It was the start of an ordinary school week when an extraordinary opportunity knocked on the doors of Moncure School. A dance residency–led by four international artists from the Durham-based Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana Dance Company–had arrived! The Performance: Where Education Meets Entertainment The Moncure gym’s wooden floor echoed the rap-tap-tap of the dancers as… Read More →
Poetic Pursuits: Phillip Shabazz at Perry Harrison Elementary
As the second week of October rolled in, the weather began to cool, but the fifth-grade classrooms at Perry Harrison were warm and snug. Visiting artist-in-residence Poet Phillip Shabazz strolled in and boomed, “Good morning!” With that, students perked up, and they began . . . A Poetic Adventure Begins The theme of the week… Read More →
Sparking Creativity: Blackspace’s Beat Making Lab at Chatham Middle
“The assembly, as a whole, created a moment of unity and positivity for everyone, and students’ musical creations were the spark for that experience,” shared AIG Teacher, Mark Spring.
Drumming, Dancing, and an Ancient Art Form Flow into Silk Hope
The Magic of African Rhythm (TMOAR) visited Silk Hope for a 3-day Artists-in-Schools residency jam-packed with African dancing, storytelling, drumming, music-making, and the ancient art of Adinkra printing. Members of the Shabu family led workshops for fourth and fifth graders, and even performed for students and faculty. Students got up close and personal with African… Read More →
Mike Wiley Brings the Story of Henry “Box” Brown to Chatham Grove and JS Waters
Mike Wiley is a story teller, and he had a thrilling and important one for the kids at Chatham Grove and JS Waters. It was the story of Henry “Box” Brown, a slave who shipped himself to freedom in a wooden crate. Mike’s one-man play, One Noble Journey, was a smashing success with students on the… Read More →
Willa Brigham Stitches Together Songs, Poems, and Stories at Woods Charter
November brought cooler temperatures to Chatham County, but in a classroom at Woods Charter, the warmth of two-time Emmy award winner Willa Brigham was a welcome change. Students were introduced to the art of story-telling through textiles in this brand-new Artists-in-Schools residency. Willa demonstrated the basics of sewing, including how to correctly hold scissors,… Read More →
Calling all Artists! Apply Now for the Artist Support Grant
Artists – listen up. This is for you! We have an exciting grant opportunity you won’t want to miss. Like last year, we are partnering with the fine folks at the NC Arts Council, United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, and other local arts councils to bring the Artist Support Grant to Chatham County… Read More →
Oh, What a Year! Virtual Artists-OUTSIDE-Schools Residencies Reach Nearly 2,000 Kids!
When the pandemic swept through the world in 2020, it hit us like a ton of bricks. Halfway through an amazing line-up of teaching artists for our Artists-in-Schools Initiative, we did not want to halt the program. We were determined to continue reaching students with a creative outlet that has been proven to provide unique… Read More →
Meet These Artists: Author Dolly Sickles and her son, Peyton, a photographer
The Chatham Arts Council is investing in artists through our Meet This Artist series, introducing you to 12 Chatham County artists each year in a big way. The fine folks at Hobbs Architects in downtown Pittsboro are powering our Meet This Artist series this year. Architecture is art, and the Hobbs crew values art in… Read More →
Lend a Helping Hand to Chatham Artists
This spring, we all find ourselves adjusting to a new normal. We are living in unprecedented times, and our hearts go out to all the people who have fallen ill due to COVID-19. While some are fighting for their lives, others are struggling for their livelihood. Small businesses, nonprofits, and restaurants have all been financially… Read More →