asfa’s connection to local art
by mercy kinsey
South Charlotte has a rich artistic culture indicated by its charming elegance. All over the city, businesses and organizations value the local art scene so much that they invest in it by commissioning murals and mosaics on the side of apartment complexes, parking lots and small businesses. asfa is here to highlight the beautiful artwork of local creators and call your attention to some designs we have that are akin to these beloved Charlotte attractions. Follow us in a game of if you like this, you will LOVE this:
The iconic confetti heart wall was created in December 2018 by Evelyn Henson. It shows kindness on the largest scale. This 40ft wall is covered in multicolored hearts that reflect joy and acceptance.
If you like the brightness and jubilation that the South End heart wall brings to your day, then you will LOVE “Desire” by Valerie McMullen. Valerie McMullen is a Signature Member of the Arizona Watercolor Association and a Juried Member of the Arizona Art Alliance. In 2020 she received 1st place in an abstract BoldBrush competition for her painting “Blue Lagoon”.“Desire” encapsulates the same delight that the beloved heart wall conjures on a more refined level. Its warmth pulls you in and invites the joyful spirit into any space.
If you have ever strolled in Plaza Midwood, then you are very familiar with the five story mural along the wall of the Nook apartments on Central Avenue. This mural, created by Matt Moore and Matt Hooker, was completed in 2018 and depicts Neptune, the Roman God of the Sea. Neptune is a symbol of strength in trying times for this beloved neighborhood.
If you like the mix of classical figures and the added flair of technological glitch-core, then you will LOVE “Anna D. Prisma Life” by Martin Frias. Frias is a force in the European art world. In the '70s, Frias founded the Spanish rock magazine, Popular 1. His work spans with photos of rock icons like Freddy Mercury, Robert Plant, Mick Jagger, Lou Reed, Ozzy Osbourne, and David Bowie among others. In the early years, he established a friendship and professional collaboration with Salvador Dali. Perhaps one of his most impressive commissions is painted portraits and photographs of Princess Grace Kelly for the Royal Family of Monaco. “Anna D. Prisma” takes a modern feminine approach to the masculine Charlotte mural and could be the missing conversation piece you have been looking for.
The colorful steps by Nick Napoletano can be found off the patio of Metropolitan restaurant staple, Dresslers. The shapes are zany, the colors engaging and perfectly proportionate.
If you like the bold colors and tantalizing patterns of the Dressler’s steps, then you will LOVE “All we need is LOVE” by Frances Taylor. Frances Taylor is best known for mixed media art. She has shown her work in multiple states. She describes her works as whimsical, free spirited, and vivaciously colorful from life experiences. Taylor’s artwork encourages peace and reiterates the message of the Henson mural. Love is a message that cannot be spread enough and adding this art work to your collection will prove that you value love in your spaces - character trait of a sensible creative.
At Mr. C’s on West Morehead Street, Russian artist, SAV 45 was commissioned to create a mural as a part of the Remember Iryna project happening across the country. Iryna Zarutska was a Ukrainian refugee who was tragically stabbed on the light rail in late 2025. She has now been beautifully memorialized on the restaurant's exterior wall facing the street.
If you like the striking realism of this artwork or want to pay tribute to an honored loved one, we offer commissioned portraits from the extremely talented Kathy Wochele.
Kathy worked alongside famed portrait artist Marc Chatov who is also featured in our gallery. She has participated in numerous group and juried shows including American Women Artists in 2009 and 2011. Kathy has received many honors from the Portrait Society of Atlanta including first place and member’s choice.
We hope you all have enjoyed this virtual Charlotte mural tour and that you can bring art you love into your home or workplace. To experience some of this great work in person swing by our Charlotte location located at 705 S. Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte, NC 28211 (Below Leroy Fox and Art Aspects). Send this to another Charlotte native or a buddy who is obsessed with culture and art because remember…
“Friends don’t let friends buy bad art!”
-EAS
Written by Mercy Kinsey
Psst. want to see more art that matches your personality traits?
