Charlotte Arts Institution Imagines A Non-violent Charlotte On Sept. 11 Through A Panel Discussio

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Sept. 4, 2020 - PRLog -- When we turn on the news or read today's headlines, it's easy to feel discouraged by the violence we see creeping in to our everyday lives. Charlotte Art League (CAL), one of the city's oldest arts institutions, is continuing to reach for creative solutions by bringing together a panel of experts to discuss the alarming statistics in our own city followed by a candlelight vigil on a particularly poignant evening.

On September 11 from 6 – 9 p.m., CAL will host Imagine a Non-Violent Charlotte, an evening using art as a visioning catalyst for a non-violent community. Panelists will include Johanna Covault, LCSW, CIT Coordinator for Trauma and Justice Partnerships with Mecklenburg County Department of Public Health; Lisa Crawford from Mothers of Murdered Offspring (momocares.org); Leondra Garrett, a Charlotte community organizer & activist; Melody Gross with Courage Shift, a domestic violence coaching and consulting company; and Glenn Proctor, award-winning author, poet, Vietnam Veteran and Charlotte Art League Board Member. Following the discussion, guests are invited to a parking lot candlelight vigil led by Crawford that will remember and honor the lives our community has lost to violence.

As CAL's Executive Director Jim Dukes explains: "Violence in Charlotte has reached an epidemic. Law enforcement, community groups and citizens have all struggled with how we come together to reduce the statistics and feel safe. Charlotte Art League is located on the edge of one of the city's designated crime hot spots, being in the Sugar Creek/ I-85 area, and as such, it's a particularly appropriate location for this discussion."

The exhibit will be both in person and virtual. Social distancing guidelines will be enforced for in-person attendees. The discussion will also stream live on CAL's Facebook page so people can participate virtually.

About Charlotte Art League: Founded in 1965, Charlotte Art League has served as an accessible gateway to the arts experience for art lovers of all ages and backgrounds. CAL relies on annual membership dues, studio rentals, donations, and grants to sustain its activities. Membership in CAL is open to emerging artists, professional artists, art educators, art patrons, and anyone else committed to the vital role that the arts play in building a strong, vibrant, and diverse community. More info: www.charlotteartleague.org.