Joy In The Shadows
- Admin EllaFae Art
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 13
Bring your shadow. Leave your mark.
We are thrilled to announce Joy In The Shadows, a new public art project coming to Plaza Midwood! Funded through a City of Charlotte Placemaking Grant, this project will turn an overlooked corner of our neighborhood into a place of beauty, welcome, and joy — and you’re invited to help create it.
Led by award-winning public artist Elizabeth Palmisano, the project will feature a vibrant street mural, a laser-cut sculpture, and a constellation of smaller cameo sidewalk murals — all inspired by shadows captured by our neighbors.
"Joy In The Shadows is about finding light in everyday places and coming together to transform something overlooked into something meaningful, beautiful, and cared for." — Elizabeth Palmisano
How You Can Participate
Join Us In Person!
Shadow Art Workshop
June 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM
(Rain Date: June 29 at 11:00 AM)
Corner of Fulton Avenue & Roland Street
At this free, family-friendly workshop, you’ll learn to capture shadows using simple tracing techniques — and then explore the neighborhood to find your own! The shadows we collect will inspire the designs for the mural, sculpture, and cameo sidewalk art. All ages welcome.
Submit Your Shadow Anytime
Can’t make it in person? You can still contribute! If you spot a striking shadow or silhouette in the neighborhood, snap a photo and upload it to our collection portal. Your image may inspire elements of the final design.
About The Project
Joy In The Shadows is part of PMNA’s new Arts & Beautification initiative, made possible through a Placemaking Grant from the City of Charlotte’s Urban Design Center.
Led by Elizabeth Palmisano — a Charlotte-based public artist and muralist known for her immersive, community-driven art — the project celebrates the role of art in building community and reimagining public spaces.
Throughout the fall, neighbors will also be invited to take part in Community Paint Days and an Art Walk & Reveal Party to celebrate the completed project. Stay tuned!
Upcoming Events
June 28, 2025 — Shadow Collection Workshop (Rain date June 29)
October — Community Paint Day (Date TBD)
October/November — Art Walk & Reveal Party (Date TBD)
Acknowledgments
This project is made possible with generous support from the City of Charlotte’s Urban Design Center Placemaking Grant and the Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Association (PMNA).