When Pittsboro’s Northwood High School Arts students take the stage at the end of March to present the annual spring musical, they are not only continuing a long NHS tradition, but joining thousands of peers across the country for whom the term “spring musical” is, if not redundant, at least, synonymous. “Opening for A Princess”… Read More →
Go See This: Premiere of “The Courthouse”
“The courthouse is on fire!” Many local folks know where they were on the afternoon of March 25, 2010. That was the day the iconic, historic 1881 Chatham County Courthouse on the circle in Pittsboro was almost lost to a fire. Fortunately, local documentary filmmaker Mike O’Connell, of Haw River Films was ready with his gear to capture on film footage from that… Read More →
Go See This: “Straws” Documentary Film
Documentary filmmaker Linda Booker follows her subjects where they lead, attributing the impact of her films to the people who tell her their stories. For her latest film “Straws”, she singles out Jackie Nunez, founder of the Last Plastic Straw, who has been at the forefront of this movement since 2011, Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, Dr…. Read More →
Successful Artists-in-Schools Initiative Expands in Year 2
Following an exciting pilot year of residencies, performances, and professional development workshops, Chatham Arts Council (CAC) and Chatham County Schools (CCS) are expanding their collaboration for the coming year. The Chatham Artists-in-Schools Initiative will continue working in Year 1 School Residency Programs and add residencies and performances at new schools as well. This work is… Read More →
Go See This: Celebrate the Bluegrass Experience
With 45 years of shows, recordings, beloved fans, and international accolades, where does one start with The Bluegrass Experience? Just as he does on stage with the Bluegrass Experience, the band’s lead guitarist Tommy Edwards serves as our guide through a bit of bluegrass history, Chatham County, and a few song titles popular in the band’s repertoire. [All videos of live performances are thanks to Carol… Read More →
Go See This: ClydeFEST Celebrates 15 Years
ClydeFEST is an ol’ timey carnival based on colorfully painted cedar creatures (a.k.a. “critters”) and the former woodsman who makes them. Self-taught folk artist Clyde Jones and his ever-present Stihl chainsaw delights in the joy his art brings both children and adults. Still, who knew when ClydeFEST was launched 15 years ago that it would be such a… Read More →
Resources for Poetry in North Carolina
When I first moved to North Carolina in 2007 I was preoccupied with a new job, closing on my first house, and learning where all the good restaurants were. Writing was not a priority. A year later I felt settled and curious. I went to the first place I could think of that should be… Read More →
New Home, New Board Members, New Year
In the last two years, the Chatham Arts Council introduced a new logo, new brand, new mission focus, and new website. As we enter the new fiscal year, there’s even more new, minty freshness to report. We recently moved to a new location while continuing to strengthen our presence in the county through programs that “invest in… Read More →
Go See This: The Small Museum of Art
The corner of Small and East Streets in Pittsboro is a handmade hive of activity. Salvaged windows allow natural light to wash newly installed walls made of reclaimed wooden planks that glow a translucent milky white. A rusted tin ceiling above and a large sliding door bring to mind rural barns. Modern wiring and flooring appropriate for high traffic areas… Read More →
Natural Chatham Releases Inner Artist
The Carolina blue sky was dotted with white as the clouds swirled and shifted, shaped and morphed. It was a perfect day to take in the natural beauty of Chatham County. There was time to explore and opportunities not to be missed so we headed out to indulge our adventurous natures. “Oh! Turn there, turn there,” I… Read More →
