At the Chatham Arts Council, we’re going W I L D! ClydeFEST in the Wild, that is! And after a challenging 2020, we could use a little extra glitter to remind us how art has the power to spark a smile and bring us together – safely, that is.
Here’s the deal. With COVID-19 still afoot, we are tweaking our 19th annual ClydeFEST event. Many of you know all about our traditional old-school kids’ arts carnival celebrating folk artist Clyde Jones. And if you don’t, that’s ok too, because this year, it will look a little different. We are spreading the joy of ClydeFEST throughout Chatham County in COVID-safe ways to bring you our very first, ClydeFEST in the Wild.
So…..what will this annual event offer in 2021? So, so, so much fun (and messy creativity)!
- Tuesday, April 20, 4-6 p.m.: Diali Cissokho will kick it off with a live performance, truck-and-trailer style, traveling through the neighborhoods of Loves’ Creek and Pony Farm Road in western Chatham sharing the music of West Senegal–with beloved ClydeFEST performers joining in our mini-parade. (Sponsored by The Jester Group at Baird.)
- Saturday, April 24 at The Park at Briar Chapel, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.: Kids and Families, SIGN UP HERE to schedule outdoor time at our mobile Critterville to paint and embellish one of those well-known and beloved critter cut-outs, while jamming to some family-friendly live music from ClydeFEST performers.
- Tuesday, April 27, 4-6:30 p.m.: Diali and ClydeFEST roving performers will travel through the Briar Chapel and Nature Trail Community neighborhoods in eastern Chatham sharing their arts magic. (Sponsored by The Jester Group at Baird.)
- Saturday, May 1 at Bray Park, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: We’ll hand out Critter Kits (a critter cut-out, plus paint and glue) at Chatham County Partnership for Children’s drive-through Day of the Book/Dia de los Libros celebration. Families can grab a kit and adorn their critter cut-out at home.
- Sunday, May 2 at Southwest District Park, 1-5 p.m.: One more ClydeFEST in the Wild celebration takes place, but this time, in southwestern Chatham! Families and kids, SIGN UP HERE to schedule outdoor critter-paintin’ time and hear some ClydeFEST tunes during this Sunday event.
Critter Paintin’: Sound like fun? We sure hope so! Don’t wait! Sign up for critter paintin’ right now!
Volunteers: You’ve heard us say it before and we’ll say it again! It takes a village to run ClydeFEST – especially now that it’s gone wild! So consider volunteering to make this year’s event a success. Sign-up form for volunteers can be found here.
Sponsors: Help us make ClydeFEST in the Wild happen for all those young people (and young at heart) in Chatham. Become a sponsor here or donate here by selecting “Arts for Resilient Kids” from the donation menu.
We are grateful to the generous friends, community members, and businesses who have already kindly donated to ClydeFEST in the Wild, including: The Jester Group at Baird; Chatham Homes Realty; Randi Markowitz Belle Fleur Design; Cheek Electric; Hobbs Architects, PA; The Kindred Gallery; Absolute Construction and Development, LLC; The Legion Company; Boro Realty; Fresh Air Designs, Inc.; Chatham Park; Martha Newport Realty Group; Chatham Pediatric Dentistry; First Bank; StreetSigns; The Sycamore at Chatham Mills; Right By You Mortgage; Weaver Street Realty; Enchanting Smiles Family Dentistry; Welford Harris Ford; CHR Triangle Team; Dr. Tammy R. Severt D.D.S. P.A.; Resolute Building Company; Deep River Mercantile; Lesley Landis Designs; The Hardwood Store of NC; Fagan Industry; The Creative Goat; Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival; Diane Swan Gallery; Chatham Habitat for Humanity, and B & J Custom Printers.
We can’t wait to see you at this year’s ClydeFEST in the Wild. It’s just another way we hope to bring service, solace, and hope to this terrific community.
