A Spirit of Collaboration

In 2003, a young painter named Scott Avett walked into artist Tom Schulz’s Empathinc. gallery in Charlotte, NC. The two quickly realized they shared many of the same ideas about art. They both valued the collaborative and spiritual aspects of the creative process; and they both saw their work as open-ended narratives -- layered stories that would grow richer as they were shared.

In 2011, wishing to continue those early conversations about faith, fine art and storytelling, Schulz and his wife, Rev. Sheila Ennis, envisioned this event as a way to share Avett’s work, as well as the work of Charlotte-based non-profit, The Educational Center.

With the support of the Educational Center’s board of directors, Schulz and Ennis enlisted like-minded friends to help organize and produce the event. A team of volunteers was then assembled, and this grass-roots fundraiser and art exhibit became a reality.

Sheila Ennis and The Educational Center thank the following individuals for their donation of time and services:

Scott Avett
Dolph Ramseur, Ramseur Records
Tom Schulz, Empathinc.
Lisa Rubenson, Old School Communications (writing, event strategy)
Christine Dryden, Stir Studios (graphic design, event strategy)
Gwen Poth, Gwen Poth Communications (publicity/media relations)

Steering Committee/Event Volunteers:

Todd Rubenson
Lisa and Ruffin Pearce
Ellen and Simon Spence
Ashley and Lee Poole
Janna and Michael Stein

Sponsors

Thank you to the following sponsors for making Friday night’s event possible:

Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
The Fig Tree Restaurant
Carpe Diem Restaurant
Fran's Filling Station
The Glass House at FABO Cafe
Earth Fare
Madison Marquette
Crackerfarm
SouthernCakeQueen
Smalls Food & Drink
Southend Exchange
The New York Butcher Shoppe

A special thank you to Madison Marquette for its in-kind donation, a spacious condominium located in SouthPark’s mixed-use development, Morrison.