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Photons in Charlotte

June 21, 2024
Looking up at a street light in a city at night.

With his trademark signature of seamlessly fusing together art, science, and technology - artist Ivan Toth Depeña (Depeña Studio) is excited to launch Photon/s, a concept-driven public art installation in the heart of downtown Charlotte, NC. Commissioned by Duke Energy, the Charlotte-based energy holding company, Photon/s is located at its new headquarters and symbolizes its contributions to the city and its electric cultural scene.


Inspired by the microscopic elementary particle it’s named after, Depeña created
Photon/s to encapsulate the dynamism and ethereal beauty of light particles through its groundbreaking sculptural form and pays homage to the essence of light and energy. A two-part installation featuring two massive sculptures and a four-story illuminated facade panel, each sculpture reaches towards the sky with intricate armatures radiating outward in a breathtaking 30-feet diameter display. Atop these armatures are mesmerizing light points crafted from blinking state-of-the-art LED endpoints, which are encapsulated in solid, frosted acrylic extrusions, capturing and mimicking the dance of fast-moving photons in perpetual motion, while the facade features an inverse shadow of the free-standing sculptures connecting them together against the Duke Energy headquarter building.

A book titled fifth ave 200 years of stories and legends
February 18, 2025
Fifth Avenue: 200 Years of Stories and Legends is a masterful blend of evocative storytelling and rich historical insight, chronicling the remarkable transformation of Fifth Avenue from a serene residential street to a global symbol of culture, wealth, and style.This exquisite volume celebrates the vibrant history and timeless allure of one of the world’s most iconic thoroughfares. Featuring a breathtaking collection of images, the visually stunning edition bridges past and present, offering readers a captivating journey through two centuries of evolution.The book provides a panoramic exploration of Fifth Avenue’s transformation, from black-and-white photographs of horse-drawn carriages passing grand mansions to vibrant modern-day scenes alive with energy and sophistication. Archival images juxtaposed with contemporary photography illuminate the Avenue’s enduring cultural, architectural, and social significance, capturing its legacy in every detail.More than a tribute, Fifth Avenue: 200 Years of Stories and Legendsis an immersive experience for history enthusiasts, architecture aficionados, and photography lovers alike. This edition is a must-have for collectors, offering a rare and unparalleled glimpse into the street that has been a cornerstone of New York City’s legacy for two centuries.
A woman in a denim dress is sitting on a wooden bench
By Colleen Richmond February 17, 2025
A Legacy of Love, Grace, and Timeless Elegance
February 16, 2025
Rada, a chic new restaurant in Myers Park, introduces Charlotte to an elevated dining experience with tapas, biodynamic wines, and shareable plates. Helmed by Chef Callan Buckles, formerly of acclaimed NYC spots like Claud, Momofuku, and The Four Horsemen, the menu is a bold fusion of global influences. Owner Eloy Roy envisioned this contemporary American eatery in the former Little Spoon space, creating a cozy yet upscale 50-seat spot with mint green walls and a minimalist aesthet-ic. From a $3 Gilda skewer to a $110 sirloin, Rada’s offerings reflect Buckles’ culinary pedigree and adventurous flair. With dishes like eggplant escabeche and seabass paired with txakolina wine, Rada aims to carve out a niche in Charlotte’s emerging shared-plates scene.Rada blends fine dining with approachability, focusing on flavors that challenge Charlotte’s palate while embracing its neighborhood vibe. Highlights include crispy roast chicken with vegetable farcis and Asian-inspired touches like fish sauce and shio koji. The bar program is equally compelling, featuring a gin martini made with anchovy oil and Basque pepper brine. Roy believes Rada will resonate deeply with diners, offering something fresh yet familiar. This new spot, opened on Selwyn Avenue, invites locals to indulge in innovative cuisine and discover what they’ve been craving all along.
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