1 STEAMED BLUE TO RED-HOT LIVELY! Touring Pocosin’s Art studio, in anticipation of the long awaited annual end of summer Pocosin Arts Auction and Crab Dinner in downtown Columbia, one realized not only just how enormous the level of talent presented here actually is, but also how deep we were wading in North Carolina’s and especially Tyrrell County’s own art history. This is partly because the show rooms are large, now teeming with helpers and volunteers, registering us right here, at 4:30 pm many people are just arriving. The process is flawless, as was the entire event. We can only imagine the amount of work, love and dedication that go into such a complex event. Some silently admire the paintings and sculptures and art- wear, others greet old friends and neighbors they haven’t seen in a while. This is by no means a super studio, nor was it meant to be, its preciously cozy, but allowing the art to work the room and pull ones attention. Feather Philips, the soul and heart of Pocosin Arts, gracious, polite and soft-spoken, was all over the place welcoming, answering questions of her staff and volunteers and keeping her and their calm. It’s her signature event. Photos: Neli Lemme “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Napoleon Bonaparte September 19, 2009
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STEAMED BLUE TO RED-HOT LIVELY! Touring Pocosin’s
Art studio, in anticipation of the long awaited annual end of summer Pocosin Arts Auction and Crab Dinner in downtown Columbia, one realized not only just how enormous the level of talent presented here actually is, but also how deep we were wading in North Carolina’s and especially Tyrrell County’s own art history.
This is partly because the show rooms
are large, now teeming with helpers and volunteers, registering us right here, at 4:30 pm many people are just arriving. The process is flawless, as was the entire event. We can only imagine the amount of work, love and dedication that go into such a complex event.
Some silently admire the paintings and sculptures and art-wear, others greet old friends and neighbors they haven’t seen in a
while. This is by no means a super studio, nor was it meant to be, its preciously cozy, but allowing the art to work the room and pull ones attention.
Feather Philips, the soul and heart of Pocosin Arts, gracious, polite and soft-spoken, was all over the place welcoming, answering questions of her staff and volunteers and keeping her and their calm. It’s her signature event.
Photos: Neli Lemme
“A picture is worth a thousand words.” Napoleon Bonaparte
We hop across the street and enter the huge tent, and walk straight to an outer corner where all the Pocosin art mugs are waiting to be purchased. One buys one for $20 and has it filled three times with the drink of ones choice, the most creative and prettiest mugs go first. I had my eye on a fine mug displaying a three-dimensional crab; unfortunately someone else was already looking at it.
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We walked over to the long rows of tables, a revelation of art, some shipped directly to the auction, and now the very same day on display, ready to take our bids. It is tough to put into words the magic of the Pocosin art show and how it took over the crowd, making us forget the battling economy.
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These trays of blue crabs, Tyrrell born and bred, and served in true Pocosin fashion, steamed blue to red-hot lively, were ever comin’ and oh’so hearty.
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Sue Spivey, Economic Development Coordinator of Columbia and Executive Director, of the Greater Tyrrell County Chamber of Commerce, who attended the event with her husband, said “The event was larger than last year in number and space.” And about the food: “The steamed crabs were delicious as was the catered BBQ and chicken from Cap'n Bob's. It was a great night.”
On the stage
Celia A. Hewett-HookPresident
Photo on the left, holding the microphone
Feather PhillipsExecutive DirectorPhoto on the left
This one would have made a great match for this crabber; -
still, I can’t get over the intricate detail. Next year, I’ll be first. We walked over to the long rows of tables, a
revelation of art, some shipped directly to the auction, and now the very same day on display, ready to take our bids. It is tough to put into words the magic of the Pocosin art show and how it took over the crowd, making us forget the battling economy.
What can one say about “Cuisine ‘n Company”? It was a fun evening. I don’t think I have ever eaten more crabs in one meal. These trays of blue crabs, Tyrrell born and bred, and served in true Pocosin fashion,
steamed blue to red-hot lively, were ever comin’ and oh’so hearty. I personally didn’t make it even to the buffet line, but my wife loved the delicious BBQ chicken and trimmings and desserts. The tent was brimming and the music very good. Sue Spivey, Economic Development Coordinator of Columbia and Executive Director, of the Greater Tyrrell County Chamber of Commerce, who attended the event with her husband, said “The event was larger than last year in number and space.” And about the food: “The steamed crabs were delicious as was the catered BBQ and chicken from Cap'n Bob's. It was a great night.”
Tyrrell born and bredand served in true Pocosin fashionsteamed blue to red-hot lively,
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WE LOVE “The Red Dress” by artist Nan Hollie of Columbia. NC
INSPIRING Edge Barnes of Raleigh, a full time potter and clay artist creates functional stoneware and decorative wood-fired pieces. His latest pursuit is the development of crystalline glazes on porcelain orbs and vessels.
www.edgebarnes.com
“Please join us for our annual benefit auction, Saturday, September 19, 2009” it said the invitation and we sure are glad we did.
4:30 pm: Registration - In the StudioExhibit of Live Auction Items - In the Gallery, Bar, Music, & Silent Auction Items - Under the Tent6:00 pm: Hard Crab Dinner & Buffet 7:30 pm: Live Auction8:30 pm: Dessert & Dancing 'til 10 pm with Blackwater
Dinner and bus seating are by reservation only due to limited seating.
Reservations: $45 per person*Chartered Bus Servicefrom the Outer Banks: $20* limited seating Visa and Master Card accepted
Refund Policy
*Tickets are non-refundable. Cancelled reservations are considered tax-deductible contributions to our education program's scholarship fund.
Bus Locations:
3:00pm - East Carolina Bank, Southern Shores, The Marketplace
3:30pm - East Carolina Bank, Nag's Head, US Highway 158 Bypass
4:00pm - East Carolina Bank, Manteo, US Highway 64 Business
Please join us for our annual benefit auctionit said on the invitation and we sure are glad we didHow it worked
009 Thanks to all of you who helped Pocosin Arts' annual fundraising auction be a
continued (lively!) success. And now we may carry on...
Marlene True is onsite at Pocosin Arts as the fall Resident Artist. It is time to register for her workshop. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from Marlene in the Pocosin Arts Studio:
Tin Nichos, A Metals/Jewelry Workshop w / Marlene TrueSaturday & Sunday, October 3rd & 4th, 2009 9:00am - 4:00pm
Throughout the world shrines are made to hold sacred images and objects. In Latin America nichos are a special type of shrine, often made using recycled tin, to exhibit a diverse range of objects and images including popular cultural icons. We will alter and use tin containers as a foundation from which to create our own unique nichos,
along with removable, wearable, jewelry or objects. We will focus on fabrication and soldering techniques for tin and iron wire, hydraulic die forming, and surface alterations
including image transfer. Whether your nicho serves to enlighten, satirize or amuse it is sure to produce good karma.
Tuition: $140 (Scholarships are available for those in financial need - application forms are available on the studio page of our website under the workshop description - please apply by Wednesday, September 30th.)
For details, such as what to bring, and to see some images of Marlene's nichos, visit: www.pocosinarts.org/studio.html
For more information and/or to register, call Pocosin Arts at 252-796-2787
Eastern North Carolina's Premier Hand-Craft Education Center
Pocosin Arts
In the riverside hamlet of Columbia on the Scuppernong, there is a renaissance of art and culture shaping up on Main Street. One block from the Town Dock, aromas of jasmine and rosemary mingle together in Shoe String Alley, the brick-lined path to Pocosin Arts.
In the Main Street Gallery, fine art and folk craft are sold, the hand-made work of students, teachers and mentors. In the studio, exposed brick walls and high ceilings are the stage set for a hive of creativity. Wheels are turning — potters wheels and spinning wheels. Hands are muddied and moist with native Tyrrell County clay. Heads are bent over quilted squares, embellishing, in whispers, and hand-carved white cedar walking canes tap out the stories, today's and yesterday's, told by the people of the pocosin wetland region about the pocosin way of life.
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Pocosin Arts collects these folkways by connecting this indigenous culture to its natural environment through the interdisciplinary arts process, glorifying the rich cultural heritage found in eastern North Carolina.
VISIT POCOSIN ARTSon Main Street Columbia, NC, 27925or on the web at www.pocosinarts.org
