Like so many people in the world today, we are working hard to make lemonade out of lemons. “How so?” you ask. Let us tell you, and please join us! (Lemonade is delicious! Plain lemons are, well, a little too tart.)
ClydeFEST 2020, sponsored by The Jester Group at Baird, is taking a creative spin this year amid COVID-19 stay at home orders with #ClydeFestToGo! In a time where social distancing is critical, we’re hoping you can still participate in a virtual ClydeFEST event. We want you to make your own folk art – a ClydeFEST critter – to allow the spirit of ClydeFEST to carry on.
You probably already guessed it. This means that we will NOT gather on April 25 for a huge, creative, messy event as we have done the past 17 years. But we WILL gather virtually on April 25. We’re hoping you all pick up a ClydeFEST critter (see details below) and adorn it with paint, markers, glitter – anything to make a unique piece of art. Then, on April 25, post photos of your amazing critters via social media under the #ClydeFestToGo. Together, we will create exceptional pieces of art throughout this county.
So, how does this thing work?
How to Get a Critter: ClydeFEST-to-Go critter cut-outs will be available for pick-up (April 18-25) as you’re out on your essential weekly grocery runs at: Chatham Marketplace (480 Hillsboro Street/Pittsboro; open 10 am – 7 pm) and Oasis Market (117 South Chatham Avenue/Siler City). In these uncertain times, we recommend you go online to verify their hours before you truck over.
Or, if you can’t get your hands on a cut out of a critter, just download one to color/glue cool objects to/art-i-fy! at home here.
How to Adorn your Critter!: Just like with folk art, you can take anything you have around your house to embellish your critter. Consider starting with paint and markers, then pile on the glue and add GLITTER!, eyeballs, sticks, colorful pipe cleaners, bottlecaps, pieces of broken toys, beads, ribbons – anything that brings your critter to life. There is no wrong way to adorn it!
What to Do with your Unique Critter: Don’t keep all your hard work to yourself! Post pictures of your critter cut-out or critter drawing via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and tag them: #ClydeFestToGo. We’re hoping this virtual event will spread far and wide, sharing the spirit of ClydeFEST with all those who consider the event a family tradition.
How Much Does this Cost?: Nada! Nothing! Zilch! Zero! That’s right folks, #ClydeFestToGo is completely free. However, we have a slew of community partners to thank for making this virtual event happen.
We are Grateful!: Right now, many businesses are struggling. Heck! People all around us are struggling. That’s why pulling off a virtual ClydeFEST is even more meaningful. We had no idea that so many community partners would come together and embrace #ClydeFestToGo the way they have. Chatham is a special place. We are grateful to be part of this unique community.
Chatham Arts Council thanks the local businesses who are making #ClydeFestToGo possible, including generous sponsorships by The Jester Group at Baird; Opus Financial Advisors; Hobbs Architects; R.E. and E.F. Crane Foundation; Dorrie Casey and Archie Purcell; Selbe Bartlett & Mike Dasher, in Memory of Carol Bartlett; Persimmon Hill Neighbors; Chatham Park; Monteith Construction; Sanford Contractors Inc.; Cackalacky; Resolute Building Company; Cheek Electric; Kindred Gallery at the Rosemary House; Deep River Mercantile; Chatham Homes Realty; The Modern Life Deli & Drinks; Robena, Phil, and Twyla Olinger; Fiddlehead Farm; Pittsboro Roadhouse; Seven Year Productions; Katy McReynolds/Chatham Homes Realty; Granite State Electric LLC; Dr. Tammy R. Severt, D.D.S., P.A; Primrose School of Chapel Hill at Briar Chapel; First Bank; Lesley Landis Designs; gh designs; Carolina Brewery; B & J Custom Printers; Blueline Contracting; the Chatham Marketplace; Oasis Market; and the North Carolina Arts Council.
Alright folks. We hope to see your critters on April 25. Don’t let us down! We’re all in this together.
Until next time….
#ClydeFestToGo