The ArtsCenter

08/16/2024

ICYMI: Our Executive Director, Wendy Smith, spoke with Aaron Keck yesterday on 97.9 The Hill's On Air Today. Many thanks to Chapelboro and Aaron for having us on to talk about our 50th Anniversary and ArtsCenter Day!

Aaron chats with Wendy Smith of the ArtsCenter, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a special ceremony on Thursday.

08/16/2024

Thank you so much, Town of Carrboro, NC, Mayor Foushee, Town Manager Patrice Toney, and NC Rep. Renée Price for helping make yesterday so special! We are so grateful for all the ways you support the arts!

08/15/2024

Our Executive Director, Wendy Smith, and our founder, Jacques Menache, recently spoke with The News & Observer reflecting on our 50th Anniversary!

08/15/2024

Today's the day! We hope to see you in just a few hours to celebrate our past 50 years and toast with us to the next 50 years at our unveiling event from 5pm-6pm where Mayor Foushee will officially proclaim August 15, 2024 ArtCenter Day and welcome home our iconic angel, “Creative Spirit.”

08/13/2024

Are you ready for The ArtsCenter Day?

Mayor Barbara Foushee has proclaimed this Thursday, August 15th, as The ArtsCenter Day in Carrboro, and we couldn't be more excited! We hope you'll join us in celebration of our past 50 years and toast with us to the next 50 years at our unveiling event from 5pm-6pm where Mayor Foushee will officially proclaim August 15, 2024 ArtCenter Day and welcome home our iconic angel, “Creative Spirit.”

CARRBORO, N.C. – Mayor Barbara Foushee has proclaimed Thursday, Aug. 15, as The ArtsCenter Day in Carrboro.

The ArtsCenter, founded by Jacques Menache in August of 1974, has provided 50 years of service and support.

At 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, The ArtsCenter invites the public to toast the next 50 years as they welcome home the iconic angel that adorned the previous building. Mayor Foushee’s official proclamation will be read during their celebration of The ArtsCenter Day.

“After an extended spa retreat with local artist Mike Roig with guidance from the original artist Bob Gaston and our founder, Jacques Menache, our angel will return home and grace the rooftop of our new home,” Executive Director Wendy Smith said.

The proclamation states that through partnering with other local nonprofits, The ArtsCenter is committed to creating a more fair, equitable and transformative community hub, ensuring a sense of belonging in Carrboro and the greater Triangle community.

Its local stage welcomes performers of diverse backgrounds and mediums who cultivate cultural understanding and celebrate Carrboro’s creative community, including dancers, musicians, storytellers, puppeteers, comedians and actors.

The ArtsCenter provides over 75,000 arts experiences each year through its diverse range of educational programs, makerspaces and arts events that not only inspire artistic expression but also fuel community growth and cultural preservation.

Carrboro honors The ArtsCenter for 50 years of service to the people of Carrboro and recognizes their contributions to our community.

08/12/2024

We hope you'll save the date because we're bringing back Elf Market, our annual holiday marketplace featuring local artist vendors, at our location at 400 Roberson St. in downtown Carrboro!

More information, including details for the vendor application, are coming soon so stay tuned!

08/09/2024

ArtSchool Fall classes begin in just 1 month! 🍁
We just released our digital catalog so you can browse classes in a familiar booklet-style layout. To access, go to our website and click the ArtSchool tab. Browse on your computer or phone, or download and print! You can also stop in to see us and flip through a physical catalog.
Thanks for supporting us going greener and keeping our paper waste down! ♻️ 💚

08/09/2024

50 years of artistry; Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future, Shaping the Present is on view.

We are busy installing! But we’ve postponed the show opening until August 23rd! Please come see the exhibition from 6-8:30 on August 23rd we will have drinks, snacks and live music!

In the meantime, stay safe and hope you all weathered the storm!

08/08/2024

Hey everyone! Due to Hurricane Debby we are closing our building to the public beginning at 4pm today.
Our summer camps are operating normally, with aftercare until 5:30pm.
Ceramics open studio patrons should be advised: There will be no open studio hours tonight.
We anticipate a normal operating schedule tomorrow, but will keep y'all updated via social media and the homepage on our website: www.artscenterlive.org.
Thank you for helping us keep our community safe!

08/08/2024

Hey everyone! Due to Hurricane Debby we are closing our building to the public beginning at 4pm today.

Our summer camps are operating normally, with aftercare until 5:30pm.

Ceramics open studio patrons should be advised: There will be no open studio hours tonight.

We anticipate a normal operating schedule tomorrow, but will keep y'all updated via social media and the homepage on our website: www.artscenterlive.org.

Thank you for helping us keep our community safe!

08/05/2024

WE’VE POSTPONED THE OPENING DUE TO HURRICANE DEBBY! Join us for the opening reception of “50 Years of Artistry: Honoring the Past Embracing the Present, Shaping the Future” on August 23 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The ARTSCENTER in Carrboro. This once-in-a-lifetime event will be complete with live marionette performances in the theater, live piano and snacks and wine!

The exhibition “50 Years of Artistry: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Present, Shaping the Future” focuses on the following nine artists, past and present, who have significantly shaped the ARTSCENTER and its growing community: Luna Lee Ray, Jeghetto, Jacques Menache, Claire Kiester, Jane Filer, Stacy-Ann Searle, Jody Nash, Cliff Haac, Jason Abide, Jennifer Austin, Molly Cronenwett, and Barbara Tyroler. This group-style gallery will be featured in the Sweet Bay Gallery and the Theater Gallery along with a mural collection of the ARTSCENTER’s historical archives.

08/01/2024

It’s and we’re celebrating 50 years of art!

Here is an artscamp photo from years ago!

Any guess what year this photo was taken?

07/30/2024

We're in the final hours of our annual fundraiser to support our youth scholarship programs! Every donation directly contributes to scholarships, studio spaces, and supplies that empower young artists to pursue their passions.

🌟 To donate now go to: https://artscenterlive.org/🌟 Please share this post to help spread the word!

No gift is too small. Thank you so much for your support in helping us paint a brighter future for the next generations of artists! 🎨✨

07/29/2024

Upgrade your wardrobe with this fun one-day workshop on Saturday, August 10th! Come learn some basic clothing alterations techniques with sewist Rachel Moon () and go home with renewed love for that old T-shirt!
*Student rush pricing enables students with valid ID to register for 50% off if they register within 2 weeks of the class start date.

07/29/2024

07/24/2024

Happening this Friday at Vimala's Curryblossom Café , it's Elaka Treats Ice Cream Social! Eat some tasty treats, enjoy some live music, get some artisic Henna, win some exciting gifts, AND support The ArtsCenter. We hope to see you there! 🍨🎨✨

07/19/2024

Date: Saturday / July 27, 2024
Time: Noon – 3:30 pm
FREE TO PUBLIC
Location: ArtsCenter / 400 Roberson St / Carrboro NC

Join expedition photographer Sia Yazdanfar for afternoon tea & an artist talk within his dual exhibitions,
Restless Anahita & No Friends but the Mountains.
Uncover the profound beauty & cultural significance embedded in his images while indulging in a selection of Persian chai & herbal teas.

Limited archival prints, calligraphy books with original miniature paintings, & an omnium gatherum of teas will be available for patrons.

07/19/2024

Fall ArtSchool classes for teens and adults are now up on the website! You can browse now and register starting at 10am this coming Monday. Mark your calendar to ensure you get a spot in the classes you want.
Scholarships and student rush pricing are available. Visit artscenterlive.org for more details.
🎨 Slide 1: Atula Watson (silk painting); slide 8: Barbara Tyroler (photography).

07/10/2024

Join us 6-8:30 on Friday, July 12th, for an evening of art and culture as we participate in the 2nd Friday ArtWalk!

Join us to open these three fabulous shows, live music and a reception with treats donated by Pomegranate Kitchen, Durham!

“Restless Anahita” and “No Friends but the Mountains” by Sia Yazdanfar

The exhibition “Restless Anahita” is featured in the Sweet Bay Gallery and the exhibition “No Friends but the Mountains” is featured in the Theater Gallery of the ArtsCenter. These exhibitions seek to share with the viewer the many layers that comprise Iranian culture.

Iranian-American artist Sia Yazdanfar, the explorative photographer behind these dual exhibitions attempts to inform the audience of a sense of place in far-flung locations which they may otherwise not have the opportunity to experience. He uses the medium of photographic storytelling to tell the tales of traditional worlds in outlying villages and off the beaten path settlements. This exhibition was made possible by grant funds from the Orange County Arts Commission.

“People, Places, & Things by the Chapel Hill Camera Club”

This exhibit captures fleeting moments, turning ordinary people, places, and things into timeless visual stories.

07/08/2024

We still have spots in our Laser Engraving camp for 6th-9th graders next week, July 15-19! Register here: https://app.amilia.com/store/en/theartscenter/shop/activities/4994262

07/01/2024

Exciting news! We're thrilled to welcome Rebecca Newton as our new Interim Live Events Manager!

Rebecca brings a wealth of experience as a performer, producer, and arts administrator to her new role. With a career spanning over four decades in the music industry, Rebecca's journey is as diverse as it is impressive.

Rebecca's musical roots trace back to her childhood in Washington state, where she was captivated by show tunes and vaudeville acts. Her professional music career began in 1975 with the bluegrass country band "Mother Country" in North Carolina. She later founded "Rebecca & the Hi-Tones," a swing/early jazz/R&B band that became a North Carolina institution for over 30 years.

As a composer, Rebecca has written music for National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" and various theatrical productions. She has also performed as half of the country music duo 'Pinky Wyoming and Duke LaCrosse' since 1987.

Rebecca's experience extends beyond performance. She served as CEO of the Carolina Theatre in Durham for several years, demonstrating her leadership skills in arts administration.

Rebecca's passion for fostering creativity and cultural experiences aligns perfectly with her new role. To learn more about Rebecca's extensive career and ongoing projects, please visit her website: https://rebeccanewton.com/about/.

We're thrilled to welcome Rebecca to our team and look forward to the wealth of experience and creativity she brings to our live events.

06/27/2024

We're thrilled to be named the 2024 Non-Profit of the Year by The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro! As we celebrate our 50th anniversary and new home, this award recognizes our commitment to inclusive arts education and community outreach. Congratulations to all the other outstanding winners:

Businesswoman of the Year: Dr. Shaina Holman, Holman Family Dental Care
Black Business Alliance Businessperson of the Year: Ada Umenwaliri, Ẹkẹ́ Foods & UNC-Chapel Hill
Young Professional of the Year: Alex Nickodem, Terra Nova + Compass
Large Business of the Year: Carol Woods Retirement Community
Mid-Size Business of the Year: School of Rock Chapel Hill
Micro Enterprise Business of the Year: My Muses Card Shop
New Business of the Year: Kindred Heart Animal Hospital
Innovation Award: Endswell Aquamation
Community Impact Award: Piedmont Health Services
Special recognition to Dwight Bassett for the Lifetime Achievement in Economic Development Award.

Together, we're building a vibrant community in Chapel Hill-Carrboro!

06/24/2024

Elevate your collage game with Shady Kimzey's Intermediate Collage class!

Join us on Tuesdays from July 23 to August 6, 6:00-8:30 PM, at The ArtsCenter in Carrboro. Dive into the world of stamp-making, patterned paper painting, and the fascinating history of Dada and Surrealist collage. Perfect for ages 10+! Register now at artscenterlive.org

06/22/2024

Sugaree String Society Returns to The ArtsCenter!
Date: SATURDAY, JUL 6th, 2024
Time: 7:30 pm
Tickets: $20
Get ready for an unforgettable evening as Sugaree String Society weaves together the diverse threads of Appalachian music into a vibrant tapestry of sound.

Jodi Jones, from the foothills of Western Pennsylvania, paints a vivid picture of contemporary life in the historically underrepresented Alleghany coal country. With songs like "Rust Belt Refugee" and "Reynoldstown," she tells stories of hardship, love, and the search for a better future.

Brendan Macie, a once progressive banjo player turned Scruggs style traditionalist, brings a refined sense of taste, timing, and tone to the group. His dedication to the hospitality and spirit of mountain music shines through in every performance.

Special guest A.P. Rodgers, a folk singer-songwriter from Lancaster, SC, will take you on a foot-tapping journey through the American South with his repertoire of century-old mountain ballads and banjo showmanship.

🎟️ Get your tickets now at artscenterlive.org🎟️

06/21/2024

Each month, we shine the spotlight on one of our incredible team members. This month, we're thrilled to introduce you to Rachel Pottern Nunn, our Director of ArtSchool.

How long have you been with The ArtsCenter, and how long have you been involved with the local community?
I’ve been with the ArtsCenter since August 2023 (9 months). I grew up in Wake Forest, and then lived in Raleigh until 2020, so I’m definitely a Triangle gal. After living elsewhere for awhile I really wanted to plug back into and invest in my home community. The ArtsCenter has such a long history of serving artists in this area, and I was excited to be a part of that.

How long have you been involved with the Chapel Hill/Carrboro community?
My mom is a UNC grad, so we visited Chapel Hill/Carrboro a lot when I was growing up! My favorite spots were always the Planetarium, the Botanical Garden, and the magical Forest Theatre. It’s been so special to work in this community that was important to me as a kid.

What’s your favorite way to spend a Saturday here?
Maybe visiting an arts festival, being outdoors (hiking, running, etc.), or going to the library.

What is a dream project you’d like to undertake at The ArtsCenter?
I’d like to produce an original play written, designed, and performed by local artists in our performance space!

What are your future visions for The ArtsCenter?
I would love to see the ArtsCenter lean into our identity as a community hub and a place for collaboration. It’s unique and special to have one building where 7-10 different art forms are happening at any given time; it’s a unique opportunity for different mediums to learn from each other. I’d love to see digital artists troubleshooting with potters, or oil painters and dancers working together, for example.

What’s the most rewarding feedback you’ve received at work?
I like it when I hear that I’m a good listener. I’m in a position of support for the artists who make this program successful, so listening to what people need is a high priority for me.

06/20/2024

Visit The ArtsCenter's Galleries and discover why our exhibits leave such lasting impressions.

Our Gallery hours are:
Monday – Friday: 10am – 9pm
Saturday: 10am – 5pm

06/19/2024

The ArtsCenter needs your help to make this year's summer ArtsCamp a success! We're calling community members to donate the following items:

🥚 Egg cartons
🍱 Small clean containers with lids
📰 Newspapers
🛍️ Paper grocery bags
🥫 Empty tin cans

Please ensure all items are cleaned out of food and other residues. Your donations will help our young artists tinker, create, and express themselves throughout the summer!

Drop off your donations at our front desk during open hours.
Mon-Fri: 9am-9pm
Sat-Sun: 10am-5pm

Thank you for supporting the arts and our community!