“An artist date is a block of time, perhaps two hours weekly, especially set aside and commitment to nurturing your creative consciousness, your inner artist. In its most primary form, the artist date is an excursion, a play date that you preplan and defend against all interlopers. You do not take anyone on this artist date but you and your inner artist, a.k.a. your creative child. That means no lovers, friends, spouses, children-no taggers-on of any stripe.” — Julie Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way”
Since learning of the concept of the “artist’s date,” I have made it a point to check out local art spaces in Orange County, and around the state. This year’s inaugural Uproar was the perfect event to have on the calendar. The public art festival featured 60 impactful works of art across Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough wrapping up with an awards party for winning artists at the Eno Arts Mill. Down below are a few of my reflections from my time in the community wandering the map for Uproar art. In sharing these moments, I hope to highlight the simplicity and healing found in making time for art.
Reflections from my UPROAR outings
My first Uproar outing was Saturday, July 22 in downtown Hillsborough. The “Irish Clover Leaf” by Beau Lyday sat granting good fortune by Weaver Street Market. I guessed it was made of iron or some sort of metal at first. Then I scanned the audio code and learned it was actually made of wood and recycled tin materials. Hearing the meaning and statements behind the piece as I walked was fun and really helpful. I enjoyed guessing to myself then discovering the story to a work. Across the road, at the River Park, I saw the towering six-piece sculpture “Passage” by Wayne Vaughn. I snapped a couple of photos and spent some time circling each part of the work; each arrangement reminded me of a gate or doorway. The peaceful scenery drew me in, so I continued along the greenway and turned onto E King Street to see “Weave Your Dreams” by Michelle Spaulding dancing in the wind. It was the perfect breeze to see each of the colorful dream catchers spin and sway. I spent an hour checking out a few more works before heading home. The first day of Uproar was an artful success.
My second day for Uproar was Tuesday, July 24. It was a sunny 78 degrees outside and the forehead sweat was real. Regardless, I was not disappointed by my trip across the tracks to Carrboro. Though I had the Uproar map pulled up on my phone, I mostly relied on my curiosity to discover the work. Wandering can be more fun than having a specific destination. As I stumbled upon different pieces, I noticed a conscious theme amongst diverse artists- our impact on the environment. Several works highlight the versatility of materials, connection to animal life, and the ingenuity of people. “Crispy” by Claire Kiester, a combo of printmaking and crochet along the greenway. Glimmering under the sun was Carlos Gonzalez “Mostly Melman,” a piece speaking to waste reduction and animals using various recycled materials. And closer downtown, “Oye Buey” by Nico Amortegui. The cut of the shapes and depictions on the face and side came together like a puzzle. The title translates to “Hey Ox” and the story of the piece relates to a Mexican pun as well as the significance of the ox to Asian and Latin American culture.
On Monday, July 31, I parked in front of the ArtsCenter to run errands and check out more of Uproar. Along the side of Cat’s Cradle, hung Leroi DeRubertis’ “Flo;” while striking up close, the wire design was almost invisible at different points. I gave myself a challenge in that moment and captured a few images at different angles. This was the type of assignment I did in undergrad in photojournalism. A few moments, sometimes a lot longer, to get a “perfect shot.” I took this energy with me to spend a few minutes with Aaron Early’s abstract piece “Ethmoid.” I was struck by the design and color. I photographed the work while listening to the audio file. Further downtown, I saw my favorite — “Tiny Art Gallery: Portals Exhibition” by Laurie Smithwick. This work is just as the name says ,”tiny,” but hard to miss placed in front of PEEL. While other pieces were visible as I drove up, the “Tiny Art Gallery” invited me to join the tiny figures on the sidewalk to view the tiny paintings. By now, the sun, humidity, and heat were getting to me, so I left my tiny faves to head back to the car. Driving down Rosemary, I turned and stopped by the Hargraves Community Center. Standing proudly by a tree was “Ambassador of the Eons Mammoth” by Nyssa Collins. While listening to the audio filed, I learned this bamboo and hemp creation is a call back to the incredible creatures that use to roam Eastern North Carolina. Yes, mammoths and mastodons may have roamed through the 919!
My connection to Uproar and arts in Orange County
I am excited to say I have met a few of the artists involved in Uproar, and had the pleasure of working with the team at the Orange County Arts Commission and Eno Arts Mill for a year and a half. At the Eno Arts Mill I collaborated in debuting the new community arts space at the historic Eno River Mill. I interviewed artists for our monthly openings, managed digital and web content and supported our workshops and events. While there, I glimpsed the work and process of artists in the studio; and connected with some of their stories. Listening to them talk about their work inspired me to keep writing, reading, and envisioning myself as an artist. Seeing and hearing people of diverse talents and media craft and create for a few hours a day was simply fun. It brought light to my anxious days, and validated my choices to write and create. My time there also gave me a greater appreciation for the arts of the south. Community art spaces have been a regular destination on my visits to local towns.
Uproar Takeaways
The practice of finding inspiration in the community seems so obvious, but with intention, it is a game changer. Uproar was an inspiration to allocate more free time for wander and discovery in my own familiar community. It was the perfect excuse to remember my “artist dates.” To be as thoughtful with myself, my art, and my time as I try to be with others.
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