31 Days of Thanks Day 13 Arts Council and painting more

31 Days of Thanks Insight into who has influenced us, our art, and our business throughout the years.

Shortly after our arrival I went into the arts council to see what that was all about and met the executive director Cary.

Cary was the director when we started having ArtWalks - the first one was for the Governors Conference on Tourism. ArtWalks have really done a lot to promote the arts in our Downtown and boost business.

During that first visit to the Arts Council I picked up a newsletter.

In the newsletter the announcement was made that they had hired a new gallery director, a graduate of Siena Heights College - "you have to be kidding I thought", my graduating class at Siena was only 100, what are the chances another graduate was here in New Bern?

I made a phone call, and said, "I'm not big into this alumni thing but I went to Siena too." That was the start of our now 24+ year friendship with Carol Tokarski.

I was thrilled when Carol and I had a joint show at the Arts Council, it was a show of New Bern scenes and the first watercolors I'd done since college. As I remember Carol painted trees and I painted architecture.

Through the years we've worked on different projects together, most recently A Dickens of a Christmas and the Dickens Story Boards.

Thank you Arts Council, Cary and Carol!!

- Jan Francoeur

Painting by Jan Francoeur of the Attmore Oliver Garden

I've been working on this painting for a long time and finally got it finished in time for the Homecoming show at the Bank of the Arts, Craven County Arts Council and Gallery, here in New Bern.

More Events coming up in our Downtown

In my last post I spoke about some of the events coming up but failed to mention others. I'm always shocked when I hear someone say there is nothing to do!

Of course we're celebrating Valentine's Day with handmade cards from Craven County School Children - Art from Our Hearts. For the 4th year the Craven County School Children have created fabulous, one of a kind Valentines for your loved ones. These cards are sold for $3 each with all proceeds going to the Art Program of the Craven County Schools.

We're having an opening reception on Friday, January 29 from 5-7 pm. The cards will be on sale from January 18 through February 14. Come early for the best selection!!

The cards have arrived and they are GREAT!

Our gallery artists have created beautiful pieces of art for that special someone a crocheted, fine silver heart pendant by Randi Chervitz , a hand carved and hand painted heart mirror by Sarah Grant, a hand blown glass heart by Luke Adams, a Bella Twilight Charm Bracelet by Pearlstone Studios are just a few of the pieces our artists have created for this holiday season.


New Bern Civic Theatre presents "Noises Off" January 16, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 at 8 pm, January 17 and 24 at 2 pm at the Theatre, 414 Pollock St. In this plot author Michael Frayn plays on the concept of a play within a play, in this case a dreadful sex comedy titled Nothing On - the type of play in which young girls run about in their underwear, old men drop their trousers and many doors slam open and shut. With a great deal of slapstick, Noises Off, follows three acts of Nothing On from dress rehearsal to the of the 10-week run. $18 in advance, $22 at the door. www.newberncivicheatre.org.

BBQ In Blue Jeans offers an evening of good food and great music! The very popular annual fundraiser benefits the New Bern Firemen's Museum and will be held on Friday, January 22, 2010, beginning at 6 p.m. in New Bern’s Riverfront Convention Center.

Barbeque master Tommy Moore of Moore's Barbeque is the event’s major sponsor, donating barbeque and all the fixings. Tickets are only $25 per person and include all food and beverages, as well as dancing to some of the area’s finest bands. Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner is at 7 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at New Bern Firemen's Museum, New Bern's Riverfront Convention Center or Mitchell's Hardware. All proceeds to benefit the New Bern Firemen's Museum.

The 21st Annual Sunday Jazz Showcase is coming up Sunday, January 31 at 1:30 and 7 pm at the Hilton. Tickets are $25 & $35, available at the Bank of the Arts, 317 Middle St, 638-2577. This year’s featured musicians are Ken Peplowski, group leader and clarinetist, Bob Alberti on piano, Bill Prince on trumpet, saxophone and trombone, Chris Russell on drums, George Sheck on bass and the ever-popular Lynn Roberts with vocals.

The same day, Sunday, January 31 we have Livingston Taylor in Concert, brought to you by and to benefit the New Bern Historical Society, 7:30 at the New Bern Riverside Convention Center. Did you know James and Livingston's ancestors lived at the Isaac Taylor house on Craven Street? www.newbernhistorical.org. Buy your tickets at the Historical Society.

I wish I had time to attend all these events!

Upcoming events in Downtown New Bern

There are a lot of things coming up in the next couple weeks. When I hear people say there is nothing to do in a small town I wonder what small town they're living in because it's not New Bern!

I do have a page on our Carolina Creations Website where I try to list all that's going on. I'm sure I miss some things (I do just concentrate on things happening Downtown). Click here to go to it (why don't you bookmark it!!)

Some highlights are:

Groundbreaking for Tryon Palace History and Education Center Friday June 20 5:30 at the site, South Front Street.

Music in the Park FREE Friday, June 20; 6 to 8 p.m.
The New Bern Parks and Recreation Department is presenting its annual Music in the Park Series. June 20: Retro Rockets: a variety of music including surf.

June 21st, 2008 (Sat) Tryon Palace Theater 11:00 a.m. Visitor Center Auditorium
Come join us and experience the Dramatic side of history. You may see an 18th century puppet show, a 19th century play, or another engaging historical vignette. Programs vary, so check often to learn about new ways we're bringing history to life! Tickets required. Call 252-514-4900 for more information on specific performance schedule.
At Tryon Palace -
http://www.tryonpalace.org/index for more info

June 30th, 2008 (Mon)
South Lawn Concert Series
440th North Carolina National Guard Concert Band
Gates open at 5:00 p.m., concert begins at 6:30 p.m. FREE. South Lawn

Union Point Park July 4th for an afternoon packed with fun and excitement. 3pm - 5pm will feature entertainment and misting tents to keep everyone cool. From 7pm - 9 p.m., the 2d Marine Aircraft Wing Band will feature big band music, classical marches and patriotic music. As the concert draws to a close, the excitement continues, with the patriotic fireworks show blasting off to Stars and Stripes Foreve

July 4 North Carolina’s First Fourth – Hear the Declaration of Independence read from the Palace steps by costumed characters portraying famous North Carolinians from the Revolutionary era at 11am. Listen to the Tryon Palace Fife & Drum corps and participate in thematic and patriotic craft activities. Free garden admission from 9am to 5pm. Interior tours require the purchase of a ticket. For more information please contact Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens at (800) 767-1560 or log onto http://www.tryonpalace.org/.

Friday, July 11, 5-8 pm ARTWALK in Downtown New BernSee changing exhibits, meet the artists, booksigning & more stroll the streets, enjoy refreshments, see your neighbors. At Carolina Creations we'll have a booksigning with New Bern author Karen Dodd and her book "Begin Again Quinn" fyi Carolina Creations just happens to be mentioned. Also a painting demo by North Carolina Artist Brenda Behr. Photo of one of her plein air paintings.

Other shops and galleries in our Downtown also have special events that night, Craven Arts Council and Gallery, Ballentyne Framing & Art, New Bern ArtWorks, and others.