The Tribute
Charlotte's celebrated NFL team owner Jerry Richardson has made
an indelible mark on our city, bringing together two states under
one Panthers franchise. "The Tribute" was unveiled this past July
in Richardson's honor. It depicts him standing between two aptly
named "Indomitable spirit" panthers that symbolize the team's
duality. They reflect the Panthers' two home states—North Carolina
and South Carolina—and its two most important pillars: offense and
defense.
Standing 13 feet tall outside of Bank of America stadium, the trio of
figures weighs in at a total of 4,500 pounds. The sculpture's creator,
California-based artist Todd Andrews, was also commissioned to
construct the six panthers fans have admired outside the stadium
since 1996.
The sculpture has quickly become a must-stop photo opp for faithful
Carolina Panthers enthusiasts and visitors exploring the Queen City's
Uptown area. The sculpture stands in front of the stadium's north
gate entrance at the intersection of South Mint and Graham streets,
a short stroll from Charlotte art hot spots like Mint Museum Uptown,
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and Harvey B. Gantt Center for
African-American Arts + Culture.
For more information on public art in Charlotte,
visit charlottesgotalot.com/public-art
ART smart
By Kaitlin Sheppard
92 WINTER 2016