Mr. Joe Haick has not printed a job for me that we contracted for almost a year and a half ago. He…read morehas promised with every excuse that he would print my panels but never followed up on his promises. I even offered to pay him more for the printing than the money I paid which he asked for. He defrauded me of my panels worth $500.00, which I had custom made here in FL and sent to him. Due to the distance, as Cat Studios is no longer in Palm Beach County, FL, where I live, and he moved to NC, it doesn't pay me to pursue a legal procedure. At this point I just wanted my panels returned, unprinted. This is a clear fraudulent case and that is why I have contacted the local Police, and Better Business Bureau in Charlotte. With all his promises in all of our documented emails, this has been a most traumatic experience for me doing business with Cat Studios and Joe Haick.

From the owner: Welcome to CAT Studios Inc., a company dedicated over the last 16 years to creating and applying…read morenew technologies and media tools to revolutionize the world of Commercial and Fine art. Our Creative Services: Interior & Exterior Murals and Wall Treatments: CAT Studios can custom design and paint murals to your specifications. Our murals are created in either oil or water-based paints and reflect each client's personal tastes and environment. We pride ourselves in design and executions, and thanks to our newly patented painting process and experienced artisans we can now deliver beautiful hand painted murals at a faction of the cost and time usually required to have produced. Custom murals starting as low as $10 a square foot. Specialty Services: CAT Studios offers a large selection of artistic services and products never before available. We can affordably produce beautiful custom painted and themed tabletops, acoustical tiles, window treatments, ceiling tiles, wooden dance floors, stockade fences, construction barriers, awnings, and even sisal carpeting. New applications and products are constantly being added. If you have a idea for a new application please let us know. Custom Painted Signage: CAT Studios has the capabilities of printing on a wide variety of traditional sign substrates using durable, long lasting paints. Print Services: CAT Studios Inc also offers full service fine art giclee printing, photo enlargements, and large format printing services.

Almost passed right by it -- it looks like an unsuspecting alleyway but fear not! The murals were…read moreBEAUTIFUL and I so appreciate when cities make an effort to incorporate more art into its streets

Great to walk through and read about the installations! Beautiful and free street art. Awesome…read morephoto opportunities and lots of hidden treasures. :)

Seeing this neighborhood lit up for Christmas was absolutely beautiful. I've never experienced an…read moreentire town so fully decorated for the holidays, and it's easy to see why McAdenville is known as Christmas Town. The lights go on and on, and you truly could walk for hours without seeing the same thing twice. There isn't a set route or strict structure--you can walk as much as you want and in any order. We ended up logging about 13,000 steps and 5.5 miles, which really says a lot. Because it was extremely cold, it wasn't very busy at all. We chatted with a few people who mentioned that it's usually packed, so the cold definitely kept some visitors home. A really nice touch was the fire department handing out free hot chocolate, just asking for donations. Having something warm to sip on made a huge difference on such a cold night. I was fully bundled up--leggings with pants over them, socks plus fuzzy socks, UGG boots, a turtleneck, heavy sweater, jacket, hat covering my ears, and gloves--and I'd strongly recommend dressing just as warm if you plan to walk it. We did a mix of walking and a little driving, but driving is limited to certain areas. If you want to see the most lights, walking is the way to go. Overall, it's absolutely worth visiting--this is a true holiday experience. Just keep in mind that McAdenville is very small, and aside from the Christmas lights, there isn't much else to do in town. Still, for the festive atmosphere alone, it's well worth the trip.

If you are traveling... call and research ahead of time. You will need to know the entrance that is…read moreallowing guests in. If you wait at another entrance police will make you turn around and wait again. This is a huge event. Wait total for us this trip bumper to bumper 2 hrs. I recommend to arrive at 4 PM early on (not the week of Christmas or before) and grab a bite to eat beforehand. After head in for the light show. Extravagant decoration on all of the houses. It is HUGE! Absolutely a Christmas town in USA. Many of the little shops are open for you to look in and get warm for a second. Churches open their doors for bathrooms. One offered a craft. All the fire stations gave away hot chocolate while walking. You can drive through or walk. It was such a magical evening. I recommend going. So worth it. You can take pictures on most porches :)

It's been awhile since I saw this masterpiece by Cerny a few years ago, and I found the perfect…read moreopportunity to go see it again... We went with some friends to check out this event, Metalmorphosis @ Whitehall with CSO Roadshow (and food trucks). What a fun idea! Surprisingly, it wasn't packed when we first got there, but gradually all the seats filled up. First of all, the Metal head was working (which is dicey!)...Thank God! I did wonder why it couldn't spew water from its mouth. THAT would be so spectacular! Still, the head did spin around, and segment into different pieces too. So amazing! It made a great backdrop for the CSO roadshow, which featured many pop songs over the decade. Surprisingly good...even for cheesy numbers like "Living La Loca" and "YMCA"!! The funny thing is...this corporate park is located near the airport, so there were many, many planes that flew over during the concert. Luckily, we were still able to hear the orchestra pretty good. The food truck was a bit disappointing though. Only 3 vendors...and the vendor we chose (King of Fire) was so slow, I almost gave up! More on that on another review. The sculpture looked so out of place...too majestic for such a common corporate park. In any case, I took several pictures of the sculpture this time. Hope they feature many more events here in the future.

Used to work in the building behind the head! Take out of town visitors by to check it out…read more Especially like it when it is rotating!!

Though the bridge itself is simply a means of foregoing the need of an intersection on the west…read moreside of NoDa, the beautiful mural makes it stand out and a more memorable part of Charlotte's art flavor. Brainchild of local artist Will Puckett, this gorgeous mural tells a wonderful story of Mecklenburg history. There's a brilliant explanation of this at the listed website. Though you may not find yourself walking down North Davidson Street most days, take the time to walk by and take in this gorgeous story/work of art. It's quite remarkable and more memorable up front rather than from your car window.

Hooray for public art! This used to be one of the ugliest bridges in a city that prided itself on…read moreutilitarian industrial infrastructure. But a few NoDa artists have, with the help of many grants, painted the columns with the major contributors to the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. For those of you who took history classes in the real world, the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence probably isn't a familiar document. All true Charlotte citizens know that Mecklenburg declared independence from the British years before the Continental Congress. But then they lost the document and all proof of its existence so just take our word for it okay? This is especially convenient for southern gentlemen who are ferociously proud of the revolution but uncomfortable giving any credit to those damned Yankees. In the project's later stages the mural will extend beyond the bridge's columns to decorate the embankments on either side with images of the Mecklenburg Resolves, another document of unclear purpose and dubious existence. Basically, I'm saying that they could have picked some better subject matter. Like, something that actually happened. Or, if you are happy with imaginary events, why not choose something truly heroic like the day America beat back the Martian menace? But regardless, I think it is fitting that this bridge, spanning one of two routes into NoDa's arts district, be covered in an enormous, colorful mural.

Don't spend your money here. There was a wedding reception getting set up and there was a sign that…read morestated "don't go beyond this point". There was never a sign not To park in a particular area. The lady got rude to a customer who wanted to go to the corn maze because she parked in the wrong area. There were no signs stating where we couldn't park...She stated "you're not welcome here" and proceeded to call the police. This place is not stroller friendly. The maze was poorly put together(see pictures below). Some areas were ok. I'm sure there are better mazes

The corn maze is amazing. I mean I gave up 1/2 way thru., I'll just let the kids and cousins finish…read moreit because it's huge.. Good thing is they change it every year! How awesome! Setting; 5/5 this place is huge and spacious! The the games are spread out so it doesn't feel like we're on top of each other. Came out on a Sunday morning so it's not crowd yet! Games: 4/5 it has a little of every thing for everybody. 3 to 4 bouncy houses for the kids. You have to play $5 for entry! The maze ($$) and the hayride which show you the whole Historic Rural Hill, and my goodness this place is huge! Food: 4/5 one food truck and little snack for the kiddos. And in the back end, there's wine and beers for the adults. I was hoping there will be more food trucks because Bebo's Mac Shack is good but their Mac and cheese can be a bit heavy and hearty on a day you're trying to run after the kids! Overall the kiddos enjoy themselves and were dead tired when we headed home!!! GOAL!

Located on the side of Romare Bearden Park closest to Mint Street, this welded stainless steel…read moresculpture soars 30 feet into the air like a wave. The artwork was unveiled on September 23, 2017. The caption reads, "Richard Hunt created 'Spiral Odyssey' as a tribute to his friend Romare Bearden (1911-1988). Bearden and Hunt were the first contemporary African American artists to have solo exhibitions at New York's Museum of Modern Art in 1971." "In 1963, Romare Bearden played a pivotal role in the founding of a collective of African American artists known as the 'Spiral Group' who actively participated in the Civil Rights movement. In the manner of the Archimedean spiral that advances by radiating outward to embrace all directions, the elegant spiral formed by Richard Hunt's sculpture symbolizes the widening influence of the Spiral Group. It also represents the circular nature of progress and the complexities of Bearden's multifaceted career, which even in its legacy continues to ascend." "The 'Odyssey', Homer's epic poem chronicling the hero's perilous voyage home, inspired Bearden as well as Hunt. A form resembling a ship's bow servs as the base of Hunt's sculpture. A journeying vessel, the ship alludes to forward momentum as well as the suffering experienced by enslaved Africans during the Middle Passage. The sculpture's ascending height attests to a fortitude of character - strength, tenacity and liberty. Whimsical vignettes mimicking fish surfing in the ship's wake, and generative plant life inspired by the surrounding garden, signify resiliency and regeneration." Collection of Mecklenburg County, Commissioned in partnership with the Arts & Science Council and the Public Art Commission. Funding was generously provided by Mecklenburg County, Duke Energy Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Board of Directors of the Arts & Science Council. [Review 268 of 2024 - 3525 in North Carolina - 21303 overall.]

Located in one of the more upper crust neighborhoods of a town that's already upper crust itself,…read morethis sculpture is definitely political. The statue depicts a Jesus as a homeless vagrant sleeping on a park bench. Huddled under a blanket with his face and hands obscured, only the crucifixion wounds on his uncovered feet give him away. The bronze statue was purchased for $22,000 as a memorial for a parishioner, Kate McIntyre, who loved public art. The rector of this liberal, inclusive church is the Rev. David Buck, a 65-year-old Baptist-turned-Episcopalian who seems not at all averse to the controversy, the double takes and the discussion the statue has provoked. "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of my brothers, you did it to me." -Matthew 25:40 [Review 13405 overall, 724 of 2020.]

This is homeless Jesus I guess they have a lot of these because we have one of these in my city…read morethat I live in. So we were downtown exploring the area we came across another homeless Jesus. I guess the meaning of this is to love everyone and just respect people no matter who or what they are.

Located on the side of Wooden Robot's The Chamber beer bar and quite close to the 36th Street LYNX…read morestation, this interesting mural is by artists Brett Toukatly and Mike Wirth. It depicts three rather humanized robots. Bright colors on a yellow background, I'm not quite sure what they're trying to tell me. As it's on the wall of the brewhouse, are they signaling for another round and fighting over whose turn it is? Stop in (and get a beer) and check it out. [Review 16948 overall - 3270 in North Carolina - 464 of 2022.]

Very good craft brews. Wine and cocktails available as well. Very friendly staff. Spotless…read moreinterior.

Amusement park observation towers like this are a dying breed. Why shouldn't non-thrill seekers be…read moreafforded an opportunity to see a park's skyline and peep out its surroundings stretching all the way to the horizon in every direction? (Even here I heard someone in line fretting about their fear of heights but being safely enclosed in glass with a sturdy floor beneath seemed to allay that anxiety enough for them to ride.) With Windseeker sadly non-functional for my 2026 Opening Day visit only Carolina Sky Tower could provide extended views from a mighty height atop Carowinds- and here I could actually pull my phone out to document the sights. It made me very nostalgic for Cedar Point's late great Space Spiral - even with its faithful recreation of a barely functioning cooling system and a slightly musty smell. I guess these old observation towers are just pre-equipped with that stuffy feel. I don't think I've been on one of these attractions since Space Spiral actually as I visited both Sea World Orlando and Six Flags Great America in the mid-2010s and both their observation towers were closed for maintenance. Well, the view this time didn't include Lake Erie and the coaster skyline wasn't quite as impressive but it was fun to peep Fury 325, the Artist Formerly Known as Intimidator and the fairly compact but soaring Charlotte skyline in the distance. The wait was very short, just one ride cycle, perhaps an indicator why these towers are an endangered species but I was glad for a mellow interlude between maniacal bursts of coaster madness here at Carowinds.

The go to "I need to take a break from the heat" ride…read more At 262ft tall it's no longer the biggest thing in Carowinds (looking at you Fury 325), but it still offers a great view of the park and its the only ride that does so at a relaxing pace. The rotating, air conditioned viewing deck holds about 30 people or so with one continuous bench seat all the way around. The ride is only a few minutes long but both the climb up and descent down are done at a slow relaxing pace. At it's peak you see the park from an angle you only get on this ride, and off in the distance you get a wonderful view of the Uptown Charlotte skyline. If the line isn't long and you want a bit of a rest, give the Sky Tower a spin.