Arts

Cape Fear Studios presents annual members's show

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Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Written by Lena Simmons

Cape Fear Studios is presenting the 35th Annual Members’ Show until May 20 at their studio at 148 Maxwell Street. The exhibit is open to the public from Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The exhibit features artworks by the Cape Fear Studios current, supporting, and former members. General admission is free to the public. For more information, visit the Cape Fear Studios website, https://www.capefearstudios.com or call the studio by phone at 910 433-2986.
Cape Fear Studios Inc. is a non-profit, 501c3 fine arts organization that provides opportunities for visual artists and art patrons to work together in promoting and learning the visual arts. Their stated purpose includes a provision for extension of downtown, cultural arts, revitalization, and art education for the public through studio demonstration tours, hands-on activities, a source of quality, locally produced visual arts for the public, and an outlet for artists to exhibit and sell their work.
The City of Fayetteville and the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County support Cape Fear Studios, according to their website.
The artists and their art pieces featured in the 35th Annual Member’s Show are: Suk Rodriguez, Stars and Lightening Bugs, Floral Therapy; Rose Kennedy, Garden Dance Lined With Pink; Greg Hathaway, Promises, Sisters Three; Pandry Autry, Floral Delight; Gene Davis, Rowan Street Bridge; Kathy Flood, Blue Water; Guy Jencks, Tall Angular Vase; Annette Szceztek, Magnolia; Nancy Edge, Serenity II, Duck NC, Snowy Egret; Angela Stout, The Great Depression, Betrayal; Kathy Flood, Love at First Sight; Sandie McFarlane, Autumn on the Lake; Karen Moore, Mediterranean Magic, Bamboo Sunshine; Gina Gaddis, Scrappy, stained glass; and Stanley Greaves, Diane’s Clock.
Rose Kennedy, Cape Fear Studios member, said, “Please join us for the 35th Annual Members’ Exhibit, celebrating thirty-five years supporting and nurturing the arts in our community. We are proudly featuring current, supporting, and former members of our non-profit organization in this exhibit, which runs through Tuesday, May 20. Many of our original creations by local artists would make a perfect addition to your home or a unique gift.”
The 35th Annual Members’ Show is an intimate and must-see event in downtown Fayetteville. General admission is free to the exhibit.

(Photo by Lena Simmons)

Gilbert Theater's Playfest seeks the next stage sensations

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Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Written by Amber Little

Calling all playwrights, it’s that time of year again. Gilbert Theater’s Playfest 2025 is now officially accepting submissions in keeping with a long-standing commitment to the community and bringing theater to the area while supporting local actors, playwrights, directors, stage crew, and production staff. There has been a great response to this year’s festival, and organizers have decided to extend the submission deadline. It will be at the end of the month. Playwrights are asked to submit a 10-minute, one-act play for consideration. All submissions should be sent to Matt Lamb via email at secondstage@gilberttheater.com. Five local plays will be chosen, with a possible addition of a sixth non-local play. Once the plays have been chosen, playwrights will be contacted, and the process of selecting a director and casting will begin for the three-day festival set for July 11 through 13. While there are no ticket sales for this event, attendees are asked for a $10 minimum donation.
Playfest has become a long-standing tradition for the theater, started by a previous artistic director, Robyne Parrish, in 2013 to showcase new works by artists. Parrish created a legacy during her time at the Gilbert, from the first Playfest that included playwrights from New York to the local spotlight that it evolved into. Parrish’s mark is undeniable and noteworthy when speaking of landmark events and plays produced by the theater.
The current artistic director, Matt Lamb, is excited to continue the legacy and create an experience for the audience and the playwrights and actors as well. This year’s Playfest will be a “mesh” of the old and new, bringing in elements from the early days of Parrish but continuing the commitment to local artists.
“We are looking for local playwrights, which we do have a lot of submissions. But I think we want to add one playwright from afar, to be added into that, to just add a little mix of something,” Lamb explained.
Submissions are being judged by three selected individuals, including Lamb and Parrish, and one unidentified judge. Plays will be scored and ranked, with the top five making the cut for Playfest. Lamb wants individuals who are chosen to have as much creative input as possible and offer opportunities for actors who have previously auditioned for shows and had supporting roles.
“In year’s previous years, what we’ve tried to do is give actors who had auditioned throughout the season that may not have gotten a shot to be on stage, or maybe they were in an ensemble role, and maybe we can bump them to Playfest to give them the limelight. We may go back to doing that. And in some cases, the playwright may say, ‘Well, I would like this person to direct it,’” he said.
Playfest 2025 is going to be a great experience for everyone involved. Lamb and the Gilbert Theater encourage the community to come out and support local talent and support Fayetteville’s thriving community theater.

Fine Arts Tradition- FTTC ARTSWORK 2025

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Wednesday, 30 April 2025

Written by Lena Simmons

Imagination is more than knowledge -Albert Einstein

Fayetteville Technical Community College presented the 11 th annual FTCC ARTSWORKS 2025 Exhibit on March 21. The show runs until May 9 at the Paul H. Thompson Library, 2221 Hull Road, Fayetteville. The exhibit is in the lobby area. The artwork is available for viewing Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Fridays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact morrillk@faytechcc.edu.
The Exhibit features artwork of the Fayetteville Technical Community College staff, faculty, and students. An Artist Reception and Artist Awards Ceremony will be held on May 1 at the Paul H Thompson Library. The reception will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the Artist Awards Ceremony begins at 5 p.m. Live music is featured by the FTTC Student and Faculty Ensemble and catered by the FTTC Culinary Department. The public is welcome, and admission is free to the Artist Reception and Artist Awards Ceremony.
The FTCC ARTWORKS 2025 exhibit highlights the following artists FTCC staff, faculty, and students: Angela Newsome, Rory Carr, Christine Wilson, Katey Morrill, Abigail Gilbert, Karena Kimble, Lamar L. Daniels, October Lurty, Lydia Laffert, Jazmine Legall, Richard A. Long, Wanda Mason, Stephanie Meadows, Greg Hawks, Sandy Jung, Justic MacGarner, Jesse Kiker, Jamie A. Little, Dexter Morrill, Sage Junior, Josef Schell, Dr. Munoz, Trinity Serrano, Sterling L. Ash, Tim Byrant, Sophia Demetri, Sage Gordon, Sarah Kistner, Kevin Elmore, Maryam Abdul Reizak, Christina Tarbush, Ivey Norton, Emily Gardner, Aleida Veliz, Nathaniel Abraham, Jessica Sills, Abir Mohsen, and Jennifer Humble.
Noteworthy art pieces among the talented array of creative and talented works are Katey Morrill, Sticks and Reeds; Rory Carr, Nontraditional Summer Storm; Angela Newsome, Eye, Starry Cretaceous Night; Abigail Gilbert, Foolishly Sentimental; Lamar L. Daniels, Stairway to Salvation; Jennifer Humble, Hosh; and Justice MacGarner, Everyday Tools. Katharine Morrill shares her passion about the FTCC ARTWORKS 2025. “The Art Gallery at the library is excited to highlight FTTC ARTWORKS2025, a juried group exhibition that celebrates vibrant creativity and artistic talent found across Fayetteville Technical Community College. The
11 th annual showcase highlights the hard work, critical thinking, and innovation of our students, faculty, and staff, reflecting diverse voices and visions within our college community. This year, we are especially excited to present a wide variety of artistic making-from painting, and digital design to welding to textiles-highlighting the tangible and conceptual range of skill and imagination within our campus,” she said. 
“As we honor the dedication of our artists, we also celebrate the strength and growth of our creative community-one that continues to inspire and evolve year after year. We warmly invite the broader community to join us in celebrating our artists and to be a part of the exciting momentum we are building together.”
Celebrate the creative community of Fayetteville Technical Community College. The Artist Reception and Artist Awards Ceremony takes place on May 1 at the Paul H. Thompson Library from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and it is open to the public. Meet and greet the artists, enjoy catered delights by the FTCC Culinary Department, and enjoy live music by the FTCC Student and faculty ensemble.

Arts Council creates “ArtScape” in Fayetteville

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Tuesday, 22 April 2025

Written by Sarah Busman

Fayetteville has seen a transformation in its public spaces thanks in part to the vision of the Arts Council. In 2017, the ArtScape Public Art Initiative was launched, bringing a bold new vision to the city’s streets. The initiative has since leased and purchased more than ten pieces of art each year, showcasing a diverse array of sculptures and installations that beautify and inspire. With a focus on engaging the public, ArtScape’s mission is to create thought-provoking works that not only enrich the city’s landscape but also spark conversation among residents and visitors alike.
“Public art enhances the urban realm, lending itself to vibrant, engaging spaces for visitors and residents alike,” says Ashanti Bennett, the Interim President/CEO, Cool Spring Downtown District. Bennett understands the importance of art in public spaces. “Communities are enriched by the opportunity to engage with art that is easily accessible — regardless of demographics — amplifying a sense of place, boosting quality of life, and ultimately supporting the growth of the local economy.”
ArtScape rotates out pieces each year to reflect the community's changing landscape. Visitors have just a few more months to engage with the current pieces on display. Each work has its own personality with new pieces that span a diverse spectrum of color, design, theme, and structure. Some pieces are functional art, like Greenspace Bench outside of the Cool Spring Downtown District Office. The piece is described by the artist, Matt Amante, as walking “the line between planter, bench, and sculpture.” Other works, like Kevin Vanek’s LOUD!, have hidden meanings.
“This work is meant to be a fun/funny attention grabber while also being a literal mouthpiece for the unheard.” The bright red lips and gold teeth point toward Market Square Loop outside of the Self Help Building.
ArtScape also hosts some permanent pieces that pepper different areas of the city, including downtown Fayetteville, Linear Trail, the Cape Fear River Trail, and the Fayetteville State University corridor. The 18 permanent pieces are valued at $198,000, largely funded by individual community members who want to beautify Fayetteville. Individuals can sponsor a piece for a year, too, explains Director of Development Josh Murray.
“Sponsoring an ArtScape piece is a tangible way individuals and small businesses can contribute to the vibrancy of Fayetteville, while publicly supporting the crucial role art plays in our local economy,” he said.
As the years go by, it’s clear that ArtScape is doing more than just showcasing art; it’s creating a sense of place and pride in the community.
“Public Art helps to engage our citizens and to attract visitors and tourists to our community as Fayetteville becomes a travel destination,” says Arts Council President and CEO Robert Pinson. “As we enter the ninth year, the program is one of the most successful public art exhibitions in North Carolina, drawing artists from across the country.”
Each new installation invites people to explore, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of Fayetteville in an entirely new way, ensuring that public art will be an integral part of Fayetteville’s vibrant culture for years to come.
ArtScape 8, the current iteration of public art pieces, will be removed in June to make way for ArtScape 9, which will run from June 27 to July 31, 2026. For more information, visit https://www.wearethearts.com/artscape8.

(Photo: Gothic Doorway, by Beau Lyday, is located at 318 Hay St. The piece is part of ArtScape 8. Photo courtesy of Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County)