Arts

Beyond the blanket brigade: Quilting as art, voice, community

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Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Written by Sara Busman, Arts Council of Fayetteville

“We hear it all the time,” says Amy Allison as she talks with me about an upcoming Arts Council exhibition. “’My grandma used to quilt.’ ‘I have one on my bed.’ That sort of thing. A lot of people call us the blanket brigade. But we’re much more.”
She’s talking about the Tarheel Quilters Guild as she and other members prepare for their upcoming gallery show, Joined by Stitching: A Quilter's Art, which opens on April 10 at the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County at 301 Hay St.
The Tarheel Quilters have been around for 45 years, and members enjoy monthly meetings and service projects together (including donating an impressive 400 quilts for NICU babies and veterans last year). Amy Allison serves as one of the curators of the exhibit, along with fellow Guild members Irene Grimes and Sana Moulder. They see it as part of their mission to showcase what quilting can be with over 40 handmade quilts featured in the exhibition.
But they know what you’re picturing when you hear the word ‘quilt,’ and they are ready to prove you wrong.
“Fiber arts - quilting in particular - are often categorized as either traditional craft or contemporary art,” says Grimes. “What excites me about this exhibit is that it bridges both worlds; many of the pieces are utilitarian while also expressing strong ideas and perspectives.”
Some pieces also tackle larger concerns of the artist. Allison’s quilt, titled “Save Our Water,” addresses the issue of clean water availability.
“Water treatment plants are doing the best that they can, but people like stuff, and stuff is manufactured, and sometimes there is a byproduct that is unintended and gets in our water.” For many, quilting is how they process the world.
“My quilts are where I find my voice. They are a form of reflection, advocacy and opinion,” says Grimes.
In a more meta way, the act of having a quilting exhibit is enough to challenge the art world.
“Historically, women have had few socially acceptable outlets for expressing their creativity or opinions,” remarks Moulder. “Quilting was one of the few activities society deemed ‘useful,’ and therefore permissible.”
The hope is to remind visitors that quilting is art, that the work these women do with cloth and thread is a creative process.
“I hope new quilters and textile artists see that quilting is every bit as much a form of artistic expression as painting, sculpture, or photography.”
As the Tarheel Quilters continue to share their work with the wider community, they invite viewers to look more closely at the stitches and the stories.
As Grimes puts it, “If visitors leave the exhibit understanding what the artists wanted to say, perhaps gaining a new perspective or simply feeling more curious, then we’ve done our job.”
The opening reception for Joined by Stitching: A Quilter's Art, will be held on April 10 in the main gallery from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

"On Golden Pond" showing at the Gilbert Theater

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Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Written by Amber Little

The next production in the season lineup for Gilbert Theater is On Golden Pond, a tale of an aging couple in their forty-eighth year at their summer house. This summer will prove to be unlike any other, with a visit from their daughter, a new teenage grandchild inherited through the daughter's new marriage, and the lessons they all learn living together over the course of those few blissful months.
Opening night is Friday, March 20, and the show is every weekend, with the last show on April 5. Tickets can be purchased at the Gilbert Theater box office located at 116 Green Street or online at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36002/production/1236960.
This season’s lineup has been incredible, packed with shows that have made theater-goers laugh, cry and think, reaching audiences of all ages and demographics. On Golden Pond is no exception, bringing together a cast of seasoned actors to breathe this beautiful story of age, mortality, and generational living to life. On Golden Pond, a 5-scene, 2-act play, follows Ethel and Norman Thayer, a couple who have been together a lifetime.
Norman’s health is slowly withering, and so is his mind. Ethel, ten years his junior, is faced with the possibility of life without him, while also creating new memories with him and their soon-to-be grandchild. While their daughter and fiancé head to Europe for a summer of new love, they leave behind his son with the elderly couple. Norman and the teen form a multigenerational bond, leaving a lasting impact on all of them; a tale of the duality of life, a summer of newness with an underlying sense
of uncertainty.
The cast is full of Gilbert regulars, a vibrant and still sassy group with decades of experience to bring to the stage. Evan Bridenstine is directing this production, his second one at the Gilbert. When asked what drew him to this particular production, he explained, “There’s a humanity here in the story that I like, and it ties to the same kind of humanity that I found in Rabbit Holes (his directorial debut).”
Leading the small but stellar cast are two theater legends, Rhonda Brocki, playing Ethel Thayer, and James Dean, playing Norman Thayer. Fresh off the stage from Cabaret, Brocki is looking forward to bringing this lively character to life, noting, “On Golden Pond has been a favorite movie of mine, and it’s something I was really interested in doing when it came out. So, I’m really excited about that.”
Dean has been acting since 1976 and is a Gilbert Theater staple, having performed in around 40 productions. While not a fan of the movie like Brocki, Dean saw something in the play that he couldn’t resist.
“I like the play… The play is much more interesting for me because we’ve really been digging into it,” adding, “I’m very happy to have Evan as a director because I’ve never worked with him before. And he’s proven himself to be a listener. An adaptor.”
On Golden Pond addresses age and what that looks like and means from the eyes of those aging, a unique perspective that definitely had the actors channeling real life to capture the essence of the story.
“[It’s] definitely relatable to my life and to some people that I know or in my family. I’m not going to say it’s easy, but I can understand it,” Brocki explained.
But the play isn’t all serious.
“I would love for everyone to realize, don’t come thinking that you’re going to be boohooing and have to sit through a drama. There is a lot of humor and fun in this play. And I think it will resonate with everyone. You’ll be able to relate to it whether you’re young or old,” said Brocki.
Dean, whose real-life wit fits perfectly with his character, has enjoyed exploring the depths of On Golden Pond.
“It’s also about their child, who the mother loves very much, but the father is rather estranged from, and the family dynamics and finding their way through. My character, Norman, talks about death a lot. He’s about to turn 80 in the first scene, so he’s prepared to die at some point, but then these other people arrive. He’s a very witty and funny guy.”
Opening night for On Golden Pond will be extra special with the announcement of the 2026-2027 main stage season.
When the house opens at 7:30 p.m., staff and AD, Matt Lamb, will greet patrons and reveal their 5 shows for the upcoming season. While the show titles are being kept a secret for now, the theme for next year is something Lamb is excited about: Home is Where the Heart Is.
For more information on Gilbert Theater and the last two shows of the season, visit https://www.gilberttheater.com/.

(Image courtesy of Gilbert Theater Facebook Page)

An Evening with Cross Creek Chorale at Trinity Episcopal

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Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Written by Amanda Ransom

Music has a unique way of bringing people together, and the upcoming Evening with the Cross Creek Chorale at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church promises an evening that will do just that.
On Saturday, March 21, the Cumberland Choral Arts will showcase the Cross Creek Chorale, a select chamber ensemble drawn from the organization’s larger chorus. The result is a performance designed to be both intimate and musically rich, offering audiences a chance to experience the power of choral music up close.
According to Curt Kinzey, Artistic Director for Cumberland Choral Arts, the upcoming concert was carefully designed to appeal to a wide audience while still highlighting the artistry and versatility of the ensemble.
“Audiences can look forward to a vibrant and eclectic program,” Kinzey said. “We’ve chosen music that spans centuries and styles, from the intricate beauty of Renaissance-style religious motets to contemporary art songs inspired by the theme of water. We’re also including recognizable favorites from Broadway and the silver screen, so there is truly something for everyone.”
While the program moves through a variety of musical eras and genres, the selections are connected by a deeper theme: the shared human experience.
“Our goal is to take the audience on a journey that inspires and entertains,” Kinzey explained. “Each section of the program highlights a different emotional perspective, reminding us of the common experiences that connect us all.”
The repertoire itself reflects a balance between familiar favorites and fresh material. Some selections revisit highlights from previous Cumberland Choral Arts concerts, while others introduce new pieces that challenge the ensemble and showcase the capabilities of a smaller vocal group.
Among the works Kinzey is particularly excited about is Johannes Brahms’ Geistliches Lied, Op. 30, a piece widely admired within the choral world for both its beauty and its technical brilliance.
“It is a true marvel of choral literature,” Kinzey said. “To the listener, it sounds serene and effortless, but the structure behind it is incredibly complex. Brahms wrote it as a strict double canon at the ninth, which means there are two simultaneous canons moving between the voice parts. It’s an extraordinary example of craftsmanship hidden beneath music that feels humble and comforting.”
Performing a piece like this highlights the strength of the Cross Creek Chorale as a chamber ensemble. While all its members also perform with the larger Cumberland Choral Arts chorus, this smaller group allows singers to explore repertoire that requires greater precision, agility, and vocal independence.
“Cross Creek Chorale is a select, auditioned ensemble,” Kinzey explained. “Working in a smaller group allows us to tackle music that demands a higher level of detail and focus. Every voice matters, and each singer plays an essential role in shaping the overall sound.”
“When everything aligns, tuning, rhythm, and expression, there is a kind of magic that happens,” Kinzey said. “It creates a performance that feels incredibly focused and emotionally cohesive.”
The concert also highlights the continued importance of community choral music in Cumberland County. Organizations like Cumberland Choral Arts provide opportunities for people from many backgrounds to come together through music while also offering audiences meaningful live cultural experiences.
“Choral music is a powerful bridge-builder,” Kinzey said. “It brings people together for a shared purpose and reminds us of our common humanity. In a world where so much of our entertainment happens through screens, there is something truly special about hearing voices blend together in the same space.” For those who may be attending their first choral concert, Kinzey offers a simple invitation. “There is something primal and powerful about the sound of human voices singing together,” he said. “Come experience it. It’s not just a concert it’s an opportunity to unplug, listen, and leave feeling more connected.”
With its diverse repertoire, intimate setting, and talented ensemble, the Cross Creek Chorale concert promises an evening where music tells stories, emotions resonate, and audiences are reminded of the enduring power of the human voice.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for students and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/4dgtJkv. The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, located at 1601 Raeford Rd.

(Photo: The Cross Creek Chorale performs during Cumberland Choral Arts' Broadway show in 2024. The smaller chorale is an audition group within CCA. Photo courtesy of Sandy Cage, CCA)

Sound of America: North Carolina Symphony Celebrates 250 Years Through Music

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Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Written by Sheila D. Barker

The North Carolina Symphony will bring a powerful celebration of American music to Moore County this spring with its “Classical Favorites: Celebrating American 250” concert on April 23. Held at Owens Auditorium, the performance promises an evening that reflects the spirit, diversity, and evolution of the American sound through some of its most iconic composers.
Under the baton of Assistant Conductor Sophie Mok, the Symphony will perform works by three towering figures in American music: Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, and John Williams. Each composer represents a distinct voice in the nation’s musical identity, offering audiences a journey through the emotional, cultural, and imaginative landscapes that define the United States.
Few composers capture the pulse of American life quite like Bernstein. Known for his “radical eclecticism,” Bernstein blurred the lines between classical music and popular forms such as jazz and Broadway. His compositions embody the energy of urban America—vibrant, restless, and emotionally charged.
Whether conducting, composing, or educating, Bernstein refused to accept rigid distinctions between “high” and “low” art, instead crafting a sound that felt accessible yet deeply sophisticated. His work continues to resonate as a reflection of America’s cultural dynamism.
In contrast, Copland’s music evokes the expansive beauty of the American landscape. Often referred to as the “Dean of American Composers,” Copland helped define what many listeners recognize as the quintessential American sound. His compositions are marked by open harmonies and a sense of spaciousness that mirrors the vastness of the American West.
In the late 1930s, Copland intentionally simplified his musical language, seeking to connect with broader audiences and create a style that felt distinctly American rather than derivative of European traditions. The result was a body of work that remains both timeless and instantly recognizable.
Bridging the gap between classical tradition and modern popular culture is John Williams, whose music has become synonymous with cinematic storytelling.
As the heir to the Romantic tradition, Williams revived lush orchestral scoring at a time when much of contemporary classical music was becoming increasingly experimental. His embrace of “Neo-Romanticism” reintroduced audiences to the emotional power of the symphony orchestra, making it central to some of the most beloved film scores in history. Williams’ music represents the mythic dimension of America, capturing heroism, wonder, and imagination on a grand scale.
Together, the works of Bernstein, Copland, and Williams form a compelling portrait of American music—one that spans concert halls, open landscapes, and movie screens. This program not only celebrates the nation’s artistic heritage but also highlights how music continues to shape and reflect American identity.
The concert also underscores the enduring impact of the North Carolina Symphony itself. Founded in 1932, the organization has become a cornerstone of the state’s cultural life.
Each year, it presents more than 300 performances and educational programs, reaching audiences in all 100 counties across North Carolina. From large concert halls to community spaces, the Symphony’s mission is rooted in accessibility and engagement, ensuring that live orchestral music remains available to diverse audiences.
Under the artistic leadership of Carlos Miguel Prieto, the Symphony continues to expand its reach and artistic vision. Its home base, Meymandi Concert Hall in downtown Raleigh, serves as a hub for performances, while regional series and summer concerts extend its presence throughout the state.
The Symphony is equally committed to innovation, having premiered more than 50 new works and embraced digital platforms to connect with audiences worldwide.
The venue for this special performance, Owens Auditorium, adds to the experience.
Located on the campus of Sandhills Community College, the auditorium is part of the Sandhills Bradshaw Performing Arts Center and is widely praised for its exceptional acoustics and intimate design. Following a multi-million dollar renovation, the space offers an ideal setting for orchestral music, ensuring that every note is heard with clarity and precision. It is situated on the campus of Sandhills Community College, within the Van Dusen Hall building at 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst.
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, this concert serves as both a tribute and a reflection—honoring the composers who have shaped the nation’s sound while celebrating the enduring power of live performance.
The evening promises not just a concert, but an immersive experience in the music that defines America. To purchase tickets, visit the North Carolina Symphony’s website at https://ncsymphony.org/events/celebrating-america-250-04-23-26-730pm-mc04/.

(Photo: The North Carolina Symphony will be celebrating the 250th birthday of the US with a concert at Owens Auditorium in Pinehurst. Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Symphony Facebook page)