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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Arts Education Spotlight: March is Students’ Month to Shine
It’s March! —That special month in the school year when we celebrate all things Arts. Youth Art Month (YAM), Theatre in Our Schools Month(TIOS), Music in Our Schools Month (MIOSM), and Dance in our schools. In the fall, communities show support for arts education during National Arts in Education Week. March is the time for students… 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 →
