Charlotte, NC (April 21, 2021) – McColl Center for Art + Innovation announces Ignite Nite, a citywide evening to celebrate the creative community in Charlotte on May 20. The event welcomes the community to participate in-person or virtually, joining 20 local artists with groups of art lovers to create works of art together from mystery kit of materials.
“We wanted to showcase the mission of McColl Center in a fun, intimate way,” said Ben McCarthy, Vice President of Development. “McColl Center works with contemporary artists of many different disciplines, and we’re excited to see what they can create with their groups from the selection of materials.”
In the Citywide Art Lab, each group will be led by an artist, including Charlotte artists Cat Babbie, Victoria Byers, Paul Farmer, Amanda Foshag, Bunny Gregory, Abel Jackson, Will Jenkins, Taylor Lee, April Marten, Kenny Nguyen, Elizabeth Palmisano, and Morganne Van Voorhis. The work of art created by each group will be truly unique based on the artist’s vision for the materials provided. One group could build mini sculptures while another may end up with collages or hanging mobiles.
When asked what kinds of materials they’d hope for, suggestions from the artists range from paint, wire, and wood to various fabrics, fairy lights, and construction paper. “I like the idea of getting creative with whatever is offered,” said participating artist Elizabeth Palmisano, “Surprise me.”
Ignite Nite serves as the culmination of McColl Center’s Momentum Fund, a multi-year, one million dollar matching challenge set forth by the McColl Family in celebration of the artist residency and contemporary art space’s 20th anniversary in 2019. With just $150,000 left to meet their Momentum Fund goal, McColl Center aims to meet the mark with their month long Ignite Momentum campaign; Ignite Nite being the primary cultivation event and celebration.
“We are thrilled to be so close to the goal Mr. and Mrs. McColl so generously supported,” said McColl Center President + CEO Alli Celebron-Brown. “It is an exciting milestone for the organization as we expand our partnership with artists and embark on the next 20 years of creativity.”
“McColl Center serves as a powerful avenue of support for artists. It provides an uplifting environment where artists can be free to express themselves and engage with the community,” said participating artist Abel Jackson.
Ignite Nite will take place on Thursday, May 20, 2021 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and is free for all. There are three options to participate in this citywide evening of creativity: in-person at McColl Center, hosted at a group captain’s home, or at any location virtually. The program will be livestreamed and will include an opportunity for participants to join McColl Center’s Igniters community by donating to the Ignite Momentum campaign. Registration and additional information about the event can be found at mccollcenter.org/ignitenite.
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About McColl Center for Art + Innovation
McColl Center is a nationally acclaimed artist residency and contemporary art space in Charlotte, North Carolina, committed to putting artists first with 360 degrees of support, including artist studios, modern equipment and tools, and exhibition spaces. Learn more about McColl Center’s mission, programs, and events for artists and art lovers at mccollcenter.org.
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