Last year, the pandemic shut down the arts economy in Chatham County. No one really thought that one year later, we’d still be wading through the pandemic, waiting for life to go back to “normal.” Because artists and arts-workers have been hugely impacted by the pandemic, we launched the Chatham Artists and Arts-workers Relief Effort… Read More →
ArtAssist for Kids Round 2: Smiling All the Way
After a year of doom and gloom, we could all use some good news, right? Well, settle in Chatham. We have just the thing. Late last year, we heard from arts teachers that many of their students were in dire need of art supplies. They didn’t have paper, pencils, erasers, markers, colored pencils, or glue… Read More →
Don’t Miss Big Night In for the Arts – March 11, Featuring Mike Wiley, Ariana DeBose, Mandolin Orange, Branford Marsalis, and Scotty McCreery!
Big names. Big goals. Big Night In for the Arts! For the first time ever, arts councils from Chatham, Durham, Orange, and Wake Counties are joining forces to enlist support for the arts through a live event – Big Night In for the Arts. The regional fundraising initiative will broadcast live on WRAL-TV on March… Read More →
Who Values Arts: Betty Wilson
Betty Wilson exudes creativity. She was a Kindergarten teacher at Pittsboro Elementary for 10 years at a time when there was only a list of general skills her pupils needed to accomplish by the time they graduated. She embedded the arts into most lessons, having the uncanny ability to pivot at a moment’s notice if… Read More →
$87K in Arts Grants: Good News We Can Use
Good news is something we can all use during a pandemic that brings bad news daily. If you are part of an arts organization and are finding it difficult to weather this pandemic, you need to know about a grant from North Carolina CARES for Arts that is designed to help us as arts orgs… Read More →
Two Artist Grant Opportunities Available Amidst Pandemic
Looking for some news that is not related to COVID-19 or online schooling? Well, we’ve got you covered! Calling all artists! The Chatham Arts Council is excited to announce the availability of TWO amazing artist grants – Artist Support Grants and Emerging Artist Grants. These grants offer unique opportunities and they exist to ensure artists… Read More →
Who Values Arts: Edwin White and Gwen Overturf
Edwin White has been steeped in art his whole life – from painting and paper cutting to product and house design to large-scale sculpting. It’s safe to say that he values the arts. But we wanted to learn more about the “why.” Amidst COVID-19 social distancing, we settled for a FaceTime call with Eddie and… Read More →
Who Values Arts: Alyssa Byrd
Alyssa Byrd is an arts appreciator, a mother of two, and a Chatham enthusiast. She also serves as President of the Chatham Economic Development Corporation, where she is responsible for implementing strategies to promote and strengthen the economic well-being of Chatham County. This puts her in a unique position to appreciate Chatham from a variety of… Read More →
Masks For Many Project Protects Vital Workers While Supporting Local Artists
Chatham County is reporting the highest number of COVID-19 cases per capita in North Carolina right now. Yikes. And requests for cloth face coverings through our Masks for Many partnership project went up by 2,000% in the last week. Yep, that’s right. So far, we’ve filled requests for vulnerable local businesses like cleaning services, for families of… Read More →
Lend a Helping Hand to Chatham Artists
This spring, we all find ourselves adjusting to a new normal. We are living in unprecedented times, and our hearts go out to all the people who have fallen ill due to COVID-19. While some are fighting for their lives, others are struggling for their livelihood. Small businesses, nonprofits, and restaurants have all been financially… Read More →