Why do you have to travel for art and craft festivals? Why can’t we have Art in Rockingham County?

The Answers

The answers are complicated and simple all at the same time. Sounds like a crazy mix to me!

Rockingham County has crafters, artists, musicians, dancers and other creative talents. Rockingham County has Makers Markets, Festivals, special events and more. The trick is to populate these events with artists, performers, vendors and have them attended by the community and tourists.

How do we do that? (Back to questions again!)

Probably increasing awareness of the events (advertising) and presenting things that folks want to see, hear and experience. Probably reminding the community that if you want to have local events you need to patronize them. Probably reminding artists that we are working to build up events and there will be some sales, some stipends and even more social capital built as folks come out.

Why is this coming up now?

Well, thanks for asking! We have a LOT of events coming up. Western Rockingham is advertising Markets for crafters and local produce. We need to support these events and the community that is putting them on! MayFest in Wentworth is a project that the Arts Council started from conversations with artists that wanted to set up. (The funds all go to advertising the event- it is commerce for artists.) Charlie Poole Festival is open for crafters and vendors to set up during this well-attended music event. Two Rivers Craft Fair is coming up  inEden for local crafters, too.  The Pottery Festival in Eden is in June, attracting a greater scoop of local exhibitors. The Fine Arts Festival just wrapped up their event and have some community events coming up.

There are many more events coming up, too! For these events to be prosperous we need artists to participate, we need community members to attend, we need parents and grandparents to bring their kids out in the community, meet people in “real time”  and learn how to be good neighborhood supporters.

What is the point of all this?

To keep our community close, supportive and friendly. And find out what everyone is up to! We meet new people, we learn new things and ways to celebrate where we are. I admit, the world news has me a bit shaken. This spring is so very beautiful. The projects I see folks working on as I read posts, folks bring work by the art market and the stories of what they have going on in their lives sends a twinge of what we have to share in a wave.

And the answer is: Support your community, support local art- visual, performing literary with young, old and everyone in-between! Setting up events takes a lot of work for the organizers, crafters, performers, artists, authors, dancers and vendors. Be sure to choose several of our upcoming events and head out for a good time with neighbors, artists, kids and our wonderful Rockingham County Community!!!

A whole lot of great stuff.

I want you to  know, really, I do! Even more, I want you to be a part of the whole thing! All of the things!

I’ve been chatting with as many folks as I can find that are interested, will listen and can help to make differences in arts and culture in Rockingham County. This is personal. This is where I live. This is where a lot of my family lives and have for a very very very long time! I’ve been working to make a contribution to our community. We have some of the most friendly, talented, nature-loving folks that can be found anywhere!

So here are some things I’ve done and if these things make it to the next level I will really need all y’all’s help!

I’ve been working on projects. I’ve been collecting letters of support for those interested (I need your help here!!!)

I’ve been writing grants to fund these projects. (Many of these grants need matching funds. Sometimes we need other foundations to match, sometimes we need businesses to invest in the community. Tag this as another place I need your help)

I have been going to so many meetings that I am almost too excited about the ways we can all work together to have fun, arts, culture, educational opportunities, environmental celebrations..all of it! I want to try and do my part- I was raised to get involved! If you knew my Grandmother in Draper, you’d know why and since I was born on her birthday, must be my destiny!!!

So, if these projects-

one for a county-wide community based mural, one for environmental photography with our older youth,

one for art in unexpected places (designed to bring folks out- local and tourists, be placed in special areas collaboratively with businesses and government),

visiting artists in schools (again, really need to meet more teachers who are interested; the projects need to be supportive and not extra work for the teachers!),

a special literature project (working on that one in March- jump in anytime!!!

and the county songwriter CD project. (I think we have that in place but there is always room for more!!)

Our other events need more support. We need a fundraiser so we can have more staff to commit to projects. Volunteers are wonderful and its important to recognize we all need basic pay. There is a balance that we can find.

It is apparent that we need more staff than just me flying solo at the Arts Council. Working together we can have more projects that are placed better with people that really want them. Contact me anytime you have an idea, thoughts and contributions.. stop in on Thursdays and Fridays at the art market.

This post is filled with “I”s. I’m looking forward to a wonderful 2015. Please join us in the Arts! Aye Aye! (pun!)

I am sure we have all been affected by the economic conditions over the past few years. Many of us have lost employment, changed our buying patterns, tightened up on some of our recreational activities and other ways we can stretch our funds. The amount of dollars we have to contribute to our charities, non -profits and other organizations that are designed to help where other funds- social services, governmental programs, etc, have been smaller.

This is where our neighborhood begins to shine.

We have so many folks that volunteer to try and make up differences. Not all communities are so fortunate and we have so many individuals, guilds, groups, organizations  and more that are working to develop the positive potential that is part of our community.

The arts are important in many ways…stay with me, please! To quote Dorothy Day,

I have the opportunity to attend many meetings in our county and outside of our area. I have the “elevator hello” where you quickly say a tight and concise statement of who you are, what you do and what your strengths are. This task has become much easier as I meet more artists, performers, authors and arts supporters in Rockingham County. An Arts Council is designed to support these dedicated volunteers, sponsors and educators.

Our Arts Council continues to be the umbrella organization that:

Supports established arts organizations. We are always more-than-pleased to hear of individual support for our local arts organizations. Whether you are attending a performance, submitting artwork, placing your crafts in a local shop you are supporting the local creative economy. You are directly helping the RC Arts Council meet our mission! And thank you for being the person that makes a difference.

The Rockingham County Arts Council solicits support from individuals, companies, foundations and more that allow us to support our local organizations. It is our  mission and our vision to collaborate and help to find financial support- something that is very time consuming for volunteer organizations. When you donate to the Arts Council you are also supporting our visual arts organizations, festivals, theatrical productions, artists-in-education, community events and much more. In 20142015 our funds support the Fine Art Festival, Theatre Guild of Rockingham County, Rockingham County Reading Association, Stoneville Elementary School, Charlie Poole Festival and more. Consider helping us continue this support through your donations to the Arts Council.

Creates a network that enables artists and arts organizations to connect. Each time we meet artists, organizations that have upcoming projects, foundations that have money to invest in a project— we consult our database. We are constantly working to  connect the best venture with the most successful group and the best venue for Rockingham County. Each year we assess what our accomplishments are, pick  over areas that need improvement and decide how we will make changes, what we will add, what has run its course.

As you review how the arts have affected your life, please consider how we can build on those experiences and build them into even better experiences. Please keep the Arts Council in the position to su   pport our arts organizations. Working together we can accomplish much more.

Here is a link to donate online. If you have any questions, comments, ideas, plans and suggestions please ALWAYS contact me! It is my chosen job to be part of the Rockingham County Arts Council as Director. stop by the Dan River Art Market & Gallery.

The 2014 Artist Studio Tour plans have been underway for months. It is wonderful when things happen wonderfully and serindipidously, but we have hearsed and rehearsed the parts and we know every part by heart!!!

1. The Studio Tour is a great way to spend a day with a friend at a fun social event. The Studio Tour brings out folks that are on a quest for a good time! Because the days are planned for fun, friends and feature artists from all over Rockingham and surrounding counties, it is a great way to support local artists and meet new folks

2. Get your Shopping ON!!! So many holidays are queueing .. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, New Years, my birthday (aka Elvismas) and all are so important! Enjoy finding a unique gift that NO one else can get because handmade is a one-of-a-kind piece of work!

3. Have you been all over Rockingham County? It is BEAUTIFUL! There are five rivers,  major cities, historic districts, rolling hills with farms, horses and so many vintage homes to view! The Studio Tour takes you from Eden to Reidsville, Wentworth to Stoneville, Madison to Mayodan and more! Explore Rockingham County!

4. Support local business. There are so many reasons to buy a custom gift from a local artisan, a CD from our resident musicians, a book from our home team writers. Lets start off the list by recognizing that our creative economy brings entertainment, culture and perspective to daily life with color, music and words!

5. Local businesses have invested in the production of the Studio Tour! The map/brochure/directory of artists and businesses that support our arts community is a keepsake item that was put together for everyone to use as a year-round resource. The economic and social development of Rockingham supports us all.

6. Be seen on the tour! We are always thrilled to meet new folks and catch up with our favorites! Some of us get so busy throughout the year the moments we have for a fun event are precious. In the season of giving, don’t forget to give yourself the gift of friendship and the opportunity to be part of the creative economy by putting your business on the Studio Tour map!

7. Folks who are out on the tour have all the right reasons for trekking the Tour. Meeting artists in their own habitat, learning more about craft, music and literature, stopping off for refreshment at local restaurants and shops are all great ways to be on the radar for small businesses and local artisans.

8. We spend a lot of time and funds to advertise the Studio Tour. Be sure you let us know where you see our advertisements so we can be as effective as possible. And, be part of our advertising! Businesses that are seen on the Tour advertisements are recognized by a dedicated demographic that believes in support of local businesses and community.

Be sure to mark your calendars for October 31, 1-4, November 1, 10-4 and November 2 from 1-4. Watch for the Reception announcement coming soon!

If you would like to participate please contact us at !

My friend Carl and I talk  about a lot of things and lately more of the conversations are more focused on events that happen close by. Carl is very active in environmental issues and he has been for the 10+ years I’ve known him. He is also an award-winning photographer and lately his exhibits are getting a lot of exposure. We had a lot of chats over beers about Henry David Thoreau and the ideas of how rewarding viewpoints can be found in everyday life, daily tasks and a “slow movement“. One of Carl’s books is based on the idea of life in 175 Paces and there have been many who have taken on the idea of sustainable foods within 100 miles.

1. Support of Local Art Supports the Creative Economy

With the connectivity of the world artists have resources to inspire artwork, craft, music, theatre and literature to share. Dance, too! Most of the time, what you are looking for will find you within a shorter distance. Plus, the support of our local artists brings tourists to Rockingham County for entertainment, shopping, enjoying our lovely landscape and meeting friendly people.

2. Support of Local Art Saves Energy

Artists don’t have the travel expenses involved with taking their shows on the road and you don’t have to fill up and hit the interstate!

3. Support of Local Art Shows Youth the Importance of Community.

Residencies and visiting artists bridge the community and business world with the classroom. Expanding the student experience into the neighborhood helps youth grow into responsible adults, ready and well-equipped to take on their life as contributing members of our society.

This year has a giant menu of creative offerings in Rockingham County! Pottery Festivals, outdoor movies, Live Music!, Studio Tour and so much more! Please share what events you’ve been to and what you did! Your Facebook posts are invited to our Facebook page so we can all find out what great artistic adventures await!

holding things in your hands and creating are some of the most important things you will do for yourself. As an art instructor, I hear so many adults tell me first off.. “”I cannot draw a straight line!”” and I am usually thrilled because rarely are we studying architecture and drawing it. Sometimes we draw buildings cause I do love old buildings (ask me about my trip to St. Paul!!) but usually, curved, sketchy, textured lines are what works best.

There is a lot to find on the Internet, tho. There are YouTube tutorials on almost every technique for drawing with a variety of media, playing so many instruments in a variety of styles, dance steps (I am still working on those!!!), writing and more. You can subscribe to YouTube Channels (the ArtsInRockingham channel has links to our events and some other fun ones we’ve found! And we are adding more as we find them. You can follow us there or on Google+)

Below are some fun links I’ve tripped over lately. My kids can attest I am not the best at video games but sometimes it is fun to play through. I’ve included some online links to read, some with games, some that are links to other links.. things I like. Please share your favorite links and please share your projects here in comments and on our Facebook page, in our shared gallery, and email images to us at . We love to see and share what our creative community has been working on!

If you liked commander Keene and 8- bit theatre stuff… these old school games are fun! Catching notes, recognizing instruments and slimy green goo. http://www.musick8kids.com/html/funstuff.php#.UvzjiCjdMUU

links for visual art-related, sorted by age and different topics http://www.rcs.k12.va.us/art/links2.htm

Art Detective game, tweak Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe and a few others http://www.incredibleart.org/links/artgames.html

And we all know, knowledge is power. And Art and Science are best friends—because! How can you use your instrument/art supplies without knowing how they work!!!!! Here are some fun apps reviewed by one of my favorites, Mashable.http://mashable.com/2013/11/30/science-apps-kids/

Adding to this conversation, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math all need the Arts to steam them up!  The big loud buzz that a lot of us have known all along is the STEM (acronym for the above) concept. However, the Arts give a solid way to utilize these concepts with design, purpose and representation.

For the younger students of the world, our furry and colorful pals at Sesame Street have some online options!http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/topicsandactivities/toolkits/stem#03a1521f-66a6-4db8-aab8-2e3691e448df

As a kid I read everything available and my dad was an avid reader. The story goes, when found out I would be arriving he bought several sets of encyclopedias (books. Lots and lots of books with history, science, literature… I was reading early!!!) and I have always loved history. And the ideas of time and the concepts that so many things can happen in one space. This article and the links with maps really has attracted my attention. Maybe you’ll like it too! http://mashable.com/2013/07/01/interactive-gettysburg-map/

This virtual tour of Versailles will only work if your computer is running Google Chrome but it is a pretty innovative tour! http://www.chaostoperfection.com/alternate.html?case=3

Interested in Egyptian history and architecture? This 3-D tour has a free app to let you experience the Pyramids of Gisa and includes places you would not be able to visit in the real world.  Looks like the company that built this project is working on Paris next!http://mashable.com/2012/05/08/giza-3d/

Fun ways to learn how to write code and blocks of code with pigs and birds! http://code.org/learn

young creative writers interested in fun ways to publish, try http://scratch.mit.edu/

Hope you have fun with these on such cold wet days…but remember to step away from the monitor and be creative offline too! Stay warm and have fun on these special wintry days!