Joy In The Shadows
Updated: Sep 8
Bring your shadow. Leave your mark.
We were thrilled to announce Joy In The Shadows, a public art project that came to Plaza Midwood! Funded through a City of Charlotte Placemaking Grant in 2025, this project turned an overlooked corner of our neighborhood into a place of beauty, welcome, and joy — and the community was invited to help create it.
Led by award-winning public artist ellafae, the project features a vibrant street mural, a metal and cast acrylic sculpture, and a constellation of smaller cameo sidewalk murals — all inspired by shadows captured by our neighbors.
"Joy In The Shadows is about finding light in everyday places and coming together to transform something overlooked into something meaningful, beautiful, and cared for." — ellafae
About The Project
Joy In The Shadows is part of PMNA’s Arts & Beautification initiative, made possible through a Placemaking Grant from the City of Charlotte’s Urban Design Center.
Led by ellafae — a Charlotte-based public artist and muralist known for her immersive, community-driven art — the project celebrates the role of art in building community and reimagining public spaces.
Throughout the process, neighbors were be invited to take part in a Shadow Collection Workshop, Community Paint Day, and an Art Walk & Reveal Party to celebrate the completed project.
Explore the Process
Acknowledgments
This project is made possible with generous support from the City of Charlotte’s Urban Design Center Placemaking Grant and the Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Association (PMNA).
