SCL Art and Love issue (Feb 2026) FOR WEB

LIVING for the Love of Art

We Are in Love With the Arts!

On a recent trip out of town, we intentionally arrived at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport early to take a tour of all the newly installed public art features now in place like the mural shown on this issue’s cover.

In addition to appreciating all the new changes resulting from the years of construction that inconvenienced us, seeing the public art was the icing on the cake. I’ve been to many airports across the country and abroad, and I was proud to see that our home airport now rivals many of them anywhere. It’s also exciting to know that the city’s airport management team is not done yet and plans are in place to continue addressing the needs of a rapidly growing city with an airport that has a busy and expanding hub. It’s also good to know that Charlotte’s Arts and Science Council will continue to enhance the airport’s beauty by adding more pieces to the public art collection at the airport.

In the pages ahead, you’ll witness how Claudia Ricciardone at Claudia Josephine Design displays how art can make a difference in our private spaces at home.

Lyn Coaldwell

Publisher

Carol Long

Editor

Melissa Latin Creative Director

Melinda Willms, Claudia Ricciardone, Effie Russell, Edie Marshall Writers

Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital, Kobi Brinson, CharlotteDouglas International Airport, Arts and Science Council, Claudia Josephine Design, Laura Sumrak, Jessica Hall, Sunflour Baking Company, C & W Steakhouse Ballantyne Photographers

southcharlottelivingmag.com facebook.com/southcharlotteliving instagram.com/southcharlotteliving Publisher

We also introduce you to the lovely Hall family and the many wedding experiences for their four kids. They have hosted guests locally, in other cities and at resort destinations.

Sunflour Baking Company is one of our favorite bakeries. More brides and grooms also agree and choose the bakery for their wedding cakes. In conclusion, we suggest that you consider C & W Steakhouse in Ballantyne for your next intimate event. Sharon Conklin, the owner, would be delighted to help you spread the love during a small wedding, a reception, engagement party or other family event.

Enjoy the Arts and Share the Love, South Charlotte!

Lyn Coaldwell

Picante Creative Design & Production

Rachel Moore

Ad Designs and Social Media

Barbara McKay Advisor

At Zinicola, the table is a celebration, a coming together of time and place bolstered by

We

Above

Dr. Erin Koballa and Her Team at Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital Celebrated the Holidays

Their 2nd Annual Pet Clients and Families Paws and Claus Event was held again in December 2025. The animal hospital was overflowing with love for pets! Many dogs came dressed for the occasion to visit Santa and he was sharply dressed too. The animal hospital partnered with the Purple Leash Project founded by Purina and Red Rover for the event. Vendors showcased items to sell to pet owners and the Gaston County Animal Shelter also brought dogs for adoption.

> Your pets would love visiting Dr. Erin at Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital, 13331 York Center Road, #A, Charlotte, NC 28273, 980.276.1205, charlottecompanion.com.

WHO, WHAT, WHEN AND WHERE

Friends and Fans Enjoyed Watching Our Carolina Panthers in Their First Playoff Game Since 2017

Everyone had fun celebrating while watching Panther quarterback Bryce Young and his teammates in a playoff game. They secured the berth by winning the NFC South in the 2025 regular season. We’re excited about the upcoming 2026 season. Go Panthers!

Reserve Now for Special Events, Birthdays, Family Celebrations, Special occasions and more!

Sunflour Baking Company provides sandwiches, pastries, fruits, veggies, snacks, charcuterie and desserts for Breakfast/Lunch Meetings, Corporate Gatherings, Parties and Weddings. Visit one of our 5 locations: Ballantyne, Dilworth, Elizabeth, Harrisburg, NoDa German Chocolate Cupcakes and other Fine Desserts for any occasion

The Beauty of Art in

Our International Airport

Art

in our newly renovated airport

leads the

way

for travelers to experience a grand entry into Charlotte or exit out of the Queen City.

The collection of art installed in Charlotte Douglas International Airport can be impressive to the more than 160,000 visitors who pass through the upgraded transportation hub each day.

Guests can enjoy a treat for the eyes to uplift their weary spirits with joy as they move through the lobby and the airport’s concourses. The art gives them a glimpse of our culture and exhibits some of what makes Charlotte so special.

On the other hand, If you’re fortunate enough to live here, then you usually enter the airport with the goal of just getting to your gate so you can successfully catch your flight on time or if you’re arriving in Charlotte on your return to

Writers: Edie Marshall and Effie Russell

Photography: Arts and Science Council and Charlotte Douglas International Airport

home, you may not have time or want to take the time to enjoy the sights inside the airport. However, if your flight is unfortunately delayed or if you can plan to arrive at the airport early to casually stroll through before you board your flight or linger a while after you land, then you can spend time enjoying artistic pleasures rarely found in any airport anywhere else.

Placed as a royal centerpiece inside the airport’s new lobby is the 15-foot-bronze sculpture of Queen Charlotte. Originally dedicated in 1990, the iconic sculpture was created by Raymond Kaskey, who is based in Washington, DC. The sculpture was previously positioned outside between two parking decks. It received a new patina surface by Carolina Bronze Sculpture, Inc. before being moved inside and placed on a newly designed plinth by Kaskey. Queen Charlotte is flanked by two beautiful, suspended sculptures by Daniel Roney in the East and West Wings, collectively known as Meridian. They are an impressive combination of art and science related to arriving and departing traffic patterns and Roney used actual airport data to create them.

Dixie Friend Gay’s Carolina Canopy (shown on the cover and on pages 14-15) is a mosaic work of art that was designed for the international arrival wall. Each tile was hand-glazed and hand-placed in a very detailed process. It exhibits much about the nature and foliage found in our area with intriguing greenery, beautiful flora and even insects that add to the mystic of the art.

There are two beautiful terrazzo floor works of art that were designed by artists for two different mezzanines. Garden Carpet, terrazzo floor art on the West Mezzanine Skybridge was created by Susan Brenner. On the East Mezzanine is Janelle

Stanley’s Catawba Ways. Janelle is a First Nation’s artist who worked with the Catawba Nation to create what represents Catawba Indian’s cultural pottery tradition.

Airport visitors moving through domestic arrivals can be fascinated by the work of Nigerian-born, Brooklynbased artist Olalkann “LEk” Jeyifous. His creation, Nurture and Nature, which is an engaging collection of boldly hued geometric patterns is representative of Charlotte’s diverse and growing business industries and regional, native flora and fauna. Jeyifous is known for addressing social themes through his art.

The Weightless Monument by Benjamin Ball is located in Concourse A and is a 90-foot suspension of stainless steel ball chain that gently sways and dances with the soft glow of nearby windows. It invites visitors to direct their focus to the skies, or at least up to the clerestory ceiling in the Concourse.

The art projects in Charlotte Douglas International Airport contribute much to Charlotte’s identification as the leader on North Carolina’s public art scene. The exhibits also elevate the perception worldwide that Charlotte is a city that appreciates art and is a city that is worthy of exploring further.

Public art has been installed at CLT Airport through the stewardship of the Arts and Science Council (ASC). ASC led the public art planning and artistic selection processes. Bringing public art to life in the city is one of the many gifts the organization brings to Charlotte. ASC serves as Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s cultural leader by serving as a resource hub, funder and advocate for arts, science and history. As a supporting organization of Foundation For the Carolinas, ASC champions local creatives by investing in the arts, sciences and culture to drive economic growth, community retention and cultural engagement.

> Learn more and consider giving to support the ASC by visiting artsandscience.org.

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Art and Interior Design: Claudia Josephine Design

Claudia Designs with Art

There’s an adage: your art doesn’t need to match your sofa. While that may be true, art can provide a thoughtful and inspiring starting point for a room. When designing for clients, I often use a meaningful piece of artwork, a graphic wallpaper, or a beautifully crafted rug as the jumping-off point for a space. Our homes are reflections of who we are and where we’ve been. The artwork and photographs we display provide visual evidence of what inspires us and the people and memories we value most. In an often-overstimulating world, home should serve as a refuge, and personal art plays an important role in creating that sense of comfort and significance.

Placement is Key

When deciding where to hang artwork, consider both the purpose of the room and the atmosphere you want to create. Candid snapshots from memorable family vacations feel especially at home in informal areas such as family or entertainment rooms, while portraits and fine art paintings often provide a finishing touch in living areas, dining rooms or studies. Grouping similar pieces, such as a collection of black-andwhite photography, creates a clean and cohesive look. A gallery wall that mixes mediums such as photography, watercolor, and oil paintings offers a more eclectic approach and can help bridge casual and formal spaces.

Writers: Claudia Ricciardone and Melinda Willms / Photography: Laura Sumrak / Interior Designer: Claudia Ricciardone

Scale Matters

Scale is another important consideration. Artwork placed above a sofa should typically span approximately two-thirds to threequarters of the furniture’s width.

Large, oversized pieces create drama and presence, while smaller works can help a compact room feel balanced rather than overwhelmed.

Before you strike the first nail, however, a few practical considerations can make all the difference.

Accent Lighting

Proper lighting allows artwork to become a true focal point within a room. LED wall-mounted picture lights are a popular choice and provide focused illumination.

A color temperature between 3000 and 3500 Kelvin produces a warm glow that closely resembles traditional incandescent lighting and helps artwork appear natural and inviting.

The Correct Height for Hanging

As a general guideline, artwork should be hung at eye level, approximately 57 to 60 inches from the floor to the center of the piece.

For gallery walls, use the center point of the entire arrangement rather than individual pieces to determine the correct height. This creates a cohesive composition that allows viewers to comfortably appreciate the collection.

> View more designs by Claudia J. Ricciardone with Claudia Josephine Design at claudiajosephinedesign.com or reach out to Claudia at cjricciardone@gmail.com. You can also call her at 860.796.3415.

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The Hall Family’s Season of Weddings

Four Celebrations in Eighteen Months

Writers: Effie Russell and Edie Marshall

Photography: Jessica Hall

It’s hard to believe that Jessica and Chip Hall have celebrated the nuptials of three of their four children during the last few months and the family will be celebrating a fourth wedding this Spring. Whew! What an accomplishment. It’s amazing that they are not just surviving but everyone is thriving after hosting three major celebratory life changing events with another one upcoming.

It was to be expected that after Jessica and Chip successfully raised and educated their kids that each would be well prepared to attract upstanding partners and launch their own happy families. Jessica often expresses the joy and love that she and Chip have for their children’s choices in mates. How rare, to have such absolute love for your in-laws! She says they all have a sense of humor and they fit perfectly into their fun-loving clan that encourages spending time together and they even require participation in game nights. They also have a strong foundation of faith and they all share in the family’s monthly virtual Bible study sessions. What blessings to celebrate!

The common thread with three of the weddings is marriage by their father, Rev. Dr. Chip Hall. In addition, two of the three weddings to date have been destination weddings hosted at properties owned by Secrets All-Inclusive Resorts

but on two different islands. The family had confidence in the travel and event arrangements orchestrated by expert travel boutique owner Andrea Norfolk and her team at Shoreline Destinations. The next Hall family wedding will also be a destination wedding. It has also been arranged by Andrea and is scheduled for May 2026.

Theodore IV (Theo) Hall and Bethel Kidane Hall Said

‘I

do’ Three Times

Theo and Bethel were married in October 2024. They live in Charlotte and are considered to be the popular ones. They have so many friends and connections that they have had three wedding celebrations! Their legal ceremony occurred at a small

church in Charlotte, attended only by their parents, Theo’s younger sister, Maya, and her boyfriend Tyler, who later became her husband in November, 2025. Their destination wedding was held in Isla Mujeres, Mexico at a newly opened Secrets All-inclusive Resort with more than 80 guests in attendance. Their final celebration was held as an Ethiopian Melse in Cincinnati, home of Bethel’s parents.

Maya Hall Capel and Tyler Capel Are the Faith Focused Couple

They hosted two wedding celebrations in November 2025. Their legal service was held on the lake front porch of Jessica and Chip’s home. That choice was made by the couple in remembrance of them talking on the porch until the sun rose after their first date and it’s where the groom first met Maya’s parents, Jessica and Chip, on a later date. This very special event in a very special place was only attended by their parents and their siblings. Their second wedding, a destination event, was held in San Nicolas, Baby Beach in Aruba at a newly opened Secrets All-Inclusive Resort with 64 guests in attendance.

Jade Hall and her husband, Mario Sanford, Were Married on December 24, 2025

Jade, Theo’s twin, hosted a simple quiet Nikah Ceremony in Memphis. She was an urban farmer in Baltimore and now will put those skills to use in Memphis as she finalizes her move there from Baltimore.

Ebony Hall and Kirk Jackson Are Laid-Back and Athletic

They have two wedding celebrations planned for 2026. One will be held in Dallas while family and friends will travel to Esmeralda, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for their destination wedding at a newly opened Secrets Allinclusive Resort. They expect 55 guests to attend their glorious Dominican Republic celebration.

Obviously the Hall family loves to travel, so during this same 18-month time period Jessica and Chip were busy building a home in Costa Rica. Imagine that! Their vacation retreat will be a great place for them to gather with all their kids, their spouses and families to visit with them.

> Andrea and her team will be happy to help anyone from anywhere plan their luxury get-aways too. Visit shorlinedestinations.com for help with planning your next ‹Best Travel Experience Ever›.

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Sunflour Baking Company Has

The Best Wedding Cakes!

So now you have your ring and you’re ready to make plans for your big, special day! One of the many magical details you’ll be dreaming about is your wedding cake. You will likely have a vision of the perfect wedding cake for you to share with each other and with your guests. You will likely want a wedding cake that is customized to coordinate with the theme and colors you choose for the event. You’ll want it to reflect your taste and style as a couple. An artisan bakery, Sunflour Baking Company, with five locations in the Charlotte area prides itself on creating all its cakes and other delicious desserts, especially wedding cakes from scratch and in small batches.

Written by: Effie Russell and Victoria Smith

Baking Company

Sunflour is also committed to supporting local vendors—sourcing ingredients from area suppliers whenever possible to ensure the ultimate freshness of all items on their extensive menu. All baked goods are handmade onsite, using the best raw materials available. Sunflour embraces authenticity in its culinary creations and no shortcuts, mixes or premade anything ever goes into any item on their full catering menu.

Sunflour has been serving the Queen City since 2009 from its original location in the historic Elizabeth neighborhood. The Parrish family has owned Sunflour since 2014 and has expanded by opening additional locations in Dilworth, Harrisburg, Ballantyne and Noda.

The team at Sunflour prides itself on providing excellent baked goods second to none with unrivaled customer service and an unwavering

commitment to actively contributing to the local community.

Sunflour Baking Company is the bakery and cafe you have been looking for. You can enjoy other baked goods and sandwiches as well. Visit any of their five locations to get a taste of their fresh brewed coffee or small batch, homemade pastries and breads. We invite you to visit their local cafes. They are all great spots to hang out in, get work

done, catch up with friends or enjoy some quiet time. We are sure you will love their bright, friendly interiors with sunflowers and of course their pastry cases. Their sandwiches are perfect for lunch and events too. They are made with fresh breads, meats and vegetables every day and they travel well also.

For over 16 years Sunflour Baking Company has been a local favorite all

around Charlotte and beyond. Now, people all over the country order cake jars and baked goods every day and they are shipped everywhere!

> Schedule a wedding cake tasting or visit the Sunflour Bakery Company location nearest you and experience the difference today! For more information, go to SunflourBakingCompany.com.

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C & W Steakhouse is One of the Best for Intimate Events, Even Weddings and Receptions

Writers: Effie Russell and Melinda Willms

Photography: C & W Steakhouse Ballantyne and Provided

The talented and accomplished Sharon Conklin and her team at C & W

Steakhouse Ballantyne are committed to making sure that each host and their guests are more than satisfied once they walk through their doors. The restaurant is devoted to providing the best in restaurant, entertainment and hospitality services.

Sharon’s dynamic personality and her experience as a proactive, goal-oriented executive for over 40

years in healthcare and interior design which make her one of the best business leaders around.

Sharon has created an exceptional venue for fine dining and intimate events in a unique atmosphere. There is nothing else like it in Ballantyne. She has a discerning eye for the best, as reflected in the unique, artistic bar delivered from Chicago and the elegant light fixtures adorning the ceiling. The decor creates the perfect atmosphere for any occasion.

Sharon brings the same energy and creativity to C & W events that she embodied when she professionally planned and designed interiors. Sharon can assist with making the restaurant’s space appropriate for any occasion, even weddings, receptions, after-rehearsal dinners, wedding showers, engagement parties and more. Sharon can assist with finding the right altar if needed, specialty table linens, china, crystal, silverware,

flowers or any other special decor requested. Of course, corporate, business and celebration parties are popular at the restaurant too. The restaurant also hosts monthly live jazz nights featuring world class musicians.

Sharon also knows it is not just about the appearance of the space and how it looks but the quality and taste of the food and drinks that will matter also. Customers expect the best food and drinks. C & W has become known for the best cuts of meat and locally sourced foods. Sharon and her management have found the best staff in the food industry for the kitchen, the best mixologists and the best servers who can deliver the highest quality service to their customers, loyal followers and supporters.

> Visit candwballantyne.com or call 980.275.0173 to make a reservation or make an appointment for your next event or visit the restaurant at 14825 Ballantyne Village Way, Suite 135, Charlotte, NC 28277.

Art Galleries:

Providence Art Gallery

Auto - New, Used, and Service:

Mercedes Benz of South Charlotte

Country Clubs:

The Club at Longview

Education:

Barbara McKay, Speaker and Author

Carmel Christian School

Entertainment:

Israel Devaux, Pianist

Charlotte Ballet

Financial Services:

Wealth Enhancement Group

Gina LaRosa, Mutual of Omaha Reverse Mortgages

Fitness & Wellness:

Perspire Sauna

Home Furnishings and Interior Design:

Nouvelle Furnishings

Stage It, Staging, Interior Designs and Renovations

Home Services:

A Diamond In The Rough Cleaning

Window Source of the Carolinas

Electric Solutions

Gatsby Glass of South Charlotte

Shack Shine Charlotte

Hotels:

Hyatt Centric SouthPark

Philanthropy:

Allegro Foundation

Alzheimer's Association

Cross Country For Youth

Isabella Santos

Physicians & Medical:

Arboretum Dentistry

Arboretum Gynecology

FYZICAL Pineville

Dr. Kristin Black, New Day Wellness Center

Professional Services:

Zeaba Computer Solutions

Paul Williams III, Photography

Second Hands

Real Estate:

Jackie Smith, Charlotte’s Finest

Properties, RE/MAX Executive

Michelle Zawacki, BHHS Carolinas Realty

Robin Nitsche, Premier Sotheby’s

International Realty

Marsela Green, BHHS Carolinas Realty

Kristen Strause, Brandon Lawn Real Estate

Betsy Stec Market, Ivester Jackson/Christie's International

Restaurants:

C&W Steakhouse Ballantyne

Sunflour Baking Company

Zinicola Italian Restaurant

Amelie’s - French Bakery and Cafe

MIZU Wood-Fired Grill Restaurant

Enzo’s Italian Market

Salons and Spas:

BJ Cherry Hair Designs

Le Petit Spa

Shopping:

DSRVNG

Paul Simon

Veterinarians and Pet Care:

Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital