|
Historic Mural of Old Charlotte This treasure is under the auspices of the Historic Landmarks Commission. HLC Commissioner Mike Sullivan rescued the painting from a grocery cart in the basement of Harding High School. Mike has been appointed on behalf of the HLC as chief steward of this important painting by local artist and historian, Kenneth Whitsett. The 61' X 10' mural which depicts 400 years of the history of gold in Mecklenburg County was completed April 12, 1950. It has no name and has been a traveling orphan with a sad history over the years. These are the locations where the mural has found itself since its birth: American Trust C. (corner of 3rd and Tryon St.), UNCC-Charlotte/presented to Bonnie Cone, NCNB, Eastway Jr. High, CMS, Charlotte Civic Center, Harding High School, and now the HLC. The mural was completed with the help of Dorothy DeLaney Brown and LeGette Blythe. Kenneth Whitsett, the artist, was very active in the Charlotte arts community. He was instrumental in the saving and relocation of the old Mint and was an original member of the board of directors of the Mint Museum of Art (1934-1937/) Whitsett also had a deep appreciation for the history of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and in preserving historical structures and settings. He was a charter member and vice-president of the Mecklenburg Historical Association. He painted a number of other paintings/murals throughout NC depicting historic events of local and state importance. |
