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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FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 1, 2016 UCW 21 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Cape Fear Studios began in 1989 as a multi-purpose project to revitalize downtown, save the Eastern Turf storage building and to provide local artists with a permanent space to create. It was truly a community effort to renovate the space and create the modern day gallery. A team was formed between the city of Fayetteville, the Arts Council and the group of artists and craftsmen originally called the Farmers Market Artists, later renamed the Cape Fear Studios, to create what is now a staple in the Fayetteville art scene. Originally Cape Fear Studios was intended to be a space for art and for crafts, as opposed to having craft fairs. Barbara Olcott and Nancy Doty were co-chairs of the steering committee and integral to the founding of Cape Fear Studios. Both wanted to create an arts and crafts cooperative. However, as the studio has grown it has also changed. According to Ann Griffin the executive director, "Today in 2016, Cape Fear Studios has evolved into more of a fine arts gallery than crafts." Something that has never changed despite the decades is the studio's deep connection with the community. It is this connection that started the gallery and it continues to foster artistic growth in the community. "Cape Fear Studios tries to partner with as many community organizations as possible throughout the year," Griffin says. " Whether it is applying for grants from charities, foundations of funding agencies and we partner will local government like the Parks and Recreation department and the library system and the Transportation museum, really as many as we can during the year. We want to provide as many services as possible to people regardless of income. They also participate in community events like 4th Friday sand the Dogwood Festival." Another way that Cape Fear Studios connects to the community is on a more individual level. They bring art to individuals through classes and an outreach program where artists visit assisted living residences to share art and crafts with the residents. The classes are available year-round for everyone interested in learning how to create. "We offer classes throughout the year where you can learn to work with potters and 2-D mediums. We also have drawing classes in the evening. During the summer, we have a full calendar of summer camps for kids. Kids drawing classes are also offered throughout the year," Griffin says. Cape Fear Studios is a haven for art both for patrons and for artists. It is a space that facilitates creation. For the artists, there is studio, retail and kiln space available. For patrons, there is a gallery that has both exhibits that rotate monthly and also pieces for sale created by member artists. Member artists often also give demonstrations during special events. But even without a special event, it is a space that facilitates the growth of art and creativity in the community. Cape Fear Studios is located at 148 Maxwell St. For more information call 910.433.2986 or visit www.capefearstudios.com. Cape Fear Studios: A Haven for Artists and Art Lovers Alike by ERINN CRIDER ERINN CRIDER, Staff Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomin- gweekly.com. 910.484.6200. Located at 148 Maxwell St., Cape Fear Studios offers classes, gallery space, studios and more. Your Community Handbook News, Views, Arts and Entertainment. Fayetteville's Community Newspaper providing useful information for you every week. www.upandcomingweekly.com 910.484.6200 Update Inside UPDATE INSIDE CUMBERLAND MATTERS Bring Your Love Downtown The Night They Invented Champagne Entertains FEBRUARY 9-15, 2011 FEBRUARY 9-15, 2011 VOLUME 16 ISSUE 06 VOLUME 16 ISSUE 06 Focus On Fayetteville INSIDE I Love Downtown Fayetteville Quacks Up Duck Derby Slated