Charlotte Art Weekly #56 brings you the most creative happenings of the week!

‘The Color Purple’ , the famous story that won the Pulitzer and Tony Award, is here in Charlotte! Immerse yourself in French culture at a French Festival and an exhibition of French painter Alfred Manessier’s works. Appreciate films made by people of color, or watch the startling drama ‘Appropriate’ about family and race.

The Pulitzer Prize winning story and Tony Award winning musical The Color Purple is coming to Charlotte next week! Besides major hits, this week’s Charlotte Art Weekly also brings you highlights from local creatives, like North Carolina’s very own band Stepside Deluxe, which is coming to perform in your neighbourhood. Music lovers can also learn how to make Hip Hop tracks in an interactive workshop with DJs and artists this week.

There’s an evening of art-hopping at South End that’s perfect for a date night. Don’t miss the solo art exhibition on French legend Alfred Manessier’s work, and stop by for a conversation with photographer Frankhavemercy.

Culture enthusiasts can look forward to the upcoming Charlotte French Festival and enjoy a taste of French culture. Film buffs would not want to miss the CineOdyssey Film Festival, which celebrates the works of people of color. Meanwhile, if you’re in for some drama, the play Appropriate would be entirely appropriate for you.

The tall and charming actor Randolph Scott is the inspiration for our 56th Charlotte Art Weekly.  The actor is most fondly remembered as a Western hero. Born in 1898 in Virginia, Scott and his siblings grew up in Charlotte. As a 19-year-old, Scott served in the defense forces during World War I. This later helped him in his film career, especially in terms of his horsemanship skills and use of firearms. After being introduced by his father to business magnate Howard Hughes, he got a small role in a film. To gain experience, Scott also did stage performances. He delivered his first leading role in Women Men Marry, which became a significant hit. Scott later became known for his fantastic performances in films like Ride The Country, The Tall T and 7 Men from Now.

This Week’s Best Events:

An Evening of Art at Magnolia Emporium

Attend the historic South End Gallery Crawl, which will take you through the most densely populated number of art galleries in town. Ideal for a date night!

July 5

Magnolia Emporium

Open for all

Sounds on the Square: Stepside Deluxe

This North Carolina band, Stepside Deluxe, will be performing a mix of influences from Roots, Rockabilly and Nashville West.

July 6

Spirit Square Center for Arts & Education

Open for all

Digital Beats + Rhymes: An Interactive Experience

Want to learn how to make a Hip Hop track, straight from DJs and artists int he field? Through interactive panels and workshops, learn the art of Hip Hop and craft your own lyrics.

July 7

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture at Levine Center for the Arts

With tickets ($5-$10)

Alfred Manessier

An exhibition showcasing vivid life works of French painter Alfred Manessier who painted “religious subjects because they seemed as elusive and vast as the natural world.”

Until September 9, 2018

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art at Levine Center for the Arts

With tickets ($8)

The Color Purple

This Tony Award winning musical is a combination of jazz, gospel, ragtime and blues. The Colour Purple is based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize winning story about an African-American woman called Celie.

July 10 to 15

Belk Theatre

With tickets ($25-$119.50)

Artist Talk with Frankhavemercy

Have a look at the career and work of photographer Frankhavemercy, and having an informal conversation with him.

July 12

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture at Levine Center for the Arts

Open for all

2nd Annual CineOdyssey Film Festival

A film festival to appreciate the works of people of colour, CineOdyssey will have workshops, talks and screenings.

July 12 to 14

Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts

With tickets ($10-$65)

Appropriate

Presented by playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Appropriate is a drama about three adult children who reunite to settle the accounts of their dead father.

July 12 to 21

Duke Energy Theatre

With tickets ($18-$28)

Charlotte French Festival

Relish French culture with theme-based food, wine, crepes, pastries, music and dance. Play at the pétanque tournament and learn about French culture.

July 15

Nevin Community Park

With tickets ($5)

It’s set to be an inspiring week in Charlotte NC, between 6th to 12th July. Be sure not to miss out!

Illustration: Nilesh Ramani