#togetherwecan
providing branding, project development, & creative direction on collaborative cause-based projects
The Impressionist’s Palate:
Art in the Garden
Presented by Charlotte NC’s new restaurant and art gallery, The Artisan’s Palate, The Impressionist’s Palate: Art in the Garden event benefited Brand the Moth and the Queen City’s historic McGill Rose Garden.
The primary goal of this event was to highlight the ongoing community efforts of UMAR, the McGill Rose Garden, and Brand the Moth.
Branding and coverage services were provided by our team pro-bono, and proceeds generated from this fundraiser directly benefited Brand the Moth, UMAR, and the McGill Rose Garden, which are each 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. These organizations are dedicated to giving back to the community in creative ways while providing jobs for local artists. This fundraiser will help continue efforts while celebrating and preserving a historic landmark and the visual arts of Charlotte in all forms.
Brand the Moth is a nonprofit organization creating community based public art projects while providing support for local artists and creative education programs in the Charlotte area. Each public art installation is designed and created with direct community involvement in order to engage those closest to and most impacted by the project location. Involving the public directly in the art making process furthers local engagement and captures the unique perspective, lives and history of the area. Brand the Moth community murals can be seen at the 16th and Tryon Street underpass, McGill Rose Garden, Solstice Tavern as well as first time muralist projects in The Gold District.
“ Public art not only beautifies and uplifts an area, but also fosters creative discussion and healthy expression by making art more accessible to all. ”
The McGill Rose Garden is a quiet lot and living work of art hidden in Charlotte that very few know about. Nestled in an intimate urban setting that links Charlotte's Garden District and Historic/Arts District. This jewel in the heart of Charlotte is a welcome retreat and located just a few minutes from Uptown. It was purchased privately in 1960 from the Seaboard Railroad Company. This historical landmark first opened to the public for Mothers Day in 1962, and later became a year-round public garden in 1967. Henry McGill purchased the lot for his family and the lot was later transformed into a rose garden by his wife, Helen McGill, also known as "the rose lady." For over 3 decades, Helen added roughly 1000 rose bushes of over 250 North American rose varieties. Today, vegetables are also planted in the garden to help provide food to the needy of Charlotte. To commemorate the history of this rose garden while honoring Helen McGill, the Seaboard Railroad Company donated a 34 ton coal-hopper car signifying the initial history of this location as a coal stop for the Seaboard Railroad route. Today, the historic Seaboard box-car adds Charlotte's industrial touch to beautifully romantic photos of the rose garden.
UMAR is a nonprofit that provides vocational, residential and cultural enrichment opportunities to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. UMAR Arts center on S. Tryon offers fine-art vocational services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Artists enjoy in-studio classes, field trips, guest artists and more as they create unique pieces sold and shown in galleries and shows across Western North Carolina.
McGill Rose Garden is a partner of UMAR Arts. Participants help care for the gardens and are allowed to create art outside of the UMAR studio. Individual participants are also encouraged and supported by the garden in their own creative gardening ventures, including Sean’s Topiaries & Creations, an art topiary and herbs small business run by UMAR participant Sean.
Provided project development, social media management, and coverage on this cause-based arts event benefiting local nonprofits.
“We wanted to give back to the community by bringing the public to the McGill Rose Garden while raising money to preserve local art and expand our reach to underserved neighborhoods of Charlotte.”
— Sam Guzzie, Brand the Moth
Area 704 Unity Festival
Area 704 Unity Festival collaborated with local artist GILism and street-wear brand Yesterday’s Sermon.
Gil designed one-of-a-kind accessory pieces for a Unity Fashion Show promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Thank you to all of our attendees, performers, and partners for a packed audience and lineup!
Learn more about GILism.
