Arts

Be mindful of what you sow through Arts Council’s new Black History Month Exhibit

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Tuesday, 21 January 2025

Written by Sara Bussman, Arts Council of Fayetteville

As celebrations gear up across Cumberland County for Black History Month, the Arts Council opens The Seed and The Sower on Jan. 24. The exhibit centers on strength and generational connection through works by Black female artists.
The Seed and The Sower was an idea that came to curator Teresa Bone through her connection to her own ancestry. After the passing of her paternal grandmother, Bone found herself considering which of her own traits came from the woman she knew as a young girl.
Bone started her art journey in her youth, so processing bigger questions about lineage and life came more easily through art.
“In the last several years, my work as an artist and as a curator isn’t just about things being pretty (though I’d still like to think what I produce is nice to look at),” remarked Bone about the exhibit. “The heart of my work now is about narratives. It’s about stories. What is the message that I am trying to convey?”
Despite the personal origins of the show, Bone wants viewers to feel connected to the work and each other.
“This show is focused on familial narratives, but in a larger view, our lives have an effect on every person we meet,” said Bone. “Those who came before us (family, mentors, teachers, friends), left an impact on our lives, and we- in turn, will leave our own impact on others.”
Bone is excited to see how artists interpret this theme of interconnectedness and hopes the exhibit shows a broad spectrum of work. The exhibit reflects a national juried art call inviting 2D and 3D works from artists from across the US. The call particularly encouraged art from Black female artists, asking for a “multi-layered study of time, connections, and heritage as seen specifically through the lens of Black women’s eyes.”
According to a 2022 study done by the Burns Halperin Report, Black female artists represent 0.5% of collected holdings in the largest American art museums. The Arts Council hopes to address some of this disparity by supporting The Seed and The Sower. The opening reception on January 24 will further celebrate the role of Black female artists with performances from musicians and poets.
The performances are curated by the local nonprofit Book Black Women whose mission is to celebrate, amplify, and empower Black women in the arts and creative industries.
For curator Teresa Bone, the exhibit evokes a look at a generational timescale.
“This cycle never ends. ‘The Seed’ will always eventually become ‘the Sower’, and the descendent will one day be the ancestor. We should all be mindful of what we ‘sow.’”
The Seed and the Sower will be on display in the Arts Council’s gallery until Feb. 28 with a free Opening Reception on Jan. 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For regular updates on the Arts Council, follow the organization @artscouncilfay on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and/or YouTube.

(Photo courtesy of Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland county)

“Redefining Indigenous” artists celebrate heritage

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Wednesday, 27 November 2024

Written by Erin C. Healy

     John Whittemore of the Tuscarora and curator of the “Redefining Indigenous” art exhibit at the Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County, effuses creativity, inclusiveness and a joviality that belies a serious
assessment of his own and his community’s struggles. Growing up, he took in the portrayal of Native Americans in television shows and movies and dismissed the average Native American men around him in the real world in favor of this quiet, emotionless, wisdom-filled persona he saw on TV. “Oh, here comes the Indian. He’ll have something wise to say—no, man, it’s just me,” he says with a laugh. And that encapsulates the modern Native American’s struggle in today’s culture. Hardline Indigenous who want to live in a teepee by the river without any modern conveniences are far outnumbered by natives who walk in a world filled with gradations of adaptation, loss of past culture, adoption of other traditions and being ok with that amalgamation, he explains. This exhibit, as outlined in its description, was “a reclaiming and reintroduction of the modern-day Native American experience through the arts.”
     

     Whittemore decided that he would include Native Americans from all areas of the Americas. The majority of works on display originated in North Carolina and neighboring states, but pieces from other regions also found a home in the exhibit. Whittemore’s first foray into curating reestablished his many connections with the native arts community and forged new ones, establishing a strong base to work from for future shows. He focused on minimizing the emphasis on competition, which inhibits some artists from entering, and encouraging variety and inclusion.

Acrylic on Canvas Painting
     One of the pieces to take note of at the exhibit, which was housed in the Arts Council building at 301 Hay St., is Whittemore’s submission, an acrylic on canvas, called “Inherent Stoicism.” If you look from afar, you’ll see a face of stoicism. If you look closer, you can see that the canvas is decoupaged with painted newspaper, which gives the background an uneven and crackled look. Often art reveals a story that the author never
intended but that a higher spirit works through. This makeshift canvas is representative of the uneven and broken history of the American Indian experience, both throughout history and today. More immediately, however, Whittemore simply grew tired of paying exorbitant prices for canvas, so he bought an inexpensive generic piece of art and covered it over. Up close you’ll also see all the broken pieces and parts that
comprise the face, much like all the bits and pieces that make up a person, as well as the artist’s path from brokenness to retribution. 

     Whittemore celebrates 13 years and counting of being drug-free and he encourages anyone who will listen that stopping the drugs is paramount to recapturing any peace and enjoyment in life. Whittemore touches on all the pieces of himself and his people that make their way into his art: the drive to reintroduce American Indians, masks off, the darker place inside mankind that seeks to destroy, or label in black and white terms, countered by the nobler side that seeks what’s good and to create. Certainly, he sees a higher spirit coming through his work that sometimes he didn’t intend. For instance, the black eye in “Inherent Stoicism” is poignant in light of the importance Native American culture puts on the eyes. Similar to Caucasian cultures, Indians believe the person can be seen through the eyes.

Mixed Fiber Arts Piece
     Hattie Lee Mendoza, of the Cherokee Nation and a mixed media and fiber art specialist, mailed her submissions from Illinois. One, “Effervescent Connections,” epitomizes her drive to repurpose and revalue various
elements through her art. This piece is installed in an embroidery hoop frame, not solely for its uniqueness, but because she always looks to incorporate what’s on hand into her creations. The fabric print is a gouache
she prints through Spoonflower. Gouache is comparable to a watercolor wash, except it is designed to be bright and opaque. Spoonflower prints custom designs on fabric, which Mendoza can then use in her art.

     Another background element is the chair cane. American Indians value all types of weaving and even though this may not have been made by Native hands, it finds new value as a representative of how our lives weave together. Mendoza takes after her grandma and great-grandma in how she finds things, collects them and then discovers how she can use them artistically. The beading is a disassembled necklace made by a Syrian woman; Mendoza spent a summer working with Syrian refugees in Turkey. She sees the necklace as representative of peace and reconciliation of tensions whenever an influx of refugees collides with a country’s populace. Mendoza also worked in Iraq with the Yezidis, a Kurdish-speaking endogamous religious group, and spent three years in Thailand working with smaller people groups. Her travels exposed her to various art styles and the colors, symbols and elements that are important to various cultures and why.

     The elder women in Mendoza’s life taught her needlework and that craft is also visible in the work. The cost of cheap clothing is that sewing has become a lost art. Beyond creativity, simply the self-sufficiency angle of
being able to sew on a button, mend a tear or hem a skirt warrant mastering sewing. Mendoza emphasizes that the stitches don’t need to be perfect; they simply need to be commenced and practiced. Rudimentary
and functional handiwork needs to be elevated as valuable in our society. A round piece of jewelry—a gift from her mother—adds a finishing touch to this work.

Beadwork and Dressmaking
     Frances Sandra (Sandy) Whittemore is John’s mother. She made a pair of moccasins and leggings for John’s daughter Blue Fern Rivers Whittemore. She started on it before the girl was born, beginning with the flower and working outward, filling in with green. Green is symbolic of new birth, growth, a renewal in spring. Although she’s used a loom in the past, these pieces were beaded freehand on buckskin. Sandy used to scrape, clean and cure her own deer hides that her husband got from a hunting lodge on then-Fort Bragg, but she eventually found it easier and less caustic to use already prepared deerskin. Over the years, Sandy created numerous regalia for both adults and children.

     Three other adult pieces at the exhibit showcase her sewing skills. The first is a jingle dress used in a type of healing dance. She put it together with two silk shawls she picked up at an airport. The piece at the Arts Council includes 365 jingles, one for every day of the year. The cones are about 2 ½ inches long, the weight of which an adult can bear. Children’s dresses incorporate fewer and smaller cones, 1 inch in size to lessen the weight. 

     The jingle dance originated in Canada and the cones were originally curled and crimped from snuff tin lids. Nowadays cones can be purchased in a glittering array of colors, but Sandy prefers the simple, old-style approach to emphasize the dance’s sacredness. She also created two ribbon skirts, one a houndstooth pattern, the other a brown plaid, which have become a popular way for Native American women to bring attention to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. The ribbons used to be sewn together from the ribbons of soldiers that the women acquired in trade. Sandy used to sew newspapers and worn sheets together to create things as an escape when the world outside was a cold and ugly place for her people. Today she’s a warm and cheery raconteur and will invite women to her home to learn to sew, passing on a skill
undervalued in our modern culture.

“Redefining Indigenous” ran at the Arts Council through the month of November, a celebration of Native American History Month. For more information about the exhibit and for future shows, visit
https://www.theartscouncil.com/

Unveiling the 2025 Golden Globes nominees

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Tuesday, 24 December 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

The anticipation for the 2025 Golden Globes is palpable as the nominees have just been unveiled. This year's awards season promises to be an exciting one with a diverse array of talent being recognized across film and television. The ceremony, scheduled to air live on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, will be hosted by the charismatic Nikki Glaser. The film and TV nominees were officially announced on Dec. 9, setting the stage for what is expected to be a memorable event.
Leading the pack with the most nominations is Netflix's Emilia Perez, making history with ten nominations—the most ever for a comedy or musical film at the Golden Globes.
On the television front, FX/Hulu's The Bear stands out with five nominations, showcasing its strong storytelling and powerful performances. Both Shogun (FX/Hulu) and Only Murders in the Building (Hulu) have earned four nominations each.
The Golden Globes have undergone significant changes in response to industry-wide backlash over ethical lapses and a lack of diversity. Last year, the organization introduced a new voting body and ownership structure. The awards are now organized by Dick Clark Productions, and the voting panel has been expanded to include 300 journalists from around the world, replacing the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
These changes aim to bring a fresh perspective and greater inclusivity to the awards, ensuring that the Golden Globes continue to be a respected and relevant institution in the entertainment industry. This new era marks a commitment to transparency and diversity, aligning the awards with contemporary values and expectations.
Also new to the Golden Globes, introduced in 2024, is the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement category. This award recognizes films that have not only achieved critical acclaim but also significant box office success, honoring films that have garnered extensive global audience support and demonstrated cinematic excellence. To be eligible for this category, a film must have grossed $150 million, with at least $100 million earned in the U.S., or have achieved comparable digital streaming viewership.

Film: Best Motion Picture-Drama
Let's explore the prestigious nominees for Best Motion Picture - Drama category and discover the various streaming platforms and theaters where these acclaimed films are currently available for viewing.
The Brutalist from A24 follows the story of László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish architect, who separated from his family in World War II and immigrated to America. The movie stars Adrien Brody and was set to release in the theatres on December 20.
A Complete Unknown (Searchlight Pictures), based on the 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric! by Elijah Wald, has Timothee Chalamet portraying Bob Dylan as a 19-year-old in 1961 in New York. This movie will be in theatres on Christmas Day.
The Pope is dead and now it is Cardinal Lawerence's job to lead in one of the world's most secretive events, selecting a new Pope. This is the description of Conclave starring Ralph Finnes as Cardinal Lawerence. Conclave is available for streaming on Peacock.
Dune: Part Two (Warner Bros. Pictures) is the second installment in an epic science fiction film adaptation of Frank Herbert's book Dune. It follows Paul Atreides and his rise to popularity and power among the Fremen. Timothee Chalamet also stars, and this film can be streamed on HBO.
Nickel Boys follows the friendship between two young African American men as they both navigate the trials of reform school together. It stars Brandon Wilson as Turner and Ethan Herisse as Elwood and opened in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles on December 14 and 20. It is set to be released nationwide in January.
September 5 from Paramount Pictures and starring Peter Sarsgaard as Roone Arledge is a movie about the true story of the broadcast coverage of the terrorist attack at the 1972 Olympics in Munich. This film was released into the theatres on Thanksgiving and is still in theatres for viewing.
For a list of all the film nominees visit the Golden Globe website here: https://goldenglobes.com/nominations/2025

TV: Best Television Series-Drama
The critically acclaimed TV shows nominated for Best Television Series-Drama at the Golden Globes represent must-watch entertainment for any serious television enthusiast.
Eddie Redmayne is a for-hire assassin and is now on British intelligence's radar. The Day of the Jackal is the perfect cat-and-mouse spy drama and can be streamed on Peacock.
The Diplomat, now in its second season on Netflix, follows the ambassador to the United Kingdom amid an international crisis. Keri Russell stars as US diplomat Kate Wyler. Both seasons can be streamed on Netflix.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith can be streamed on Amazon Prime. Donald Glover portrays John Smith while Maya Erskine plays Jane Smith - two spies assigned by their organization to pose as a married couple sharing living quarters as they both begin new careers as spies.
Shogun won 18 Emmy Awards in 2024, the most ever for a show in a single year. One of the most acclaimed shows, it is a historical epic based on James Clavell's 1975 novel. It follows Englishman John Blackthorne (played by Cosmo Jarvis) after he became shipwrecked in Japan. Shogun can be streamed on Hulu.
Based on Mick Herron's Slough House series of novels, Slow Horses is from Apple TV+ and is now in its fourth season. This series, starring Gary Oldman, follows a team of dysfunctional M15 agents.
Desperate participants take up a challenge to participate in childhood-inspired competitions for an enticing reward, but failure means death. This is the storyline of Squid Games on Netflix. Season two debuts on Dec. 26.
For a list of all the film nominees visit the Golden Globe website here: https://goldenglobes.com/nominations/2025

Manifest dreams in 2025 with vision board

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Tuesday, 24 December 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Unlock your potential and turn your dreams into reality with a vision board tailored for 2025. Discover how you can create a vision board that not only inspires but also helps you manifest your goals.
Vision boards are not just a trendy pastime; they are powerful tools for realizing your dreams. By visualizing your goals and aspirations, you create a tangible reminder of what you aim to achieve. This constant visual cue can help keep you motivated and focused on your objectives.
Studies have shown that visualization can significantly impact your ability to achieve your goals. When you consistently see your dreams represented visually, it reinforces your commitment to making them a reality. The act of creating a vision board can also be an empowering and clarifying process, helping you to fine-tune your goals and prioritize what truly matters to you.
Before you dive into creating your vision board, it's important to gather all the necessary materials. Start with a solid foundation like a corkboard, poster board, or even a large piece of paper. You'll also need scissors, glue, markers, and a collection of magazines or printed images that resonate with your goals.
Other useful materials may include stickers, washi tape, and decorative elements that can make your board more personalized and visually appealing. Don't forget to have a clear space where you can spread out and work comfortably. Having all these materials at hand will make the creation process more enjoyable and efficient.
Start by setting a clear intention for your vision board. What do you want to achieve in 2025? It could be related to your career, personal life, health, or any other area. Once you have your goals in mind, begin collecting images, words, and phrases that represent these aspirations.
Next, arrange your selected items on the board. There's no right or wrong way to do this—let your creativity guide you. Once you're satisfied with the layout, start gluing everything in place. Take your time with this step; it's important that your vision board feels right to you. Finally, place your completed vision board somewhere you'll see it daily, as this will help keep your goals at the forefront of your mind.
To enhance the effectiveness of your vision board, incorporate mindfulness and visualization techniques into your daily routine. Spend a few minutes each day meditating on your vision board, visualizing yourself achieving the goals depicted on it. This practice can help deepen your connection to your aspirations and reinforce your commitment to them.
Another useful technique is to write down affirmations related to your goals and read them aloud while looking at your vision board. This can help reprogram your subconscious mind to align with your objectives, making it easier to stay motivated and take action toward your dreams.
As you progress towards your goals, it's essential to keep your vision board updated. Regularly review it to ensure that it still reflects your current aspirations. If your goals change or evolve, don't hesitate to make adjustments to your board. This will keep it relevant and aligned with your current objectives.
Consider setting aside time at the beginning of each month or quarter to review and update your vision board. This practice can help you stay focused and motivated throughout the year, ensuring that your vision board continues to serve as an effective tool for manifesting your dreams in 2025.