CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When Meredith Dallas combines heat with metal, she’s left creating something magical. 

“People think that welding is a very scary process,” she said. “But when I first did it I was like this is like sewing, but with metal.” 

What You Need To Know

  • The "I Heart Rail Trail" is a light festival where people can check out different light installations along South End's light rail 

  • This event is put on by Charlotte City Center Partners, U.S. Bank and the Charlotte Rail Trail and is back for its third year 

  • This year's rail trail will feature five different light installations from seven artists 

  • The I Heart Rail Trail can be viewed from now until March 20

Dallas’ love for drawing and painting led her to a fine arts school where she soon discovered welding. 

“When I was in trade school, I was primarily the only girl in my class,” she said. “I think at one point there was one other girl, but my first semester I was the only girl.” 

None of that stopped her though. 

In fact, it propelled her to Charlotte where she’s using her skills for a very unique project. 

Dallas is one of seven artists tasked with creating light installations for this year’s I Heart Rail Trail. 

“The piece is titled 'A Garden of Hope,' or 'A Wish of Hope,'” she said. 

Dallas has spent the last few months creating art tied back into nature that also brings a sense of joy. 

“It’s something fun to kind of give people a bright moment in their lives,” she said. “Like a moment to kind of just enjoy something nice and pretty and beautiful.” 

Charlotte Center City Partners is one of the groups behind this light festival. Their hope is these installations will bring more people out to South End. 

“People are so excited to see this coming back, to be able to bring their families or bring their friends, see some beautiful art, interact with it and then go out and explore the neighborhood and really make an evening of it,” said Adam Rhew. 

Dallas’ work will only be up for a couple of weeks, but she’s excited for the opportunity to bring a bit of light back into people’s lives. 

“I hope the other work on the trail can be this positive, fun experience for people also,” she said. “I’ve seen some of the other artists that are involved, and I can’t wait to see their work.” 

The I Heart Rail Trail can be viewed from now until March 20. 

You can find more information about the other artists selected and where you can find their work along the trail here.