This exhibit puts the Museum’s iconic Path of Portraits series in conversation with an exhibition entitled "Carolina Faces: The Photography of Don Sturkey." Each portrait from Path of Portraits portrays a figure (or figures) from Charlotte's history who is under-appreciated, under-studied, or otherwise overlooked. This exhibit will augment those portraits with video interviews featuring the local artists behind the portraits and expanded biographies of each portrait subject. The Carolina Faces series features dozens of portraits from Sturkey’s tenure as Chief Photographer at the Charlotte Observer between 1955 and 1989. Together, both portrait series capture some of the iconic visitors, ordinary faces, and important events from the history of the Queen City.

Path of Portraits is part of our mission to honor the history of all members of our community and provide a space that encourages visitors to connect with people from the past. Working with Charlotte Is Creative and four local artists, the Museum commissioned the first four portraits in the series in Spring 2021. Since the 2021 festival, the Museum has added six more portraits, with more planned for the future. Click on the name of the subject to read their story and learn about the artist.

Featured Subjects and Local Artists:

• George E. Davis, painted by Ricky Singh (2021)
• Ishmael Titus, painted by Mikayla Binter (2021)
• Nance & Child, painted by Abel Jackson (2021)
• John Schenck, painted by Kalin Davone (2021)
• Sarii, painted by Alex Osborn (2022)
• Thereasea Clark Elder, painted by Art Rogers (2023)
• John Lawson, painted by Lucy Phung (2023)
• J. Charles Jones and the Charlotte Sit-Ins Movement, painted by Taylor Turner (2023)
• Mary Jackson McCrorey, painted by Jennifer Minnis (2024)
• Ella May Wiggins, painted by Isaiah Kidd (2024)
• Elijah Granger, painted by Andrew Raquan (2024)
• Dan Ramirez, painted by La'Porscha Smith (2024)
• Olma Echeverri, painted by Emily Nunez (2024)
• Mary Sample Alexander, painted by Nony (2024)

The project was funded in part by the Arts & Science Council.