“Art is the common ground that connects us.” — Georgie Nakima
A Charlotte Artist
Photos by Georgie Nakima
Makes Murals to Transform Spaces
By Rosanny Crumpton
Left: An interior mural at the Credit Karma satellite office in Ballantyne by Georgie Nakima Center: Georgie Nakima's sculpture, "Mwanzo" Right: Mural at Independece Park by Georgie Nakima
Local artist Georgie Nakima was commissioned by the Arts and Science Council for this mural design through a formal selection process. Four artists submitted their proposals and Georgie’s design was selected among the entries. Georgie participated in various meetings with community arts organizations and
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Photo by Rico Yasse
Y
ou may have seen the colorful public art display at Independence Park in the Elizabeth neighborhood. What you may or may not know is how this vibrant public artwork came to be, the local artist behind it and her vision for this project.
groups. Meetings were organized and led by a member of the Arts and Science Council. Final revisions were made, and the timeline was set all before the public artwork you can
see and experience today was commenced. The mural was funded by Mecklenburg County. It is located at the exterior of the park’s maintenance shop. Georgie’s vision for this project was to produce “a boundless representation of inclusivity.” It was designed with the idea for community members and visitors to get a sense of empowerment and wonder when they visit the art display. While Georgie’s art all varies, a theme that you’ll see among her work is bold colors, geometrical patterns, people and nature. On the bio on her website, Georgie shares: “Today, I’m