10 minute read
An Autum of the Arts
An Autumn of the Arts
BY: JASON HUDDLE
Cabarrus County has boasted a strong arts community in recent years and this Fall is no exception. From plays to exhibitions and dancing to quilting, there is no shortage of candy for the eyes and ears to feast on this season. Here are a few such events happening soon!
Night of the Living Dead Live!
When George Romero released his movie that would create a genre, “Night of the Living Dead”, in 1968, he intended it to be a horror flick in every sense of the word. He wanted it to scare people. He wanted them to be terrified the next time they drove past a cemetery. And, at the time, he was successful. The move was a phenomenon that enjoyed theatrical runs well into 1969.
Of course, by today’s standards, the movie some considered a “cinematic classic”, pales in comparison to what is now called the genre of horror. In many people’s eyes, it is now viewed as “hokey” or “campy” when compared to its modernday counterparts. It is in that light, Old Courthouse Theatre (OCT) is presenting Night of the Living Dead Live! at the end of this month.
Brian Rassler, who is a long-time OCT veteran, both on stage and off, will be directing the show. Chances are, those whom have ever attended an OCT production, have seen Rassler’s handiwork in regard to set design. Some of his favorite roles on stage have included Mr. Dowd from Harvey and George Bailey, from It’s a Wonderful Life. Now, he sits in the director’s chair for the third time.
Rassler said even though the original movie wasn’t intended to be funny, this production is. “It’s a fun, campy production.” Rassler explained. The first act is essentially the movie. However, the second act is a fun trip through alternate endings that all lead to both hilarity and disaster.
Although the show is about zombies, Rassler also said family friendliness has been a consideration. “My hope is to have the entire set, including costuming in black and white. The blood will most likely by something like chocolate sauce (as was used in black and white films) and the “gore” will be kept to a minimum.
Rassler also said patrons can expect a few other fun additions, such as zombies roaming the lobby area of the theatre before the show. There may even be zombie sightings in downtown Concord during the show’s run as well and Rassler said he is working on a screening of the original movie at the theatre, prior to the show’s open.
The Night of the Living Dead Live! cast includes; Barbra Skyler, as Sanders, Ben Brandon, as Gaston, Tom Maxwell, as Greger and Judy, played by Melissa Steele, plus many other local actors. Kim Baysinger will head up costuming. The show opens October 24 and runs through November 3. Visit www.octconcord.com for more information, or to purchase tickets.
One of the many quilts you may see at this year’s Splash of Color quilt show.
Photo Courtesy: Terry Patterson
Cabarrus Arts Council also brings in familyfriendly shows, like Roger Day
Photo courtesy: Cabarrus Arts Council
The Galleries, located in downtown Concord, always have something for art lovers on display.
Photo courtesy: Cabarrus Arts Council
The Splash of Color Quilt Show
Now in its 20th year, the Splash of Color Quilt Show, put on by the Cabarrus Quilters Guild, has something for quilters of all skill levels, from masters to beginners, the show has grown from a small event inside the Concord Library, to one that now boasts, “Over 100 judged quilts awarded according to category,” said show organizer, Julie Love. “We also ribbon “The Best of” show, hand quilting, color, innovation, hand work, machine quilting, judges choice and viewer’s choice.”
Love also added, “There will be additional quilts on display from our members, at least one will be over 100 years old. We have a silent auction, where quilts can be purchased.”
Love also said some attendees will enjoy the Guild’s “White Elephant” booth. “(There), We sell fabric (fat quarters to yardage), notions, thread, books, patterns, this year we even have a sewing machine and serger we are raffling.”
In addition, attendees can also expect to have the opportunity to win door prizes and a “special attendance prize”. Love said she can’t say what the special prize is and only attendees will find out.
This year’s featured quilter will be Mildred Lamb, one of the founding members of the guild. She will have a display of quilts and be on hand to talk to attendees about quilting. Love encouraged attendees to bring their questions.
Youth entries are also being welcomed this year. These quilts, made by youth under the age of 18, will be judged in their own categories. “Quilters from the guild will be available to answer questions and get people involved,” explained Love. She also said not to be intimidated, no matter your skill level. “The quilts offered for judging are submitted by different experienced leveled quilters. One is from a quilter who is entering a quilt for the first time. Some quilters may only have 2 or 3 years of experience and some may have over 70 years of experience.”
After the show concludes, the Cabarrus Quilters Guild holds monthly meetings on the second Monday of the month at the Forest Hill Methodist Church in downtown Concord. At the meetings, attendees can enjoy refreshments and a program, usually including well known speakers from around the country who also offer workshops.
The Splash of Color Quilt Show takes place this year October 18-19 at the Concord City Club at Gibson Mill. For more information on the show, or the quilters guild, please visit ww.cabarrusquiltersguild.org.
The Gibson Brothers
Photo courtesy: Cabarrus Arts Council
Cabarrus Arts Council
Noelle Rhodes Scott, who serves as executive director of the Cabarrus Arts Council, is excited about the offerings housed inside the historic Cabarrus County Courthouse this Fall. She says Cabarrus residents and visitors The Gibson Brothers will be able to enjoy everything from bluegrass to landscapes, and perhaps some shopping opportunities as well.
“We have a phenomenal lineup this year at Davis Theater,” Scott explained. “A female mariachi kicked the new season off at the Davis Theatre (located at the top of the historic courthouse).” Bluegrass enthusiasts will appreciate this season. “We’re bringing the Gibson Bothers in,” said Scott. “They are a huge Blue grass band and have now come out with a new sound (that includes a country/soul and 70’s rock influence). It will be a fun sound to hear because it’s so new.”
Other bluegrass acts will include the Jeff Whittington Bluegrass Band, one of the only acts, other than Jim Avett, who are asked back on an annual basis, as well as the Kruger Brothers.
Revered around the state, the Kruger brothers were born in Switzerland, where they began listening to southern American bluegrass at a young age. Now living in North Carolina, Scott says their sets are quite unique. “When they sing, it is in a bluegrass southern accent, but if they’re talking, they speak with a Swiss accent.”
On the bottom floor of the historic courthouse sits The Galleries, which host several exhibitions throughout the year. Closing October 19, is an exhibit called, Splendid and Serene. This show of art features incredible landscapes, as well as several other techniques, by many artists. Beginning November 7, the annual Clay Exhibition will begin, but with a new twist. “As with past years, this exhibition will feature wood-fired clay from several artists and a lot of the pieces with be huge,” explained Scott. “However, smaller pieces will also be on display for sale which make great Christmas gifts.” This exhibition will also be incorporated within an art walk, on November 15, which will include an artists’ reception and pictures with Santa as well. Scott boasts, “This year, we have the real one!”
As with every exhibition, there are always games for children like “I Spy”, where young ones get to interact with the exhibit. Scott also says they now have been able to translate gallery guides into Spanish as well. “Now, everyone can enjoy them!”
Other events at the Cabarrus Arts Council building this Fall include Dancing for the Arts, on November 9, where local, highprofile members of the community compete in a one-night dancing competition, as well as Sip and Shop on December 7. Scott says the public is invited to come in during that day to enjoy, “apple cider to sip while they shop for family and friends.”
Scott said this Fall has something for everyone of all ages at the Cabarrus Arts Council. “We’re really excited about this season for the theater and the galleries. We’ve got a lot of ‘cous’ in this season and we feel people are going to really enjoy it!” For more information, visit www.cabarrusartscouncil.org.
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The Kruger Brothers are a revered Bluegrass Band throughout NC
Photo Courtesy: Cabarrus Arts Council
The Splash of Color Quilt show welcomes quilters of all ages and experience levels
Photo Courtesy: Terry Patterson
ClearWater Studios in Concord
Photo: Jason Huddle
ClearWater Studios houses a variety of art forms, including painting, sculpting and woodworking.
Photo: Jason Huddle
Clearwater Artist Studios
Located on Kerr Street in Concord is the old Concord water treatment plant that has experienced a renaissance over the past several years to become the Clearwater Artist Studios. This facility houses studios of several artists, who feature a variety of techniques and art mediums, as well as hosts artist shows, art classes and receptions for show openings. “It’s got a certain energy here,” said General Manager, Sarah Gay. “That comes from working artists doing what they do and selling their work.” Gay also says the artists who lease studios within the facility are there as a serious, or professional artist. These are not hobbyists.
Events upcoming this Fall include free artist demonstrations by the Cabarrus Art Guild and an artist exhibition by local retired obstetrician, Wanda Jenkins, entitled “Adventures in Color” (Nov. 2 – Jan. 5).
The Southern Piedmont Wood Turners Association, which leases a large space within the building, also hosts monthly demonstrations on the third Tuesday of each month. In addition to a live demonstration, members bring items to demonstrate how previous demonstrators have influenced their work. There is also a raffle of items to raise funds for the club.
Many paintings are on display at ClearWater Studios, like this one from resident artist, Gordon C. James.
Photo: Jason Huddle
On the second Saturday of each month, the building hosts an open house for the public to tour the facility, including the artists’ studios, as well as talk with, and answer questions of, the artists. However, the October open house will be on the third Saturday, as this will also include the Fall Festival.
The festival will include; information tables, artist workshops, a costume contest, performances, games, food and drink, and children’s activities. Visitors will also be able to see the PhotoVoice exhibit in the main gallery, upstairs. This project has, “collected Gibson Village community members’ stories about the barriers and opportunities around accessing healthy food and recreational activities in this neighborhood, enlisting residents in taking pictures that show how their neighborhood affects their health,” according to the facility’s website. These will be on view, with community questionnaires in the room to engage responses to the photos and the topic. For more information, visit www.clearwaterartists.com.
