The fourth annual Holly Springs Arts Festival, taking place Feb. 1-6, is an opportunity to be inspired by the artistic talent surrounding you, and to take part in the festival’s multiple events.
“What is wonderful about a community arts festival is the opportunity to experience an expanded version of your family, friends and neighbors as you see the art that they present in a friendly, accessible event,” said Dona McNeill, a participating artist in the festival’s Display Artist Show.
“This kind of satisfying experience can lead to seeking additional arts experiences in the local community and beyond.”
Something for Everyone
The festival was started by Don Briscar, the cultural center manager, in 2012. He wanted to figure out a way to combine the arts council and the artistic atmosphere of the community.
This year themed “Imagination,” the festival encourages people from the community to tap into their inner artist.
“The theme gives an opportunity for the artists to take it where they need to go,” said Brenda Priest, president of the Holly Springs Arts Council and an artist herself. “They can interpret what imagination means to them.”
Artists are encouraged to perform and display their works in the Community Variety Shows.
“It is very fulfilling, as an artist, to watch that look of delight, intrigue and curiosity on the faces of people who are touched by my art,” McNeill said. “The experience is universal and deeply personal.”
Artists can also sell their works in the festival’s Arts and Crafts Vendor Show.
“We have a lot of artists right here in Holly Springs,” Priest said. “We don’t have to travel outside of Holly Springs to experience or view or participate in the arts. We can come to our very own cultural center to experience that.”
Interested in learning a new form of art? Try up to 10 available classes throughout the week such as photography and wool felting, available to any member of the community.
On Feb. 6 a Fundraising Gala benefitting the Arts Council will take place at 7 p.m., featuring a silent auction and a performance by the African-American Dance Ensemble. Tickets for the gala are on sale at etix.com.
“All the money we make through this festival is turned back into the community,” Priest said. The money raised in previous years has gone toward grants for art programs in schools.
“We have all of these different events that occur within this festival, and we tie them all together and give the residents, as well as the artists, the opportunity to experience a lot of different things,” she said. “This festival really pulls out the creative spirit of Holly Springs.”
Holly Springs Arts Festival
Feb. 1-6, at the Holly Springs Cultural Center
Classes offered 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily
Variety show: 4-5 at 7 p.m.
Holly Springs Readers Theater Production: Feb. 5 at 7 p.m.
Vendor show: Feb. 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fundraising Gala: Feb. 6, 7 to 10 p.m.
More info: hollyspringsartscouncil.org
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