The Chatham Arts Council has hosted ClydeFEST for 24 years, and after a pause in 2026, we are back to honor the legacy of Clyde Jones, and keep this kids’ folk arts festival vibrant for Chatham County. In order to do that, we need your support! We’re now seeking community partners to help bring this… Read More →
Celebrating the Life of Clyde Jones
“Always remember: Deep down, each of you has something you can do to make other people happy. I want you kids to look inside and find what that is and go out and do it.” – Clyde Jones This is how we will remember our dear friend, arts advocate, and Bynum folk art legend Clyde… Read More →
ClydeFEST 2025 Was a Joy!
Remember how great it felt to play outside when you were a kid? Running for running’s sake? Hula-hooping, playing games, blowing bubbles, creating new worlds? You can share that feeling with your kids at our 23rd annual ClydeFEST. Offering a full-day of screen-free fun, the festival is a place for kids to get messy in… Read More →
Clyde Jones Visionary Folk Artist
Folk artist Clyde Jones (1937 – 2025) of Bynum, NC, was recognized by scholars as a Visionary Outsider Artist. Clyde was a beloved community member, dedicating his life and work to children of all ages. Best known for his iconic, whimsical wooden “Critters”, sculpted with a chainsaw out of cedar logs, Clyde’s paintings are also widely collected. Clyde never… Read More →
Go See This: “The Locals” Exhibition at ClydeFEST This Sunday!
Connie Fenner is a local business owner, community connector, and proud breast cancer survivor. She’s committed to supporting orgs that bring people together to create healthier communities, including powering our Go See This series this season. ClydeFEST 2024 is here to delight children of all ages, and we invite you to Go See This …. Read More →
ClydeFEST 2024 Is THIS SUNDAY!
Our beloved kids’ arts festival is back! ClydeFEST, now in its 22nd year, returns to the East Lawn of the Chatham County Agricultural and Conference Center THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 14 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. From face painting, bubbles, and hula hoops to arts projects and good old-fashioned carnival games, ClydeFEST has an activity… Read More →
Sunday Sun Shines on ClydeFEST 2023
Friday morning. ClydeFEST set-up day. Saturday’s chance of rain: 95%. The entire county had watched the forecast closely all week, but on Friday, CAC made the tough call. For only the second time in 21 years, ClydeFEST would move to its rain date on Sunday. An army of volunteers from Bold Companies and the community… Read More →
ClydeFEST 2023 Is Now Sunday!
NEW DATE AND TIME! This SUNDAY, April 23 from 12pm-5pm After watching the weather all week, the forecast just isn’t improving the way we’d like. We’ve made the decision to move ClydeFEST to this Sunday, April 23, from 12pm-5pm. All the critters, all the food, all the fun will still be at the Chatham Ag… Read More →
Go See This: ClydeFEST 2023
As Chatham Park continues to develop its community, they remain dedicated to supporting local art in Chatham County. As part of that commitment, Chatham Park is powering our Go See This series. They join us in inviting you to Go See This . . . In the springtime, all the critters come out to play!… Read More →
ClydeFEST 2022 Celebrates 20th Anniversary
ClydeFEST 2022 was special. Not just because it was the 20th Anniversary, although that was incredibly special. This year’s ClydeFEST marked the first full festival since the pandemic hit in 2020. All the crafts, critters, and kids returned to the Bynum Ball Field. It had been a long two years, and folks were ready! More… Read More →