An Archive of the Enderly Park National Night Out and Art Showed with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center

On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, neighbors gathered at The Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center for a free community portrait exhibition and neighborhood celebration: Holding on to Home: I ❤️ Enderly Park. This page serves as an archive of that evening, preserving the portraits, stories, and voices shared as part of the original exhibition.

About the Project

Holding on to Home paired original portraits with written stories and community-created art, culminating in a free neighborhood celebration at The Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center in August 2026.

The project draws its inspiration from the late Bette Rae Thomas, a retired nurse and community leader who, in the 1970s and 1980s, rallied entire church congregations to demand change from city leaders. Living in her 100-year-old home just down the street from the center that bears her name, artist K Quispe felt a responsibility to advance her vision through the Greater Enderly Park Neighborhood Association (GEPNA), the organization Thomas founded.

Today, many legacy residents face displacement due to rising property taxes and home repair costs, creating an urgent need to honor and preserve their stories before they are lost. To meet that need, the project removed the financial and technical barriers that often stand between neighbors and creative participation. Free photography and writing workshops were hosted during existing monthly neighborhood meetings, giving residents access to tools, guidance, and support. Neighbors were given disposable cameras and guided writing prompts, allowing them to share their own perspectives without needing prior training or costly equipment. The art created through these workshops became part of the final exhibition, ensuring that neighborhood voices remained central to the project from start to finish.

Meet the Team

Shamaiye and K have collaborated for over five years as leaders, artists, and community advocates in Enderly Park. Bunny, a renowned artist in the city and Enderly Park resident, joined Shamaiye and K in bringing the exhibit to life. Together, they are committed to preserving the history, challenges, and pride of their West Charlotte neighborhood through this project.

Event Details

Enderly Park National Night Out and Art Show: Holding on to Home Tuesday, August 11, 2026 · 6:00–8:00 PM The Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center 2921 Tuckaseegee Road, Charlotte, NC 28208

Presented by the Greater Enderly Park Neighborhood Association (GEPNA) Featured artists: K Quispe, Shamaiye Haynes, and Bunny Gregory

Funded by a 2025 Creative Growth Grant from the City of Charlotte, administered by Charlotte Is Creative. Co-presented with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center.

Explore the portraits, oral histories, and stories from the exhibition below.