The Foundation for the Carolinas is a hub of philanthropy. This foundation brings many different people from the community together and encourages all to do good and to pay it forward. The Luski-Gorelick Center for Philanthropy is home to an art gallery on the first floor that features works from local artists. Admission to the gallery is free.
Located uptown, this is a contemporary theater that stages a variety of plays for the audiences of the city—dramas handling social issues, hoarse comedies, and soul-stirring musicals. The 199-seat venue maintains its standards by hiring professional actors from the Actor's Equity Association and employing top-notch production values. Log on to the website for tickets and this season's new productions.
This theater, staging productions for children, is located in the uptown neighborhood. Many of the productions are by the famous Tarradiddle Players group. The establishment has won accolades and awards like the “George Parides Professional Theatre Award” and the “Sara Spencer Child Theatre Award”. The plays include classic and new works with themes ranging from magic and fantasy to current social problems like substance abuse among the youth. Several education programs are held by the theatre for participants between three to 18 years of age. Check the website or call for details on the current season, programs and further information.
The Mint Museum Uptown is located in a historic downtown building that was recently renovated to celebrate the rich legacy of Charlotte's artistic tradition. The permanent collection holds a wide range of items made from ceramic, jewelry, glass, fibers, metal, and wood. Their special glass commissions alone make it worth the visit! For those who enjoy an interactive experience, the museum offers many workshops, lectures, artist demonstrations, and travel guides to enhance the trip. Also, it is located within the heart of the business district and nearby many shopping centers and restaurants. Make sure to also take a look at the Mint Museum Randolph, full of fine and contemporary art.
The heart of this museum lies in an exploration of the people who have changed and shaped the social landscape of the South since the end of the Civil War. The exhibit addresses controversial issues like race relations and immigration, providing a forum for discussion and contemplation. The facility is newly renovated and many of the pieces contain modern multimedia displays and virtual tours that make the learning experience fun for all ages. Be sure to explore the 'Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers' exhibit, one of the permanent collections that focuses on the changing face of Charlotte and the Piedmont region of North Carolina.
This facility aims to help protect and conserve birds of prey, and is located inside the Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, a short drive from Charlotte. It seeks to educate people about raptors, erasing misconceptions that society has towards these creatures, and tends to injured, sick and orphaned birds. Due to imprinting and contact with humans, birds at the center cannot survive in the wild. They are, therefore attached to their handlers, and pose no threat to visitors. For volunteering opportunities and other information, check the website.