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 →
Go See This: Shakori Hills Stimulates the Senses
For four days in the fall and spring, the bucolic Chatham County community of Silk Hope is enhanced with an event that awakens all the senses. Celebrating its fourteenth year, the Shakori Festival of Music and Dance is a world of sights, sounds, smells, and feelings that helps make Chatham an especially amazing place. Bands from across the state and around… Read More →
Go See This: New Era Gospel in Historic Haywood
As he extends a hand of welcome, a church member offers, “We’re a noisy church.” The drum kit and electric and bass guitars on the altar at Rosehill American Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church in the Haywood community of Moncure are the first clues that he’s right. When the service starts, the band is joined by four singers who make heartfelt… Read More →
Go See This: “Goodnight, Death: A Banned Book Murder Mystery”
Do you consider yourself an astute observer? Do you listen carefully? How well do you know the people who live next door? And how do you know that the person who just passed your table at the restaurant isn’t a murderer? At the premiere of a one night only dinner theater performance of “Goodnight, Death:… Read More →
Go See This: 4th Annual Mardi Gras Party
A recent six-alarm fire on Canal Street has worried Crescent City revelers that Mardi Gras might be curtailed this year. But Chathamites need not be concerned. The 4th Annual Mardi Gras Party, hosted by the North Carolina Arts Incubator, will bring the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of New Orleans to Siler City. “The annual… Read More →
Go See This: Sisters’ Voices Winter Concert
Days end sooner. Nights grow longer. The air is crisper and songs sung by Sister’s Voices in their annual Winter Concert weave through the bare trees of Chatham County. Sisters’ Voices is a choral community of girls in two ensembles — nine girls from 2nd and 3rd grades, and 14 girls from 4th through 8th grades. Their Winter Concert… Read More →