09/12/2026
Last night I attended the Opening Celebration for Harvey B. Gantt Center’s new exhibitions: Sown Together, Repossessions, and Cornerstones. I also downed soooo much food from the prettiest and tastiest charcuterie table I’ve ever experienced. 😂
My main focus was on Sown Together (though I found a pleasant surprise in Repossessions), cause where fiber art leads, I follow. Over the last few years with knitting, I’ve already felt firsthand how soothing fiber art can be, especially as a tactile art; but Charlotte’s art museums/galleries and artists have really made me fall in love with visual art. I can think of a few moments where looking at visual art has provided me a safe space in really dark and hopeless times. It’s clear that making art has served the same purpose for artists as well, as heard during the gallery tours last night.
Artist: Kandy G Lopez
On Wednesday September 11, 2024, I was feeling pretty down due to it being 9/11 and my first 9/11 anniversary away from home. I had just found out about the museums being free on Wednesdays a few days prior, so I hopped on the Blue Line for the first time and headed Uptown. It was on this day that I visited the Gantt, the Mint, and the Bechtler for the first time. What I didn’t know was the museums don’t start free admission until 5pm. 🫠 So my 2pm arrival time was far too early. But for a few hours, I had the galleries completely to myself, and there was a fiber art exhibition on display.
That was the only time I had been to the Gantt, until last night, exactly 2 years later on September 11, 2026. And much to my surprise, the artist whose work I had seen then also has a piece in Sown Together—the artwork shown here.
Artist: Qualeasha Wood
The story behind this piece is shared on the info card, so I don’t wanna spoil for those who can visit.
All I’ll say is: Black disabled folks deserve futures too.
Artist: Shanequa Gay
I had a conversation with this artist (but unfortunately don’t have their name!) after they shared something fascinating during the tour. This artwork was made using cassava! Which we all know as a plant used in many cultures for food dishes. Butttt what you might not know is that it also has a
