Charlotte center city in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Maudell's Garden

Photographed by Mark Parker, May 14, 2026

1. Maudell's Garden Marker

Inscription. Romare Bearden chronicled the daily life of his neighbors based on his childhood memories of Mecklenburg County. Using rich colors and textures, he celebrated domestic activities such as gardening, playing the piano and family gatherings. "Maudell Sleet's Magic Garden" portrays Bearden's neighbor tending her garden. She works endless hours to make a living off the land. Her ability to grow fruits and vegetables is magical. Even as she struggles, she generously gives away the fruits of her garden to her neighbors.

"I can still smell the flowers she used to give us and still taste the blackberries." - a handwritten note by Romare Bearden

In 1978, at the age of 67 Bearden remembers and depicts Maudell Sleet's garden as a magical place filled with bright reds, oranges and yellows, vibrating with life. He chose not to focus on the hard life she surely faced, but rather the energy and wonder of what she brought forth from the earth.

(Caption) "Sunset & Moonrise with Maudell Sleet". c. 1978
from the "Profile/Part I: The Twentles Series (Mecklenburg County)" collage on board 41 x 29"
©Romare Beardon Foundation/Licensed by VAGA New York, NY

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This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1978.

Location. 35° 13.597′ N, 80° 50.799′ W. Marker is in Charlotte, North Carolina, in Mecklenburg County. It is in Charlotte center city. It is at the intersection of South Church Street and West 3rd Street, on the right when traveling south on South Church Street. Location of the marker is at the northeast entrance to Romare Bearden Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 304 S Church Street, Charlotte NC 28202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Piedmont.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Romare Bearden

Maudell's Garden Marker at the entrance to Romare Bearden Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, May 14, 2026

2. Maudell's Garden Marker at the entrance to Romare Bearden Park

(here, next to this marker); Spiral Odyssey (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Latta Arcade (about 500 feet away); Site of Queen's College (about 500 feet away); WBT / WBTV (about 600 feet away); Site of Liberty Hall (about 600 feet away); The Johnston Building (about 600 feet away); Nearby History (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charlotte.

Another marker is no longer nearby. The Last Meetings of the Confederate Cabinet (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Maudell's Garden Marker at intersection of S. Church Street and W. 3rd Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, May 14, 2026

3. Maudell's Garden Marker at intersection of S. Church Street and W. 3rd Street

Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 15, 2026, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 16 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 15, 2026, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.