MENTALGASSI Urban Street Artists - The trio of German artists known as Mentalgassi combine photography, sculpture, image manipulation and street art, transforming ordinary objects into artworks that make passersby smile. Pictured here are three Blumenthal Performing Arts staff members. Photo by Pepper & Gray Photography

Charlotte International Arts Festival

A photo essay

Photos by Annie Dickeson, Pepper & Gray Photography and Raymond J Photography

In conjunction with the Charlotte International Arts Festival, Blumenthal Performing Arts brought larger-than-life installations to Ballantyne’s Backyard over two weeks this fall. Ballantyne Magazine invited three photographers to capture the magical experience for our readers. CIAF will return to Ballantyne’s Backyard Sept. 15-Oct. 1, 2023.

QUEEN CHARLOTTE’S SECRET GARDEN

Kimberly McGuire (BPA Fellow)

Queen Charlotte was an amateur botanist. Imagine what her garden may have looked like and who she may have allowed to visit. Peek at this playful fantasy, with its enchanting scenery and colorful, light-filled surprises.

Photo by Pepper & Gray Photography