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Art exhibit in uptown Charlotte honors frontline workers

CHARLOTTE — An exhibit at the Brooklyn Collective Gallery and Studio 229 on Brevard is now open in uptown Charlotte. The artwork honors frontline and essential workers who have been supporting and caring for communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Brooklyn Collective Gallery partnered with Dear Frontline to feature art that has been showcased across the country, including a piece by Shepard Fairey. Local artists are also featured.

“We hope that folks get in here and are inspired to do their part to thank the frontline and essential workers that we have come to rely upon for the last 12 months,” said Jason Wolf of the Brooklyn Collective.

Organizers hope the pieces spark a conversation about how far we have come during the crisis.

“When it comes to the pandemic, when I look at each piece of artwork, it really, in my mind, reads the village,” said Monique Douglas, with Studio 229 on Brevard. “It is taking all of us pulling together in order to help families that have had difficult experiences with the pandemic.”

The work is being sold and 25% of the proceeds go to Dear Frontline or another frontline worker charity of the artist’s choice. The exhibit runs through June 30 and is free to attend.

“We are really excited about it and think the exhibit will be as powerful three months from now, as it is in the premiere,” Wolf said.

“We want it to be a place of joy and so I think art does that,” Douglas said. “It brings conversations that need to be had.”

Among the many pieces include a Savage Way and Jen Hill’s portrayal of Dolly Parton.

“They were inspired by the fact she was one of the first individuals that actually stepped up and gave a million dollars to get the work and research done to get one of these vaccines rolling,” Douglas said.

Matthew Clayburn has a unique piece featuring a tennis shoe with a mask.

“Everybody will love the joy and the creativity that it brings,” Douglas said. “It brings a smile to your face every time you walk up to it.”

Arthur Brouthers’ work honors the COVID-19 vaccine.

“The work that he does with resin and his technique with the vibrant colors is amazing,” Douglas said. “Make sure you get close up on the work and actually read what he put as the ingredients on the vial.”

There is also work displayed by Shepherd Fairey, the artist behind the iconic Obama “Hope” poster.

Masks are required and attendance is limited due to social distancing. For more information on the exhibit, click here.

For more information on The Brooklyn Collective, click here.

Dearfrontline Artists featuring including an original Shepard Fairey piece are:

  • Shepard Fairey
  • Sheila Pree Bright
  • Kate DeCiccio
  • Dan Buller
  • LMNOPI
  • Connie Heller
  • Deborah Aschheim
  • Mer Young

Featured Independent Artists:

  • Arthur Brouthers
  • Charles Edwards Williams
  • Blake Ferguson
  • Andre Veloux
  • Matthew Clayburn
  • John Miles
  • Karla Sosa
  • Abel
  • Sharon Dowell
  • SavageWay