WILMA January 2021

WILMA

JANUARY 2021

WILMINGTON’S SUCCESSFUL WOMAN

Bright Sides

Vibrant inspirations

A Colorful Landscape Finding Dorothy Gillespie around town

Wall-to-Wall Carolina Beach’s murals multiply

THE ARTS ISSUE

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22 8 SPOTLIGHT

46 THE SCENE: Running start

10 HEALTH: Boxing day

47 TAKE 5: Motivating matters

12 TASTE: Salt charm 14 STYLE: Bursts of color

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48 MEN’S ROOM: Out of conditions

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14 22 C ELEBRATING WORKS: Installations and exhibits feature Dorothy Gillespie’s pieces 28 C REATIVE OUTLET: Finding art connections in Southport 34 M URAL MOVEMENT: Carolina Beach's buildings get decked out

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Hello, 2021. Just in time for a new year and – hopefully – a new slate, WILMA’s annual Arts Issue is here to get your creativity flowing.

Find inspiration from international artist Dorothy Gillespie, whose metal, abstract sculptures can be found all around Wilmington – from the massive hanging ribbons in Thalian Hall’s lobby to twisting pieces dotting the New Hanover County Arboretum’s gardens. Read more about the late artist and how she became connected to the Port City on page 22.

Gillespie’s vibrant colors and flowing lines also inspired this month’s style shoot (page 14) at the Cameron Art Museum, where other Gillespie works also are on display.

Professional artists and local residents have put their stamps on the murals popping up in Carolina Beach. Read more about what’s next for the mural program on page 34, as well as spotlights on other murals throughout the region on page 40.

Art classes at Brunswick Community College’s Southport center are helping stave off isolation for many working on their craft in the workshops there (page 28).

There’s plenty of color ahead on these pages. So, if life truly does imitate art, here’s to a bright year. W JANUARY 2021

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Publisher Rob Kaiser rkaiser@wilmingtonbiz.com

JENNY CALLISON is a former Greater

Wilmington Business Journal reporter who continues as a freelancer with the Business Journal and WILMA. Before moving to Wilmington in 2011, she was a university communications director and a freelance reporter covering a variety of beats. This month, Callison writes about a project to showcase artist Dorothy Gillespie’s work on page 22.

President Robert Preville rpreville@wilmingtonbiz.com Associate Publisher Judy Budd jbudd@wilmingtonbiz.com Editor Vicky Janowski vjanowski@wilmingtonbiz.com Vice President of Sales Maggi Apel mapel@wilmingtonbiz.com

SHANNON RAE GENTRY has written

about Wilmington arts, culture, and news for nearly ten years. She and her family take in every concert they can and savor everything local. She talks with Salt + Charm owner and chef Abbye McGee about her expansion plans (page 12) and features Carolina Beach’s mural landscapes (page 34).

ARIS HARDING is a Wilmington-based

freelance photographer originally from southern Maryland. With a camera always in hand, she moved to New York City after graduating from UNCW. She returned to Wilmington to pursue her love of storytelling, specializing in editorial and portrait photography. Harding photographed art classes in Southport (page 28). arisharding.com and @ air_harding on Instagram

MELISSA HEBERT is a Wilmington-based

photographer who has had her work featured in national campaigns and magazines, including WILMA. Hebert studied photography at the Cleveland Institute of Art and specializes in editorial, portrait, and wedding photography. Hebert shot this month’s cover and style feature on page 14. melissahebertphoto.com

Senior Account Executive Craig Snow csnow@wilmingtonbiz.com Account Executives Courtney Barden cbarden@wilmingtonbiz.com Ali Buckley abuckley@wilmingtonbiz.com Marian Welsh Mwelsh@wilmingtonbiz.com Office & Audience Development Manager Sandy Johnson sjohnson@wilmingtonbiz.com Events/Digital Assistant Elizabeth Stelzenmuller events@wilmingtonbiz.com Design & Media Coordinator Molly Jacques production@wilmingtonbiz.com Content Marketing Coordinator Morgan Mattox mmattox@wilmingtonbiz.com Contributing Designer Suzi Drake art@wilmingtonbiz.com Digital Editor Johanna Cano jcano@wilmingtonbiz.com Fashion Stylists Ashley Duch Grocki & Drewe Smith Contributors Jenny Callison, Nina Bays Cournoyer, Meghan Corbett, Shannon Rae Gentry, Dylan Patterson, Cheryl L. Serra, Lynda Van Kuren, Justin Williams Pope Contributing Photographers Erin Costa, Aris Harding, Melissa Hebert Photography, Stephanie Savas Photography, Michael Cline Spencer, Terah Wilson

CHERYL L. SERRA is a freelance strategic

communications specialist and writer who lives in Brunswick County. Serra checks in on Brunswick Community College’s center in Southport where residents have taken advantage of art classes to remain connected and creative (page 28).

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Founder Joy Allen Subscribe For a one-year subscription, please send $26.00 (check or money order) to: WILMA, 219 Station Rd., Ste. 202, Wilmington, NC 28405, or call 343-8600 x201 www.WILMAmag.com

WILMA’S

LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE FOUNDING SPONSORS

CORPORATE SPONSORS

“The past year has brought tremendous changes and challenges for

Poonam Kahlon Director, Talent Development, CastleBranch

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women across every vocation in the Wilmington community: business owners, journalists, artists, educators, entrepreneurs, executives, health care workers, parents, and more. CastleBranch is proud to stand with women of all fields and backgrounds to support you as you adapt during these unprecedented times. We are privileged to work with WILMA, continuing our long-standing partnership, to sustain our community of influential, strong women leaders.”

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WILMA Institute 2019 cohort's graduation photo by Erin Costa

W2W UPDATES WILMA’s Women to Watch Leadership Initiative has updates to share as we continue to work on the effort’s core mission of helping develop more women leaders in our area. Here’s what we’ve been up to with various W2W Leadership Initiative programs and what’s coming up next: LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE: Applications for the 2021 WILMA’s Leadership Institute are open this month. This year’s nine-month program runs April-December. The program gives up-and-coming leaders the opportunity to go through intensive leadership training, serve as each other’s personal board of directors, and interact with experienced leaders in the area. Skills topics include leading through challenging times, understanding communication styles, negotiating techniques, and more. The application deadline is January 31. Info: WILMALeadership.com WILMA NETWORK: Members of the WILMA Network, made up of sponsors of the Women to Watch Leadership Initiative, capped off the year last month with a Zoom meetup and heard from several Network members on year-end topics. Meadowlark boutique owner Kendall Hurt shared advice on holiday looks and shopping local; CastleBranch talent development director Poonam Kahlon talked about keeping employees engaged, especially with remote working; and New Hanover County chief communications officer Jessica Loeper gave an update on the county’s response to COVID-19.

WILMA LEADERSHIP EMAIL: If you haven’t checked it out yet, be sure to read WILMA’s Monday emails, which focus on leadership topics and profiles.

IN THE LOOP: Keep up to date with these and other Leadership Initiative programs as well as applications announcement by going to WILMAmag.com or signing up for the WILMA Leadership email at WILMAmag.com/email-newsletter

- Vicky Janowski, WILMA editor, and Maggi Apel, vice president of sales, Co-directors of the Women to Watch Leadership Initiative W2W@WILMAmag.com

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The Women to Watch logo: When you see this throughout WILMA’s pages, it means this is a woman on the rise to know, an experienced leader to learn from, or a local program worth checking out. W

12 UNIQUELY PERSONAL: Salt + Charm's Abbye McGee looks to expand 34 PAINT THE TOWN: The creative forces behind the Carolina Beach Mural Project 47 TAKE 5: Getting motivated with Hayley Luckadoo

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women’s professional groups Besides WILMA’s Women to Watch Leadership Initiative, there are a number of local groups to help women grow professionally. Here is just a sampling of some of them.

Cape Fear CREW Year Founded: 2010 Description: “Cape Fear CREW is the leading organization for commercial real estate in the Cape Fear region in North Carolina …

Members represent every aspect of the commercial real estate industry, including, but not limited to, law, leasing, brokerage, property management, finance, acquisitions, and engineering.”

Info: capefearcrew.org or info@capefearcrew.org

Cape Fear Women in Tech Year Founded: 2014 Description: “Our vision is to make the Cape Fear Region the No. 1 employer of women in technology careers per capita in the country.

We do this by championing opportunities for women in technology, empowering women to strive for these competitive positions, and inspiring women to lead in those roles.”

Info: cfwit.com or capefearwomenintech@ gmail.com

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Coastal Women Attorneys

The Junior League of Wilmington

(N.C. Association of Women Attorneys) Year Founded: 2013 Description: “CWA was formed to serve women attorneys in Southeastern North Carolina in the Fourth, Fifth and 13th judicial districts, which includes New Hanover, Pender, Brunswick, Columbus, Bladen, Duplin, Onslow, Sampson, and Jones counties. CWA is committed to increasing the participation of women attorneys in the legal profession, protecting the rights of women under the law and promoting, and improving the administration of justice.”

Info: ncawa.org/cwa or cwa@ncawa.org

Year Founded: 1952 Description: “The Junior League of Wilmington is a women’s organization designed to empower women and to improve the community through the leadership of women as trained volunteers.”

Info: jlwnc.org or info@jlwnc.org

The Inspiration Lab Year Founded: 2015 Description: “The Inspiration Lab was built for working women passionate about personal and professional development. We offer teachings and tools to improve your skills, productivity, creativity, emotional intelligence, and well-being. We also provide opportunities for networking and connection. We represent a variety of backgrounds and careers, but we’re all like-minded in being serious about success, maintaining a manageable work-life balance, and supporting one another’s growth.”

Info: theinspirationlab.co

Women’s Impact Network of New Hanover County Year Founded: 2011 Description: “WIN is a collective philanthropy nonprofit that makes yearly grants to nonprofits within the county. The focus of these grants rotates annually among four areas: education, health and wellness, the environment, and arts and culture.”

Info: winofnhc.org

YWCA Lower Cape Fear Founded: 1914 Description: “The YWCA Lower Cape Fear is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.” Economic advancement programs focus on educational assistance, job training, and short-term and long-term planning skills.

Info: ywca-lowercapefear.org

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ARTISTS LAND PIECES AT ILM

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Wilmington International Airport and The Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County officials chose three public art commissions as part of ILM’s terminal expansion.

Two terrazzo floor designs (mockups shown above; final designs might change) were awarded to JILL WEBB and to the team of PAUL HILL and JEFF HACKNEY from more than thirty submissions.

Webb’s design Loggerhead Labyrinth is a two-dimensional design featuring loggerhead sea turtles. “The path to the center of this labyrinth is an homage to sea turtles’ heroic annual journey from their nests to the Atlantic,” says Webb, who has created murals in Wilmington, including at Wilmington Friends School, Cape Fear Academy, Old Books on Front Street, and the Brooklyn Arts District.

Hill and Hackney’s design Venus Flytrap centers on the carnivorous plant that’s become a symbol of the region since it only grows naturally within 70 miles of Wilmington.

Hill also teamed up with GREG HALL for a sculpture of a laurel oak tree in the expanded airport terminal.

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MCKIM & CREED HIRES CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER

McKim & Creed added JENNIFER CICCONE to its Wilmington office.

Ciccone joins the firm as its chief people officer, a role that oversees human resources, talent acquisition, and retention, as well as “the people initiatives in McKim & Creed’s 2025 Strategic Plan,” company officials say.

She has nearly twenty years of experience in the human resources field. Ciccone most recently served as vice president of human resources for a large engineering and geomatics firm in Pittsburgh.

“Jennifer’s impressive credentials certainly qualify her for the position of chief people officer. But, more importantly, her personality and attitude mesh well with McKim & Creed’s ‘people helping people’ culture. She will be a strong addition to our leadership team,” says John Lucey, CEO of McKim & Creed.

Ciccone earned a bachelor’s degree from William and Mary and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.

She has a professional coach certificate from Duquesne University, as well as other certifications in leadership development and talent management.

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JACKSON NAMED NHC SOCIAL SERVICES HEAD

New Hanover County hired TONYA JACKSON as its new social services director, within the county’s health and human services department.

Jackson was hired after a national search and started December 1.

She was the county’s social services assistant director for economic and family services for three years.

“Tonya is a dedicated public servant, having worked in the health and human services field for twenty years in New Hanover, Brunswick, and Guilford counties,” says New Hanover County Manager Chris Coudriet. “And she most recently led the county’s initiative to provide $1.3 million in COVID-19 child care and housing assistance to those who need it most, a program that has now been replicated in other counties across the state.”

Jackson previously served as a manager for Brunswick County Social Services and managed the Brunswick County Public Housing Agency.

“I have worked at all levels of the social services industry,” Jackson says, “and I understand and appreciate our staff’s incredible commitment to the community we serve.”

ant more WILMA? Check out our daily emails, which include even more profiles and stories for Wilmington’s successful women.

To sign up for the free emails, go to WILMAmag.com

CFCC FOUNDATION ADDS TO ITS BOARD

The Cape Fear Community College Foundation welcomed several new members to its board of directors.

KYLE BULLOCK, JANIE CANTYMITCHELL, CHRISTOPHER DUNN, JACK FULLER, TERESA HUFFMON, JAMES MAYEW, and MARGARET WELLER-STARGELL joined the board.

Canty-Mitchell is the founder of LeadersCare LLC. She also had a decades-long nursing career, holding leadership positions in public health, teaching, higher education administration, grant management, and research. She is also a founding board member of the National Healthcare Diversity Council.

Huffmon is the owner of VanBuren Properties LLC. For over twenty years, she was employed by Atlantic Neurosurgical and Spine Specialists as a practice manager. She currently serves on the board of the Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington, the Cape Fear Literacy Council, and the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Swain Center.

Weller-Stargell is president and CEO of Coastal Horizons Center, where she has been employed since 1985. She is also the founder and president of the Willie Stargell Foundation, a private nonprofit organization that raises money to assist those struggling with kidney disease.

Have a suggestion for a local woman or group to spotlight?

Email us: wilma@WILMAmag.com WILMAmag.com

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COME OUT SWINGING

FITNESS BOXING GROWS IN POPULARITY

by LYNDA VAN KUREN photos by MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER

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n the past few years, boxing has become one of the heavyweight champions of the fitness world, and women, even more than men, are taking up the sport and its sister – fitness boxing – to get and stay in shape.

There are solid reasons for boxing’s popularity among women, says RASHEED DIAAB, owner of Cape Fear Boxing.

“With boxing, you get in shape fast,” he says. “Boxing is intense, so your metabolism goes up faster and you burn body fat.

There’s also a sense of empowerment that comes from a sport like boxing. It does wonders for women physically and mentally.”

While some women choose to compete in the ring or spar with an opponent, many opt for no-contact fitness boxing. These classes combine high-intensity circuit

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training with boxing and punching drills and techniques. For example, after a short warm-up, students do a series of weight and strength training exercises. Next comes the boxing circuit, which includes shadow boxing, punching the bags, and practicing boxing combinations.

The result is a high-intensity workout that targets the entire body and provides an outstanding cardio workout as well. Along the way, the boxers also improve their balance, stamina, and eye-hand coordination.

“Each day you get better and better at it (boxing),” Diaab says. “Before you know it, you are in great shape.”

Some fitness boxing classes, such as Diaab’s last only 30 minutes, but because the classes are so intense, that’s enough time to get the job done, he says. Other classes, especially for those who want to compete, last an hour or 90 minutes.

JESSICA HARRISON, who has been fitness boxing for two years, is proof of box-

ing effectiveness.

She lost 22 pounds and over half her body fat while gaining muscle, and she’s maintained those results.

“I didn’t have a lot of upper body strength or hand-eye coordination when I started,” she says. “Now my abs feel strong, and I’m leaner. … I’ve seen incredible results from boxing. Ladies lose 20-40 pounds. The program is challenging but doable.”

TEE FRAZIER is also more than pleased with the results she’s gotten from fitness boxing. Frazier, a self-proclaimed girly girl who loves high heels, cute outfits, and her long, painted nails, says through boxing she has trimmed down and gained muscle tone without bulking up or losing her feminine side.

As much as women like the physical gains they get from boxing, they value the sport’s mental aspects just as much.

In addition to making workouts interesting, boxing serves as an excellent stress reliever, helps women increase their mental focus, and instills discipline. It also breeds confidence, according to Diaab.

“In boxing, you don’t depend on anyone except yourself,” he says. “Women learn they can handle whatever comes their way.”

Frazier concurs, saying her confidence is now at an “all-time high,” and that impacts other areas, from work to home.

Harrison, too, says the confidence she’s gained from boxing extends to other aspects of her life.

“I constantly challenge myself and set new goals,” she says. “I’ve learned I can do anything I set my mind to.”

Throwing all those punches has still another benefit: helping women develop the strength, skill, and ability to protect themselves.

“If I needed to defend myself, I know how to punch, I can dodge punches, and I’m quicker,” Harrison says. “These are great skills for every woman to know.”

But, boxing isn’t just about being tough. It also gives the women a unique sense of camaraderie and support.

Though the women train as a group, each one moves at her own pace. And, WILMAmag.com

if someone is struggling with a set of exercises, the other women help her, according to Frazier.

“We get it done together,” she explains.

The relationships don’t end at the gym. Harrison says she has formed friendships with the women she boxes with.

In Wilmington, as elsewhere in the U.S., the number of boutique boxing studios is growing, and women make up the majority of the students. Diaab attributes boxing’s popularity among women to the personal power they gain from it as well as its effective workouts.

Harrison agrees.

“Women are understanding that boxing is such a challenging sport and offers so many positive outcomes,” she says. “We do all these really cool things that help us be stronger and better versions of ourselves.” W

IN THE RING:

Here are some area boxing gyms.

CAPE FEAR BOXING 1019 Market Street | 604-4646 | cfboxing.org LEGENDS BOXING 4403 Oleander Drive Suites A & B 399-6792 | legendsboxing.com/gym/wilmington NO LIMIT BOXING STRENGTH CAMP 1501 Castle Street 540-0189 | facebook.com/NoLimitStrengthCamp PORT CITY BOXING AND FITNESS 1302 South 13th Street 622-5382 | portcityboxing.com WILMINGTON BOXING AND PHYSICAL FITNESS CENTER 302 South 10th Street | 341-7872 wilmingtonnc.gov/departments/parks-recreation/ boxing-fitness-center

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UNIQUELY PERSONAL

SALT + CHARM LOOKS TO EXPAND AT CARGO DISTRICT

by SHANNON RAE GENTRY photo by ERIN COSTA

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alt + Charm is one of few businesses that didn’t suffer a huge hit with the 2020 pandemic.

On the contrary, the personal chef service exploded because of COVID-19, creating a community of homebound folks still craving good food.

Between people not going out to restaurants at all for a while and school-age kids learning from home, there’s a lot more on working families’ plates – with less time for meal planning, shopping, and cooking.

In the age of Uber Eats and DoorDash, where convenience is king, Salt + Charm’s services of planning, shopping for, and cooking a week’s worth of meals proved popular before the coronavirus.

Chef ABBYE MCGEE only just opened her personal chef service a few weeks before COVID-related shutdowns began in March, at which time her business was already booming.

“There were just not enough (personal

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chefs) for the demand in Wilmington,” she remembers, “so my schedule filled up within like two weeks, and then I started adding chefs.”

McGee and her handful of chefs stopped going into clients’ homes completely for a few weeks and started a meal delivery service.

“I rented kitchen space, and people heard about it and started asking for it, and it grew and grew,” she says.

Nevertheless, McGee has since returned to clients’ homes, where there’s very little interaction because they’re usually at work or in their home office.

McGee is quick to say she’s not a chef in the traditional sense of the word. In fact, with her degree in music from UNCW, it was only ten years ago she decided to leave her career as a teacher to enter the kitchen.

“I did not go to culinary school – though, there are lots of people on my staff who did,” she explains. “My grandmother taught me how to cook when I was a kid, like a traditional Southerner-in-the kitchen cook.”

Salt + Charm is seasoned with McGee’s upbringing, with “upscale Southern comfort”

an ongoing theme. Shrimp and grits, chicken pot pie with biscuits, as well as other comfort foods such as spaghetti and meatballs, are among wintertime favorites.

Nevertheless, Salt + Charm’s menu is as expansive as the imagination because it’s so personalized.

Now, almost a year into business, McGee plans to move Salt + Charm into the former Charlie Graingers’ space (on 17th and Queen streets), which they will take possession of in January. McGee plans to open in March and usher in new offerings.

Salt + Charm services will continue with in-home meal packages (starting at $200, plus cost of meals) for a week, as well as private events. This new space will allow McGee her staff of about a dozen to be more efficient and cook for more people.

“Right now we’re cooking out of the Burgaw Incubator Kitchen all the way out in Pender County one day a week, and everything else is everywhere all over town in people’s houses,” she says. “We just needed a space that we can grow and streamline our process of seeing more people on more days.”

While this new iteration of Salt + Charm will not be a full-service restaurant, they will be open for occasional tapas dinner service, pop-up events, and Saturday breakfast and brunch.

“You’ll be able to come in and get a good Southern breakfast, and you can sit at the bar and eat, or you can take it with you,” McGee says. “I just want people to experience Salt + Charm as your go-to experience, whether it’s a unique, personalized service in your home or you want to pick up a meal or you need a fancy dinner party.”

Simple Southern fare such as chicken salad and other everyday items will be available for pickup.

At least two months of renovations are needed for the new Cargo District location, with plans for an expansive kitchen and new equipment. Patrons will be able to swing by the new location for meal pickups and grab-and-go lunches with a few barstools to sit and eat at the bar while overlooking the kitchen.

“I want it to feel like you’re going into your mom’s kitchen or your grandma’s kitchen,” McGee says. “It’s open so if you come in to get food, you’ll be able to see us and interact with us, and that’s kind of the hallmark of our businesses: We build relationships with the people we feed.”W WILMAmag.com

TACT YOUTH ACADEMY Spring 2021 Session

WHAT? Affordable Theatre Arts Classes for Ages 3-Teen.

WHEN? Once a week from 2/1/2021 - 4/30/2021

PERFORM All classes end with a final showcase!

ACT NOW Early Bird Discount until 1/25/2021 LEARN from favorite local Directors, Voice Coaches & Choreographers!

FOR MORE INFO: 910-251-1788 | THALIAN.ORG

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STYLED BY DREWE SMITH PHOTOS BY MELISSA HEBERT INTRO BY NINA BAYS COURNOYER

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BRIGHT

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t’s no secret that color can brighten your mood, and no one knew that more than artist Dorothy Gillespie. Best known for her large-scale enameled metal sculptures, Gillespie’s work explodes in joyous color. Just being in the vicinity of her playful pieces at our very own Cameron Art Museum will spark a smile. And, so could you, with a few wardrobe tweaks.

Silks are top of the fabric list for 2021, and luckily, they look oh-so-luxe in bold tones. If you’re not ready for full-on, allday color, focusing on one bright garment – like the kimono jacket featured here – could be your way to go.

Sure, it’s easy to throw on some shades of gray and slink out the door, but why not serve some happiness instead? Dorothy would certainly approve. W

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Darby DRESS, Sam Edelman gold HEELS, and Taylor hoop EARRINGS, all available at Monkees's of Wilmington

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Mixed scarves kimonostyle JACKET, Tyler Boe jersey TURTLENECK, Sunday Somewhere Eden gold SUNGLASSES, and purple hoop EARRINGS, all available at Monkee's

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LEFT: Signature midi DRESS in magenta, Kira EARRINGS, and Schutz Ravel SHOES, all available at Monkee's RIGHT: Abra TOP in hot pink, high-waist palazzo PANT, red and pink jeweled hoop EARRINGS, and Schutz Ariella SHOES, all available at Monkee's

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MODELS: Liselotte Stratman & Liza Lavengood (Directions USA) HAIR: SET Blowout Bar MAKEUP: Meraki Beauty WARDROBE: Monkee's of Wilmington LOCATION: Cameron Art Museum, 3201 South 17th Street

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2021 Winter & Spring Session Classes Open for Registration Now offering classes for youth and adults for the 2021 Winter and Spring Sessions in art appreciation, creative writing, fiber arts, mixed media, painting, and photography.

Museum school classes are a great gift idea for the artist in your life!

Register you or a loved one today at:

CameronArtMuseum.org CameronArtMuseum.org • 3201 South 17th Street • Wilmington, NC 28412 • (910) 395-5999

RETAIL + COLLABORATIVE INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO

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photo c/o of Gary Israel

COLOFUL

KALEIDOSCOPE

Celebrating Dorothy Gillespie’s work in Wilmington

by Jenny Callison | photos by Stephanie Savas Photography

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n the centennial of her birth, DOROTHY GILLESPIE is only now becoming well-known to more Wilmingtonians.

Although the artist was based in New York City, Wilmington held a special place in her heart.

She demonstrated her love for the city by donating sculptures to Thalian Hall, Cape Fear Community College, and University of North Carolina Wilmington.

This year, as part of Wilmington’s ongoing celebration of her centennial, the work of Gillespie, who died in 2012, can be seen in permanent and temporary installations all over town, from CFCC’s Wilma W. Daniels Gallery to the Cameron Art Museum’s grounds.

So, who was Gillespie and why did she become involved in the cultural community here?

It all started with TONY RIVENBARK, executive director of Thalian Hall. In 1974, Rivenbark was in New York City working on a Broadway production. He met Gillespie, and she hired him to paint her studio and then engaged him as her first paid assistant.

They became friends, a relationship that endured until her death.

“She was an incredible person to work and be friends with, to talk to, and be around,” Rivenbark says. “She was an extraordinary talent and well-known artist in international circles.”

Gillespie traveled occasionally to Wilmington to visit Rivenbark and was captivated by the local environment.

Perhaps her best-known local work is Colorfalls, a 40-foot cascade of painted aluminum strips rippling down a wall in the Thalian Hall lobby. Although Gillespie painted on canvas and on paper, Rivenbark says that she’s best known today for her colorful abstracts painted WILMAmag.com

Frances Hawk, shown here, and other local friends of Dorothy Gillespie organized ways to show off pieces of the international artist’s works.

Opposite page: Photo of Gillespie

photo by Stephanie Savas Photography

on aluminum sheets.

That medium made sense for Gillespie, her friend FRANCES HAWK says.

“It was a material she could work with, physically,” says Hawk, a Wilmington resident. “She could manage the electric cutters. She could bend, shape, and paint (the aluminum strips).”

Hawk met Gillespie in the early 1980s at a lecture Gillespie gave at UNCW. “She would come to Wilmington in the early ’80s; her friendship with Tony connected her to Wilmington initially,” Hawk says. “Tony had an exhibit of one of her pieces on the lawn of Thalian Hall.

She was also one of the featured artists at the St. Thomas Celebration of the Arts in 1982.

“Dorothy was effervescent: That’s the word that comes to my mind,” Hawk continues. “She was such a joyful person.

She never met a stranger, and she was very open and welcoming to new people coming into her life.”

Hawk had a design business in Wilmington in the 1980s and traveled to New York for work.

“I developed a friendship with Dorothy,” Hawk says. “We would do fun things in New York. I can see why so many people called her their friend.”

Gillespie and her husband, Bernard Israel, owned a jazz club in Manhattan’s West Village where musicians, artists, and writers met. Gillespie’s paintings hung on the walls, according to Hawk.

But, Gillespie wasn’t just a New York City artist. When their three children were very young, they pulled up stakes and moved to the Coconut Grove area of Miami. There, they established a restaurant and bar that also functioned as a gallery space. Gillespie opened studios in Orlando, Florida, and in Dallas.

Gillespie’s work is on display all over the country, including at Epcot and New York’s Rockefeller Center.

After spending several years in Miami, the family returned to New York, where she became a force in the art world. She was one of ten women who founded the Women’s Interart Center in midtown Manhattan in the 1970s.

“She was definitely a pioneer in this women’s art movement,” Hawk says, recalling that the group did a major interactive installation, called Walk Through the Triangles in Central Park in 1974 – thirty years before Christo and Jeanne-Claude created The Gates, their celebrated Central Park installation.

In planning the Gillespie centennial celebration locally, Rivenbark and Hawk JANUARY 2021

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worked closely with Gillespie’s elder son Gary Israel. He became an important resource for Rivenbark, Hawk, Cameron Art Museum executive director ANNE BRENNAN, and other centennial organizers in Wilmington.

He also helped BABS SUTTON, who developed detailed narratives about the five installations of Gillespie’s work at the New Hanover County Arboretum.

“I dug in and researched every source I could locate concerning (Gillespie) with Gary Israel, her son, pointing me in many directions,” she says.

Sutton, a member of the Friends of the Arboretum, carried out the project with the help of other Friends of the Arboretum and members of the arboretum staff. She also developed a list of Gillespie’s work permanently or temporarily on display in Wilmington this year (see FINDING DOROTHY box).

Israel recently donated Gillespie pieces to CFCC’s Wilson Center, Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington (GLOW), and New Hanover Regional Medical Center. W

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photo by Stephanie Savas Photography

FINDING DOROTHY

Where to see Dorothy Gillespie’s work around Wilmington CAMERON ART MUSEUM • Works from the 2003 Rockefeller Center

installation – Color, Light & Motion – available for public viewing outdoors through April • Works on loan from Gary Israel’s personal collection, through April • Sculpture piece included in museum’s She Persists exhibit, through February 14

CFCC • PARKING GARAGE: Color, Light & Motion works on the college’s external parking garage walls facing Third Street, through April • W ILSON CENTER LOBBY: Entrance to the Enchanted Castle, on loan from CAM; Starburst Sculptures (20 pieces), through April • WILMA W. DANIELS GALLERY: Works from the Radford University Collection traveling show, on exhibit through March

GIRLS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY OF WILMINGTON (GLOW) • Royal Sentinel

NEW HANOVER COUNTY ARBORETUM

• Color, Light & Motion works around the gardens and in the open-air gatehouse, through April

NEW HANOVER REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER • Gifted work, installed for the Gillespie centennial celebration in main medical tower

THALIAN HALL

• Colorfalls, downstairs lobby wall • Two additional works hang in the upstairs lobby

UNCW CULTURAL ARTS BUILDING • Island Chieftain’s Crest #1 and #2

-list researched and compiled by Babs Sutton and Frances Hawk WILMAmag.com

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ART centered

by Cheryl L. Serra | photos by Aris Harding

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Southport classes provide a creative and social outlet for many

F

or students at Brunswick Community College’s Southport Center, art classes have been one way to stop the spread of loneliness and social isolation during a national pandemic.

“After remaining closed through the late spring and summer 2020, BCC (Brunswick Community College) Southport Center reopened mid-August for a sixteen-week fall semester,” Southport Center Director BARBARA MCFALL says.

Classes were offered in most of its programs, including pottery, painting, glass, jewelry, wood, photography, and music.

McFall says COVID safety protocols are being closely followed. Temperatures are taken at the front door. Masks are required. Cleaning is continuous.

Social distancing is strongly encouraged, with only ten people (nine students and the instructor) in a class.

Registration for the spring semester remained strong in early December.

“We expect more than 250 students to start sixteen-week classes at Southport Center in early January,” McFall says.

“More than 10 percent of these are new to us.”

In addition, a more limited late start schedule is available to those planning to take classes beginning in February (twelve weeks) and March (eight weeks).

Classes have proved to be a much-needed creative and social outlet for many of the students.

In a classroom at the end of a corridor at the Southport Center, GINA POPPE and JENNY BELLINI peer into a kiln, investigating the effects of a glass technique they’re trying out.

Bellini, a former high school art

WILMAmag.com

teacher, is teaching at the center for her fourth year, while Poppe, who will teach her first class at the center in the new year, has taught private and adult glass classes.

DEBBIE RYAN has been taking glass classes at the center for two years and says it was different last fall.

“We used to be able to sit in a circle and do glass (projects) and see each other’s work,” she says.

Now workstations all face forward; students are masked.

And, many in the class would gather after class to go to lunch and socialize, something they do less frequently.

Still, Ryan says, the creative outlet the center provides also helps stave off social isolation during the pandemic.

“I couldn’t wait for classes to start. Even though we’re a little less social, we could still see other people, do something, create something,” she says.

While some artists work on their craft at home, others find it difficult to do so, she says, adding that the center “kind of lights a fire to come to class and create.”

Ryan says her past group endeavors, which included delving into ancestry and quilting, have either stopped or are being worked on at home.

These days, her social life is mostly limited to coming to class and going to church.

ART SMITH took Bellini’s glass class for the first time in the fall. In the past, he built furniture as a hobby, and when

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he moved here three years ago from Georgia, he didn’t bring the equipment necessary to continue to do so. It was an intentional decision; he was going to enjoy living at the beach, and he didn’t want to use space in his home for it.

He’d wanted to study glasswork for several years, but he and his wife, ANGIE, traveled extensively.

With COVID nixing those plans, the pair signed up at the center and enjoy working on their glass projects in class and at home.

“I never thought we would be this far ahead,” he says of the projects Angie shares from photographs on her phone. “(Angie) and I have each made six pieces,” he says.

Art’s currently working on a 6-foot-long, three-piece panel.

While Art’s always been a bit creative, Angie admits, “I never even liked to color as a kid.”

She’s had to remind Art that she’d never used tools before coming to glass. He, on the other hand, had plenty of skills he learned while making furniture that serve him well in glasswork.

SUE LILL has been taking classes at the center, including painting pottery and glass, for a few years. She’s excited to be in class, both to gain technical know-how and to get out there mingling with other like-minded creative people.

She’s currently working on a panel of poppies that will grace her front porch. She started it months ago but had to dismantle it when classes were halted for COVID. Some of her foil oxidized, and she had to redo some of it. She had considered reducing the size of the piece so she could finish it quicker.

But, based on her classmates’ advice, she decided to rework and rebuild rather than aim for a lesser version. W

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THE CAPE FEAR HEART BALL DIGITAL EXPERIENCE

FEBRUARY 19, 2021 The Heart Ball may look different this year, but our mission remains the same, to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

In order to bring our volunteers, supporters and donors together, we will be celebrating our community efforts through a digital virtual event.

2021 HEART BALL EVENT CHAIR: MR. ALAN PERRY OF PERRY’S EMPORIUM

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ASHLEY MILLER 910.538.9270 • ashley.miller@heart.org capefearheartball.heart.org

5041 New Centre Drive, Suite 115 • Wilmington, NC 28403 910-218-0600 • INFO@PATRIOTROOFER.COM • PATRIOTROOFER.COM

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keep it local WILMA’S

SPONSORS’ CONTENT

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The Gallery of Fine Art at Mayfaire showcases absolutely gorgeous works from sculptures by Shaw Lackey made from drift wood and hand hewn copper to original acrylic on canvas by Gabriel Lehman, like the above titled “Long Ago With Mr. Stubbs.” Viist the Gallery of Fine Art in Mayfaire at 970 Inspiration Dr, Wilmington, NC 28405 or call them at (910) 540-3073.

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THE

PAINT TOWN

by Shannon Rae Gentry | photos by Terah Wilson

T

he Carolina Beach Mural Project assembled in March. With fundraising efforts and seed money from Island Arts and Culture Alliance, CB Mural Project has since installed three murals in nine months. As the group awaits its 501(c)(3) status, WILMA talked with project founder and president MAUREEN LEWIS, along with mural artists SUSAN NUTTALL and CARLA GARRISON-MATTOS. MAUREEN LEWIS, Carolina Beach

Mural Project Founder and President Admittedly, MAUREEN LEWIS is not an artist. “I am an avid admirer of art and can arrange a gorgeous charcuterie platter,” she quips.

“My superpower is bringing the right people together and executing a sustainable mural plan.”

Nevertheless, each time Lewis (shown above) walks her dog, Braxton, past Jason Parker’s mural Carolina Dreamin at Crush and Grind (7 Harper Avenue), she’s reminded of the warm glow of sunrises, bright colors of native flora, and friendly island life it represents. Lewis’ vision for this and other murals is to directly influence how people see and connect with Carolina Beach.

“Public art provides a bridge between the

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past, present, and the near future and it is for everyone to experience,” Lewis explains. “Public art also improves the economic growth of a community, supports artists by validating them as important contributors to the community.”

CB Mural Project has four pieces planned for 2021 – even more if a desirable wall and sponsor pop up.

Spring will see the SeaWitch wall celebrate more than three decades of the Carolina Beach Music Festival. Hurricane Alley’s wall will showcase summer on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.

The group is accepting pitches from artists for those two walls through January 30 (carolinabeachmurals.org for details). While still determining a theme with the historical society, two smaller murals will debut at The Savannah Inn and Kate’s Pancake House by fall.

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SUSAN NUTTALL

Mural Artist, Board of Directors Member SUSAN NUTTALL’s Welcome to Carolina Beach recently debuted on the side of Carolina Beach’s town hall (1121 North Lake Park Boulevard).

Inspired by vintage postcards, modern updates better reflect today’s beachgoers from style to swimwear. The mural took three months to complete with fifty volunteers (ages five to eighty-seven) working in small groups two to three days a week in Nuttall’s garage.

“I love teaching art, so I thought of it as one big art class,” Nuttall says. “I would talk to them and see their skill levels. I would then have them work on an area that would help them feel good about being part of the community mural.”

The greatest challenge was keeping volunteers safe in the middle of a pandemic, cleaning and disinfecting after each group. Just as it has with artists Nuttall most admires, love of art and community prevailed. “Frida Kahlo’s desire to work through life’s problems and never let them stop her from painting,” she muses.

Nuttall started Creative Art by Susan Nuttall more than twenty-four years ago. She finds herself experimenting and challenging herself with a mix of mediums in her commissions, from oils and encaustic to heavy textures and sculptures.

“My favorite subjects are anything to do with the beauty of nature, from landscapes to birds and animals,” she shares. “I also love the challenge of commissions because I have painted things I would not have painted without them.”

Nuttall plans to move into a larger art studio, where she will teach private and group art classes in the spring and continue working with CB Mural Project to pick the next round of artists and advising as needed.

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CARLA GARRISON-MATTOS Mural Artist

photo c/o Carla Garrison-Mattos

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Charlotte-based artist CARLA GARRISON-MATTOS stayed in Southport with her mother-in-law and commuted by ferry each day to paint her Surf and See mural on side of The Veggie Wagon at 608 South Lake Park Boulevard. With fair weather and motivation, it took her less than four days.

“I’d love to create more work in the CB area,” she says.

“It is a dream job site!”

Carolina Beach will see more of Garrison-Mattos in 2021, as she and her wife purchased that very home in

Southport in December.

A self-described “jack of all trades” artist, Garrison-Mattos has specialized in pet portraits for more than a decade. Her work in Surf and See honors Carolina Beach photographer Robbie Johnson. The scene, featuring surf, waves, and beach flora and fauna, is interrupted by a camera lens zooming in on a surfer to evoke the same movement Johnson often captured in his photos. The biggest challenge, though, for Garrison-Mattos, was painting the water.

“There’s no real structure and so many colors,” she explains. “To capture the essence of water was intimidating to me. Shockingly, I absolutely loved painting WILMAmag.com

water, and now I want to paint it all the time.”

Garrison-Mattos says her favorite medium is acrylic paint, but she has recently grown to appreciate the art of spray-painting, crafting with repurposed objects, random woodworking, airbrushing, window painting, “and really just make anything that pops into my head.”

Already booking murals for this year, Garrison-Mattos continues to take commission-based requests and offers pet portrait painting classes.

“My favorite part about being a full-time artist is that I really never know exactly what is coming next,” she says. “I look forward to each time a client reaches out with a new idea, and I jump in feet first.” W JANUARY 2021

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W HI M SIC AL W A LL S

Beyond Carolina Beach, colorful murals can be spotted throughout the Cape Fear region – if you know where to look. Here are just a few brightening up buildings and details about the female artists who created them. By Vicky Janowski THE SUNFLOWER HOUSE • 613 South 7th Street • Owner: Martha-Anne Efird • simplymaemarketing.com

WILMINGTON BREWING COMPANY • 824 South Kerr Avenue • Artist: Ella Friberg • ellafriberg.com The timing was perfect when Ella Friberg reached out to Wilmington Brewing’s owners Michelle and John Savard about painting a mural for them. The Savards had recently taken ownership of their brewery building on Kerr Avenue and had been thinking of a mural for the outside.

“In my discussion with them, they wanted to bring color to the building, and I just took it from there and came up with a bunch of thumbnail sketches of different options,” says Friberg, who painted the mural just before Hurricane Florence in 2018.

“They are known for their hashtag of #wilmingtoncans,” Friberg adds.

“And then, colors and waves came in as an abstract representation of the ingredients, the small wave design on some of their cans, and their love for the beach and the town. It was a huge honor to paint it because it was my very first mural – and largest mural – and they were just so gracious and encouraging with the entire process.”

Friberg has also since painted a mural for the local group paws4people at its Castle Hayne facility.

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Martha-Anne Efird, who runs the social media accounts for all of the downtown Wilmington districts, is very involved with the Castle Street district where she lives.

Before COVID-19 hit, the Castle Street Collective would meet monthly to talk about community happenings and how to bring more people to the area. Murals were mentioned as an idea to promote the district and the artists who live there.

“My team and I held a ‘Mural Mixer’ where we introduced muralists to building owners, discussed city policies, and how we wanted to move forward,” Efird recalls.

But then, she says, it seemed like no one wanted to go first.

“So, I decided that in order to ask others to have murals put on their buildings, I had to put a mural on my building – or rather – my home,” she says. “I had a mural put on the side of my house that was inspired by my love for Van Gogh’s Sunflowers painting.”

The ball started rolling, with four to five murals chosen for the district. The timeline slowed because of the pandemic, but two murals have gone up went up. The Welcome to Castle Street mural is on the corner of Castle Street and Fifth Avenue. Another is on the former Rolled & Baked building at 509 Castle Street.

DOWNTOWN BURGAW • 108 East Wilmington Street • Artist: Danaé Brissonnet • danaebrissonnet.com International artist Danaé Brissonnet, who is from Quebec, visited Burgaw in spring 2017 to paint a giant portrait of Pender County.

The Pender Arts Council – pendercountyartscouncil.org – and the town of Burgaw sponsored the mural project.

“Meeting with various groups and individuals, the artist (Brissonnet) heard stories from community members about the history of Pender County and stories of those who grew up in or moved to the area,” says Rochelle Whiteside, president of the Pender Arts Council.

“She designed a pictorial representation of those stories, from the founding of Burgaw as a railroad town carved out of the swamp, to the natural landscape of rivers, swamp, wildlife, and agriculture as well as personal experiences.”

The resulting mural called Pender Panorama, Whiteside says, “is the creative manifestation of that history and those stories.”

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WILMAmag.com

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n a world of constant change Elderberry Tribe thrives on providing fresh elderberry syrup and products.

Holly first discovered the amazing benefits of elderberry back in 2013 when searching for a natural remedy for sickness and allergies while pregnant. “Since starting our company the community support has been truly amazing, we feel very blessed and thankful.” Holly said. Holly, now pregnant with her third child continues to use this natural remedy during the cold and flu season daily.

Each week fresh batches of high-quality elderberry syrup, elderberry gummies and much more are made by Elderberry Tribe. Co-packers are also used, which are regulated by the department of agriculture as well as in their approved commercial kitchen. An array of elderberry products are available for customers to choose from including elderberry coffee, elderberry lollipops, lozenges, elderberry chai tea and loose-leaf blends. DIY kits are also a big hit for people wanting to make the syrup at home, using their own local honey to sweeten.

From Burgaw to Hampstead and Jacksonville to Pittsboro they currently have 27 locations in 13 cities that carry their yummy healthy elderberry syrup. In Wilmington you can find Elderberry Tribe syrup at Lovey’s Organic Market & Cafe, Magnolia Social Cafe, Eagle Island Fruit & Seafood, Finders Keepers Children’s Resale and many more. You can find an array of products available at their storefront or at the farmers markets they attend. Elderberry Tribe is set up when in season: Mondays at Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market, Wednesdays at Poplar Grove Farmers Market, Thursdays with Pure Markets in Ocean Isle Beach, Fridays (twice a month) at Riverlights and most Saturdays at Tidal Creek Co-Op (year around) and The Market at Cedar Point.

Elderberry Tribe continues to support many local small businesses by partnering up with them to offer the most elderberry wellness products in Wilmington and the surrounding areas including a skincare line. The small NC businesses they are currently partnered with to offer this array of elderberry products are Earth Essentials by Erica, En~light Readings & More, Homestead Treasure Farm, Coastal Tides and Organic Cauldron.

“We hope to partner with more businesses in the future to do our part and keep supporting locally.” Holly explains.

Elderberry Tribe is also registered with the FDA and can ship anywhere in the U.S. You can order through the Facebook page and their website will be ready in mid-December for easy click and ship options. Please visit their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/elderberrytribe.llc) for upcoming events, new locations, farmers markets and more information.

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35TH

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For sponsor & event information, visit ywca-lowercapefear.org/woa WILMA

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GIERIE ORTHODONTICS

C

AT-HOME ALIGNERS: SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT

lear aligners have been available for over 20 years and the technique has gotten progressively more sophisticated over time. Athome clear aligners like Smile Direct Club allow orthodontic patients more convenience than ever to perfect their smile.

Dr. Gierie and his team use both Invisalign and GOCLEAR in-house aligners to customize these products for the specific need of each patient. This offers the best of both worlds: Orthodontist supervised with minimal visits to the office like at-home aligners provide.

So, what are at-home clear aligners? Clear aligners have replaced traditional braces in many instances but haven’t taken over completely.

Traditional metal braces can be the better option for some cases, but when a patient is a good match for a clear aligner, they are often preferred by patients. The aligners make small adjustments to a patient’s teeth over time to create the desired results. People find them to be easier and less invasive than metal braces and while they need to be worn

over the teeth for most of the day, they are virtually invisible.

The process begins with a scan taken at the orthodontist’s office. There are companies that will mail an impression kit to the patient and then mail back aligners but making an appointment with an orthodontist ensures proper evaluation of dental health and the best results. Digital scanners help ensure that the aligners will have the most accuracy and offer the best fit and results.

One of the limitations of at-home aligners is that they are used only for minor tooth movement. Patients with complex orthodontic problems will need a customized plan which could include a mix of traditional or clear braces and then a transition to aligners.

At-home aligner systems typically don’t offer an inperson doctor examination with x-rays to determine if the patient's gums are healthy. It is critical to know if a patient has enough bone around their teeth before beginning aligner wear for the aligners to work properly without causing harm.

Orthodontists screen for issues

like periodontal disease or gum problems which would need to be treated before the patient starts with aligner treatment. If these things aren’t evaluated, patients can suffer bone and tooth loss in some instances.

How are the patients then monitored while their aligners? That’s where virtual consultation and virtual monitoring come in. Dr. Gierie uses a special application that allows him to have a remote appointment with his patients.

This allows the orthodontist to visually assess the progress a patient is making through the course of their treatment plan. Teledentistry allows orthodontists and patients to work remotely, but still communicate about issues and next steps. The applications used are HIPPA compliant, making sure that privacy is still maintained even though the visit is a remote one.

Patients who travel often or move but still want to maintain a relationship with their current orthodontist, go to school across the country, or just don’t have the time to travel to the orthodontist

office are all great candidates for teledentistry. This trend minimizes the number of inperson visits while still allowing for monitoring of a patient’s progress.

No matter the type of treatment plan, the team at Gierie Orthdontics is here to give you the smile of your dreams in the most convenient way possible. Give them a call today to set up a remote appointment and discuss how to get started!

Dr. William V. Gierie received his dental and orthodontic specialty training from UNC, Chapel Hill, where he is an associate adjunct faculty member and Invisalign instructor in the orthodontic department. Dr. Gierie is Southeastern NC’s first Invisalign Diamond provider and lectures extensively on Invisalign. He maintains a private orthodontic practice in Wilmington, N.C., at 700 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 100. For more information, visit gobraces.net or call 910.256.8590.

GIERIE ORTHODONTICS

910.256.8590 | GOBRACES.NET

WILMAmag.com

JANUARY SEPTEMBER MAY 2021 2020

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MARKRAFT CABINETS

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STORAGE OPTIONS BEYOND THE KITCHEN OR BATH

he first thing that comes to mind when many of us think of cabinets is our kitchen or bathrooms. These two places are heavily used in every home and oftentimes need the most storage space.

However, as floor plans and design trends shift to accommodate modern living, built in storage options are being added to other rooms of the home as well.

Entry Way and Mudroom Storage Maximizing space in entryways and mudrooms has become popular in recent years.

Depending on your floor plan, you likely walk through one of these two spaces each time you enter or leave your home.

Having a built-in place to drop a coat, pocketbook, backpack, or shoes is a fantastic feature that can be designed to look beautiful all while providing an efficient use of space. Built in benches with tops that lift up for storage, open spaces with

hooks for hanging coats and backpacks, and cabinets that reach from floor to ceiling to conceal bulky outerwear, hats, and gloves are just a few ways to improve these spaces.

Laundry Room Storage Designing a laundry room has been gaining popularity among homeowners. The added cozy factor that comes along with walking past a neat and tidy laundry room, combined with some visual appeal when the door is left open, is what folks are looking to achieve when considering options for laundry room design plans and décor. Installing upper cabinets over the washer and dryer add storage for laundry soaps, household cleaning supplies, and can even make a great place to keep crafting supplies organized. Creating space for a clothes-hanging rod between cabinets is an option for hanging garments that need to air dry, making laundry easy

on you and your delicates. No matter what style or shape your laundry room appliances are, cabinetry can be installed around the appliances to maximize your storage space.

Garage Storage Let’s face it, we all want our garages to be able to handle all of our storage needs while also leaving plenty of room to maneuver our vehicles in and out. But taking on the task of organizing everything in the garage can seem daunting. With the help of garage cabinetry, you can make efficient use of your entire garage space, keep items easy to find, and still have a place to park – giving you the garage of your dreams!

Investing in a wall of cabinetry not only keeps garage items organized but hides many bulky items that are better served out of sight. Custom garage cabinetry provides so much storage space that other parts of the garage are left open

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JANUARY 2021

for other upgrades, such as the work bench you’ve always wanted to install or room to park a new toy.

Adding custom cabinetry in any one of these spaces will not only help your hectic household days run smoothly but add value to your home too. Take some time to consider what areas of your home might need a design plan to make better use of the space. Markraft’s talented team of designers are ready to meet with you to discuss how to start your customized storage design plan.

President and General Manager Cee Edwards and his team of talented designers invites you to visit Markraft’s Design Studio, 2705 Castle Creek Lane, just off Castle Hayne Road. Markraft’s professional kitchen and bath designers consult by appointment.

PATRIOT ROOFING

2021 EXTERIOR TRENDS

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dding curb appeal to your home is one of the easiest ways to express individual style and increase your property value.

A new year brings new exterior home trends and here are a few of the most popular styles you can expect to see: Accent Metal Roofs Metal roofs can be costly, but they are a great way to add architectural interest to your home.

Rather than adding a metal roof over the entire home, some homeowners are adding small portions of metal roofing over entryways, bay windows, and garages. This eliminates the large price tag of an entire metal roof and adds unique style to your home.

Copper Accents Copper accents are eye catching and perfect for any homeowner who wants to create visual interest. The fun thing about adding copper accents to your home’s exterior is that you’re not limited to roof design. While copper can be used for an entire roof, many homeowners find that adding small touches of copper over windows and on exterior accent pieces such as light fixtures can set their home apart from the crowd. The addition of copper gutters is another way to incorporate this versatile material and bring your design together.

Stephanie Bolton is the owner of Patriot Roofing Company, a female-owned and locally operated roofing company serving the Cape Fear area. With over 20 years of experience serving homeowners, Patriot Roofing Company specializes in residential roofing, siding, gutters, and windows. Visit them online at, PatriotRoofer.com or call 910-218-0600.

Natural Wood Accents Many homeowners are going to say goodbye to light-colored lament siding and swap it out for natural or composite wood. Wood accents look beautiful on many types of architecture from farmhouse to contemporary. So, if you want to try

one trend that’s likely here to stay, we recommend finding a place on your home’s exterior to put some wood or composite type for less maintenance.

Whether it’s columns, siding, front door, fence, soffits, or garage doors, find a place and embrace the wood trend.

Dark Colors In the last couple of years, we have seen an upswing in darker siding and roofing materials for home exteriors.

And we can see why! People love to call this a “trend” and while it has gained popularity, painting a house black finds its roots long before now. Dark paint is dramatic and eyecatching. If you’re considering being the first one on the block to try a darker color, go for it. Your neighbors will be swooning when your project is finished.

Terraces, Pergolas, and Balconies Maximizing outdoor living has been a trend that’s on the rise and still growing. Homeowners are investing in their outdoor areas by adding terraces off of their back-door entrances with pergolas that cover them. Design plans for backyard structures are just as unique as the homeowner and most any space can be outfitted to create the perfect backyard getaway. Do you have a space that could accommodate an outdoor balcony? Adding a balcony is a simple project, adds space to your home, and is the perfect place for morning coffee.

To learn more about these trends and how to incorporate them into your home, contact the professionals at Patriot Roofing today.

910.218.0600 | PATRIOTROOFER.COM

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JANUARY 2021

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L RUN

ON THE HIT THE TRAILS TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR

by JUSTIN WILLIAMS POPE

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photo c/o Go Time

ooking to leave 2020 behind and start 2021 in a fun, safe, and healthy way?

Then, the Carolina Beach State Park Half Marathon and 5K on January 2 can offer just that.

The race winds through the state park, and organizers say it is the only trail half-marathon in the area.

The event, hosted by Go Time, will launch the new year with running and exercise but will have a lot of added COVID-precautionary guidelines.

“We are grateful to be able to continue to hold events and keep everyone who loves to race involved and active,” says MICHELLE HACKMAN, who owns Go Time with her husband, Colin.

They say that extra precautions have been taken to ensure safety for all involved in the half-marathon and 5K. “We have guidelines set by the state of North Carolina and New Hanover County officials,” says COLIN HACKMAN. He adds that Go Time took an extra

step by asking New Hanover Regional Medical Center officials to provide input on how to keep race participants and attendees safe during the pandemic.

“We want anyone involved to feel safe and be safe during this but still be able to enjoy the event,” he says.

To do that is no easy feat, but Go Time will have some major checkpoints such as social distancing as well as temperature checks and hand-sanitizing stations.

There will also be spread-out running times. One obvious difference this year is the number of participants allowed in the race. Usually, the race has about 700 participants. For safety purposes, the January event will only allow 400 people – 200 for the half-marathon and 200 for the 5K – and there will be no in-person awards ceremony.

Also, the opportunity to participate virtually is available. Organizers say it is a way to keep runners who still want to be part of the racing community involved and active but at their own comfort level.

Carolina Beach will be Go Time’s eighth race since the pandemic broke out last spring.

“We are passionate about running, and our community of runners want to be able to continue as well,” Colin Hackman says.

“We encourage any first-time participants to go on to the website and look at what is happening so they will be prepared ahead of time,” Michelle Hackman adds.

In addition to the benefits to runners and community spirit, many of the races support the community including nonprofits that need assistance in carrying out their organizations’ missions.

“We could have stopped holding these events, but we look at it as continuing on in a safe way,” Colin Hackman says. “We want to support these organizations that are the backbone of our community and keep some sense of normalcy for everyone.”W

CAROLINA BEACH STATE PARK TRAIL HALF-MARATHON AND 5K SATURDAY, JANUARY 2 START TIMES • 8-8:40 a.m. waves for half-marathon; • 9-9:40 a.m. waves for 5K INFO: its-go-time.com/carolina-beach-parkhalf-and-5k

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TAKE

by MEGHAN CORBETT photo by TERAH WILSON

If anyone knows how to successfully adapt to the crazy curve balls life can throw at you, it’s HAYLEY LUCKADOO, a money and marketing coach and motivational speaker. After a personal relationship ended suddenly and she faced a setback in college, Luckadoo decided to open her first company as a wedding planner. During the five years in the wedding industry, she discovered her love for marketing, social media, and working with business owners.

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? “I started my second company Luckadoo Media, and over the years it has evolved into the business it is today and led me to become a coach, podcaster, and even a motivational speaker. I have a huge passion for helping other women in business build companies that will change their lives so they can live the lives they dream of.” DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIFIC TRAINING/EDUCATION IN THIS FIELD? “I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and now I have six years of running successful businesses under my belt. I actually believe though, that my lack of a college degree or any field-specific training has actually made me a better entrepreneur. I started my first business out of desperation, and that lack of formal education is what has made me so scrappy, so determined to find the right avenues to make my business successful. It’s what made me resilient, and that’s what my business is built on.” WHO IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT? “My ideal clients are women who run their own small businesses and are struggling to scale their revenue because of a lack of conversions from their marketing.” WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE CHALLENGES AT WORK? “I think it’s always challenging when you’re working with different types of people. Everyone and every business is so unique, so even marketing problems that are universal have to be looked at from new perspectives to accommodate the particular client. It’s a challenge that definitely pushes me as a coach, but it’s always what makes this work so much fun and exciting.” AS SOMEONE WHO WORKS FROM HOME, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS WANTING TO BE MORE PRODUCTIVE WITH THEIR HOME-BASED OR REMOTE WORKING WORLD? “Get serious about your time! It’s the most valuable resource you have. Work in a space that keeps you inspired but not distracted, if possible, and start learning how to time block your schedule – I even put blocks in my schedule for Instagram breaks! Also, my favorite productivity tip is a ‘Must-Do list.’ It’s only ever three items: something for work, for play/self, and a personal/home errand. Those get done first before the rest of the to-do list to keep you balanced.” W HAYLEY LUCKADOO’s full profile will appear in an upcoming WILMA Roundup email. To sign up for daily WILMA emails, go to WILMAmag.com.

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JANUARY 2021

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VACCINE DREAMS

by DYLAN PATTERSON illustration by MARK WEBER

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Dylan Patterson is a writer and filmmaker who teaches English at Cape Fear Community College.

If early reports are correct, COVID-19 vaccines will begin rolling out as this issue goes to print. As we look forward to life getting back to normal, it’s made me reflect on other, less dangerous but still very annoying, conditions for which I wish there were vaccines: Corona & Salsa Virus: Strikes the morning of Seis de Mayo after an evening downing far too many greasy tacos and cheap Mexican beers.

COVID-20: The irrational compulsion to loudly, and sans mask, inform others of the many common health threats “so much worse” than COVID-19. Often quickly followed by a fever, dry cough, and ICU visit.

Skinffluenza: Sufferers are totally preoccupied with the state of their skin, such that even the slightest blemish causes them to fake sick so as not to be seen in public.

Me-sles: The tendency to share minor health struggles in excruciating detail on social media. Symptoms include posting rash pics, “why me?” hashtags, and a sudden loss of Instagram followers.

Chin-gles: Strikes older men with failing eyesight, short attention spans, and diminished concern for their physical appearance. Sufferers sport thorny patches of facial hair missed during cursory morning shaves that are as obvious as they are disturbing to family members and friends.

Hipatitis: Generally affects recently divorced men who, rather than confront their loneliness, deny it by frantically pursuing the latest fads. Sufferers often wear shockingly expensive sneakers or super trendy hats and T-shirts designed for men half their age.

Holdpees Simplex #1: Infects primarily the married male

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driver who demonstrates a strong aversion to stopping at rest stops often with the goal of “beating rush hour around Raleigh.”

Lemon & Lime Dis-ease: When out to eat, those afflicted feel compelled to tell fellow diners about the NPR story they heard about how restaurant citrus wedges are “crawling with all kinds of nasty bacteria.” Side effects include loss of appetite by all at the table.

Mallarea: A condition that results in disorientation as soon as one enters a shopping mall, resulting in desperate meandering, exhausting circumlocutions of food courts, and existential dread.

Schlepsis: Sufferers feel driven to carry a carload of groceries to the kitchen in one ill-advised, overburdened trip, often resulting in squished bread and broken eggs. Affects adolescents and men of all ages.

Tubular-cosis: The compulsion to talk like a surfer dude despite being a suburban dad.

Thaifuss: An odd condition where the afflicted interrogates servers at Asian restaurants to ensure their menu selections will not be to any degree spicy, leaving fellow diners mystified as to why this person wanted to dine in such a restaurant in the first place.

Yeezy Infection: An overwhelming and all-encompassing love of Kanye West completely out of proportion to his talent or potential as a presidential candidate.

West Vile virus: An overwhelming and all-encompassing hatred of Kanye West completely out of proportion to his importance in world affairs.

TzatZika Virus: (from the Greek) an overwhelming compulsion to drown all foods in creamy, calorie-rich sauces.

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