Culture picks
August 3, 2020
While it’s tough to beat live entertainment, Charlotte arts groups have shown creativity during these unprecedented times. we’ve rounded up a few ways to enjoy and support the arts in Charlotte over the coming months.
by Sarah Malone
Chinese Lantern Festival
The sensational Chinese Lantern Festival returns to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden this fall. Combining art and nature, the festival features hundreds of glowing, handmade lanterns shaped like animals, mythical creatures, trees and more. Participants can also explore Asian-inspired gardens and interactive light displays. To practice safe social distancing, visitors must register for a time slot to moderate the number of guests in the garden at one time.
Oct. 15-Jan. 3; tickets start at $15.95 for children 2-12. dsbg.org
Joedance Virtual Film Festival
Film lovers will have the chance to attend a “reimagined” virtual Joedance Film Festival this year. The 11-year-old event will feature 24 short films created by directors, producers and writers with connections to the Carolinas, Georgia or Tennessee. Instead of taking place at the Charlotte Ballet, this year’s festival will be streamed online, while still raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research at Atrium Health’s Levine Children’s Hospital.
August 6-8; tickets for individual events start at $10; all-access passes start at $70. joedance.org
Opera Carolina’s ISTREAM
With a mission of bringing the joy of music to the community, Opera Carolina in April launched its iStream Series, which will continue through the end of August. Viewers can stream live opera performances on Opera Carolina’s Facebook page, some of which will be filmed at outdoor locations. The videos are later posted to YouTube for viewing anytime. Featuring special guests and popular songs, opera fans can unwind and enjoy outstanding music from the comfort of their homes. Facebook: @operacarolina
Jazz at the Bechtler
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art has moved its monthly jazz concert series online. Jazz at the Bechtler will stream live on Aug. 14 and Sept. 11, with future dates to be announced. Performances start at 7 p.m. and online registration is required. bechtler.org
New at the Mint
The Mint Museum plans to reopen later this summer with an exhibition that inspires new perspectives. New Days, New Works will feature more than 80 works of art from the Mint’s permanent collection, including impactful photography, sculptures from international artists, paintings, fashion and more. This September, the museum also will debut a new “stained-glass” exhibition at its uptown location created by Brooklyn, N.Y.-based artist Summer Wheat. Foragers will showcase images of female figures performing various acts of labor, from farming to parenting to banking. mintmuseum.org SP
Featured image: Mint Museum: Summer Wheat (American, 1977–). With Side With Shoulder, 2019, acrylic on aluminum mesh
