn’t provide cake.

“That they recognized people’s birthdays was so human,” Betancur recalls. “When I found out there was no cake, I invited them to the bakery to choose one. I expected a small cake for their twice-monthly celebrations — when they asked for a sheet cake to serve 100, I was shocked by how many of our neighbors were in this situation.”

Weeks after donating the first birthday cake, a Raise You Up staff member told him his cake had saved a life.

“I thought, ‘What are you talking about? I just supplied a cake.’” She explained that one man, upon receiving a slice, broke down sobbing. It was his first birthday cake — and earlier that day he had planned to take his life.

“It was the cake,” she told Betancur, “that showed him someone cared.”

OVERCOMING HURDLES

Hundreds of cakes later, Betancur’s actions illustrate the values he lives by: service to others and building community. Though he doesn’t seek the spotlight, the impact of his work with Charlotte’s homeless and immigrant communities has earned him international attention.

“Everyone can use their voice.

Even a baker can foster change and unite people.”

A strong and vocal advocate for streamlining immigration processes, Betancur pushes for making the path to U.S. citizenship less cumbersome for those with a legal right to live here. He knows firsthand the hurdles — language, culture, bureaucracy — that immigrants face.

Three decades ago, Betancur came to the U.S. from Colombia and worked hard to overcome barriers, only to face deportation after missing a court appointment he hadn’t even known about. A forgiving judge who saw promise in him provided relief, allowing Betancur to stay and eventually become a citizen.

“I feel a responsibility to show the good things immigrants bring to this country,” Betancur says. “To show we love and suffer and care about this nation and are so grateful to be here. Our children are the future of this country. So much about our immigration system is difficult to navigate. Communication, technology, resources and documentation should be enhanced for those with the legal right to be here. I want to help make the system easier and more humane.”

THE CHANGEBAKER

In a climate of fear and misinformation, Betancur is often sought out by community members for advice and resource referrals.

“I feel a responsibility to show the good things immigrants bring to this country,” Betancur says.

Recently, his work caught the attention of documentary filmmaker Courtney Dixon. Moved by his story, she created The Changebaker, a short film that debuted in May at the Mountainfilm documentary festival in Telluride, Colorado. The film won the prestigious Moving Mountains Award, given to films highlighting impact and change. The award includes grants for both the filmmaker and a designated nonprofit.

Dixon points to Betancur’s ability to connect with his community and give voice to the voiceless as her inspiration.

“The message of the film is that anyone can stand up and make a difference,” she says. “Watching Manolo and his grassroots advocacy is really inspiring. Everyone can use their voice. Even a baker can foster change and unite people.”

The Changebaker profiles Betancur’s humble upbringing in Colombia, his service in the country’s Naval Special Forces and his personal immigration journey. Dixon first learned of him after he received the World Bread Award Hero USA in 2021 for his humanitarian efforts, which

donates cakes for birthday celebrations at Raise You Up, a nonprofit supporting Charlotte’s unhoused population.

include supporting community initiatives locally and traveling to Ukraine to aid bakers in Bucha during the ongoing conflict.

Since Telluride, the film has been shown at festivals across the U.S., winning the Audience Award for best short documentary and a Director’s Choice Award for cinematography at the Woods Hole Film Festival in Massachusetts. The film also appeared at the New York Latino Film Festival, the 2025 Immigration Film Fest in Washington, D.C., and the Port Townsend Film Festival in Washington.

COMING TO A THEATER NEAR YOU

Charlotte audiences will get to see The Changebaker when the film makes its local debut at the Carolina Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 17. The screening is part of a celebration of immigrant and community leaders hosted by the Foundation For The Carolinas.

Tracy Russ, senior vice president, strategy and impact with the Robinson Center for Civic Leadership at FFTC, has collaborated extensively with Betancur on community issues.

“Manolo’s work as a business and community leader is wellknown and respected throughout Charlotte and the Foundation,” Russ says. “As a former Beyond Open CLT grant recipient (a small business grant program sponsored by FFTC), Manolo subsequently joined our advisory council and hosts application workshops right inside his bakery. His perspective and leadership with the Latino community and Charlotte’s eastside residents is invaluable in connecting our programming to a broader audience.”

When Russ learned about The Changebaker, he felt bringing the film to the Carolina Theatre was a natural fit for its Charlotte premiere. (FFTC led restoration efforts at the uptown venue.)

“To show we love and suffer and care about this nation and are so grateful to be here.”

“The Carolina Theatre long served as a community hub,” Russ says. “There is so much more to Manolo’s Bakery than the ovens and pastries. The bakery is very much a central gathering place for the community and place for social exchange. Showcasing the film at the Carolina Theatre is a perfect place to build on those connections.”

MADE BY IMMIGRANT HANDS

Together with his wife, in 2024 Betancur established the nonprofit We Care 4 (branded as By Immigrant Hands) with the mission of making immigrant contributions in communities visible.

“Our goal is to support and honor the work and community contributions of immigrants, tell our stories and make clear our positive impact,” says Betancur.

When asked about his advocacy and how others can help their neighbors, Betancur offers a well-rehearsed response.

“There are three things I want people to know,” he says. “First, children represent the future for all of us and should be given every opportunity to learn and succeed. Second, we can all support our neighbors by shopping at small, immigrant-owned businesses — it makes a difference. And finally, take the risk of showing love to those who may look different or who you don’t know. There is so much love in this community — we need to get to know each other better to discover it.” SP

SEE THE MOVIE: The Changebaker, a 16-minute short documentary film hosted by Foundation For The Carolinas, will be shown Saturday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. at Carolina Theatre. The evening includes dance and musical performances and a discussion with Betancur and film director Courtney Dixon.

Betancur

FULL CIRCLE

Jonathan Justice comes home to Charlotte — and the art world he’s always loved.

by Ross Howell Jr. | photographs by Richard Israel

This past January, Jonathan Justice was named chief strategy officer at Atelier 4, a fine-art logistics company that was founded 36 years ago in New York by Jonathan Schwartz. Over the years, the company — which stores, transports and installs fine art — has grown, adding facilities in Los Angeles, Miami, and more recently, Charlotte.

Joining A4 was a full-circle moment for Justice, a Queen City native.

“By the time I was 10 years old,” Justice says, “I could walk by memory through the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.”

Courtesy of his father.

“I can remember a time or two when he and I kicked a ball or threw a ball or shot baskets together, but that’s not what we did,” Justice explains, though in school he played both football and lacrosse.

“What we did was go to museums,” he says.

His father had been raised by a single mother in Whiteville, a small town in southeastern North Carolina, amid difficult circumstances.

“They had to rely on the church for assistance,” Justice says. When his father left for college, he majored in English and art history. After graduating, he became a teacher, choosing English as a discipline since there were more positions available.

“But art history was his thing,” Justice says.

So every vacation, the Justice family drove to New York or Washington, D.C., visiting museums. As a teen, Justice believes he must’ve gone through the National Gallery of Art at least seven times.

“I grew up thinking that was normal,” he adds with a smile.

CAROLINA TO NEW YORK

Jonathan grew up in Fort Mill, South Carolina, and attended Charlotte Country Day School — his father was

a teacher there, able to take advantage of the full tuition remission policy the school offered for the children of faculty and staff.

Country Day is known for a robust visual-arts program. In addition to college-prep courses, Justice took art-appreciation classes and even signed up for an AP art history course his junior year.

“That wasn’t really something a lot of kids did at the time,” Justice says. “But I loved it.”

After graduation, Justice entered UNC Chapel Hill as a Morehead Scholar. Like his father, he focused on English, creative writing and art history, studying with author and musician Bland Simpson, poet James Seay and the inimitable Doris Betts. He would’ve pursued a degree in art history, except the program required courses in 2D and 3D studio art.

“I knew that the world did not need to see any of my studio art,” Justice confesses.

While he spent most of his academic time in Greenlaw Hall in the writing program, he spent even more time at Hanes Art Center, where he worked as a docent.

“That was my favorite building,” Justice recalls.

After graduating, he embarked on the career path his father had followed, landing a job teaching English and history at West Mecklenburg High School. That’s where he met a young woman from Clemmons — fellow Carolina alum and English teacher, Amy Amazon. His second year of teaching, they were wed.

“We’ve since regretted not hyphenating our names, because Amazon-Justice would’ve been the greatest hyphenated name ever,” Justice laughs.

When he heard about a position at Sotheby’s in New York City, Justice decided to make a career change.

“I promised Amy we’d just stay in New York for a couple of years,” Justice says. “But you know, you get on that hamster wheel.”

For Justice, Sotheby’s job was an avenue into the art

world, but his responsibilities lay primarily in business strategy and development, where he employed his writing skills — not his knowledge of art history.

“So, there I was, with this new career, in this new town and a new marriage,” Justice continues, “and I have this kind of back and forth going between the art world and the business world.”

And that pendulum seemed to swing farther from the world of art and closer to the world of private banking and wealth management.

After seven years at Sotheby’s, Justice was recruited by private-investment firm Sanford C. Bernstein (now AllianceBernstein), an iconic Manhattan firm.

“I made the change into banking to provide a different path for my family,” Justice says. “We had a 9-month-old, you know?” Still, he had the nagging feeling that he had “sold out.”

A NEW COURSE

Justice followed the investment path for 18 years — through the global financial crisis of 2008, through big bank mergers and acquisitions and the vagaries of the boutique-bank and wealth-management world. By any standard, Justice had a successful career in New York. He had a nice home in New Jersey, a daughter who was a freshman in college and a son who was a sophomore in high school.

And back in Fort Mill he had a father — the man who had opened his imagination to the art world — who needed him.

“My mom was pretty far along in dementia, and my dad had no one to help,” Justice says. Amy had been ready to return to Carolina from the time Justice first assured her that they would be in New York for only a short while.

“Within the space of a weekend, we made the decision to sell our house and move to Charlotte,” Justice continues. While his daughter was sad to move away from the New Jersey home where she’d grown up, the transition wasn’t so difficult. For his son, however, who was losing all his friends, it was very painful.

“So I called up the admissions director at Country Day, who’d worked with my dad,” Justice says. “And I asked her, ‘Do you have a spot for my son?’”

“And she answered, ‘Well, we have a spot for your Dad’s grandson.’”

Justice muses for a moment and nods.

So, a new course was set. Justice hung his shingle as an investment consultant and began working with clients. Then one day, he had a phone conversation with Schwartz, A4’s CEO.

Schwartz and Justice knew each other from New York, where Justice sometimes recommended Schwartz’s company to wealthy clients with art collections.

Schwartz thought Justice should meet with a wealth manager he knew in Charlotte because he believed the two would make an excellent team.

“So we met,” Justice says. Midway through their conversation, the wealth manager sensed that Justice was not keen about continuing in banking and had an abiding interest in art. She suggested that he talk with Schwartz about joining Atelier 4.

“I remember asking when I made that call, ‘Are you talking

about me coming in-house?’ And Schwartz says, ‘I don’t know, am I? Do you want to?’” Justice laughs.

“We took a couple months to tiptoe into it,” he adds. “I started as a consultant.”

Now Justice serves on the management team of one of the premier art logistics companies in the world. A4 provides logistical, door-to-door support for museums, galleries, auction houses and collectors nationally and internationally. Because of the company’s knowledge and experience in the art world, A4 also consults with private individuals, commercial investment firms, and trusts and estates on art acquisitions and transfers.

As chief strategy officer, Justice is responsible for enhancing A4’s competitive and financial advantages and scaling out operations as opportunities present themselves. On a more mundane — but no less significant — level, Justice recently helped his parents downsize into a townhome near his house — and used A4 to move their art.

The best part of the story?

“My son recently started his senior year at Country Day,” Justice says. “That night, when we all sat down to family dinner, he said, ‘Today was the best first day of classes ever.’” SP

MORE THAN JUST A CONVERSATION

PARTNER FIRST, PRODUCER SECOND

Evrybdy Studios knows how to tell a story, and they want to tell yours. Robbie Shaw, Founder and CEO of the studio and creator of podcast “Champagne Problems,” realized he had a passion and love for the art of conversation. He wanted the conversations he was having around mental health, adversity, and perseverance to be accessible beyond the scope of a one on one interaction. The answer? Going digital. He founded Evrybdy Studios with a team of “audio/video creators and marketing experts” who are excitingly ahead of the game when it comes to utilizing authentic conversation to establish trust, thought leadership, and brand awareness.

THE FUTURE OF BRANDING

Robbie and the team create full-service podcast solutions for businesses ranging from brand strategy to production and distribution. With today’s shift towards digital-first marketing solutions, Evrybdy Studios hasn’t just jumped on the bandwagon, they’ve started to drive it. In just two years, they’ve curated content from world-class experts, brand sponsorships and renowned guests, and have garnered more than 400k downloads across their client podcasts.

STANDING OUT AND MAKING ROOM

In a world where podcasts and audio/visual services seem saturated, Evrybdy Studios stands out by serving B2B and B2C organizations, helping them reach their target audience. “It’s not about popularity, it’s about getting information, thought leadership, and brand awareness to the exact people you’re trying to reach,” says Robbie about the intention and purpose behind podcasting. They carefully and masterfully create unique packages for each client considering business needs, making room for your stories and sharing your conversations with everybody.

RESORT REDUX

A Georgia retreat ushers in a new era, with help from interior designer Charlotte Lucas, a celebrated Southern chef and amenities galore. by Cathy Martin

The story of Barnsley is reminiscent of a Hollywood movie or smash Netflix series: charming cottages that seem straight out of a fairytale, the ruins of a stately 19th-century manor, a family squabble with a tragic ending.

But today, there’s little drama on deck for guests of the Georgia foothills resort, where days are filled with horseback riding, pickleball or a round on the Faziodesigned golf course — or simply lounging by one of Barnsley’s two resort-style pools.

Jules green circle chicken Barnsley one-bedroom suite living room

Jules cocktail lounge at Barnsley Resort

Resort owners South Street Partners (other holdings include Kiawah Island Club and Palmetto Bluff) are bringing Barnsley to a new level of luxury, revamping the culinary program and introducing amenities like an 18-hole putting course and Beretta clayshooting experience. One of the most notable enhancements is a $6.2 million remodel of Barnsley’s 39 quaint cottages by interior designer Charlotte Lucas, completed in late 2024.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF BARNSLEY

Today, several staff members with longtime family ties to Barnsley serve as de facto historians, proudly recounting the property’s storied history. Like many great homes, the Italianate mansion formerly known as Woodlands started with a love story: Godfrey Barnsley left Liverpool, England, in 1824 and arrived in Savannah, Georgia, where he met and later married socialite Julia Scarborough. When Julia fell ill with consumption, Barnsley, a shipping magnate, acquired land in the north Georgia foothills where Julia could convalesce and the couple would raise the couple’s eight children.

Sadly, Julia died before the home was complete, but their youngest daughter, also named Julia, spent most of her life there and eventually inherited the estate. Tragedy struck twice after the turn of the century, when a tornado severely damaged the home and family dispute over money had fatal consequences. The property was converted to a cattle and poultry farm in the 1950s before falling into further disrepair, and in 1988, a Bavarian prince bought it and began restorations. The resort opened in 1999.

COTTAGE CHARM

In the resort’s picturesque cottages, encompassing 85 of Barnsley’s 140 rooms and suites, Lucas’ design is layered and traditional, creating a home-away-from-home feel that’s luxurious and cozy.

Plaids, florals and a vintage-inspired color palette evoke a timeless feel. Bold accents like a deep-hued woodland wallpaper, black-and-white bathroom tiles, and a medley of patterns and textures add dimension and a touch of playfulness. Around every corner: thoughtful details, from rattan sconces flanking a window seat to bar shelves backed with a nostalgic vine-striped wallpaper.

With wide-plank flooring, painted wainscoting and molding, clawfoot tubs, and woodburning fireplaces, the cottages — ranging from studios to seven bedrooms — feel like they’ve been here for ages. Porches with rockers and lattice trim feel distinctly Southern, while a central courtyard sprinkled with firepits invites guests to linger, play lawn games or cozy up with a nightcap.

PHOTOGRAPHS

BY HEIDI HARRIS (JULES)

A ‘JULE ’ OF A RESTAURANT

Restaurants and old houses are always an alluring combination, and Jules, Barnsley’s signature restaurant in a circa-1854 farmhouse, delivers with just the right mix of classic and modern interiors with a diverse menu by acclaimed Atlanta chef Shaun Doty. There’s an intimate cocktail lounge and a bright, window-lined dining room with an oversized stone fireplace. The restaurant buzzes as servers in preppy Brackish bow ties (in a signature Barnsley pattern) dart to and fro.

Doty’s menu blends Southern, Japanese and European techniques and ingredients, centered around the use of a Josper charcoal grill. Named for Godfrey Barnsley’s daughter Julia, Jules is both relaxed and refined, with signature dishes like Doty’s Music Paper Bread — a crispy flatbread topped with lettuces, chanterelles and aged Mimolette cheese — and his Heirloom Pork Schnitzel, which is breaded, pounded thin and topped with peanuts, parsley-and-onion salad, and cheese from the nearby Sweet Grass Dairy. Bulldogs — little chocolaty bonbons similar to buckeyes — are a sweet end note to the meal.

While Jules is the star, Barnsley’s other dining options, overseen by executive chef Marc Suennemann, don’t disappoint. Completed in late 2024, the Biergarten is an open-air pavilion with a stacked-stone fireplace, an L-shaped sycamore bar, and a menu of pretzels, brats and barbecue (don’t miss the smoked brisket reuben and the homemade apple streudel). And for breakfast, lunch or dinner overlooking the golf course, there’s Woodlands, where the seasonal menu leans Southern with dishes like pimento-cheese beignets, seared lump crab cakes and pecan pie.

ROOM TO ROAM

Take a morning or evening stroll around Barnsley’s 30 acres of gardens, which were inspired by American landscape designer Andrew Jackson Downing. The symmetrical parterre has boxwoods that are more than 150 years old and a massive, 170-year-old China fir that’s believed to be the oldest in the state. A short walk from the formal gardens, the meditation garden is a peaceful pocket surrounded by towering bamboo.

For more active pursuits, there are hiking and biking trails across Barnsley’s 3,000 acres and six new pickleball courts — or try your hand at archery and axe-throwing. Go horseback riding along wooded trails, trotting past the Osage orange trees that dot the property and the Godfrey family cemetery — you might even catch a glimpse of some of the resident deer. Kids will love petting the goats and miniature horses, too.

There’s a spa, an adults-only pool with private cabanas, and a new family-friendly, zero-entry pool with a lazy river. Another recent upgrade: The Beretta Shooting Grounds, with a fivestand for groups, two 15-station clays courses, a Helice field and seasonal UTV tours.

For a storybook ending to your weekend getaway, find an open seat by the fire and enjoy a taste of Barnsley’s own singlebarrel Woodford Reserve bourbon — infused with smoked pecans — while the kids make s’mores, and memories. SP

GETTING THERE: Barnsley Resort in Adairsville, Georgia, is about 60 miles northwest of Atlanta, or about a 5-hour drive from Charlotte. Bring the pup: Some suites and cottages at Barnsley are pet-friendly, with a 2-dog maximum and no weight restrictions. barnsleyresort.com

Christmas at Barnsley brings family-friendly activities such as elf storytelling time, gingerbread house-making and breakfast with Santa, along with holiday dinners and cooking classes.

INN THE MOOD FOR ADVENTURE

The European-styled Lilly Valley Inn offers a cozy launchpad for trails, trout fishing and tranquility.

by Michael J. Solender

As I approach the final turn onto River Ridge Drive leading into Pearisburg, Virginia’s Lilly Valley Inn, the scene coming into view is so dramatic that I pull the car over and get out, camera in hand. I’m determined to capture the perfect photo of the New River unspooling through the plunging, field- and forest-lined valley to reveal the natural amphitheater nearly 2,000 feet below me.

I should have waited.

Ten minutes later, with a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc in hand, I find the overlook from the inn’s wraparound porch — jutting out from the back of the bed-and-breakfast, high atop the river bluff — even more captivating. It turns out, the wow-inducing view is matched by the gracious hospitality and personal attention offered by the inn’s owner, Lilly Kneuer, a classically French-trained chef, and her husband Michael.

My wife and I are here, a scant three-hour drive north from Charlotte, on a no-agenda, spontaneous weekend getaway. Lured by the promise of outdoor exploration — hiking along the fabled Appalachian Trail, exploring the horticultural gardens at nearby Virginia Tech, fly-fishing for trout and bass in the icy New River, or cycling through the hilly Virginia Piedmont — we’re sold on the elegant yet unfussy accommodations. Easy access off Interstate 77, genuine warmth and hospitality, and gourmet three-course breakfasts make the inn a perfect launchpad for our weekend escape.

A LOVE FOR ENTERTAINING

Kneuer acquired the property in early 2023 and reopened the inn that spring after renovations. Seven distinctive rooms offer direct access to the back porch. Other shared amenities include two great rooms — one for dining and lounging, another for entertainment. There’s also an adjacent two-bedroom cottage and plenty of shaded outdoor space to enjoy the morning sunrise and deer-spotting all day long.

Her three-course breakfasts ensure a regal start to the day. Starters might include a fresh fruit cocktail with strawberries and bananas or a cinnamon-infused poached pear, followed by a fresh-from-the-oven pastry filled with lemon-mascarpone cream. One morning we enjoyed a main course of oven-baked eggs with olive tapenade, and another day we had mini frittatas served with arugula salad.

Though she’s never operated a B&B before, Kneuer has plenty of hospitality chops from her years as a chef and culinary instructor. Her kitchen experience includes training at the Culinary Institute of America, tutelage in Lyon, France under acclaimed chef Paul Bocuse, and extensive work with food journalist and instructor Patricia Wells.

That she chose to operate a high-touch B&B over a restaurant speaks to Kneuer’s hospitality ethos and joy in connecting with others.

“I love to entertain,” Kneuer says. “I grew up in a European family, and we loved to have gatherings. That was our thing. Every Sunday, every special occasion, every holiday, we always got together. Hosting others comes naturally. I love connecting with our guests, meeting new people, and caring for them in a way that makes their stay special.”

CULINARY DELIGHTS

Guests find that connection through Kneuer’s kitchen.

For guests eager to sharpen their own culinary skills, Lilly Valley Inn offers chef-led, handson cooking classes. Held in the late afternoon, the classes culminate in a custom three-course dinner.

In our case, this meant a fresh tomato-basil tart appetizer, panseared cod over creamy polenta with a fresh corn and leek coulis, and a boozy bananas Foster for dessert. Chef Kneuer helped us select the perfect wine to accompany our meal, and engaging with the other guests at dinner was a highlight of our visit.

EXPLORE OR CHILL

No-agenda escapes allow the mood of the moment to dictate the day’s activities.

At Lilly Valley Inn, possible excursions include exploring the nearby Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation, golf at the Pete Dye-designed River Course in Radford, or checking in with New River Adventures, a local outfitter arranging tubing, kayaking or canoeing on the river.

Hiking in the area is a big draw. There’s an aggressive 1,500-foot elevation rise on the Angel’s Rest Trail that connects to portions of the AT. We opted for a less onerous (though equally scenic) trek along the Cascades National Recreational Trail in Jefferson National Forest. Our reward for the 4-mile, half-day loop in the woods: a spectacular view of the 66-foot Cascades waterfall, one of the largest in Virginia. Retail therapy awaited us after lunch at Sugar and Flour, a homey, handcrafted bakery and coffee bar in downtown Pearisburg. We stopped by Rustic Roots Olive Oils — the shop in downtown Blacksburg is an extension of Lilly Valley Inn and features specialty olive oils from Portugal, Spain and South Africa; unique vinegars; and French spice blends and salts curated by Chef Kneuer.

Back at the inn, the porch, my unread novel and a glass of chardonnay were calling — the best choices I made all weekend. SP

GETTING THERE: Lilly Valley Inn in Pearisburg, Virginia, is about a three-hour drive from Charlotte. lillyvalleyinn.com

Make an Even Greater Impact

Giving back is important to you — especially during the season of giving.

Wherever your charitable passions and priorities lie, you can make an even greater impact by giving through Foundation For The Carolinas.

Your generosity is amplified by our grantmaking experience, investment expertise and deep knowledge of local needs and nonprofits. We make it easy for you to make more good possible — for the causes you value and the community you call home.

This holiday season, SouthPark Magazine recognizes the nonprofits that work tirelessly to improve the lives of so many in the Charlotte region.

In the following pages, you’ll find a range of organizations making meaningful change right here in our community. As you consider yearend charitable donations, keep these important nonprofits in mind. We invite you to share their stories, attend their events, volunteer your time or make a financial contribution if you are able. Your generosity and awareness can help make a difference.

The SouthPark Guide to Giving is made possible by sponsors from our local business community.

JazzArts Charlotte

Jazz lives here

In 2025, JazzArts Charlotte celebrated its 15th anniversary, marking a year of extraordinary impact and artistic achievement in the community. Our flagship JAZZ ROOM concert series continued to set the standard for live jazz in the region, featuring world-class artists who've earned Grammy Awards, NEA Jazz Master honors and Guggenheim Fellowships. This year’s lineup brought acclaimed musicians offering audiences unforgettable performances and immersive educational experiences. The impact of JazzArts extends far beyond the concert venue. Our youth education programs, known as the JazzArts Academy, reached record enrollment, with over 380 students of all backgrounds participating in pre-school programs, middle and high school summer camps and weekly youth ensembles and workshops.

Our initiatives have nurtured the next generation of jazz talent, with alumni who have gone on to build impactful careers both locally and internationally. These young musicians have performed at iconic venues like the historic Carnegie Hall and The Blue Note in New York City, earned Grammy awards and nominations. Their albums have garnered critical praise from NPR and DownBeat magazine and have been performed around the world — this is a testament to the quality and depth of our educational offerings.

JazzArts Charlotte’s commitment to accessibility continues to build a legacy that inspires future generations. With the support of dedicated Staff and Board members, artists, volunteers, donors and community partners, we are proud to create meaningful connections and transformative experiences throughout Charlotte and beyond — ensuring that the story of jazz thrives for years to come.

Donations are vital to our ability to provide scholarships, expand access to music education and bring world-class performances to Charlotte. Our greatest needs include sustaining our youth programs, supporting talented and dedicated students regardless of financial background and ensuring our concerts remain accessible to all.

To get involved, we invite you to make a gift, volunteer or attend our events — every contribution helps us inspire, educate and connect our community through the transformative power of jazz. Visit https://www.thejazzarts.org to learn more and join our mission. ♡

Baby Bundles

Clothing newborns with love

Since 2010, Baby Bundles has been dedicated to ensuring every child in the Charlotte area has a positive, loving start in life. Together with 18 community partners, we provide essential baby items to families experiencing financial hardship. Our mission is to walk alongside parents during this pivotal moment, offering both practical support and the message that their community cares deeply about them and their new baby.

There are 40+ essential items in each bundle, including onesies, pajamas, outfits, bibs, burp cloths, blankets, books and toys, but each bundle offers more than material support; it gives families hope, dignity and confidence during one of life’s most critical transitions. In 2025, we are on track to distribute 4,000 bundles. Yet, the need remains significant: nearly 6,600 babies are born annually in Mecklenburg County to families living in need. Our goal is to expand our reach and ensure every newborn has access to the essentials that foster healthy development and family stability.

Every donation makes a difference. With more resources, our partners could serve even more families. We also rely on volunteers – more than 3,000 each year – to assemble bundles, host book drives, organize blanket-making events and collect new baby items. Every contribution of time, funds or goods plays a vital role in supporting local families as they welcome their newborns into the world.

www.babybundlesnc.org

P.O.

vbirch@babybundles.org

Cakeable

We create opportunities

Cakeable is transforming how our community includes and values adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We exist to empower those with disabilities through meaningful work opportunities. To date, we’ve graduated 54 interns, with 36 actively placed in meaningful jobs across the community, including with Compass Group, Delta Sky Lounge, Carmel Baptist Church, Chicken Salad Chick, Sweetwater Cafe and more.

By 2026, we aim to expand our inclusive employment model to new partner sites across Charlotte, creating even more pathways to purpose. Donations directly fund training, job coaching and paid work opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our greatest needs are sustaining internship wages, expanding our cafe operations and developing new partner job sites. Individuals can get involved by donating, purchasing our products or becoming an employment partner to help create inclusive workplaces across Charlotte. We envision joyfully inclusive communities where every person has the opportunity to express their abilities and purpose!

“As the parents of post high school graduate with special needs, we know first-hand how few opportunities exist for our daughter for community, social development, workskill development and employment. Cakeable has taught our daughter that she is significant, that she is part of something greater than herself and that she is ABLE.”

– Cakeable parents

www.wearecakeable.org

401 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202

hello@wearecakeable.org

The Independent Picture House

Charlotte’s arthouse cinema

The Independent Picture House (IPH), operated by The Charlotte Film Society, creates communal experiences through cinema to inspire and celebrate what connects us as humans. IPH is the only nonprofit arthouse cinema in Charlotte, NC and is committed to offering diverse experiences to educate, engage and enable the community through the power of film.

Since opening in 2022, IPH has hosted hundreds of screenings and over 50 post-film talkbacks in 2025, featuring filmmakers, scholars and community leaders discussing topics from mental health to social justice. Through Indie on Wheels and the Community Impact Film Series (CIFS), IPH brings film to neighborhoods and connects audiences with local experts. In 2026, CIFS will expand to eight annual events, alongside new educational collaborations and a debut LED screen to enhance learning and accessibility.

Donations to IPH directly support access, education and community connection through film. Contributions keep tickets affordable, fund free programs and student memberships and enhance accessibility initiatives like access to assistive listening devices, ASL interpretation and inclusive programming.

Our greatest needs include sustaining our community-focused programs with sponsorship support, funding educational partnerships and investing in new technology. There are many ways to get involved: become a member, donate, sponsor an event, attend a screening or volunteer. Every contribution of time, talent or treasure helps! ♡

www.independentpicturehouse.org

4237 Raleigh St., Suite 4, Charlotte, NC 28213

claire@iphclt.org

Lift Up Carolinas

Lift Up Carolinas is a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families living in the greater Charlotte area through community-based philanthropic programs. Through direct volunteer work and our six philanthropic programs, we provide essential resources like clothing, food, educational support and mentoring.

From our volunteer-run thrift store to our school-based initiatives and outreach efforts, everything we do is powered by compassion, collaboration and a commitment to lifting up those who need it most. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community — one act of kindness at a time.

Last year, Gear Up Carolinas directly supported 20,279 children, removing critical barriers to learning by providing essential resources like new uniforms, outerwear, shoes, school supplies and educational experiences ensuring every student was ready to succeed. In addition to these efforts, we assisted 13,286 individuals with food, supported 330 teens through Teen Court and awarded an impressive $95,400 in college scholarships.

Lift Up Carolinas thrives because of generous individuals like you. Whether you shop at our thrift shop, donate money, new or gently used goods or give your time as a member volunteer, your involvement directly fuels programs that uplift children and families across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community. ♡

www.liftupcarolinas.org 5426 Old Pineville Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217

704.525.5228

info@lucarolinas.org

Thank you for supporting, investing and volunteering to improve our community. That’s why U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management is proud to support Lift Up Carolinas and its contribution to the greater good. Together, we can make a long-lasting impact worth celebrating.

That’s the power of us.

Jeffrey D Schroeder Senior Vice President

Private Wealth Advisor

704-408-7427 direct | jeff.schroeder@usbank.com

SouthPark | 4525 Sharon Road Ste 200 | Charlotte, NC 28211 usbank.com/privatewealth

Allegro Foundation

A champion for children with disabilities

Allegro Foundation combines movement instruction with educational and medical expertise, creating new techniques to teach children living with disabilities and enhance their quality of life.

For more than 34 years, Allegro has taught over 11,000 of North and South Carolina’s underserved children living with disabilities and children at risk, providing medical, social and emotional benefits. The nonprofit conducts free weekly movement education classes for children with disabilities at many Charlotte-Mecklenburg and York County schools, teaching vital academic and social skills, while also strengthening bodies. This school year, it celebrates an exciting milestone, offering the most programs in its history.

Allegro’s greatest need is monetary donations. Every gift supports Allegro’s movement education programs for children living with disabilities. Currently, there are over 17,000 children living with disabilities in these districts, yet Allegro can only serve 800 at its current funding level.

Charlotte native and Allegro’s founder Pat Farmer welcomes visitors to witness firsthand the important work Allegro is doing in the Charlotte region. Your support has the power to change the lives of hundreds of children living with disabilities in our community. Join Allegro in being a champion and making a difference. ♡

pfallegro@aol.com

Homeowners Impact Fund

Homeowners Impact Fund is composed of individuals, companies and homeowners engaged in the Charlotte real estate market who are dedicated to giving back to our community by recognizing and addressing the urgent needs of the homeless population in Charlotte. The real estate industry has experienced vibrancy nationwide for numerous years. As beneficiaries of this success, we aspire to pay it forward and extend assistance to those beyond the reach of our regular services.

In Charlotte, numerous admirable charities are already addressing the diverse needs of our homeless neighbors. We actively identify when these charities have immediate requirements and contribute the necessary resources to fulfill them through Impact Giving. Pooling our donations creates a more substantial impact compared to individual contributions. This collective giving approach enables us to address urgent needs promptly.

Since the origin of the Homeowners Impact Fund in 2020, we’ve raised over $800,000 to help fight homelessness in the Charlotte region. Our goal is to reach $1 million in donations by the end of 2025.

If you’d like to get involved, please make a donation to HIF by using the QR code, or consider donating your time by volunteering at any of these amazing local organizations: Charlotte Family Housing, Roof Above, Safe Alliance, Samaritans House and/or The Harvest Center. With your help, we can all make a difference in the lives of our homeless neighbors. ♡

www.homeownersimpactfund.org

P.O. Box 12531, Charlotte, NC, 28209 info@homeownersimpactfund.org

Smiles for Life Foundation

The Crown Council is an international alliance of dentists united by a shared commitment to exceptional dentistry, compassionate patient care and meaningful community service. Through this mission, the Smiles for Life Foundation was born — a charitable initiative dedicated to improving the lives of children in need. Since its founding in 1998, Smiles for Life has raised nearly $40 million, helping provide underprivileged children around the world with essential resources such as nutrition, dental supplies, clean water, medical care and more.

Each year, from March to June, The Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry takes part in the Smiles for Life Whitening Campaign. When you purchase a teeth whitening service, whether that be through professional whitening in our office or by purchasing a whitening gel kit to use at home, you’re helping brighten a child’s future as well. Instead of paying the dental office when you receive your service, you’ll make your payment directly to the Smiles for Life Foundation. Your donation is then divided to make the greatest possible local and global impact: 50% supports the foundation’s worldwide initiatives, and 50% benefits our local charity partner.

Your smile truly has the power to reach far beyond the mirror. Together, we can make a meaningful difference — one smile at a time. ♡

HopeWay

The premier path to mental wellness

One in four people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, and the need for quality care continues to rise. HopeWay is an accredited nonprofit mental health treatment organization providing voluntary residential treatment for adults, day treatment programs for teens and adults and outpatient services for all ages. We offer specialized services for Veterans, First Responders, teens and young adults struggling with eating disorders or disordered eating behaviors.

Every day, HopeWay provides evidence-based treatment that saves lives and renews hope. Last year, more than 1,000 people from Charlotte and across the country received care thanks to donor and community support. Your donations support our ability to provide premier, evidence-based care, financial assistance to help clients access this care and community education to help spread awareness and reduce stigma about mental health.

Through outreach, education and partnerships, we are working to create a community where mental health is prioritized and understood. HopeWay is committed to breaking down barriers to care and sparking open conversations about mental wellness. Every gift, large or small, helps transform lives by ensuring access to compassionate, comprehensive treatment and allowing individuals and families to rediscover hope. ♡

www.hopeway.org

1717 Sharon Road W, Charlotte, NC 28210

980.859.2106

development@hopeway.org

Carolina Breast Friends

Until there’s a cure, there’s care.

Carolina Breast Friends provides a positive environment where breast cancer survivors and thrivers can access resources, education and fellowship at any stage of their journey.

When Kristy Adams-Ebel was diagnosed with breast cancer at 32, she needed the support of fellow survivors — a community that could empower each other with shared knowledge and advocacy. In 2003, she established Carolina Breast Friends, meeting with survivors anywhere they could find space. In 2011, five years after Kristy lost her battle with breast cancer, her vision for a gathering place became a reality with The Pink House on East Morehead Street.

In 2024, Carolina Breast Friends will provide more than 500 new survivors and thrivers with services and support programs, such as wellness sessions and mentoring. Its Pink House provides wigs, head coverings, bras and prostheses, along with chemo comfort care products. Additionally, resources to support individuals affected by breast cancer are offered through day retreats, caregivers’ programs and a video library.

Donations allow Carolina Breast Friends to offer its services free of charge. Its greatest need is for additional funding to expand its outreach to those in underserved communities. Your gift helps ensure no one faces breast cancer alone. ♡

Nourish Up

Lifting our community through food

Two long-standing nonprofits with a rich history of fighting hunger in Charlotte, Loaves & Fishes and Friendship Trays, joined forces with a new name, Nourish Up. Lifting our community through food, Nourish Up provides groceries to neighbors in need in Charlotte through the largest network of food pantries in North Carolina and as the primary Meals on Wheels program in Mecklenburg County.

In 2023, Nourish Up fed more than 137,000 people — enough to fill Bank of America Stadium nearly two times. The numbers are even greater in 2024, increasing by approximately 40%. To meet the growing demand, Nourish Up moved into its new Hunger Hub in April, offering an on-site client-choice pantry with more fresh food storage. In 2025, the last component of the Hunger Hub, a Meals on Wheels kitchen, will enable the team to prepare its own meals using fresh fruits and vegetables and ingredients from the warehouse.

Please consider donations of food, money or time to Nourish Up. A priority list of foods is available on the website, and volunteers are needed every day to pack, sort, and deliver groceries and meals. Help nourish our neighbors in need. ♡

carolinabreastfriends.org 1607 East Morehead

cbf@carolinabreastfriends.org

nourishup.org PO Box 680791, Charlotte, NC 28216 704.523.4333

contact@nourishup.org

swirl

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

My Breast Friend’s Wedding

benefiting Go Jen Go

Hyatt Centric Charlotte SouthPark Oct. 23

In its third year, this annual event raised more than $128,000 to support The Go Jen Go Foundation and the local breast-cancer community. For the wedding-style celebration, 300 women dressed in bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses and wedding-inspired attire enjoyed cake, hors d’oeuvres, Champagne, dancing, prizes and more. Longtime Go Jen Go supporter Molly Grantham emceed.

photographs by Carolina Flow Photography

Shawna Dye Culik, Michelle Boudin, Danielle Schulz

Emcee Molly Grantham, left, with a Go Jen Go grantee

Furnished

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

benefiting Furnish For Good Union At Station West Oct. 16

This year’s gala featured a live vignette build and a testimonial from Triassa Dubose, a former FFG client, while raising $328,000 for the organization. The event also honored the work of founders Priscilla Chapman, Lesley Faulkner and Mary Beth Hollett. photographs by Daniel Coston

Laurinda and Randall Seidl

Teresa and Tracy Lee

Sherrard Georgious, second from left, Mary Beth Hollett, far right, and guests

Jamie Smith and Laira Roth

Jennifer Moore and Lizzy Rust

Priscilla Chapman, Lesley Faulkner and Mary Beth Hollett Maggie Morrow, Maggie Whitman and Perrin Andersen Grey, Bryan and Jamie Gerrard

Triassa Dubose

Taylor Day and Steven Gunzenhauser

Meredith Marks, Robin Bellefuil and Priscilla Chapman

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Pink Bow Gala

benefiting Madelyn’s Fund

The Casey by Beau Monde

Oct. 17

This evening of fun and philanthropy raised more than $550,000 to support NICU babies and their families. photographs by Daniel Coston

Stephanie Appling and Gweneka Leach

Zoe Maurer, Andrea Swope and Rosie Wells

The Derrick Family

Jane Mann, Krista Pancake, Sara Moy and Hannah Abdulla

swirl

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Ties & Tails

benefiting Humane Society Of Charlotte Revelry At Camp North End Oct. 18

People and pups came dressed to impress at this year’s gala, which raised over $483,000 to ensure more good times for our furry friends.

photographs by Daniel Coston

swirl

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Roaring In Pink: A Night in Paris

benefiting Carolina Breast Friends Carmel Country Club Oct. 24

Carmel Country Club was filled with flowers for this year’s Roaring In Pink gala. Fashion designer Luis Machicao premiered his latest fashion line, while patrons danced and partied through the night.

photographs by Daniel Coston

Winnye Wilks and David Neeley

Jason Harper and Ben Farrell

Cliff and Jennifer Kenyon, Sean Gordon and Loni Sherwin

Alyse Cooper and Beth Quartapella Steven Hairston and Ashera Anderson Jessica and Greg Maybin with Ralph

Kurt Coleman and friends

Emcee Molly Grantham and Chris Ebel

Luis Machicao and Regine Bechtler

Christina Melissaris and Jeff Wallin

Dress for Success 25th

Anniversary Gala

benefiting Dress For Success Charlotte The Ruth by Beau Monde Oct. 23

To mark its 25th anniversary, Dress for Success turned its long-running annual luncheon into a gala, with patrons filling The Ruth for a fun and festive evening that raised more than $280,000.

photographs by Daniel Coston

Nathalie and Brian Dillahunt

Frenchie Brown and Emily Wheeler

Lauren and Adam McLamb

Doug and Stephanie Buehler, Gale Bonnell, and Kevin Jones

Carolina Charm

benefiting Isabella Santos Foundation

The Revelry North End

Oct. 23

This event featuring Austen Kroll and Shep Rose from the Bravo TV series “Southern Charm” raised nearly $400,000 to support fertility preservation programs for pediatric cancer survivors at Atrium Health Levine Children’s.

photographs courtesy Ascent Communications

OrthoCarolina Research Institute Fundraiser

Oct. 30

More than 100 supporters of the local nonprofit gathered at the home of Bill and Georgia Belk to raise awareness for its programs and invite guests to support its mission of providing physician-led research to improve patient outcomes.

photographs by Mike Strauss of Strauss Studios