Timeline � history transformed into art | Donald Devet

A neighborhood's link to history was about to be destroyed. Discovered during road renovations, 120-year-old streetcar rails were rescued from salvage by residents of Dilworth, Charlotte's oldest suburb. In less than two years eight thousand pounds of rusted, concrete-encrusted rail would be reborn as a shining symbol of a community's resolve to honor its past. In 1891, enterprising businessman Edward Dilworth Latta teamed with Thomas Edison to create Charlotte's first electric streetcar, making the development of a new neighborhood possible. "Buy a Home in Dilworth with Rent Money" was emblazoned on the front of the new streetcars. Soon, eager Charlotteans were buying lots and building homes. To commemorate this neighborhood's founding, the Dilworth Community Development Association launched a grassroots campaign in 2011 to create a public sculpture. A supportive community employed a variety of creative funding efforts to raise over $30,000 for the project. A world-renowned sculptor was chosen from a field of 30 artists to create an artwork made entirely from the original streetcar rails. But "TIMELINE" is not just a story of a sculpture. It's also the story of a community. As Kristen Henderson, a member of the executive committee, said, "This project proves that when you give people an opportunity to participate, to be a part of something they want to embrace, it will happen, it will all come together." Produced by Donald Devet • www.nowandthenvideo.com This program is available on DVD that includes extra videos plus downloadable documents to guide you in bringing public art to your community. Visit www.nowandthenvideo.com for details.