Story by Leslie Huffman. Photo by Georges Le Chevallier of Thomas Sayre’s sculpture at the NC Museum of Art.
Cary, NC – A one-of-a-kind benefit for The Lucy Daniels Center is taking place at The Umstead Hotel and Spa on Friday, September 23, at 6:30 p.m. Expressions. A Celebration of Food and Art., brings together fine cuisine and fine art. Read more
Story and photos by Hal Goodtree.
Cary, NC – On Friday morning, the manager of the Fidelity bank in downtown Cary called Clare Sifford, Director of Cary Visual Art. Someone had tipped over the sculpture on loan at the corner of Chatham and Academy. This is the second piece of sculpture vandalized in the last month.
Getawaycar, the sculpture by Adam Wall was awarded Best in Show this year in Cary. “Last night,” Clare told CaryCitizen, “someone (probably more than one person, as this piece is VERY heavy) pushed it over.”
Damage was evident along the top of the sculpture. A paint smear on the sidewalk showed where the artwork had crashed to the ground.
“I could see that the paint was chipped and the steel was bent,” Clare said. “Fortunately, Adam is semi-local, as he lives in Laurinburg, NC, and will be able to come repair the piece at some point in the near future. This sculpture is valued at $5,000.”
This is the second piece of public art vandalized in downtown Cary in less than a month. “The first one was Collective Conductivity by artist Julia Rogers,” Sifford told this publication.
“It happened on Wednesday evening, 8/24/11. The glass heads of the sculptures were pried loose and dangling by the LED light wires, the glass lotus in the seated figure’s hand was broken, and her large glass hand was pried loose and stolen.”
“The glass hand is not cast,” Sifford said, “it is hand-formed. Each piece is individually made to properly fit the other components in the piece. This sculpture is valued at $15,000.”
Collective Conductivity photograph by Clare Sifford.
In most cases, the artists themselves must pay for the damage in repair or restoration.
Cary Visual Art carries liability coverage for the exhibition, but artists are advised to self-insure their work. Few do.
So, in the case of vandalism, the artists are the victim.
Vandalism has a chilling effect in the arts. “I am so disheartened that it seems like vandals have specifically targeted our exhibition. This is heartbreaking to me, and I am afraid that continued vandalism will discourage artists from participating with CVA, therefore hurting our exhibition further.”
So, in the case of public art, the community is the victim as well.
Naturally, community members downtown and across town are outraged. Police Captain Don Hamilton wrote to Clare Sifford, “I hate that this is piece number 2 to be damaged and I agree that continued problems could jeopardize future artists wanting to participate.”
Cary Police run nightly patrols downtown. One expects they will step up their presence in light of this new challenge.
One might also expect video surveillance to be considered as a way to safeguard valuable artwork on loan to the community.
As our downtown redevelops, now is the time to make sure we have a safety regime commensurate with our community investment and needs.
Julya Mirro and Allan Maule when their characters first meet in Fat Pig
Story and photos by Lindsey Chester
Cary, NC- CaryCitizen has been following the theater group Free Association Theater Ensemble (F.A.T.E.) for the past year. The group is always pushing the envelope, and Fat Pig, their latest production, is no exception. Read more
Story by Matt Young. Photo of Algonquin writers group from Wikimedia. L–>R Art Samuels, Charlie MacArthur, Harpo Marx, Dorothy Parker and Alexander Woollcott.
Cary, NC – I’ve reviewed a lot of books written by local authors for CaryCitizen, and I’ve received many article submissions from Cary residents. It is very clear there is literary talent around these parts. Read more
Story by Lindsey Chester. Photo by Chris Adamczyk.
Cary, NC- Cary Players holds their own version of the Oscars known as the Pietzsch Awards. Nominees for this year were recently announced, causing a media frenzy. Maybe you know someone on the list. Read more
Story by Hal Goodtree.
Cary, NC – Call me a dinosaur, but I still love listening to music on the radio in the car. Last Motel is a new local show that satisfies with an eclectic focus on music from or inspired by the South. Read more
Heather Iler, gives students and parents a tour of the new Cary Ballet Annex
Cary, NC – Cary Ballet Conservatory, located at 3792 Cary Parkway, is opening a new dance annex right next door. They purchased a former church building and the renovation of the building began over the summer. Plans are on schedule for the annex to be ready for Fall classes. Read more
Story by Lindsey Chester. Photo by Hal Goodtree.
Cary, NC – Drum Roll, please – the new Cary Arts center marks its official opening and dedication this weekend on Saturday, August 13, 2011. An entire day of activities is planned on Saturday including a cornerstone ceremony and lots of music in the new theater. Read more
Story from staff reports. Photo by Hal Goodtree.
Cary, NC – The Fine Arts League of Cary (FALC) is seeking entries for its 2011 Juried Painting and Sculpture Exhibitions. Show awards total over $4000. Read more