Up & Coming Weekly

April 26, 2022

Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.

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WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM 20 UCW APRIL 27 - MAY 03, 2022 Cape Fear Studios opened its seventh annual Alpha Romeo Tango art show with a reception and awards ceremony on April 21. e exhibition features work from active and retired military and their families. e ex- hibit will run through May 24. e exhibition opened with a People's Choice Award, with the first, second and third places chosen by gallery visitors. State Rep. John Szoka, a graduate of West Point and an Army veteran, announced the winners. "As a supporter of the arts, I'm delighted to have been asked to be the speaker at this special exhibit," said Szoka. "Art can be an important activity for the individuals and the families of those who have served in the armed forces, as it promotes camaraderie and encourages healing throughout the community." e first-place winner was San- dra Ross for her oil painting "Foxy." Second place was awarded to Lani Dickey for her painting "Grace Marsh." ird place was given to An- nette Szczektek for her piece "Chi- nese Lantern." Alpha Romeo Tango represents the letters in the word "art" in the mili- tary phonetic alphabet, a system of words used in place of letters when communicating via radio. "Seven years ago, I was a new member at the Cape Fear Studios, and they wanted to do something to highlight and showcase the artwork of local military-affiliated artists," said Steve Opet, Cape Fear Studios board president. "e artwork itself does not have to be military-themed," he said. "e show is open to active duty, army re- serve, National Guard, retirees, veter- ans, their spouses and all branches." Opet joined the military after go- ing to art school, so he has always considered himself an artist. Many of the people who enter the show have had an interest in art, but he discov- ered that some use their creativity as a form of therapy to help with issues like post-traumatic stress disorder. Several years ago, Opet saw an en- try that stuck with him. e entry was from an Army Special Forces veteran who struggled with alcoholism due to PTSD. "His piece (was) a 3-D piece: a whiskey bottle being shattered by a rifle bullet," he said. "It represented his battle with alcoholism because of PTSD. He credited most of his recovery from discovering his artistic ability and being an artist." Cape Fear Studios is a non-profit arts organization in downtown Fayetteville. ey have a main gal- lery and retail space with paintings, photography, sculptures, pottery, woodwork and more. ey also offer classes to adults and children in the community. "As our statement says, we're into bringing the arts and the art experi- ence to our local community. We encourage people to come down and visit," said Opet. "Some people (are) intimidated about an art gallery. You don't have to buy (anything); we just are happy that people come in and look at all the art." e Alpha Romeo Tango exhibi- tion will be open for public viewing through May 24. e gallery, which is located at 148 Maxwell St., is open Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit www.capefearstudios.com for more information. CINDY WHITT, Staff Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcom- ingweekly.com. 910-484-6200. EVENT Alpha Romeo Tango military art show winners announced by CINDY WHITT Above: First-place winner Sandra Ross poses with "Foxy." Below: Lani Dickey accepts her second-place prize from Rep. John Szoka. Annette Szczektek (not pictured) won third place. (Photos courtesy Cape Fear Studios) ON STAGE MAY 5 - 29 BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW! CFRT.ORG or 910.323.4233 Join us for this landmark musical about a remarkable woman named Celie. All she knows is heartbreak and dispare, until her friend Shug helps her realize her own self-worth. Celie uses her flair for fashion to build a better future. With a joyous score featuring jazz, gospel, blues, and African music, THE COLOR PURPLE is a story of resilience and a testament to the healing power of love. Based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel! FREE HEALTH CARE • for Eligible uninsured Adults call 910.485.0555

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