We brought you news about the new Ben Owen Pottery Gallery, which opened in The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte (NC) hotel featuring works from renowned Seagrove, NC, artist Ben Owen III, but almost before we published that news item we received another bit of news concerning another Carolina artist.
The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte has added to its acclaimed modern art collection with the installation of two front-drive sculptures created by renowned British artist Shaun Cassidy.
Installed on Dec. 29, 2010, the two wall-mounted sculptures feature an eight-foot “frame” within which a stainless steel jasmine plant is blossoming, creating a visual tension between organic and architectural. The sculptures are located in the front drive area of the hotel, the stainless steel material reflecting light and shades of pink from the hotel building, with both pieces pointing symbolically toward the hotel entrance.
Cassidy was commissioned to create 90 drawings for the hotel prior to its 2009 opening, including noteworthy pieces in the 2,900-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Suite. The new entrance sculptures took three months to complete and present a visual tie between pieces in that luxury suite and the exterior of the hotel.
Originally from London, England, Cassidy received his BA from the Norwich School of Art and later completed a Master of Visual Arts at the University of Alberta in Canada. He now resides in Rock Hill, SC, where he is an Associate Professor at Winthrop University. A prolific artist, Cassidy works in a wide range of mediums, creating works on paper, installations, concrete sculptures, and welded steel sculpture. He is also a recent resident artist at The Sanskriti Foundation in New Delhi.
The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte is located at 201 East Trade Street in the heart of the city’s most popular business, sports, dining and sightseeing district. For details and reservations, please visit (www.ritzcarlton.com/charlotte), call 1-800/241-333 or contact a travel professional. The only AAA Five Diamond hotel in Charlotte, NC, The Ritz-Carlton is located at the intersection of College and Trade Streets and may be contacted directly at 704/547-2244.