Lakeland Cultural Arts Center is now in the final voting stage of The Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards, which is an exciting, multi-year matching grant opportunity bringing the joy of free, live music to small to mid-sized towns and cities. Littleton is one of only 36 communities selected for this opportunity and we’ll need the support of our entire community to receive this grant!

This funding will establish a free concert series in Lakeland’s new 1200 seat amphitheater space slated to open next year.

Support Lakeland Cultural Arts Center by voting at vote.levitt.org between Sept. 12 and 21!

Share

The post Vote for Lakeland Cultural Arts Center for the Levitt AMP Grant Award !!! appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

A partnership between Warren County Memorial Library, Warren County Schools, and the North Carolina Symphony will bring a morning of music and fun to Warren County students and families. Interested parties can stop by the library on Wednesday, August 10th at 10:00am.

This 30-minute program will feature NC Symphony bass trombonist Matthew Neff reading a book about music, talking about his instrument and how other instruments make their sounds – plus more surprises!

The North Carolina Symphony’s Music Discovery program, funded by PNC Grow Up Great and the Warren County Community Foundation, is geared for preschool and elementary-age children and their families.

Matthew Neff has been the bass trombonist with the North Carolina Symphony since January 2020. Prior to joining the Symphony, he was a member of the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C., performing bass trombone in the Commodores jazz ensemble, brass quintet, and ceremonial band. During his years in Washington, he had an extensive freelance career and performed with symphonies across the Mid-Atlantic States. An advocate for music education, Neff has conducted master classes and clinics throughout the country and served as Adjunct Professor of Trombone at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, all while maintaining an active private low brass studio in his home. Neff is enjoying his new home in Raleigh with his wife, Tricia, and two of their four daughters.

For more information about this event and upcoming programs at the Warren County Memorial Library, visit wcmlibrary.org for event details and additional services offered.

All library programs are open and free to the public.

Call the library for more information at 252-257-4990.

The Warren County Memorial Library is located at 119 S. Front Street, Warrenton NC 27589.

Share

The post Library and School System Team Up to Bring Bass Trombonist to Students, Families appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

A reenactment of the 1921 trial of the Norlina 16, and reflection on the 1921 lynchings of Plummer Bullock and Alfred Williams in Warren County, N.C.

WHEN: June 25, 2022, in the Superior Courtroom of the Warren County Courthouse, 109 South Main Street, Warrenton, N.C. at 11:00 A.M.

On a wintry night in January 1921, a group of Black men in the small railroad town of Norlina set out to confront a white mob. The mob was planning to “shoot up” the local Black neighborhood over an argument that happened earlier in the week about a 10¢ purchase of apples. The Black men knew that in arming themselves and defending their families, they were putting their lives at risk. Yet they marched into the night, and soon met the advancing mob.

The gunfight that ensued saved their neighborhood, but also led to the arrests of 18 Black men, two of whom were pulled from the jail less than 24 hours later and lynched. The remaining men spent four months in the state Penitentiary, forced to do ball-and-chain labor while awaiting their trial. “Seeking Justice” tells the story of these men’s return to Warren County to face a white judge and jury.

Taking place in the same courtroom in which the original trial occurred 101 years ago, the “Seeking Justice” reenactment chronicles the fate of these 16 men, who have come to be called the Norlina 16. At the same time, it recounts the story of the lynchings of Plummer Bullock and Alfred Williams, and tells the narrative of Mr. Bullock’s brother Matthew (who was also in that gunfight), who fled to Canada and successfully fought a federal attempt to extradite him back to N.C. Finally, it offers the first-person stories of some of the women whose husbands, sons, brothers, and lovers were ripped from their families by the lynch mob and the court.

Media coverage of the 1921 trial mistakenly placed the
defendants’ number at 17, a figure that indicated those
indicted but not actually tried; the 17th person, Matthew
Bullock, had by this time escaped to freedom in Canada.
(Photo courtesy of the News and Observer)

The players in “Seeking Justice” are all community members, most of whom first learned of this history during last year’s reenactment. The core script—which draws heavily on notes from the 1921 Superior Court proceedings—was written by local Black playwright Thomas Park. The first-person narratives—new to this year’s production—were created by five local women who worked with UNC playwright Jacqueline Lawton to imagine the emotional experiences of four female family members caught up in this violence. The fifth testimony takes the perspective of the Black jailer who was on duty when the jail was attacked; its writer was N.C.’s first Black woman jailer, who worked in that same Warrenton jailhouse many decades later.

Research by UNC’s Descendants Project provided a foundation for both the courtroom drama and the women’s testimonies.

“This production gives the audience an opportunity to experience the time in which these tragedies occurred,” notes Jereann King Johnson, founder of Warren County’s 1921 Project. “It also gives them insight into the impact that these lynchings and arrests had on these men’s families and communities, and forces them to recognize how those impacts continue to shape our lives today.”

“Hopefully,” adds Dr. Cosmos George, the president of the Warren County branch of the NAACP, “this presentation of ‘Seeking Justice II’ will start an honest conversation about racism and racial terror that leads to understanding, healing and reconciliation.”

“Seeking Justice II” is a collaborative project of The 1921 Project, the Warren County Branch of the NAACP, the Warren County African American Historical Collective, UNC’s Descendants Project, and UNC’s Humanities for the Public Good Initiative.

This event is free and open to the public.

Share

The post “Seeking Justice” Production Returns June 25 appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

A vibrant quilted work of royal blue, gold, and white fabrics with gold embroidered lettering on display catches one’s attention when walking into Friends Two, a crafts boutique in downtown Warrenton on a Wednesday afternoon.

It’s the Warren County Training School-North Warren High School (WCTS-NWHS) commemorative quilt.

Composed of 49 blocks, each detailing a notable fact about or a black and white photograph featuring the school, the quilt stands as an artistic narrative framing the institution’s 100 year history.

Martina Williams, who attended the school, eagerly shared further insight about each block and Warren County history to media and customers who visited the shop for a cool reprieve from the heat in the form of lemonade, but were immediately drawn to the woven artwork.

A historical tidbit that tickled Williams happened almost a century ago on May 30, 1922. Records show that the School Board signed a contract for construction of a 6-room wooden building with $8,500. Exactly one month later, the construction was completed. “That wouldn’t happen today,” Williams quipped.

Close-up of quilt (: Crystal Myrick/Warrenist)

HOW A QUILT IS MADE
The quilt was no solo effort. A project of this magnitude required the expertise and creative vision of the right talents.

The WCTS-NWHS alumni immediately went to work determining which historic milestone deserved its own space. The alumni association commissioned Jereann King Johnson of the Heritage Quilters for guidance and to design the layout. Once the blocks were complete, Johnson proceeded to machine piece them together.

Next, Sherry Newton of Sherry’s Sew What embroidered the school name and message along the top of the quilt, followed by Betty Rollinson and Deborah Robertson of Friends Two putting on the finishing touches by quilting the three layers together.

And the results, a stunning representation of the educational institution’s timeline.

(l-r) Jereann King Johnson, Deborah Robertson, Betty Rollinson, Martina Williams (: Crystal Myrick/Warrenist)

Williams expressed her gratitude for the women’s hard work and dedication to completing the quilt. She hopes that it can be displayed in various locations throughout the county such as the Warren County Community Center, the Warren County Schools Central Office, and the Warren County Memorial Library. Her latter choice came to fruition this past weekend when it was on display in the library lobby during a Liberating Futures program.

During Memorial Day weekend, the school alumni will gather for Friday and Saturday evening events to celebrate the centennial. Along with catching up and chatting about yesteryear, they now have a new conversation piece that can carry on the school’s rich legacy.

Take a look at the Warren County Training School-North Warren High School (WCTS-NWHS) commemorative quilt below:

Share

The post (VIDEO) Commemorative Quilt Highlights School’s Illustrious 100-Year History appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

For the second year in a row, Warren County poet and artist Michael Roy Layne, Ph.D. welcomed like-minded creatives for an intimate Vernal Equinox celebration in downtown Warrenton (March 19th).

Prior to the program, the Legacyworks Studio owner, with the assistance of another local artist, Providence Elyse, constructed his colorful signature landscape art. Guests arrived around 7pm, most with spring-inspired, prepared dishes in tow. They engaged in small talk, and shared their plans for the upcoming season such as gardening or working on artsy projects.

As the evening progressed, attendees were encouraged to create “Fairy Wands,” a make and take craft led by Tammy Tillotson.

Thomas Park, founder of the Warren Artist Market, and who Layne described as a “master poet,” returned as the event host. Along with introducing each poet, Park also shared a few of his own lyrical works. To set the mood, fellow WAM member, Sterling Cheston served as the DJ.

Not all who stepped to the mic that night had a poem to recite. For instance, Dr. Mark Wethington, with a guitar in his grasp, dedicated Hymn of Promise to the people of Ukraine.

The event concluded with Layne inviting the guests to stay a little longer, if possible, to sit by the fire and to help themselves to a campsite fave: roasted marshmallows.

THOUGHTS

The overall vibe was similar to prior poetry-driven events. Much like First Friday Poetry Night, these curated experiences are designated creative safe spaces. A place where a writer, poet, or artist is free to express one’s self in a judgement-free zone.

Whether someone was writing about the anticipation of blooms or comparing Mother Nature to the perils of motherhood, it was all good. No one was there to critique you.

The Vernal Equinox marks the arrival of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere, so this season, start something new. Explore your artistic side. Take up a new hobby.

Or roast marshmallows while waiting for Tinkerbell to show up in your garden.

Either way, it’s your season. Make the most of it.

Share

The post Local Poets Usher in the Vernal Equinox appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

In celebration of Black History Month 2022, Frontier Warren in collaboration with Warren Artist Market (WAM) is hosting a Black Art Show at the Art Frontier Gallery at Frontier Warren on Friday, February 25th and Saturday, February 26th. This event is sponsored by The Warrenist and Trinity Source.

The show will feature the work of three local artists:

THOMAS PARK (mixed media)
DEBRA EVANS TAYLOR (acrylic paintings)
WHEELER SMITH (acrylic paintings)

Selected works of Rashaun Rucker and the late J.A. Person will also be on display, some of which will be for sale as a fundraiser for the Warren Artist Market, a dynamic group that hosts a regular poetry event on First Fridays at Frontier Warren.

There will be a reception where attendees can meet and greet the artists on Friday, February 25th from 6-8 pm, and the show will continue Saturday, February 26th from 11 am to 4 pm.

During the Friday reception, wine will be available by donation. Refreshments will be provided by our generous sponsors.

Frontier Warren Co-working Space is located at 140 South Main Street in Warrenton, NC.

Source: Frontier Warren press release

Share

The post Black Artist Show at Frontier Warren 🎨 appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

If you have perused the local newspapers, chances are, you have come across Ivan Richardson‘s photography work.

Photographer Ivan Richardson (submitted photo)

With his Nikon in tow, the Fotoworkz: Photography by Ivan owner has captured winning shots at high school games, adorable candids at community festivals, and most notably, his breathtaking and vivid portraits of the Haliwa-Saponi tribe.

A member of the tribe himself, through his use of angles, lights, and shadows, his creative brand stands out as his work focuses on his community. Much of his artistry highlights the Native American tribe donning traditional regalia during annual Powwows and other regional cultural events as well as everyday life.

For a closer look, visit The Mims Art Gallery at North Carolina Wesleyan College, which has his work adorning their walls until Feb 28. A reception in his honor will be this Thursday, Feb 17 from 5-7pm in the gallery. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet Richardson and other members of the Haliwa Saponi tribe.

This will be the second time Richardson’s photography has been on exhibit at The Mims.

Recently, he announced via social media that one of his images will be featured in an upcoming textbook.

North Carolina Wesleyan College is located at 3400 N Wesleyan Blvd in Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Ivan Richardson is a freelance photographer and the owner of Fotoworkz: Photography by Ivan. He can be reached at (919) 497-6684.

Share

The post Local Photographer Work Featured in Art Gallery appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation (NACF) is pleased to announce its open call for the LIFT–Early Career Support for Native Artists program, a one-year award and early career support program for emerging Native artists to develop and realize new projects. The program’s focus is to provide financial support and professional development to artists whose work aims to uplift communities and advance positive social change.

Eligible applicants must be individual Native artists working in dance/choreography, fiction/poetry writing, film/video, multi-disciplinary arts, music, performance art, theater and screenplay writing, traditional arts, or 2D + 3D visual arts. Artist applicant must be an enrolled member or citizen of a federally-recognized or state-recognized American Indian tribe or Alaska Native corporation, or of
Native Hawaiian ancestry. We encourage applications from artists who are shaping their practices and for whom the award may serve as a launching point in their career.

“We celebrate the creative spirit of Native artists whose explorations foster our understanding of the profound change around us, offering new ways of seeing what is possible, what is ethical, and what is needed.” – Reuben Roqueñi – NACF Director of Transformative Change Programs

LIFT is a monetary award of up to $10,000 for a proposed project with a required minimum of $3,000 earmarked for the artist’s benefit and wellbeing. Up to twenty artists will be selected to receive LIFT awards.

For a full description of the award, eligibility requirements and to apply, please visit http://bit.ly/NACF-lift. The deadline to submit the online application form for LIFT is Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific time.

Support for the LIFT program is made possible in part by the Leon Polk Smith Foundation and the Maxwell | Hanrahan Foundation.

Share

The post Native Arts and Cultures Foundation Announces Open Call for 2022 Emerging Artist Support Program appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

Frontier Warren is excited to partner with The Warrenist, Tabletop Media Group, WUNC, and Taste of Warren to host Canvas + Cupcakes, one of several delicious Taste of Warren events during the last week in January.

This art event begins with the Opening Artist Reception on Friday, January 28th from 6-8 pm. Guests can enjoy original art while mingling with artists and other attendees.

To sweeten the experience, attendees can decorate their own cupcake masterpieces. Cupcakes and wine are by donation. Art is for sale. The show will continue Saturday, January 29th with the Art Frontier Gallery at Frontier Warren being open from 11 am – 4 pm.

Artists include:

Providence Elyse Brown (acrylic on canvas & mixed media)
Bobbie Brownell (acrylic on canvas)
Flynne Meares (mixed media on canvas & other mixed media)
Ev Wesson (watercolors, prints, cards, tiles, & ornaments)

Artwork by Providence Elyse Brown

Source: Frontier Warren

Share

The post Canvas + Cupcakes Will Be One Sweet Art Show 🧁🎨 appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

We’re well into the holiday season with Christmas only a week away. Check out these festive holiday events and more happening this weekend.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17

UGLY SWEATER PARTY
9pm-12:30pm
The ugliest sweater wins. Drink specials.
Time Out Sports Bar
114 North Main Street, Warrenton, NC

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18

CHRISTMAS YOGA FOR KIDS + ADULTS
10-11am
Wear your red & green or favorite holiday sweater, bring the whole family, and enjoy fun poses appropriate for all ages. (Cosmosis Yoga) Tickets
Mi Espacio
134 South Main Street, Warrenton, NC

SOUL CITY FARM FRESH MARKET
11am-3pm
Shop for fresh produce and more for your holiday dinner!
Soul City Farm
107 Rockbound Hill Drive, Norlina, NC

MEET THE ARTIST: Cathy Wiggins
2 shows: 11am + 5pm
Learn about her beginnings in leather work, her inspiration, and creative process.
Frank’s Fine Arts
133 East South Main St, Littleton, NC

MEET SANTA CLAUS
3-5pm
Before he returns to the North Pole, allow your child(ren) to share his/her wish list with Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick himself.
Warren County Courthouse Square
109 South Main Street, Warrenton, NC

NORLINA CHRISTMAS PARADE
4:30pm
Come together to celebrate the holiday season with a fun-filled parade! Lawrence and Perry, The Wandering Dawg, and The Funnel Cake Zone will be on site.
Downtown Norlina, NC

LIVE MUSIC WITH MATTHEW GODSEY
6-9pm
Music while you dine.
Watersview Restaurant
2107 Eaton Ferry Road, Littleton, NC

LIVE MUSIC WITH STEVE COMPTON
7-10pm
Enjoy live entertainment, beer, and delicious eats from the Don Taco food truck (5-9pm)!
Mill Hill Taproom
112 Madison Street, Warrenton, NC

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19

Last Stop Holiday Shoppe
2-8pm
Shop local and get in some last minute holiday shopping. (Not So Basic Batches)
Frontier Warren Co-working Space
140 South Main Street, Warrenton, NC

MEET SANTA CLAUS
3-5pm
One last chance to share your holiday wish list.
Warren County Courthouse Square
109 South Main Street, Warrenton, NC

For more Warren County events, visit The Warrenist Warren County Community Events Calendar.

Share

The post This Weekend in Warren: 12/17- 12/19/2021 appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.