2013 “Highest Design” Water Tower Art Contest Names Winning Artist

and Awards Billingsville Elementary Art & Learning Supplies

2013 “Highest Design” Water Tower Art Contest Names Winning Artist and

Awards Billingsville Elementary Art & Learning Supplies

Charlotte, NC – May 9, 2013 - The Design Center of the Carolinas unveiled the winning work of art in its 4th annual “Highest Design” Water Tower Art Contest, sponsored by Ram Realty Services, at a special Design Center event on May 9.   Jeff Thomas and his original work “6/8” garnered  2,322 votes to capture the prize. Jeff also won the contest in 2012 with his work, “I Am/We Are.”

Local artists competed online for votes to win the opportunity for their work to be displayed on the highest canvas in the city, a 125’ water tower, the landmark of Historic South End. “6/8” will be replicated onto a large horizontal vinyl canvas and installed on the Design Center water tower in June. This year’s theme was “What rhythm do you pick up in South End?”, allowing artists an opportunity to illustrate the vibe that inspires them in South End. The contest began January 22 and online voting ran from March 27 – May 3, 2013.

Jeff was presented with a $1,000 check by Ram Realty Services. Thomas said about his inspiration for the winning piece, “South End is a lot of things. It's loose and light, and full of creativity. It's the inspiring and the inspired. It's the song you've known for years being played by a band you've only just heard. It's a little quirky. A little loud, a little off center. It's an Irish jig in a Mexican restaurant and it's awesome.”

Ram Realty Services is donating art & learning supplies to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School, Billingsville Elementary, that Jeff championed.  Principal Arlene Harris was on hand to accept the award. The supplies will be delivered at the start of the 2013-2014 school year.  Mrs. Harris shared, “Jeff has been a strong supporter of Billingsville Elementary for the past two years. Our school staff, faculty and parents worked hard to get out the vote. We even had our church families voting daily. These supplies really make a difference to our kids.”

“When we see the community support for this contest, we know we really have created something that goes beyond the Design Center and truly makes a difference. Every year the contest grows and the water tower has become a canvas that showcases the creative energy that is South End.” said Ivy Greaner, Chief Operating Officer, Ram Realty Services.