Remember those childhood days of endless coloring, painting, and creating? No doubts of your abilities or worries about what others would think intruded as you scribbled away. But as you grew, maybe those concerns crept in and you hesitated when picking up the paint brush. Or your schedule grew busier with those endless hours of free time vanishing into school, work, and other obligations.
The fourth annual Community Arts Festival in Holly Springs wants us all to recapture the excitement we once felt during our childhood art classes and messy painting sessions on the back porch. During our month-long celebration of art, take a class to learn a new artistic talent, attend a performance by local artists, and revel in all the artistic possibilities open to you right here in Holly Springs!
The Community Arts Festival reflects a strong partnership between the Holly Springs Cultural Center (HSCC) and the Holly Springs Arts Council (HSAC) in support of the arts and arts education. Holly Springs Arts Council was incorporated in November 2011. “We were looking for a fund-raising event to introduce the amazing talented artists in our residents and gain some visibility,” said Brenda Priest, current Executive Director and President of the HSAC. Cultural Center Manager Don Briscar suggested that the HSAC take advantage of a slow period in the HSCC’s annual schedule and cohost a Community Arts Festival.
“Thanks to the Cultural Center staff, a small hard core group of volunteers, and the generous sponsorships of local businesses, the inaugural Festival was a big success,” states HSAC Secretary Mark Kelly. “Local government officials, including Mayor Dick Sears, and the Chamber of Commerce have been very supportive.” The event has grown each year, with higher attendance, a wider variety of classes, food trucks, a local talent show, musicians, and a live auction being added.
The 2016 festivities kick off on Friday, January 15th at 7pm with the Artist Reception celebrating the Festival’s Display Artist Showcase. Meet the local artists showing their work on the walls and display cases in the Cultural Center. Enjoy refreshments and make a piece of art to take home with you that night.
On Friday, January 22nd, local artist Jonathan Daniel speaks at 7:30pm with his inspirational talk “Wire Boy – A Tale of Why Art Matters.” Daniels, or “Wire Boy,” overcame great obstacles as a child growing up in Zimbabwe, learning how to use art and creativity to shape his life and help others. Tickets to this event are $5. Purchase online at www.etix.com, at the Cultural Center Box Office, or call (919)567-4000.
Adults don’t have all the fun during the Community Arts Festival. Friday, January 29th at 7pm, the HSAC hosts the Young Artist Award Ceremony. Participants in the Young Artist Program include local public, private, and homeschool students as they share their talents in the visual arts. Students’ work will be displayed on the walls of the Cultural Center from January 4th through February 6th. Throughout the month the public is encouraged to vote for their favorite to win a variety of awards, so make sure to stop by sometime and pick your favorite to win!
From February 1st through the 6th, try a new art form or learn a different technique at one of our many short programs. Each is a low cost, one-time event designed to make art fun and rewarding for young and old. This year’s schedule includes a variety of topics suitable for adults and many geared to children, as well. To see a full class listing and register, see the Winter/Spring 2016 Hurrahs catalog or go online to www.recconnect.us.
Holly Springs is a little town in search of big talent. You don’t need to head to the large metropolitan theaters to see amazing and entertaining dance acts. Holly Springs Has Talent Dance Recital on February 4 at 7pm features local dancers in all kinds of styles. Hip hop, ballet, tap, jazz, clogging, and more are all on display for this first-of-a-kind recital. To purchase tickets, visit the Cultural Center’s online Calendar of Events.
Saturday, February 6th will prove an exhilarating conclusion to the month of artistic festivities in Holly Springs. From 10am-3pm local painters, jewelers, sculptors, and more will have their work available for display and sale at the Cultural Center. And for a taste of North Carolina? Waffle C, Stuffed, and Olio and Aceto food trucks arrive at 11am to offer family friendly eats and sweets. Cap off your evening of local art celebrations by attending the Gala Fundraiser
from 7-10pm. Attendees will be treated to hors d’oeuvres, as well as a unique lobby attraction. There will be a cash bar offering wine and beer. Live and silent auctions feature artistic pieces from local artists. Durham’s world famous African American Dance Ensemble will perform. The African American Dance Ensemble (AADE) is a Performing Arts Company, entertaining and educating for over 30 years. The AADE works to “preserve and share the finest traditions of African and African American dance and music through research, education and entertainment.” Funds raised at the Gala support the Holly Springs Arts Council and its efforts to promote the arts in our community. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Purchase online at www.etix.com, at the Cultural Center Box Office, or call (919)567-4000.
“There is no need to travel to Cary, Durham, or Chapel Hill to experience the arts, we have it locally! Be inspired to try a new form of art, chat with an artist, vote on student art, and attend our vendor show! You are going to be amazed by the talent,” said Brenda Priest.
As you see the HSAC’s colorful street banners flying from light poles throughout town each winter, mark the return of the Community Arts Festival. Local artists – professional, amateur, and anyone in between – are invited to participate in the many engaging activities during this month celebrating the arts in Holly Springs!
