To the Editor:
Once again, a loose collection of like-minded creative souls called the Chatham Artists Guild is flinging open their studio doors to the public, just as they have every December since the early ’90s. But opening their doors to whomever rolls up the driveway does not mean they are throwing caution to the wind; masks and social distancing are required for this year’s studio tour. And although some artists have opted for visitation by appointment only, certainly an understandable precaution, 42 artists are participating. I recommend this art crawl to everyone I know in Chatham County.
My wife and I go every year as a way to support local artist and craftsmen while Christmas shopping for family and friends. We always find something perfect, from her hand-woven baskets for the home and garden to my smiling ceramic Buddha who bears a remarkable resemblance to Elvis. The King looks peaceful and serene surrounded by our houseplants.
The studio tour is a great excuse for the two of us to get out of the house and take in locally wrought art; not to say these folks are all from down home, as we have heard accents ranging the Great White North of Canada to the backwoods of Yankee-land to the British Isles to somewhere in continental Europe. And make no mistake: these are artists who are passionate and serious about their work. Mark Hewitt’s pottery was featured in shows at the Nasher Museum on the campus of Duke University. Janet Resnik’s ceramics are on display in the lobby of the new UNC Family Medicine facility in Pittsboro. Minnie Gallman’s photographs are on display at UNC Hillel House. Eva Green is a fourth-generation basket weaver. You will find no dilettantes here.
Do yourself a favor: pick up a Chatham Artists Guild 2020 Directory. Inside is a list of the participating members along with the physical addresses of the studios and a map showing their locations around Chatham County. These people are worth the drive.
Dwayne Walls
Pittsboro