New Bechtler exhibit showcases art you can hear
Plus: Victoria Watlington responds to Johnny Harris; Who's running for City Council and school board?; Podcast with marketing firm sisters; Ledger a finalist for two national awards; 'Roofman' trailer
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The Bechtler Museum’s ‘Collection, Reframed’ exhibition reimagines how art is experienced by turning visual pieces into immersive soundscapes
In the work “Contra Naturam,” artist Janet Biggs created a three-channel video that contrasts two scenes: ice boats navigating a frozen landscape and vision-impaired Charlotte-based dancer Davian Robinson navigating the confined interior of an ice house by touch. It is part of “Collection, Reframed: We Are Here, Beyond Vision,” which runs at Charlotte’s Bechtler Museum of Modern Art from Wednesday through Sept. 22.
by Page Leggett
Encapsulating the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art’s ambitious summer exhibition in uptown is nearly impossible. It’s about so many things: ability and disability, sight and sound, math and science and a host of other themes. But at its core, it’s about opening visitors’ eyes — and ears — to the different ways art can be experienced.
“Collection, Reframed: We Are Here, Beyond Vision,” which runs July 2 through Sept. 22, was originally conceived as a selection of pieces from the Bechtler’s 2,000-piece permanent collection, all related to the human form.
New York-based artist Janet Biggs was tapped as guest curator, but the surprising co-curator she brought on inspired Bechtler Executive Director Todd Smith to take the exhibition further.
Her co-curator, Charlotte-based dancer and choreographer Davian Robinson, is nearly blind; he can detect only light and shadows. He relies on his “very developed sense of hearing,” Biggs said, which led Biggs and Smith to ponder: Could they sonify — meaning, add sound to — some of the works?
Sonifying art: Robinson started by getting verbal descriptions of each work and then doing his own research.
Meanwhile, the exhibition’s team collected hundreds of high-resolution photos of three pieces in the museum’s permanent collection — a 2004 painting by Charlotte artist Maja Godlewska, a 1958 bronze sculpture by Barbara Hepworth and a 1968 tapestry by Pablo Picasso — and converted the data from those images into auditory representations, or soundscapes.
The three soundscapes are among the more than 60 paintings, sculptures and works on paper in “Collection, Reframed,” all of which showcase the human form. Works by some of the 20th century’s most prominent artists are featured, including Warhol, Degas, Giacometti and Matisse.
Yet it may be Biggs’ video installations — on loan from the artist — that are the real standouts. Her pieces, one of which features Robinson dancing inside the Bechtler, illuminate what bodies are capable of. The exhibition also includes:
“Hidden Within,” a four-channel video installation created with a spatial audio engineer, two mathematicians and a physicist, paired with reflecting pools and immersive sound.
“We Are Here,” an 18-page, 3D-printed book, enhanced with motion design and augmented reality.
“Bechtler Walk,” a video featuring Robinson’s stream-of-consciousness narration as he walks toward the museum, encounters the Firebird sculpture and rides the elevator to the fourth-floor gallery.
What is a museum, and who is it for?: Biggs first discovered Robinson through a Google search for a visually impaired dancer to appear in a video installation. She’d been both inspired and angered by a 1987 debate between conservative commentator William F. Buckley Jr., and Jim Dickson, a blind sailor who attempted a solo trans-Atlantic voyage.
Dickson didn’t complete the voyage, but not because he’s blind. His voice-activated navigational system failed. Buckley, a sailor himself, was incredulous that a blind man would attempt such a feat.
Buckley said in the debate, “I wouldn’t take a blind person to the Grand Canyon or to the ballet. It is profane to suppose that a cripple can run, a deaf man hear or a blind man see … It is against nature, Contra Naturam.”
Biggs’ response is a three-channel video that juxtaposes two scenes: ice boats navigating a frozen landscape and Robinson navigating the confines of an ice house by touch. It’s called “Contra Naturam,” and it’s one of the works included in the show.
When you consider the question, “Who is a museum for?” you can imagine Buckley arguing that it’s not meant for people with visual impairments. Because Dickson was blind, Buckley decided certain things — solo sailing, ballets — should be off-limits to him. He failed to see that his own metaphorical blindness was limiting his world view.
But Dickson had a retort: “Mr. Buckley, you are a lot more blind than I am because you can’t see what a person can do in my circumstances.”
Biggs’ answer to that question — who’s a museum for? — shifted as a result of working on this show. She said she used to think that, if a museum had an elevator, that was sufficient for anyone with mobility challenges.
“But this process made me rethink how museums can engage the public more broadly,” she said.
In the new PBS documentary “Caregiving,” a woman whose daughter has cerebral palsy and is nonverbal laments the difficulty in doing something as simple as taking her daughter to the park.
“Disability would not be as devastating,” she says, “if the world was made for everyone.”
The world may not be made for everyone to navigate with ease. But the Bechtler is working toward creating a museum that is.
Page Leggett is a Charlotte-based freelance writer. Reach her at epageleggett@gmail.com.
➡️ Want to visit? “Collection, Reframed: We Are Here, Beyond Vision” is on view at the Bechtler from July 2 through Sept. 22. Davian Robinson and two other dancers will perform “Misregistration” live on July 12 at 5 p.m. “Misregistration,” which premiered at Virginia Tech on May 1, celebrates the strengths of individuals with disabilities. Learn more at Bechtler.org.
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Council member Victoria Watlington responds to Johnny Harris column (and offers to meet him for coffee); says Charlotte is stronger with honest and public debate
The Ledger isn’t usually a hub for political opinions, but if local business and political leaders want to debate how Charlotte can get better, well, we’re open to hosting that discussion.
You’ll recall that last week, developer Johnny Harris wrote a column for us in which he expressed concern that the Charlotte City Council was becoming “increasingly driven by performative activism” after a close vote that would have supported a union-backed measure to increase contractor pay at Charlotte’s airport.
Now, in response, council member Victoria Watlington — who was one of the five council members implicitly criticized by Harris — has written a column we have published in which she makes the case that the old way of settling disagreements behind closed doors is outdated and dangerous.
She writes:
The essential role of public servants is not to suppress debate for the sake of expediency — but to engage deeply, educate responsibly and steer the public through complex and sometimes uncomfortable discussions.
To not explore controversial options — especially when they impact civil rights, public health, or social equity—is not merely negligent; it is antithetical to the democratic contract. Policymakers are elected precisely to ask hard questions, investigate consequences and bring transparency to decisions that shape our city’s future. …
Communities that foster open dialogue attract top talent, encourage public-private partnerships, and create the kind of inclusive economic environment that drives long-term growth. Silence may be comfortable, but engagement builds capital—social and financial.
➡️ You can read Victoria Watlington’s full column here.
Watlington is a Democrat elected at-large, or citywide. She was first elected to the council in 2019.
She closes her piece with a suggestion to meet Harris for coffee to keep the conversation going: “I’d welcome the chance to talk more about how principled discourse can drive Charlotte forward.”
(We will let you know if we hear anything on that.) —Tony Mecia
All the informed scuttlebutt we could find on who’s running for city council and school board this year
Don’t look now, but it’s about to be local election season.
Filing for all 11 Charlotte City Council seats and Charlotte mayor, and six of nine school board seats, starts on July 7.
Very little is official, but we talked with a handful of Charlotte politicians and political operatives to glean the latest scuttlebutt and gossip about what this November’s election might look like.
◼️ Charlotte mayor. Will she or won’t she? All eyes will be on Mayor Vi Lyles to see if she files to run for a fifth term as Charlotte’s mayor. If she doesn’t run again, it could be a battle royale in the Democratic primary on Sept. 9, with several council members expected to be suitors-in-waiting for the role. But most pros think she will run again. Though she might not be enjoying it as much as she used to, she might perceive that the city needs her leadership after a recent series of black eyes (police chief settlement, Tiawana Brown indictment), and if the transit referendum passes, she could be there to start to get transit moving and cement her legacy.
◼️ Charlotte City Council. All the incumbents elected two years ago are expected to run again (assuming there’s no shake-up in the mayoral race). And it is usually tough to beat incumbents. Democrats control the council 9-2, but some divisions cross party lines. Some of the races attracting attention:
At-large. There had been some speculation that former Democratic council member Braxton Winston would run again, after losing his race for labor commissioner. But he’s not believed to be running, so it could be smooth sailing for incumbents James Mitchell, Victoria Watlington, Dimple Ajmera and LaWana Mayfield.
District 3: Incumbent Democrat Tiawana Brown, who is under federal indictment on fraud charges, faces at least two primary challengers in her west Charlotte/Steele Creek district: nonprofit worker Joi Mayo and nonprofit executive Montravias King.
District 4: It’s looking like a rematch of 2023 in this University City district, with incumbent Democrat Renee Johnson expected to face housing construction manager Wil Russell in September’s primary. Mayor Lyles previously backed Russell, who lost 52%-41%. (Awkward!)
District 5: Two-term incumbent Democrat Marjorie Molina is facing a challenge from Juan Diego “JD” Mazuera Arias in this eastside seat. He describes himself as a “public servant, organizer and policy advocate.”
District 6: Republican Edwin Peacock was appointed to fill the term of Tariq Bokhari, who resigned to take a job in Washington. Peacock pledged not to run for the south Charlotte seat — though there is low-grade buzz he might run for something else. Bokhari’s wife, Krista, is expected to run for the open seat. Democrat Kimberly Owens, a corporate lawyer active in local nonprofits, says she is running. It’s unclear if Stephanie Hand, who lost to Bokhari in the last two elections, will run again, but local pros we talked to are betting no.
◼️ School board: The six district seats are up for election this year. If you thought nobody was paying attention to the City Council races, even fewer are tuning in to school board races (which are nonpartisan). But here is some of the intrigue we’re hearing:
District 2: Incumbent Thelma Byers-Bailey is not running again, opening this west Charlotte seat. Byers-Bailey has endorsed nonprofit leader Shamaiye Haynes, who ran for an at-large seat in 2023.
District 6: This south Charlotte/Matthews/Mint Hill district race could be interesting. Incumbent Summer Nunn is expected to face a challenge from Anna London, the CEO of Charlotte Works, a nonprofit that coordinates workforce development efforts in Mecklenburg County. It’s intriguing because Charlotte Works’ board chair is Raki McGregor, CMS’ chief executive in residence whose wife has a CMS consulting contract that was raised to $500,000 a year this year, which some board members objected to, according to a Charlotte Observer article last month. Nunn was one of two sitting CMS board members to vote “no” on appointing Crystal Hill superintendent. So you would have an incumbent who has not been a rubber stamp for the CMS administration running against a newcomer with a solid link to someone tight with the CMS administration. Hmm!
There are also elections this year in Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville.
Candidate filing runs from July 7 to July 18. —Tony Mecia
🎙️ New on the podcast: Two Charlotte sisters share what it’s like running a marketing firm together
Running a business with your sibling might sound like a challenge, but for Amoura and Avery Carter, it’s become their secret weapon. The Charlotte-based sisters co-founded AC Creative Collective, a firm offering marketing and learning and development services across the Carolinas. With complementary skills — Amoura in strategy and operations, Avery in design and messaging — the two are helping businesses cut through the noise and build authentic, effective brands.
On a recent episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, the Carters sit down with Ledger editor Tony Mecia to talk about what led them to entrepreneurship, how they combine creativity with structure, the advantages (and quirks) of running a business as sisters, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Listen in for a wide-ranging conversation about purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and how two Charlotte natives turned their passion into a growing, people-centered business.
9 months after Helene, Chimney Rock State Park reopens; ‘the return of a beloved place’
Park rangers and dignitaries were on hand Friday for the reopening of Chimney Rock State Park, two hours west of Charlotte, which closed last September because of damage from Hurricane Helene. Reservations are required for park entry. The town of Chimney Rock is still rebuilding after severe damage that the town’s mayor said “almost wiped us off the map.”
The N.C. Department of Natural & Cultural Resources wrote on Instagram: “Early this morning, as the sun rose over the cliffs, the American flag was raised once again above Chimney Rock. It fluttered in the breeze, quiet, steady, and proud. A small moment, but a powerful one. After months of silence, it signaled something we’ve all been waiting for: the return of a beloved place.” (Photo by N.C. Department of Natural & Cultural Resources)
News about ourselves: The Charlotte Ledger is a finalist for 2 national awards; Health care writer Michelle Crouch wins 1st-place national award for Atrium coverage
Patting ourselves on the back isn’t exactly a natural movement, but we’re honored to share the news that The Charlotte Ledger is a finalist for two national awards from an association of independent, locally focused online news organizations.
We are one of three finalists for awards from LION Publishers in two categories: “Product of the Year” and “Transformational Impact” — categories that would honor our work on coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in the N.C. mountains and on having a robust business operation that supports strong local journalism.
The Ledger is named a national LION Awards finalist for Western North Carolina coverage and “transformational impact”; Michelle Crouch picks up first-place award in Los Angeles last month for her coverage of Atrium Health.
◼️ The Ledger’s pop-up “Mountain Updates” newsletter, which launched in October 2024 following Hurricane Helene’s destruction in Western North Carolina, was selected as a finalist for the “Product of the Year” award, which recognizes an organization that “developed a successful and creative short-term or long-term product to strengthen their journalistic impact, financial health and/or operational resilience.”
◼️ We were also selected by LION staff as a finalist for the “Transformational Impact” award, which will be awarded to a news organization that “has achieved a transformational impact for its organization through dedication to improving operational resilience, financial health, and/or journalistic impact.” One of the other two finalists is La Noticia, the Charlotte-based Spanish-language print and digital publication.
The awards ceremony will be held on Sept. 3 in St. Louis, where a winner will be announced among three finalists for each category. We’ll keep you updated!
🏆 Healthcare award: We should also mention how proud we are of Michelle Crouch, who received a first-place national award last month from the Association of Health Care Journalists in the “health policy” category for her coverage of Atrium Health and how the large hospital system uses its status as a government entity to its advantage. Michelle’s work appears in The Ledger though our partnership with N.C. Health News.
We’re not in this for awards, but we appreciate the recognition of our team’s excellent work.
You might be interested in these Charlotte events
Events submitted by readers to The Ledger’s events board:
JULY 7: “Speak Easy,” 6-8 p.m., at VisArt Video, 3104 Eastway Drive. Speak Easy is a Networking Group designed specifically for speakers and those interested in speaking. Whether you are practicing storytelling, preparing for a keynote or actively working on your presentation skills, this is an event to get practice in front of an intimate audience. You may also join us as a spectator if you have aspirations of taking the stage one day. Registration required. $35.
JULY 9: “Full Moon Paddle,” 8:30-10:30 p.m., at Dutchman’s Creek Kayak Landing & Fishing, 725 Elm St., Mount Holly. Kayak on the Catawba River beneath the full moon. A guided tour by Miller Swimming provides everything you need — kayaks, paddles, pfds — and is perfect for beginners as well as experienced paddlers. Perfect date night, evening out with friends or just a cool adventure! Bonfire + s’mores + beverages after. $65.
JULY 14: “Crown Town Challenge: Intern Edition,” 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at AvidXchange, 817 Hamilton St. This July, show your interns why Charlotte is more than just a summer stop—it’s a place to build a future. The Crown Town Challenge: Intern Edition is a one-of-a-kind event where interns from companies across the region team up to give back through STEAM education, build meaningful connections, and experience firsthand what makes this city—and your company—so special. Through corporate sponsorship, companies can secure exclusive spots for their interns to participate in a high-energy day of impact and innovation. $50/ ticket. Group Sponsorships also available.
JULY 14-15: “TECHSPO Charlotte,” 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Westin Charlotte Hotel, 601 S. College St. This two-day technology expo brings together some of the best developers, brands, marketers, technology providers, designers, innovators and evangelists looking to set the pace in our advanced world of technology. Watch exhibitors showcase the next generation of advances in technology & innovation. Be prepared to be inspired, amazed and educated on how these evolving technologies will impact your business for greater growth. Registration required. A variety of 1-day and 2-day passes.
➡️ List your event on the Ledger events board.
In brief:
Tillis off the ballot in 2026: Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina announced he will not seek reelection in 2026, a surprise decision following criticism from former President Trump that reshapes a key Senate race and opens the door for both Republican and Democratic contenders. (WFAE)
‘Roofman’ trailer released: The first trailer is out for the movie “Roofman,” which is set and filmed in Charlotte and is based on the true story of a thief who broke into restaurants via rooftops and later hid for months inside a Toys “R” Us on Independence Boulevard before his arrest in 2005. It stars Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst and is scheduled for release Oct. 10. 🎥 Watch the trailer.
New name and money for Symphony Park: SouthPark Community Partners has raised 83% of its $13M fundraising goal for a major renovation of Symphony Park—now set to be renamed “TowneBank Symphony Park” after a $1.5M gift from TowneBank. The City of Charlotte is also contributing $8M to the project to support park improvements and better pedestrian access. (Axios Charlotte)
Police raise concerns about juvenile release: A juvenile already facing attempted murder charges against police officers was arrested again in May for armed robbery and other serious crimes, but was released back into supervision—prompting renewed concerns from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and others about the handling of repeat juvenile offenders. (WCNC)
Fireworks this week: Fireworks shows in Charlotte this week include Thursday after the Charlotte Knights game and Friday and Saturday nights at Carowinds. CLT Today has a full list of 4th of July celebrations.
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Congratulations on the award nominations and good luck in St. Louis!