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Haven't checked out the Charlotte International Arts Festival yet? It's the last weekend to do so

Larry Sprinkle gets a closer look at some of the exhibits!

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte International Arts Festival is a Blumenthal Performing Arts original! 

It’s a cultural celebration that has brought together Charlotte’s local art community with artists from around the world. The event started in mid-September and continues through this Sunday in Ballantyne at Ballantyne's Backyard.  It’s fun for all ages, from families to individuals. The once-a-year celebration has over 200 attractions, many for free!

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One of the most popular artists worldwide is Amanda Parer.  She’s an Australian, who creates large-scale art projects. Her exhibit, “Intrude”(aka the Big Bunnies) was in Uptown Charlotte in 2019 for Charlotte SHOUT! and again in 2021. That was a favorite in Charlotte. Last year she brought her “Thinker”-like sculpture, “Man”.   

This year, enormous inflatable humanoids have taken up residence in Ballantyne’s Backyard!  It’s called “Fantastic Planet” and is very popular for kids and adults.

Credit: WCNC

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The giant bunnies of “Intrude” were greatly admired both times they were in the Queen City.  Two of the people who saw the bunnies in 2019 were on a date and fell in love.  When the exhibit was back in town in 2021, Elizabeth Palmisano and Krystle Baller got married there.  Elizabeth is an award-winning multimedia and fiber artist and Krystle is a musician and founder of Pachyderm Music Lab and Music Director of Girls Rock.

On Friday, Elizabeth and Krystle actually got to meet Amanda, in person.  It’s a special gift to the couple, especially since Elizabeth is such a big fan and an artist too!

Contact Larry Sprinkle at lsprinkle@wcnc.com and follow him on FacebookX and Instagram.

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