The NAP in Charlotte Continues to Evolve
This was the Fifteenth Anniversary Exhibit for the National Arts Program® in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, North Carolina. A fantastic show was once again displayed in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center and included 222 pieces of art.
Coordinator Danee McGee led a committee that helped to manage all aspects of the exhibit. The committee had so many accomplishments during the preparations for this past show that we can’t imagine what they will be capable of in the future. Some of the tasks they tackled included; increasing overall communication and promotion through many avenues, improving the layout and signage for the exhibit, gathering prizes and materials from sponsors, purchasing serving items to be utilized each year at the reception and they are also in the process of securing donated display cases for 3-D works in their next show.
The January 30th reception was made into quite an event and included door prizes, live music, refreshments and a face painter in the youth section of the exhibit as entertainment for the children. In addition to the festivities Danee has also added a wonderful mentoring element to the show. She asked some of their long time professional artists to give back to the program by mentoring others. Four individuals were chosen to be mentored and will have the opportunity to spend time with their “new friends”. Another aspect of the show that has been changed is the process of choosing new judges each year with different backgrounds in art and different levels of expertise. The fresh perspective can assure different types of winners each year. In fact, Danee commented that this year they had two first time participants who were also first time winners!