16th St.
Bridge
16th & Tryon, Uptown
Completed: Phase 1 - August 2017
Phase 2 - August 2018
BEFORE
"After this, I think people in the area will see that homeless people do care about their community,"
-Preston Flanning
Men’s Shelter Volunteer Artist
The 16th Street Bridge Mural was completed in two stages over the course of a year beginning in July 2017 in collaboration with North End Partners, Men’s Shelter of Charlotte, CMPD Metro Division, United of Carolinas, and countless community volunteers. Artists Sam Guzzie and Lane Morris led volunteers in painting two murals representing the ups and downs of life with guided designs based on ideas from the residents of the Men’s Shelter.
This project was a true collaboration of community. It brought people together from a variety of backgrounds and gave them the chance to work together with a common goal in uplifting and revitalizing the area. The response from the surrounding residents was astounding and brought a new life to the mural being created.
The installment of this mural was a catalyst for additional enhancements to address problematic issues in the area. During the course of the work, CDOT installed new lights under the bridge and began work on the drainage system to reverse severe flooding that was a reoccurring concern. Norfolk Southern, owner of the underpass, cleared brush and over-hanging vines from their railroad which caused water runoff and added to the flooding.
On top of that, we were also happy to see one of our most dedicated volunteers from the Men’s Shelter, who painted with us every day, fast-tracked into housing placement and moved into his new home the last week of Phase I. When a community comes together, it can bring new possibilities, benefits, & a renewed sense of hope.
ABOUT THE MURAL
TEAM:
Project Managers:
Sam Guzzie
Anne Lambert
Volunteers from:
CMPD Metro Division
Men's Shelter of Charlotte
Osiris Rain Studios
Charlotte community members
PARTNERS & SPONSORS:
Project funded by:
Unite Charlotte Grant, United Way
Cultural Visions Grant, ASC
Community Go-Fund-Me campaign
Magnolia Paint Company Benjamin Moore: Exterior paint
United of Carolinas:
Street closure, pressure washing and protective gear for volunteers
North End Partners
Men's Shelter of Charlotte
Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department Metro Division
LOCATION:
Intersection of
N. Tryon & E. 16th St
Charlotte, NC 28206
LANE MORRIS
Lane Morris is a Project Manager and Artist with Brand the Moth who started working with our team during the 16th Street Bridge project. We are lucky to have such a talented, dedicated and genuine person supporting our projects, fellow artists, & community members. Come visit her at our next community project!