Arts
Jereann King Johnson is the Focus of Forthcoming Documentary
Get an exclusive sneak peek of the forthcoming documentary on Sunday, Aug. 25.
For over four decades, Jereann King Johnson has woven various fabrics with intricate details into her quilted works to share stories and traditions with the world.
Now, her own life story is being told in an upcoming documentary.
The Resource Center for Women and Ministry and the Black Feminist Film School are producing, “Not I, But OUR: Jereann King Johnson, a Life of Art, Activism, and Community Building,” (working title) a documentary film that will tell the story of the life and work of African American quilter, educator, and community organizer Jereann King Johnson.
A long-time Warren County resident, Johnson pieces together people, organizations, and resources into racial and social justice. For Johnson, quilting is a dynamic metaphor for living, community development, and creative expression; quilting involves putting together often-discarded pieces to make something new.
Using archival footage and interviews with Johnson and her colleagues and friends, they will create and distribute a one-hour (56:46) documentary film. Rafael Samanez and Leilani Clark of Elevate Media Films are working their magic as the filmmakers and producers.
When asked, Johnson stated that she “felt honored” that the women in her circle saw something in her that merited time and resources to tell a story. She continued. “And the story is more than just my story, it’s the story of many black women who emerged from strong communities that show them a way to muster up the courage to try and build better communities for everybody. I hope that my story reflects the stories of countless women who are inspired by the work of their hands and in my case, quilting and textile arts to step out of the box and work for social change.”
Jereann King Johnson has a legacy of artistic creation and working for equality. She assisted in launching two quilting groups: African American Quilt Circle in Durham and the Heritage Quilters in Warrenton, NC.
Johnson and her fellow quilters work to preserve and highlight African American quilting traditions; they also speak to the present moment by creating quilts that artistically portray historic and current events. One such quilt of Johnson’s is called “Hope in Impossible Odds.” Made with black and white cotton and red linen, it depicts a figure behind bars against a swirling black-and-white background.
In addition to quilting, the Heritage Quilters work directly in the community by leading community tours, working with the schools, and organizing a giving circle that funds scholarships and youth field trips.
In the film, the producers will document the many ways that Johnson has been a pivotal figure in her community and beyond, and show the ways she connects people, encourages artistic expression, preserves and contributes to a fiber arts tradition, and works for justice.
The Resource Center for Women and Ministry is hosting an exclusive sneak peek of the forthcoming documentary on Sunday, August 25, from 3-5 pm at The Fruit in Durham. Alongside Johnson, attendees will meet director Courtney Reid-Eaton and film editor Tamar Rachkovsky. To donate or for more information, visit rcwms.org.
The Fruit is located at 305 S. Dillard Street in Durham, NC.
Arts
Eastern Bluebird Mural Celebrated with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed Warrenton, NC as the National Eastern Bluebird Capital.
Joined by the Lake Gaston Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Warrenton, and mural artist Tom Lang, residents and friends from afar celebrated the new Eastern Bluebird Mural with a ribbon-cutting ceremony during the Eastern Bluebird Festival on Saturday, April 26th in downtown Warrenton.
Ahead of last year’s festival, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed Warrenton, NC as the National Eastern Bluebird Capital because the town has the highest concentration of them.
Arts
Warren County Residents to Vote on New Mural Design for Soul City
Voting opens soon on the mural design for Magnolia Ernest Recreation Center.
Warren County Government is inviting residents to help shape a new public art piece by voting for their favorite mural design.
The poll opens this Friday, April 4, during the Statewide Star Party and will determine the artwork that will adorn the Magnolia Ernest Recreation Center pool building. The mural will celebrate the history and legacy of Soul City, a pioneering planned community founded in the 1970s with a vision of Black empowerment and economic opportunity.
Residents can cast their votes online via the Warren County Government Facebook page or website, as well as in person at the Statewide Star Party on April 4 or at the Warren County Memorial Library. Voting will close on April 14, with the winning design announced via Facebook Live on April 17.
The mural is part of artist Max Dowdle’s Legacy NC project, an initiative aiming to create public murals in all 100 North Carolina counties. Each mural highlights local history and unsung heroes, weaving a visual narrative that connects communities across the state. The two designs up for consideration were developed through collaboration between Dowdle, a committee of Soul City residents and community leaders, and members of the Warren County arts community.
Beyond selecting the design, residents will have the unique opportunity to contribute to the mural’s creation. Community members are invited to take part in the painting process, further embedding local pride and participation into the project.
The Warren County Facebook page and website will soon have details on how to sign up for the painting experience.
Arts
Garrett Davis Play, “Father Figure” Headed to McGregor Hall this Sunday
Davis brings yet another thought-provoking production to the stage showing the importance fathers’ involvement in the lives of their sons.
Known for crafting compelling narratives that resonate deeply with audiences, Warren County native Garrett Davis is bringing another profound stage production, Father Figure to the McGregor Hall stage on Sunday, February 2nd.
Centered around the importance of why fathers should be in the lives of their sons, Father Figure is branded as an “Edutainical(TM)” experience, which combines the emotional depth of live theatre with music and storytelling. In Father Figure, Davis highlights the impact of fatherlessness while offering hope, healing, and a path forward.
Gdavis Productions and Films, founded by Davis in 1994, is a leading theater company known for nationally touring stage plays that depict real-life situations, including Mama’s Girls and Forget Me Not.
Another Warren County native, Dartez Wright, once Davis’s student at Warren County High School and now serves as Creative Director, is also featured in the play.
Tickets for Father Figure are $20 (advance), $25 (day of show), and $15 (student), and are on sale now at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/11557 or by calling the McGregor Hall office at (252) 598-0662. The box office will also open one hour before the show starts.
McGregor Hall is located at 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson, NC.
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