Arts

The Art of Dan Nelson: Dogwood Festival's live artist is man of many talents

Artist Dan Nelson may be hard to define, but he's a creative talent you won't soon forget.
"If you combine three parts painter, two and a half parts musician, a pound or two of inventor, and a heaping tablespoon of show-off," wrote Fine Art America, the world's largest art marketplace and print-on-demand technology company, "you might come up with Dan Nelson, art adventurer extraordinaire."
The versatile artist makes his second appearance at the 2025 Dogwood Festival at the three-day event's much-anticipated precursor, Cork & Fork. "America's Premier Event Painter" will be a featured guest at the Dogwood Festival kickoff food and wine event happening Thursday, April 24, in Festival Park. Nelson's live art joins the Dogwood Festival's traditional lineup of music, food, vendors, and carnival rides with the return of Nelson's plein air, a live performance style unique in the world of art.
No stranger to Fayetteville, Nelson last painted live on stage here during the 2018 Dogwood Festival before a captive audience of thousands. Fast forward seven years, and the connection to this year's event, the 43rd Dogwood Festival, clicks into place.
12Nelson's 2018 painting, commissioned by the Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper, is the official artwork of the 2025 Dogwood Festival. The cover of the Official Dogwood Festival edition of Up & Coming Weekly, along with commemorative souvenirs such as festival posters and t-shirts, capture and showcase the colorful festival streetscape. Nelson's abstract realism rendering of the lights, rides, and action of the Dogwood Midway, experienced through the wonder of a child's eyes—the small boy subject painted at the forefront of the scene—truly embodies the excitement of Fayetteville's signature and award winning festival.
Delivering an art and audio exhibition all in one, Nelson, a classically trained musician as well as professional artist, said he wields brushes and rollers, acrylics and oils, ladders and platforms to create masterpieces " in stereo, with just the right amount of dramatic, orchestral sweeps and harps and drums." Reflective of his inventive side, the original 2018 canvas was propped atop a handcrafted 8 x 10-foot easel, mounted on a two-and-a-half-foot lift, and outfitted with a "rock concert" sound system. While his accouterments and tricks of the trade vary with each performance, audiences should be prepared for anything.
Nelson mesmerizes audiences with the on-site, often life-sized paintings he creates using his ingenious, dual-handed brushwork and personable audience interaction. Dan Nelson Art portrays real-life festivals, weddings, concerts, fundraisers, and events of all sizes on canvas in real time.
His artistic reach extends to large companies and organizations, including the North Carolina Symphony, the Carolina Hurricanes, IBM, GlaxoSmithKline and countless others. His website domains, www.danielnelsonart.com, www.festivalpainter.com and www.weddingpainter.com provide a glimpse into his artistic prowess.
For live works, Nelson always paints the scene before him. He never begins with a plan of what he will paint but instead lets it evolve. The live painting he will produce at the Cork & Fork event on April 24th will be auctioned off that evening with the proceeds donated to the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival.
"I'm a very different kind of entertainment because my paintings develop," he said. "But you can almost say crowds of people are my specialty."
Cork & Fork will be an evening of amazing art, live music by Fayetteville's own Carolina Country Music Award winner Nicholas Vernon, plus the namesake special sips and bites for sponsors and ticket holders. All proceeds from the evening benefit Off-Road Outreach, a nonprofit organization that supports veterans in our community. Limited tickets are available and always sell out quickly; purchase online at www.eventeny.com/events/2025-fayetteville-dogwood-festival-16001/.
Bill Bowman, Publisher/Owner of Up & Coming Marketing, is one of several Cork & Fork sponsors for 2025 and is proud to facilitate the appearance of his friend Dan Nelson. Bowman's local 29-year-old media marketing company produces the annual Best of Fayetteville Awards, Cumberland County Golf Championship, Fayetteville Dinner Theatre, Gates Four Music Concert Series, Art Gallery 208, and a series of local business and community publications such as Up & Coming Weekly newspaper, Kidsville News! literacy and educational resource and Fayetteville Pocket Guide Business & Community Directory.
"My relationship with Dan Nelson spans nearly 30 years," Bowman shared. "The proudest moment of my journalistic career was when we created Kidsville News! of Cumberland County, a literacy and educational resource for K-5th-grade children, their teachers, and their parents. Dan Nelson contributed significantly to this success by creating Truman the Dragon, the beloved Kidsville News! literacy, educational, and good character mascot. Each cover of Kidsville News! is an original Dan Nelson painting commissioned to showcase Truman the Dragon, with a diverse, warm, friendly, and fun theme that reinforces the publication's unique format and educational and character development mission."
A graduate of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Nelson learned art and music not only from formal education but also from his highly talented father, he said. He worked professionally as a freelance illustrator and won street painting, sculpture competitions, and everything in between.
"As an illustrator, I used all traditional mediums: pen and ink, watercolor, airbrush, and pastel—everything except oil painting, which I started in midlife. I think I did my first oil painting when I was 45," he said. He delved into the world of fine art two decades ago, followed by his art love of late: live event painting.
A true lifelong learner and Renaissance Man, Nelson said he has worn three hats: ministry, music, and art. He graduated from seminary following undergraduate school and worked in full-time ministry, including music ministry, for several years.
Able to play multiple instruments, including the trumpet, guitar, harmonica, and keyboard, Nelson uses his musical abilities to help lead church worship and engage in music ministry. He and his wife, Nancy, host a home church group, participating in and leading much mission work.
Nelson said in recent years, his true identities have returned: "Dan, the Art Man, and Dan, the Music Man." You can also add the writer to that list; Nelson is a member of a writers' group working on three novels simultaneously.
Which Dan Nelson will you see at Cork & Fork? The energetic, fun-loving enigma is full of not only talent but surprises. Like the toy in the Cracker Jack box, he's worth finding.
Can't make the Thursday night event? Look for the acclaimed artist inside the Dogwood Festival edition of Up & Coming Weekly newspaper. Come to the festival Fri. April 25 through Sun. April 27 and score his autograph on an official Dogwood Festival poster featuring his famous 2018 painting. A limited number of official 43rd Dogwood Festival souvenir posters and T-shirts will be available on the Festival Park promenade and at Downtown Fayetteville's A Bit of Carolina store, located at 306 Hay St. Piccadilly Circus Antiques & Gifts at 2828 Raeford Rd. next to First Bank will also have items for sale.
Learn more at https://www.thedogwoodfestival.com/fayetteville-dogwood-festival.

(Photo: Dan Nelson, a live artist, paints events as they are happening. From festivals to weddings and everything in between, Nelson captures the spirit of the event in his paintings while event goers watch the canvas transform in real time. Photo courtesy of Dan Nelson)

The FSO ends season with Beethoven V

Join the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra for an unforgettable evening as they bring to life one of the most iconic pieces of orchestral music—Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. This symphony, known for its dramatic motifs and powerful crescendos, promises to captivate and move the audience with its sheer musical brilliance.
The concert will be held on Saturday, April 26 at Seabrook Auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., giving attendees plenty of time to settle in before the performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss this chance to experience Beethoven's masterpiece in a live setting.
The evening will kick off with Jessica Meyer's 'Turbulent Flames,' a dynamic new work that explores themes of unpredictability and reactivity. Meyer is a celebrated composer whose innovative works have garnered critical acclaim.
11Next, the FSO will be joined by Billy Hunter, the Principal Trumpet for the Metropolitan Opera, for a performance of Hummel's Trumpet Concerto in E flat Major. Hunter's expertise and emotive performance style ensure that this rendition of Hummel's concerto will be nothing short of spectacular.
Hummel's Concerto for Trumpet in E-flat Major holds great importance in the trumpet repertoire as it was created for a newly invented keyed trumpet. This innovation enabled musicians to explore previously unattainable sounds on the traditional trumpet. The concerto maintains many classical elements of its time while also hinting at the romantic concertos that would follow.
The evening will conclude with Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C Minor. Written between 1804 and 1808, this piece stands as one of the most celebrated and significant compositions in Western music. 
Its opening four-note motif -short-short-short-long-is perhaps the most famous musical phrase ever created. The symphony unfolds like a dramatic narrative, transitioning from the intense struggle and gloom of the C minor beginning to the victorious and resolute C major finale. Beethoven enhances the orchestral texture in the final movement by incorporating instruments that were uncommon in symphonies of that era, such as the piccolo, contrabassoon, and three trombones. 
This symphony profoundly impacted subsequent Romantic composers. In summary, Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 is extraordinary due to its immense power, profound emotional resonance, innovative structural cohesion, and enduring influence.
Tickets for Beethoven V can be purchased online at https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/, by contacting the FSO office at 910-433-4690, or at the door on the night of the concert. To make this event accessible to everyone, a variety of discounts are available. Seniors, military personnel, college students, children, and Cumberland County Schools employees can all take advantage of special pricing on ticket purchases.
As the evening comes to a close, stick around for an exciting first look at the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's upcoming 2025-26 season. This sneak peek will provide insights into the thrilling performances and special events that the FSO has planned for the next year.
(Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Facebook page)

Four iconic films come to the Cameo this April

17This April, movie lovers can enjoy a diverse lineup of films that span the genres of classic musicals, cult comedies, mind-bending thrillers and family-friendly stop-motion animation. From dancing in the rain to navigating alternate realities, these films promise to entertain, thrill, and captivate in equal measure. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming screenings at the Cameo Art House Theatre.
Singin’ in the Rain – One Night Only on April 13
Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood with Singin’ in the Rain (1952), one of the greatest movie musicals of all time. Directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly, this dazzling comedy stars Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor as they navigate the exciting but challenging transition from silent films to “talkies.” With the backdrop of Hollywood in the 1920s, Singin’ in the Rain has become an iconic exploration of the magic, chaos, and drama that accompanied the birth of synchronized sound in movies.
Gene Kelly’s choreography remains revolutionary, blending classical dance and athleticism with sophisticated storytelling. The seamless integration of its musical numbers with plot progression makes it one of the best examples of how music can shape a film’s narrative. Debbie Reynolds, as the sweet, yet tough, aspiring actress, holds her own amongst the giants of Kelly and O'Connor, making this film a joyful, feel-good experience from start to finish.
Showtime: Sunday, April 13 – 1:30 p.m., Rated G; Runtime: 1hr 43min
The Big Lebowski – April 19 & 20
Celebrate 4/20 weekend with The Big Lebowski (1998), the Coen Brothers’ cult classic that has solidified its place in the annals of stoner comedy. Starring Jeff Bridges as the laid-back Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski, this eccentric film follows a middle-aged slacker whose life gets turned upside down after a case of mistaken identity.
The Big Lebowski is a strange, twisted, yet strangely endearing film. The film’s magic lies in its refusal to adhere to traditional narrative structures, choosing instead to dive into the absurdity of life and letting its characters—particularly The Dude—wander through bizarre, unpredictable situations. Jeff Bridges gives a career-defining performance as The Dude, capturing the essence of an aimless, washed-up man perfectly. His slow-paced delivery, combined with the film's brilliant dialogue and memorable characters (John Goodman’s explosive Walter, in particular), makes The Big Lebowski endlessly quotable.
Showtimes: Saturday, April 19 – 9:30 p.m. & Sunday, April 20 – 4:30 p.m., Rated R; Runtime: 1hr 57min
Donnie Darko – Fourth Friday Fright Night on April 25
For fans of mind-bending cinema, Donnie Darko is a 2001 film that must be experienced. Directed and written by Richard Kelly, this psychological thriller follows troubled teen Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) as he begins to have disturbing visions of a mysterious, sinister rabbit named Frank. After surviving a freak accident, Donnie is pulled into a surreal journey that questions the nature of time, fate and existence itself.
Donnie Darko is a film that refuses to be easily categorized. At its core, it’s a coming-of-age story about a young man grappling with mental illness, but it's also a haunting exploration of time travel, alternate realities, and existential dread. Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a powerhouse performance as Donnie, capturing the emotional depth and confusion of a troubled adolescent trying to make sense of the world around him.
Showtime: Friday, April 25 – 9:30 p.m., Rated R; Runtime: 1hr 53min
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit – April 26
For a lighter, family-friendly option, head out for a Saturday Morning Cartoon Matinee featuring Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit from 2005. This delightful stop-motion animated film from Aardman Studios follows the lovable inventor Wallace and his trusty dog Gromit as they try to solve the mystery of a giant rabbit that’s causing chaos in the town’s vegetable gardens. Hired by the charming Lady Tottington (Helena Bonham Carter), Wallace must also compete with the pompous Victor Quartermaine (Ralph Fiennes) for her affections.
Showtime: Saturday, April 26 – 11 a.m., Rated G; Runtime: 1hr 25min

Cape Fear Studios presents abstract show: Fusion

18Cape Fear Studios is presenting Fusion, an abstract, 2D and 3D exhibit until April 22. Cape Fear Studios is located at 148 Maxwell Street. They are open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission to the Fusion art show is free for the public. For more information, visit Cape Fear Studios' website at https://www.capefearstudios.com
The curator of the Fusion art show is Angela Stout. Featured artists include Clay Mitchell-O’Neal, Before and Again (Fawn Fables) mixed media; Dwight Smith, Earth Goddess 1, mixed media; Bobbe Garcia, Inner Conflict, mixed media; Mark Joseph Russo, Mary, spray paint, ink, and oil; Angela Stout, Mirror, lithography; Soni Martin, Still Life with String, mixed media; Shane Booth, The Homesteader, cyanotype, muslin, coffee; Leah Heim, We All Fall Down, digital photography; and Josee Bourget, World’s Smallest Honeycomb ll, photography.
Mixed media artworks have the form of collages, assemblages, and sculptures. The items can be paint, fabric, paper or found objects. Abstract is artwork that does not represent objects or scenes from the environment in a realistic presentation. The presentation, however, focuses on shapes, colors and forms to evoke emotions and ideas. Abstract artists use a variety of techniques, such as painting and photography, to create their works, mixing traditional means with experimental ideas. Fusion is the blending of different elements, styles, into a whole new whole, creating something unique and innovative.
Angela Stout is a contemporary painter, printmaker, photographer and sculptor. She is a graduate of Fayetteville State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Arts. She exhibits frequently in group exhibitions and competes nationally and internationally. Her artworks deal with evoking a feeling and the social condition. Mirror is her featured work in the Fusion art show at Cape Fear Studios, according to their website.
Stout shares her thoughts, “Cape Fear Studios hosts an annual invitational abstract exhibition that highlights local artists. A member and art instructor curate the exhibit. This year, the theme is Fusion, which allows the artist to explore combining realism and abstract elements into their art works. The show includes professional, community, and student artists, inclusive of art educators.”
One of the best ways to spend a Spring Day in downtown Fayetteville is attending the Fusion Exhibit at Cape Fear Studios. The public is admitted free to the exhibit. For more information, contact Cape Fear Studios by phone at 910-433-2986 or website at https://www.capefearstudios.com.

(Photo: An overview of the Fusion exhibit currently at Cape Fear Studios. Photo by Linda Sue Barnes)

"The Great Gatsby" ballet comes to Fayetteville

9On April 23, prepare to be captivated as World Ballet Company brings a dazzling new production to Fayetteville. Witness the world premiere of “The Great Gatsby” at the Crown Theatre, 1960 Coliseum Drive, at 7 p.m. This ballet promises to be an unforgettable experience that reimagines F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic tale of love and ambition through the enchanting lens of dance.
This Broadway-style adaptation transports audiences back to the lavish decadence of the Roaring Twenties, where glamour and heartbreak intertwine in a vibrant tapestry of movement and music. Featuring an all-star creative team, including choreography from Ilya Zhivoy and a lively original jazz score by Anna Drubich, this production is set to ignite the senses and leave attendees breathless!
Witness the poignant journey of a young man named Nick Carraway, who, now older and wiser, sifts through the sands of memory to piece together a tale that once consumed him. As he begins to write, a series of events unfolds—thrilling yet devastating—a kaleidoscope of wealth, love, betrayal, and tragedy that transcends time.
With a cast of 40 professional dancers, Arsenty Lazarev landed the role of Jay Gatsby. Born in Siberia, Arsenty began his dance journey at the tender age of seven, showcasing his talent in a folk-dance ensemble. He quickly gained recognition for his precise execution and artistic flair. By age ten, he was already making waves at the Novosibirsk State Choreographic College, participating actively in competitions and school life.
As a laureate of the “Ak-Kuu” International Competition and recipient of scholarships from esteemed organizations like the Galina Ulanova Foundation and Svetlana Zakharova Charitable Foundation, Arsenty's accolades speak volumes about his commitment to excellence. After graduating, he joined the prestigious Bolshoi Theatre before transitioning to Ural Ballet as a soloist in 2017. His exceptional performances led to a well-deserved promotion to premier in 2019—a testament to his skill and artistry.
Arsenty’s talent has garnered critical acclaim; he was nominated for “Best Male Role” at the National Theatre Award “Golden Mask” in both 2020 and 2022, further solidifying his status as one of ballet's rising stars. His appearances on shows like “Bolshoi Ballet” have introduced him to wider audiences who admire his excellent coordination, light jumps, and dynamic turns.
In "The Great Gatsby" ballet, Arsenty Lazarev doesn’t just perform; he invites the audience into a world rich with emotion, aspiration, and nostalgia—a world where every leap tells a story, every turn captivates the heart. Don’t miss this chance to witness an artist who is truly redefining ballet for our times!
Founded by visionaries Gulya Hartwick and Sasha Gorskaya, World Ballet Company operates without corporate or donor backing but thrives on decades of entertainment expertise. Their dedication not only expands audiences for ballet but also creates a new structure for captivating productions that resonate with both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
This ballet not only captures Fitzgerald's timeless narrative but also immerses audiences in its emotional depths through movement and music—a reminder that even amidst wealth and glamour lies an intricate web woven by human desires and flaws. Come along on this extraordinary journey where each pirouette echoes longing; each leap symbolizes hope, and each gesture reveals heartbreak—all culminating in an unforgettable exploration of love lost and found within "The Great Gatsby."
Tickets are on sale now at the Crown Box Office, Fort Bragg Leisure Travel Office, and online on Ticketmaster.com. For additional details, visit worldballetcompany.com.

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