Where is Queen Charlotte? Holding court in yard between parking decks

Queen Charlotte isnt greeting visitors to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport terminal these days. But shes not hiding shes just keeping watch from a new location.

The airports iconic statue of the citys royal namesake has been temporarily relocated. It has been moved from its home of more than 20 years in front of the terminal while the airport undertakes several long-term construction projects.

In January, the 15-foot-high bronze statue was moved to the courtyard between the east and west daily parking decks. Airport officials say the statue will find a permanent home once airport construction is completed.

Construction projects are scheduled to be ongoing at least through 2015.

The statues future location has not yet been chosen, but its sculptor, Raymond Kaskey, said he hopes the statue will be in a place where it will be noticed. Nicole Bartlett, program director of public art for the Arts & Science Council, said it will be a collaborative decision made by the airport and ASC.

Bartlett said the statue is significant to our community and an important feature for visitors to the airport. The ASC oversees the city and countys public art projects.

I think that it should be in a prominent location. I think wherever it goes it needs to help create a sense of place, Barlett said.

Queen Charlotte made her debut at the airport in 1990. A private group of donors known as the Queens Table commissioned the statue for $250,000.

It was designed and sculpted by Kaskey of Washington, D.C., who also created the four statues at Independence Square and the national World War II Memorial sculptures.

The statue honors Queen Charlotte, wife of Great Britains King George III at the time English settlers incorporated the city in 1768.

See the original post:
Where is Queen Charlotte? Holding court in yard between parking decks