As new members of our Chatham County community, Chatham Park is powering our Go See This series this year because art is an integral part of Chatham County’s identity. They join us in inviting you to Go See This . . .
After months of cancellations and changed plans, the NC Arts Incubator (NCAI) in Siler City is looking forward to hosting their first live event in over a year. While the NCAI team has worked hard during the pandemic to support local artists when possible given the COVID-related restrictions, the new director, Michael C. Feezor, is looking forward to being able to connect more with community members in person once again, and further the organization’s vision of “increasing the diversity of artists and musicians we host; continuing our mission of support to the arts community; and promoting historic Siler City as a cultural hub.”
On Saturday, May 22, the NCAI will host a fundraising event at a private home, featuring violinist Jennifer Curtis. As Michael notes, “The money raised at this event will be put toward the Education and Community Enrichment Program. It will be used to pay artists to teach classes and musicians to perform at the NCAI’s free events in the Siler City Arts District. Classes and events are open to everyone.”
Jennifer Curtis, a Chapel Hill native, has performed all over the world to great acclaim. The New York Times described Jennifer’s second solo concert in Carnegie Hall as “one of the gutsiest and most individual recital programs.” The NCAI is pleased to have Jennifer perform at this event later this month. “Jennifer played for us last August for a socially-distanced outdoor event. She was scheduled to play Carnegie Hall that very evening, but all indoor shows were cancelled due to Covid,” notes Michael. “Our attendees were very impressed with the breadth of her virtuosity. Several people asked where they could see her perform in the future, and one patron made us a donation honorarium to host her again. She is the first artist we reached out to when we began planning this fundraiser, which is our first in over a year.”
Like many local organizations, the pandemic has created challenges for NCAI but has also offered some opportunities to help those in need. As Michael states, “Due to the pandemic, we decided to close our art market. In collaboration with the Chatham Rabbit Coffee Shop, we used our main room to provide socially-distanced study areas to students and professionals who did not have broadband internet available at home, and had to study and work remotely. We also added two office desks in our Fine Art Gallery for the same purpose. As of last month, we have resumed using the P.A.F. Gallery for fine art shows. We still ask visitors to wear masks while inside the building, and follow a one-way route through the building where they can socialize outside in our rain garden courtyard.”
NCAI houses many talented artists who work in varied art forms. As Michael reports, “The Arts Incubator currently hosts artists working in a wide array of media. Terry McInturff is a world-class electric guitar maker with a huge woodshop in the Incubator building. In our underground studios, we have a photographer, several painters, and many ceramics artists. Upstairs, we have a Reiki practitioner/lifestyle and wellness coach and The Chatham Rabbit coffee shop, whose owner, Brooke Simmons, is elevating the art of espresso drink creation, customer service, and community networking.”
Buy your tickets today for this unique event to support the NC Arts Incubator!
- What: NC Arts Incubator fundraiser featuring violinist Jennifer Curtis
- Where: Private home in Siler City
- When: Saturday, May 22, 6-10pm
- Cost: $100 per ticket
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