Place-Based Arts

by Lesley Landis-Voller, President of ChathamArts

How lucky are we here in Chatham County? Two of the Southeast’s finest contemporary writers, Belle Boggs and Marjorie Hudson — both Chatham County residents — were recently awarded the North Carolina Arts Council‘s esteemed Fellowship for the Best Literary Talent in the state. For a rural county like Chatham to produce more than one Fellowship recipient in the same year is extraordinary, and may be unprecedented!

To celebrate this achievement, Boggs, author of the “The Mattponi Queen” and Hudson, author of “Accidental Birds of the Carolinas”, were special guests at a recent ChathamArts reception for Governor’s Club residents hosted by Jill Ehrenfeld of Domicile Realty. The gathering was a Chatham County arts event in more ways than one.

Local fine furniture maker, Doug Trimble was on hand to show off his gorgeous hand made wood tables. Metal sculptures from Tamera Mulanix, located in the lobby and on the grounds, enriched the arts atmosphere as well.

Tamera Mulanix‘s work illustrates her spirituality and unique vision of the world. Tamera writes that she tries “to play a small part in transitioning this divided and chaotic world toward a planet full of acceptance, love and unity.” Mulanix creates work that attempts to “move someone to feel a small sense of peace, or bring a bit of joy to the heart…” Personally, I find comfort in the gentle, curvilinear lines of Tamera’s work. Her sculptures encourage contemplation and bring a sense of calm to me.

Doug Trimble states “Wood is alive and has a spirit and I strive to bring that spirit into a form that is meaningful. Experimenting with woods from around the world, I bring together the functional, the playful and the sensual into uniquely designed furniture creations.” Doug’s tables are a visual and tactile treat. Be sure to check them out!

I’m deeply appreciative for Jill Ehrenfeld’s commitment to supporting and advocating for local entrepreneurial efforts — and yes, the arts are businesses. Business leaders like Jill know that the arts are an effective catalyst for attracting innovative thinkers. The presence of art stimulates the mind that’s active and curious about concepts and the world. That’s good for thought leaders as well as for tourists seeking specific, place-based arts experiences.

Whether one reads the latest work from our bevy of literary artists, enjoys delicious foods from local culinary artists, enjoys a massage from a healing artist, or appreciates sculptures made of wood or metal, Chatham County residents are lucky to be surrounded by the incredible creative talents embodied in the artists that calls our county home.