Arts

Bringing emotion to life: Lady Natalia Perez Lozano’s Art

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Tuesday, 04 March 2025

Written by Sara Busman, Arts Council of Fayetteville

When walking through the gallery of the Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County visitors may hear the quiet sounds of music, the scratching of pencils, or gentle brush strokes of oil paint on canvas. Rounding the corner into the small room off the main gallery, they’ll be greeted by dancing figures, growling tigers, and colorful flowers.
In the center of the room, quietly working on a large easel, an artist works on her next piece. While the tigers may look like they will jump toward them, guests can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they will stay on the canvas when current South Eastern Artist in Residence Lady Natalia Perez Lozano invites them into her studio to talk about art.
Lady Natalia Perez Lozano is originally from Colombia and has lived in Fayetteville for over a decade. She has been an artist as long as she can remember.
Throughout her childhood art felt like a game to be played through color and imagery. When she began studying through workshops and apprenticeships with established artists, she learned to focus her craft through individual techniques. She remembers honing skills on specific media, like the oil paint she currently uses, but also elements of painting, like color and texture.
Perez Lozano also studied fashion design, and the female figure remains a central force in her work.
“I think the piece of art always reflects the personality of the artist in some way or another,” she says.
Animals and nature also appear throughout her pieces. Her current series focuses on interaction and instinct, particularly on how emotions play a role in human nature. When creating a painting, Perez Lozano uses an organized, almost academic means of processing her next move.
“Let’s take something like [the idea of] empowerment. I close my eyes… and I see this power woman. She is sitting down, relaxed. She’s like ‘I am being myself. I OWN my life.’”
From this initial idea, she researches historical works, sketches ideas, and builds a color theory all before a drop of paint hits the canvas.
It’s this approach to creativity that Perez Lozano hopes to share with the community. As part of her six-month stint as the Arts Council SEAR, she will present two workshops for community engagement. She already knows she wants to share her insight into honing the creative process to work for participants.
She hopes attendees can take her ideas and adapt to their own process, whether the mission is art or otherwise.
While art has always been her mission, Perez Lozano had some initial hesitancy in applying for the Southeastern Artist in Residence program, but it quickly melted when she saw the potential benefits to her work. SEAR provides a mid-career artist an opportunity to lean into their craft through dedicated time, space, and funds.
Perez Lozano has already enjoyed more time focusing on her work and the opportunity to speak with the community. She looks forward to completing her series and showing them in August, with a constant mind to her goal: helping to educate and empower the community to feel through art.
“I want to make people feel something. To be moved. A little bit of the artist’s sensibility. You can like it. You can not like it. I just want you to feel something!”
For more information about SEAR and Lady Natalia Perez Lozano, visit https://www.wearethearts.com/sear.

(Photo: Lady Natalia Perez Lozano is the new Southeastern Artist in Residence with the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. Photo courtesy of the Arts Council) 

Cape Fear Studios accepts entries for Cabin Fever

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Tuesday, 11 February 2025

Written by Lena Simmons

“You may not be surrounded by mountains filled with snow, but winter nonetheless has something whimsical to offer no matter where you are. Wintry weather brings people together, we yearn for warmth, love, and connection” (Wanderlust)

Cumberland Choral Arts presents “Covers”

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Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Written by Katie Herring

Get ready to rock! The Cumberland Choral Arts is thrilled to announce its upcoming concert, "Covers," a vibrant and energetic performance featuring popular rock and pop hits reimagined for choral voices. This unique concert experience will take place on Sunday, March 9 at 5 p.m. at Gray's Creek High School in Hope Mills. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
"Covers" promises an evening of electrifying music, showcasing the talents of not only the CCA, but also the Gray's Creek High School Choir, the Cross Creek Chorale, CCA’s smaller, auditioned ensemble, and the up-and-coming Campbellton Youth Chorus. Adding to the excitement, the Guy Unger Band will join the choruses, providing instrumental accompaniment on several pieces, and creating a dynamic fusion of rock instrumentation and choral harmonies.
This concert marks the fourth year that CCA has collaborated with area youth choirs and the second time they’ve partnered with Gray’s Creek High School. The inspiration for this ongoing collaboration comes from CCA’s Artistic Director, Michael Martin, who envisioned a way to introduce younger generations to the beauty and artistry of choral music.
“Our goal is to nurture the next generation of choral singers,” explains Sandy Cage, President of CCA Board of Directors. “We want to foster a life-long love of singing.”
The Campbellton Youth Chorus, directed by Lisa Packer, is a testament to this mission. With no participation fees, the chorus removes financial barriers, making involvement in the choir accessible to all children aged 9-16.
“Giving these younger singers a chance to perform alongside seasoned musicians is invaluable,” says Cage.
The "Covers" program features a diverse selection of pop rock classics from iconic artists like Billy Joel, The Beatles, The Eagles, Stevie Wonder, Queen and many more. The concert will culminate in a grand finale performance of Queen’s legendary “Bohemian Rhapsody.” While many pop songs are beloved, not all translate effectively to choral arrangements. The CCA has been meticulous in selecting arrangements that capture the essence of the original songs while showcasing the unique power of choral voices. Audiences can expect to hear familiar tunes in a fresh and exciting new light.
The relaxed atmosphere of the concert reflects the energy of the performance. In a departure from traditional formal attire, the singers will be sporting their favorite rock t-shirts, creating a fun and approachable environment for all ages.
The Cumberland Choral Arts has a rich history in the Fayetteville community. Originally founded as the Cumberland Oratorio Singers in 1991, the group’s inaugural performance was Mozart’s Requiem, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the composer’s death. For many years, the CCA has delighted audiences with its annual performance of Handel’s Messiah alongside the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. In recent years, the organization broadened its repertoire beyond classical music, leading to a name change around 2018-19 to reflect the increasing diversity of its musical offerings. Looking ahead, the CCA is looking forward to its upcoming performance at Carnegie Hall in June 2025, where they will perform “Lux Aeterna.”
Tickets for “Covers” are $15 for adults and $5 for children and can be purchased at the door or online at cumberlandchoralarts.org. Don't miss this opportunity to experience a unique and unforgettable concert that blends the power of choral music with the energy of rock and pop music. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for students and can be purchased by visiting https://secure.givelively.org/event/cumberland-choral-arts/covers

Experience FSO's New World Concert

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Tuesday, 11 February 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra is set to enchant audiences with an extraordinary concert titled 'The New World: Reimagined'. Scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 22 at Seabrook Auditorium, this event promises to be a captivating evening of music that beautifully blends the new with the classic.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., giving attendees ample time to settle in before the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. This event is not just a concert; it's a musical journey that explores the rich tapestry of American music through both contemporary and timeless compositions.
The program features two newly commissioned works that will be performed alongside Dvorák’s iconic 'New World' Symphony. The first piece, TESTIFY!, is composed by North Carolina's own Brittany J. Green. This lively orchestral work is a tribute to her mother, music, and the church, capturing the vibrant energy Green associates with her mother's tambourine playing.
The second new work is Fantasy in 4 Moods by Chicago-based composer Ahmed Al Abaca. This composition was commissioned specifically for Dr. Ronnal Ford, a woodwind multi-instrumentalist whose versatility on various instruments is showcased throughout the piece. Each of the four moods offers a different musical style, inviting listeners to experience a range of emotions from curiosity to resilience.
The second half of the concert will feature Antonin Dvorák’s Symphony no. 9, commonly known as the 'New World' Symphony. This masterpiece is well-loved and frequently used in popular media due to its evocative themes and
powerful orchestration.
Dvorák composed this symphony during his time in America, drawing inspiration from the spirituals he heard. The result is a composition that not only pays homage to American musical traditions but also stands as one of the most significant works in the symphonic repertoire.
Tickets for 'The New World: Reimagined' can be purchased online at www.fayettevillesymphony.org, by contacting the FSO office at 910-433-4690, or at the door on the night of the concert.
To ensure accessibility for all, the FSO is offering discounts for seniors, military personnel, college students, children, and Cumberland County Schools employees. Secure your tickets today and prepare for an evening of unforgettable music. Tickets are $15 per adult and $5 for students.