Marley’s Charlotte Creative Debut at the Harvey B. Gantt
Thursday was one of those days that hits you right in the chest — in the best way. My daughter, Marley (@_marinmotion), just 15 years old and a proud student at Northwest School of the Arts, was invited to do a live painting at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. She didn’t just show up — she showed out. She wowwed the crowd, AND sold multiple pieces, including the one she painted live. The person who won the auction for the live painting was a judge at a previous competition that Marley did not win. So, this was cathartic for her, it let her know that not all opportunities are for you, but THIS ONE is - she seized it and it paid off. 
She Got It Honest
Marley has always been that kid at the arts & crafts table — the one who would rather spend hours with paint, markers, and glitter than anywhere else. She’s my +1 for almost every Charlotte event, soaking up the energy and building real connections with the city’s creative community.
This opportunity came through DoGreater’s Youth Entrepreneurship Program, who asked her to show off her skills at the grand opening of their new Uptown location. Without CEI (Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative), I wouldn’t have even known about DoGreater. And without DoGreater, Marley wouldn’t have had her amazing debut at one of the most iconic cultural institutions in the city.
Cue the Proud Mama Tears
Now, picture this: I’m across town hosting trivia at Freemore Tavern while Marley’s at the Gantt painting and selling art. She’s texting me updates, and before I know it, I’m crying so hard I have to stop reading questions. The audience asked why I looked like a wet cat, so I told them. They applauded and told me to tell her “Congratulations” — which, naturally, made me cry more.
When I say tears were rolling down into my shirt collar? Other similarly-aged women were walking up to me to fan me with menus. I could not talk. Listen… I gave myself a migraine from all that happy crying. And yes, it was worth every second.
Bigger Than Us
This moment is personal, but it’s also cultural. My father used to take me to black cultural events in Charlotte, and entrepreneurship was something he valued deeply. To know his granddaughter is now part of Black Charlotte’s creative history, and that she’s making money from her art, feels like a full-circle blessing.
The Harvey B. Gantt Center (formerly the Afro-American Cultural Center) has always been a space to celebrate and preserve the contributions of Africans and African Americans to American culture. It’s music, dance, theater, literature — and now, Marley’s name is a part of that story.
We Celebrated the Right Way
The next day, we celebrated with lunch at Hawkers in Camden South End, a walk in Freedom Park, and a quiet evening at home. No big fanfare, just good food, laughter, and soaking in the moment.
Charlotte’s creative community is opportunities, connections, and the kind of encouragement that keeps dreams alive. I’m endlessly thankful for everyone who has poured into Marley, cheered her on, and helped her see the value in her gift.
This is just the beginning.
📸 
🎨 Follow Marley’s art journey on Instagram: @_marinmotion