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Up-and-coming Shelly Shepard, Deciding to move Ryan Sumner Charlotte native A man about town
graphic designer an editor/writer, to Charlotte a few is both Creative Matt Kokenes is with his camera,
Benjamin Gelnett called The Charlotte months ago was Director and Owner no stranger to the George Lanis of
contributes this Observer home for an easy decision of Fenix Fotography, media-sales business Catch Light Studio
month’s cover over 10 years, writing for Jessica Bitner. a full-service photo in the Queen City. He has been photograph-
illustration. Along headlines and copy Tired of the heat studio located in has been selling both ing people in his
with poster editing countless and humidity in Plaza-Midwood that’s print and television for native Charlotte for
exhibitions at the Art front-page stories. Orlando, she has now dedicated to creating almost seven years. years. From friends’
Institutes of Charlotte Wanderlust has taken settled comfortably compelling and artful Through perseverance weddings to parties to
and Indianapolis, Ben Shelly from teaching into the charming images for corporate, and intestinal family photos for the
was featured in Print English in Prague, Plaza Midwood advertising, fashion, fortitude, Matt has holidays, his work is
Magazine’s Regional to living in a hut in area. Working as an and weddings. The shown he has the creative and diverse,
Design Annual in Thailand. Account Executive studio also offers on- toughness to succeed and he’s always look-
2008. When he’s not If not working, for Uptown Magazine, site studio work for in this business. ing to show you in the
organizing, promoting, chances are you’ll find Jessica is quickly executive headshots. best light. Check out
or participating in her hiking. learning about all the Ryan’s photographs catchlightonline.com
local art and music Professionally, Shelly’s unique characteristics appear in the fashion for more.
events, he enjoys at home with a page of the Queen City. section of this
camping with his of words in front During race season, month’s issue. Click to
wife Kara and all of her, a mouse in you’ll find her fenixfoto.com to find
his friends.Visit hand and a deadline hanging at the local out more about Ryan.
smackhound.com looming. tracks promoting
her clothing line for
female race fans.
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North Carolina native name: Little Shiva Originally from Victoria Cherrie Toccoa Switzer lives
Hannah Mitchell NY, Alessandra grew up overseas, in Charlotte. Over
wrote for daily species: mutant Salvatore has called studied journalism in the years, she has
newspapers, including Uptown Charlotte Kansas and migrated tried her hand in a
The Charlotte here for: the smell of home for a year to the N.C. coast. She number of professions
Observer, for 16 years. ink on paper now. An avid writer spent nearly 20 years including banking,
She relishes stories of articles, reviews, covering stories at tree farming and
about ideas and interests: juxtaposi- and screenplays, newspapers across freelance writing.
people, taking readers tion, transformation, Alessandra’s other the state and now She wants everyone
beyond surface mystery, clarity, the addictions include is a public relations to know she doesn’t
details to show what process of becoming, interior decorating, consultant and usually jump on trains
her subjects reveal image and design red wine, and freelance writer in without buying a
about life and its “swapping”—she Charlotte. Recently, ticket first.
complexities. When contributions to recently created her byline has
she’s not trying to this issue: table of SwapSassy.com, appeared in The
figure things out, contents a website where New York Times and
she enjoys singing fashionistas can swap she has reported for
in a bluegrass jam website: clothing. When not WFAE 90.7 FM. When
group, hiking and littleshiva.com scoping the Charlotte she’s not writing from
deep conversation. scene, you can find her Plaza-Midwood
And then there are her at home in the home, she’s shopping
life’s simple pleasures: company of her or relaxing on her
hamburgers. husband, Greg, and sailboat with her dog.
her fat cat, Marcus.
18 uptown www.uptownclt.com
HELLO
Communications, is pleased to present...
MODERN. Black
PearL
Sings!
a play by Frank Higgins
Feb 10 - Mar 6
Previews: Feb 5 & 6
Powerful, honest and wryly funny!
Amidst the Great Depression, a “song collector” for the
Library of Congress comes across a jailed Pearl. A descendent
of slaves, Pearl herself is a living library of folk songs. Each
woman wants something the other has. How much are they
INTRODUCING THE willing to give to get what they want?
BECHTLER MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
Don’t miss our Opening Night Celebration Wed, 2/10 featuring
Explore one of Charlotte’s most exciting visual arts
attractions and come face to face with works by
COMPLIMENTARY wine & beer... courtesy of Uptown Magazine!
Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Joan Miró, and Alexander
Calder. Visit them and other European and American
masters of 20th-century modernism at the Bechtler
More Info & Tix:
Museum of Modern Art. HELLO MODERN. 704.342.2251 or
actorstheatrecharlotte.org
Supported in part by:
420 S. TRYON ST. CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28202
TELEPHONE 704.353.9200 WWW.BECHTLER.ORG
www.uptownclt.com uptown 19
Advertising
Jessica Bitner
Matt Kokenes
704.944.0551
Executive Editor
Shelly Shepard
As a kid I remember going to company
picnics and being invited to Andreas’ house on Contributing
occasion, and the best of times were spent during Editors
the yearly “strategy meetings” in which all the Peter Reinhart (Food)
executives’ families got to go to the beaches outside Ryan Sumner (Fashion)
of Charleston for a week. Through these meetings
everyone got to know one another and my hyper- Contributors
conservative dad became close friends with the George Lanis
“artsy” long-haired Andreas. They shared some Jennifer Misenheimer
commonalities, both European, and of a similar age, Hannah Mitchell
so they weren’t oil and water opposite, maybe more Amanda Pagliarini
like oil and vinegar. But over the years and through so Alessandra Salvatore
many shared experiences, they grew close. Little Shiva
Time passed, my dad grew older as did Andreas Victoria Cherrie
and his family, eventually tiring of the business that Toccoa Switzer
they owned, and ultimately deciding to sell. Among
My father was raised in a privileged household others, my dad helped Andreas and his family march Photography
in Lithuania. Privileged in the sense that he had through the labyrinth of accountants and lawyers Ryan Sumner
everything materially he ever wanted, but as were they worked with to sell the business. Todd Trimakas
the customs in those days he was raised by his With the business sold, Andreas was able to George Lanis
nannies and saw little of his own father. He saw even fully dedicate himself to his passion of art, and my
less of him when his parents divorced in his pre-teen dad, being a trusted adviser, helped him along the Cover Art
years, and then none at all when World War II tore way. Prior to the sale of Pneumafil, Andreas had a Ben Gelnett
his world into a thousand frayed and burning pieces. dream of an artist’s commune in the woods, which
His father stayed behind to cling to the remnants of my dad helped build along Mountain Island Lake. Distribution
his fortune while his dentist mother rounded up my Andreas felt that his next step should be to create a Sean Chesney
dad and his brothers and used her doctorate to join museum to house his substantial collection of modern
the German army as an officer and slowly make their art. At the time, the museum was planned for the Office
way across the European continent and eventually same plot of land along the lake, and famed architect 1600 Fulton Ave., #140
to the U.S. The Trimakases eventually settled in Mario Botta, a friend of Andreas’ family, would design Charlotte, NC 28205
Marquette Park, a Lithuanian enclave of Chicago it. Contact us at
where they opened a small restaurant in the Cicero Unfortunately, my dad was never able to see info@uptownclt.com
neighborhood. Andreas’ plans come to fruition. Just as my dad’s life Uptown Magazine
This all happened before Dad was 16 years old. had begun with chaos and turmoil, his life was taken is a trademark of
Of course these events had to have shaped the by an unseen internal invader, and he died of cancer Uptown Publishing
person he would become. He learned at a very young in 2001. inc., copyright 2009.
age that regardless of his situation in life, things can Fortunately, Andreas’ plans continued, and All rights reserved.
and do happen that can affect his standing like an grew in magnitude until his dream was fulfilled. Uptown is printed
asteroid from outer space. Appearing from nowhere His modern art is now housed in a museum fitting monthly and
and leaving a massive fuming hole when it’s gone. the collection and carrying his name, the Bechtler subscriptions are $25
Because of this he was the most conservative person Museum of Modern Art. annually and can be
I have ever known, conservative in his appearance, ~Todd Trimakas purchased online at
thinking, investing and career. Publisher / Editor uptownclt.com.
When my Dad brought our family to Charlotte Todd@uptownclt.com
20 uptown www.uptownclt.com
Model Hours:
Sun–Mon. 12-6, Tues.–Sat. 10-6 Welcoming Families Home
Prices and offers subject to change without notice. See a Sales and Marketing Representative for details. for Over 60 Years
O
the life
n the heels of contemplating the relevance of art, yet paint and artsy vision, the floral mural that decorates the otherwise dark
another reason to care: Imagine our city as a tunnel transforms the mood.
girl in jeans and a white T-shirt. Unless she’s
super hot (and sorry, but we’re not), this is a Wind Silos: Whoever said you couldn’t polish poop clearly hadn’t met
boring, uninspiring look. But throw on some Ned Kahn – the artist who was able to sex up a dull, unsightly parking
funky jewelry, an embellished belt, a brightly garage on West Trade with a mirrored mosaic of metallic fabric that
colored handbag, and a sexy pair of heels moves with the wind.
and her jeans and T-shirt just became an
outfit. The following is a list of my favorite The Green: Maybe it’s just the writer in me, but this uniquely playful
public art “accessories” – some obvious, homage to the literary world is my sugar-free version of Willy Wonka’s
some overlooked, and some unintentional factory. If you stop to read and admire the floating storybook pages or
– that give our city some style. animated artwork, you might feel a sudden, inexplicable urge to pee,
brought on by the audible walkway of water sounds.
Jesus Saves: If this is your motto,
you would love the retro block-lettering Firebird: Seated outside the Bechtler Museum, it’s the latest edition
signage that says just that atop an old, to Tryon Street’s collection of commissioned art. The sparkly, glittery
abandoned, asbestos-filled church just off outdoor sculpture of mirrored and colored glass is a great departure
West Trade in the Wesley Heights area. from the bronze, aluminum, or granite blandness that decorates the
other parts of Tryon. The Firebird adds a kooky joyfulness to our
Frazier Park Tunnel Mural: Every corporate city streets.
time my dog and I walk through the tunnel So next time you balk at a few extra dollars being spent on sexing
under Fourth Street, I feel I’m transported up our city, just ask yourself – would you rather look at a girl in jeans
back to “The Wonder Years” era when the parks and a T-shirt everyday? U
were filled with children and picnics, rather than the
homeless and drug pushers. And the truth is, the latter Reach Amanda at mandipagliarini@yahoo.com
is what I sometimes find along that path. But with a little For more info go to www.uptownclt.com
22 uptown www.uptownclt.com
Parking Validated.
49
www.uptownclt.com uptown 23
the life
A few sit-ups, two glasses of wine before noon, a makeup artist, and comfortable with. After all, I’m a girl who feels as if my eyeballs are
a photographer who knows his lighting as if he were a descendant of being doused with rubbing alcohol when I have to get a headshot taken,
Thomas Edison, and you, too, can have a gift for the man in your life that never mind standing around in my underwear. Once we got started,
will knock his socks – and pants – off. Jeremy eased my self-conscious trepidations with his charming
In the name of sex, art, and Valentine’s Day gift giving, I visited direction, kind authenticity, and a little Dave Matthews pumped through
photographer Jeremy Igo of charlotteboudoir.com to take part in the the studio sound system. By the end of the shoot I was practically
growing trend of boudoir photography (read: slutty, for-his-eyes-only dancing around the studio naked – third glass of wine in hand, of course.
photos, justifiable by the everyday lady for their artistic nature). While I learned that many women have one of these photography
this type of photo shoot had always sounded like a fun idea, I never sessions for no one but themselves. It seemed a little self-indulgent
really understood what motivated women to take the leap and have to me prior to my shoot, but afterward, I could understand why. I left
such photos taken of themselves. I maintained the standard concerns: feeling giddy, playful, and a bit naughty – a frame of mind my boyfriend
What if the recipient doesn’t react well to them? What if I look utterly later told me was his favorite part of the whole gift. And even if I
horrifying and/or learn of cellulite I never knew existed? What if the didn’t have anyone to give the photos to, they would serve as excellent
photographer is a complete sleaze ball and/or publishes my photos on motivations to keep my ass on a Stairmaster for the rest of my life.
some seedy Internet site? But I did have someone to give my photos to. My photographer
Despite arriving at Jeremy’s NoDa studio at 11 a.m. on a Monday, and new BFF sent me his two favorite shots later that same afternoon. I
I was offered a cocktail after only a few minutes in hair and makeup forwarded them to my boyfriend at work at 4:45. He was home by 5:03.
artist Kymm’s chair. The mere offer, of which I readily accepted, made And from 5:04 on, it was Happy Valentine’s Day to me. U
me relax and trust him immediately. The Zach Braff lookalike sat and
chatted with me while I sipped wine and had my hair and makeup done, To contact Jeremy Igo, visit www.charlotteboudoir.com. Find hair and
helping to make me comfortable so that an hour later when he told me makeup artist Kymm at www.whos-the-fairest.biz.
to arch my back and put my ass in the air, I didn’t turn red. Reach Amanda at mandipagliarini@yahoo.com
I went in with strict guidelines of what I was and was not For more info go to www.uptownclt.com
www.uptownclt.com uptown 25
art
the life
Our once sterile uptown streets are coming alive with art. But the “I always felt that this was, this ceremony was a moment of
truth remains – most Charlotteans could not give a shit. unity for the world because art, in any form, is and has been and will
It’s an understandable reaction. Museums, galleries, even always be our universal language and we should do everything we
art itself can feel inaccessible, daunting, intimidating, or simply can, everything we can, to protect its survival.”
irrelevant. Why should people step into the Bechtler? If they do go, Art is our universal language. It requires no translation,
won’t the “I’m not sure I get it or give a damn” sign flashing above or level setting. Art doesn’t care where you came from. It is
their heads be detectable by the artsy people? What can be gained unconcerned with your background, education or economic status. It
from a trip to the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts doesn’t demand that those who look at it be cultured or sophisticated.
+ Culture that couldn’t be read in a book? Isn’t a dance performance Art doesn’t hold an expectation or required reaction. It just wants you
just a dance performance, a musical performance just music? How to come and see it.
does a static painting or object have any real affect on a person? Or Experiencing art offers individuals a freedom they rarely find
on a city, for that matter? anywhere else in life. You can see what you want to see, feel what
These are all questions I’ve asked myself. And I like art. I you want to feel, and no one can tell you that you’re wrong. Art allows
spent my first 25 years of life in Washington, D.C., where there is a two people to stand side by side and look at the exact same thing yet
gallery or museum for every Starbucks. Twenty of those 25 years I see it differently – and when they share their differing perspectives,
spent in a dance studio. In college, when I wasn’t studying the art of rather than judge, defend or dismiss, they cock their heads and
language, I was cramming my feet into ballet shoes or learning the attempt to see what the other sees.
creative science behind choreography. And still, I can at times find If art can imitate life, I simply don’t know of anything more
myself among the masses in Charlotte who believe our city’s booming relevant to us all. U
art world has nothing to do with me. Reach Amanda at mandipagliarini@yahoo.com
During her 2009 Oscar acceptance speech, Penelope Cruz For more info go to www.uptownclt.com
addressed this question of relevance so divinely that it has since
shifted my perspective. With trembling conviction, Cruz shared,
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THE METROPOLITAN!
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Inspiring advice received in one’s formative years so often goes the way of
teenage crushes and ambitious goals, tucked into long-term memory. But for
Lankard, that piece of wisdom became a lingering reality.www.uptownclt.com uptown 35
motion.
Shadows are brought into light,
lines unnaturally defined and parts of
the women’s faces and bodies looking
like negative images. In another twist
of convention, Lankard often caught his
subjects in dynamic tension rather than
reclining, giving the shots a sense of
slowed down because he says the makers While living in New Orleans, Lankard
of the film he uses in the Speed Graphic freelanced and co-founded a magazine,
cameras stopped producing it several years where he served as creative director. He
ago. He has a case of the film that he’s moved to New York City in 1997, serving as
saving for his nudes series, which he calls art director for a publisher, then returned to
“The Illuminated Shadow.” New Orleans in 2006. There he co-founded
Tall and amiable, Lankard, 46, grew the nonprofit New Orleans Photo Alliance
up in Charlotte and spent most of his early to promote photographic art in the Gulf
career working in New Orleans and New South.
York, returning to his hometown a year ago His pictures have shown in New
to take a break from the post-Hurricane Orleans alongside works by American
Katrina stressors of New Orleans. He photographer Andres Serrano, and in a
specializes in fine-art and documentary 2007 show in Paris about New Orleans that
photography in film and digital, including included shots by one of his heroes, Henri
social landscapes, and though he still takes Cartier-Bresson. The DOMA show marks his
commercial jobs, he hopes demand for his first North Carolina exhibition, but a group
art pieces eventually will grow enough to exhibit of documentary photographs that
allow him to work on those exclusively. opened in January at The Light Factory
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Washington, D.C.
ecades after working in
Washington as an aspiring
attorney in the U.S. Justice
Department, Anthony Foxx
recently returned to the nation’s
capital as a leader.
Charlotte’s second African-American
mayor – the first Democrat in two decades –
shows up at the Capitol Hilton with a plastic folder
full of agendas, notes and a Blackberry fixed
to his rapidly scrolling thumbs. He’s a minor-
leaguer in many respects compared with his
seasoned counterparts and powerful political
figures attending the 78th Annual U.S. Mayors’
Conference.
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W
hen I was asked
to take on the
assignment of
the gallery guide
for this month’s
issue of Uptown, I
have to admit that
I was hesitant. I have always had a great
appreciation for the arts, but I’ve never
quite considered myself the “gallery” type.
It’s a world that I have yet to delve into and, no offense to those immersed in it, the cloud of
“snootiness” that I perceived to envelope it seemed too thick to penetrate. But the opening of the
Bechtler Museum and the general artsy buzz that has been circling around the QC lately has
piqued my curiosity, and it suddenly seemed that the assignment was almost fitting. Although
intimidating, in the end I’ve learned much more about the art world in general as well as the
Charlotte art community.
After viewing the galleries and museums, I felt inspired, invigorated and much more
connected, and it’s made me truly realize the beauty of art: It’s all in the interpretation.
Anyone can purchase a pricey picture and hang it on the wall, but it’s when you find
the ones that speak to you, that strike a chord somewhere deep inside you and make
When speaking to the gallery owners, I noticed that they share a common thread:
They all want to be part of a larger community. We are fortunate to have a taste of
everything here in Charlotte: Art that is strictly for viewing, art that is strictly for sale;
galleries that offer works of all media to those that concentrate on one or two specific
media; galleries meant to be entered with energy and frivolity to galleries meant to be
entered with quiet contemplation – the list goes on and on. It shattered the image of
the art world that was in my mind. Each gallery is a piece of a larger puzzle, fitting in
with the next to create the big picture known as the Charlotte art scene.
46 uptown www.uptownclt.com
words: alessandra salvatore
bechtler museum
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