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Writing & Speaking

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My work extends beyond built projects into conversations around public space, cultural memory, and the role of design in shaping community. Through lectures, panels, and writing, I engage with how art and the built environment intersect to influence both experience and identity.

Lectures & Talks 

(selected engagements & invitations)

 

2026
​North Carolina State University,  College of Design
The Built Identity in Places and Spaces: Public Art as Community Narrative
Invited Lecture, Issues in Contemporary Art & Design

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Johnson C Smith University 

Identity & Place In Site Specific & Public Art

Invited Lecture, Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program

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2025

Charlotte Country Day School
Pivot with a Purpose
Baccalaureate Address

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The Teacher’s Forum
The Power of Art: Storytelling, Public Spaces, and Representation
Podcast Conversation with David Harris

 

2024

Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art

Reverberate Exhibition -  Coffee + Conversation
Artist Talk with Carla A. Lopez, William A. Noguera, Levi Robinson

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Open Air -

hosted by the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
Conversation on Art, Public Space, and Cultural Narrative
Virtual Artist Conversation with Dexter Wimberly

 

2023

North Carolina State University,  College of Design
Fall Commencement Address
Invited Speaker

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National Organization of Minority Architects (NC NOMA)
Art and Architecture: Creating Public Narratives
Pre-Gala “Sip & Chat” - Invited Talk

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Arts & Science Council
Applying for Public Art: Strategies for Competitive Practice
Featured Speaker, Going Public: A Public Art Incubator

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North Carolina State University, College of Design
DesignLife Award Address
Innovative & Emerging Professional DesignLife Award Recipient

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Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art

In Transition: Art, Space, and Urban Change
Artist Talk

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2022
University of North Carolina at Charlotte Honors College
Any City, AMERICA: Public Art as Acts of Remembrance
Invited Lecture


2021
CreativeMornings Charlotte
Excelsior: Public Art and Community Narrative
Bolt of Inspiration Award Recipient, Featured Remarks

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2019

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), People of Color Conference,

Seattle WA

Presenter on Curriculum Design, Arts Education, and Cultural Competency

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McColl Center
Stimulus: The Artist’s Role in the Community
Panel Discussion

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Civic & Community Engagement

(selected engagements)

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2023–2026
City of Raleigh

Public presentations and stakeholder engagement sessions related to the development of the South Park Heritage Trail and John Chavis Memorial Park public art initiatives.

 

Engagements included:

  • conceptual design presentations

  • community listening sessions

  • stakeholder workshops

  • public art review discussions

  • narrative and historical interpretation conversations

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2018–2021
City of Charlotte, Arts + Science Council

Led and participated in community engagement sessions, public presentations, and stakeholder conversations for the Excelsior public art initiatives at Five Points Plaza and the I-77/West Trade Street underpass in Charlotte’s Historic West End.

 

Engagement efforts included:

  • community listening sessions

  • Public Art Commission and design review presentations

  • stakeholder and neighborhood meetings

  • historical research and narrative development

  • collaborative storytelling initiatives in partnership with Johnson C. Smith University

 

As part of the engagement process, facilitated a Storytellers Session connected to the Reclamation Project, collecting oral histories and community narratives that informed the conceptual development of the work.​​​​

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Current Representation: SE CLT Gallery  | 2137 South Blvd. Suite 300, Charlotte NC 28203 |    t: 704-370-6337    |    e: info@seclt.com

 

© 2026 J. Stacy Utley. All rights reserved.
All artwork, renderings, concepts, designs, and written content may not be reproduced or used without permission.

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