Arts

Cape Fear Studios holds annual Student Exhibit

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Tuesday, 28 January 2025

Written by Lena Simmons

“Every artist was first an amateur” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Cape Fear Studios at 145 Maxwell St. invites the public to the Student Exhibit open until Feb. 25. The Cape Fear Studios Student Exhibit features the artwork, paintings, and drawings of the art students of Cape Fear Studios members. The exhibit hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. General admission is free. For more information, the Cape Fear Studios website is www.capefearstudios.com. The Cape Fear Studios member instructors are Rose Kennedy, Sara Jane Lee, and Gene Davis. The featured student artists are Saktish Mandjny, Becky Broadwell, Charlotte Baker, Sue Godwin-Baker, Mary Pat McDonald, Lani Dickey, Ellen Bowman, Rick Booth, Marilynn Winters, Lena Simmons, Sophia Conquest, Vivian Conquest, Carter Patterson, Mikaela West, Daniel Reeves, Jessica Karis, Conner Graybill, Carly Reeves, and Chris Leal.
Georgia O’Keefe, renowned artist, maintained an artist home in Abiquiu, New Mexico with the desert vistas of Ghost Ranch. Charlotte Baker, a student of Rose Kennedy, experienced the location and desert vistas of Ghost Ranch. One of the featured paintings within the Cape Fear Student Show is Abiquiu. She also includes inspiration from a trip to Venice, Italy. The painting is an interplay of light, lines and composition.
Baker shares her views about her painting of Venice and Abiquiu, “I choose to paint from photography, so my work is my original. My husband took the photographs in Venice, Italy. I chose the focus of the light reflecting the sunny day on the architecture of the building and the water. I also visited Abiquiu and painted the view of the Ghost Forest.”
“As one of the instructors at Cape Fear Studios, I am pleased that the studio is featuring our students in an exhibit. I have a wonderful, engaging, and fun group. The artwork hanging on view displays the challenging work and continued studies in a cohesive and beautiful way,” said Kennedy.
Pandora Autry, Cape Fear Studios Board President, shares, “We have a wide range in diversity of our painters here at Cape Fear Studios in age, background, skill, and ethnicity. Our teachers are wonderful in meeting the needs and collaborating with them at their level of skills and interests, helping them to discover their own artistic voice.”
The Cape Fear Studios Student Exhibit is a must-see art show. It is an opportunity to see the emerging mastery of local artists within the Cumberland County and Fayetteville. For more information contact, Cape Fear Studios website, www.capefearstudios.com or call 910-433-2986.

(Photo: Paintings created by student artists hang at the Cape Fear Studios' Student Exhibition. Photo by Lena Simmons)

Gilbert Theater's latest production is a psychological thriller

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Tuesday, 28 January 2025

Written by Amber Little

MISERY IS ALIVE, MISERY IS ALIVE! OH, This whole house is going to be full of romance, OOOH, I AM GOING TO PUT ON MY LIBERACE RECORDS!

The Gilbert Theater is back with its third show of the season, Misery. Shows run from Jan. 31 to Feb. 16, every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. In celebration of Valentine's Day, early birds are able to grab a special “Misery Loves Company” Valentine's Day package. General admission tickets are still available and can be purchased online at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36002/production/1206175 or the box office.
Originally a book by Stephen King, Misery features a robust deep dive into the main character, Annie. It was truly made famous, infamous, and cemented as a cult classic when its film adaptation was released in 1990. It was directed by Rob Reiner, with King and William Goldman at the helm as writers.
Misery is a tale of obsession, fandom and love. When Annie discovers her favorite author, Paul, clinging for life after a car accident, she decides to take him back to her home to care for him in the deepest and best way she knows possible.
This is a psychological thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. The cast has been working hard to bring Goldman’s play adaptation of the film to life on the stage. Familiar Gilbert veterans Deannah Robinson, Claudia Warga-Dean, James Merkle and Kim Butsch will be featured. Directing the ensemble is Robyne Parrish.
Parrish is a seasoned stage thespian and current New York Resident.
“I've been doing theater for forty years, since I was five years old. I'm the former artistic director at the Gilbert from 2012 to 2017. I was here for five years, then I went back to New York, and I've come back almost every year since I've been gone to direct a show. This year it's Misery,” Parrish said.
As a fan of not only the book but also the film featuring the highly talented Kathy Bates and James Caan, Parrish cites the stage adaptation's similarities to the film.
“I would say it's got the bones of the novel, but it's structurally like the film,” she said.
Playing Annie is Deannah Robinson, a long-time Gilbert volunteer, supporter, and stage regular.
“I come here and I either volunteer or I'm performing or I'm helping out backstage. I've been performing, I would say going on 14 years. My first show was A Streetcar Named Desire and I've just been a Gilbert staple ever since then,” she said.
Robinson is a transcriptionist by day and will transform into the manic and passionate Annie. The character is a far cry from her personality, something she looks forward to at this stage in her career, saying, “I think she's very complex. There's a lot to her. And even with what I know about the movie, there's still some stuff I would like to know. You know, I want to dig a little deeper into what her life was like as a kid and, you know, beyond her past as a nurse. I've gotten to that point in acting where I would definitely like to delve into the lives of the characters that I play. It makes it a little easier to really get into the groove of performing,” Robinson said.
Robinson has leaned into this role and truly embraced the energy of Annie.
“[I like] the parts where she's kind of abusive to Paul. I also like the parts where she's very lovey, even though it's very unrequited,” Robinson said.
Robinson leans into the “what if” of the story.
“What if you had the opportunity to have your favorite most beloved celebrity in your home recovering from either a car accident or breaking bones, what would you do? Especially if you're able to take care of them, but at the same time, you're like, ‘oh my God, oh my God, what do I do? I want to show all of my love to them but I don't want to be too overbearing, but at the same time, oh my God, they're in my house and this is crazy.’”
Playing the captive creative Paul is James Merkle, another seasoned thespian and voice-over actor.
“I have been doing theater for probably 35 years. [I] grew up in Germany and was a military brat so [I] came here. I've done theater over there, here, up in Raleigh, and, of course, some films here and there and some voiceover work as well. The first show that I did here was with Lynn in Christmas Carol. One of his Christmas Carol productions,” Merkle said.
Paul has provided Merkle with an opportunity to spread his acting wings and range.
“This character in particular has a lot of things that people can relate to in terms of there's so much going on. I think he's also a very challenging character to portray. I was also drawn to the physicality that is required of this role. Because a lot of my other roles that I have done have not been as physical as this show has been and that's something that I was up for. I wanted that kind of challenge,” Merkle said.
Claudia Warga-Dean is stepping into the role of Sheriff Buster, elevating the role with her background in theater and time on stage and backstage.
“I taught theater arts for nine years. I'm currently a human resources manager and hopefully soon maybe a college administrator of some sort. I've been at the Gilbert since I was 17. My first production was actually in Lynn's backyard and it was the Merchant of Venice. And I've been here ever since and I’m happy to step back in,” Dean said.
She wasn’t deterred from auditioning for the character and has taken the role head-on.
“[Something that] rings true is that there are a lot of tactics that you can play, a lot of ways you can take the characters, a lot of different choices to make, a lot of subtexts. Maybe I know something, but I don't want to give it away. How do I play that? How do I evolve that? Finding my own arc within this? That really draws me. I love stuff like that. It's been fun to have an atmosphere where you're allowed to play and try off-the-wall things,” she said.
Although the role of Sheriff Buster was originally written for a man, Dean’s unique take and grasp of the character made her the perfect choice.
“I think it's important to mention that this is a male-identifying character. But we just thought Claudia was the best choice for what we were looking for. It was not ever in our minds like, that we wanted a female,” Parrish said of Dean’s take on the role.
Rounding out the cast as the announcer and Buster/Annie's understudy is the equally talented Kim Bustch.
“I've been involved in theater for about 44 years. [My] first show was in sixth grade and then I studied theater in college. I did not complete my degree. I got married, had children, and then got involved in church productions, little things like that. And then once they were old enough to self-sustain, I got involved in the Gilbert. Secret Garden was my first show here. And then I’ve been involved in summer plays, summer festivals, a few other shows. COVID hit and I just didn't have time for a while. And now I'm back. I'm excited to be back,” Bustch said.
As the understudy for two roles, her work is double, something that made her nervous but has also allowed her to play with her acting range and stretch her imagination with the characters.
“Just to be able to [play both of these characters] because each of them is such a faceted character. It's [great] to see them put their spin on it. It’s cool and then I'm thinking as the understudy, do I go up and mimic? As long as the character comes across [authentic]. She (Annie) could be serious [and he] has her laughing but then she's like cut and dry. I just think that's fascinating.”
The cast and crew have taken great care to make this small production powerful, the perfect date night for lovers of psychological thrillers and community theater. For more info, call 910-678-7186.

(Top photo: James Merkle plays the roll of Paul, an author who is held captive by Annie. Bottom photo: Deannah Robinson plays Annie, a character obsessed with Paul, and who goes to great lengths to attempt to nurse him back to health. Photos courtesy of Gilbert Theater)

Be mindful of what you sow through Arts Council’s new Black History Month Exhibit

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Tuesday, 21 January 2025

Written by Sara Bussman, Arts Council of Fayetteville

As celebrations gear up across Cumberland County for Black History Month, the Arts Council opens The Seed and The Sower on Jan. 24. The exhibit centers on strength and generational connection through works by Black female artists.
The Seed and The Sower was an idea that came to curator Teresa Bone through her connection to her own ancestry. After the passing of her paternal grandmother, Bone found herself considering which of her own traits came from the woman she knew as a young girl.
Bone started her art journey in her youth, so processing bigger questions about lineage and life came more easily through art.
“In the last several years, my work as an artist and as a curator isn’t just about things being pretty (though I’d still like to think what I produce is nice to look at),” remarked Bone about the exhibit. “The heart of my work now is about narratives. It’s about stories. What is the message that I am trying to convey?”
Despite the personal origins of the show, Bone wants viewers to feel connected to the work and each other.
“This show is focused on familial narratives, but in a larger view, our lives have an effect on every person we meet,” said Bone. “Those who came before us (family, mentors, teachers, friends), left an impact on our lives, and we- in turn, will leave our own impact on others.”
Bone is excited to see how artists interpret this theme of interconnectedness and hopes the exhibit shows a broad spectrum of work. The exhibit reflects a national juried art call inviting 2D and 3D works from artists from across the US. The call particularly encouraged art from Black female artists, asking for a “multi-layered study of time, connections, and heritage as seen specifically through the lens of Black women’s eyes.”
According to a 2022 study done by the Burns Halperin Report, Black female artists represent 0.5% of collected holdings in the largest American art museums. The Arts Council hopes to address some of this disparity by supporting The Seed and The Sower. The opening reception on January 24 will further celebrate the role of Black female artists with performances from musicians and poets.
The performances are curated by the local nonprofit Book Black Women whose mission is to celebrate, amplify, and empower Black women in the arts and creative industries.
For curator Teresa Bone, the exhibit evokes a look at a generational timescale.
“This cycle never ends. ‘The Seed’ will always eventually become ‘the Sower’, and the descendent will one day be the ancestor. We should all be mindful of what we ‘sow.’”
The Seed and the Sower will be on display in the Arts Council’s gallery until Feb. 28 with a free Opening Reception on Jan. 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For regular updates on the Arts Council, follow the organization @artscouncilfay on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and/or YouTube.

(Photo courtesy of Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland county)

Lynette Jones: Active Duty Filmmaker of "Letting Go"

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Tuesday, 28 January 2025

Written by Amber Little

Fayetteville, like many cities and towns across the country, is home to a military installation, its soldiers, and families.
Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) is the largest military post based on population and size. Among the thousands of individuals stationed here, some bring their military know-how, passions, talents and creativity.
One of those individuals is Lt. Col. Lynette Jones, filmmaker. A Los Angeles native, Jones started her military journey in the ’90s, touring Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. In 2014, Jones decided to take her filmmaking seriously and started creating projects.
Her latest film, Letting Go, will be making its grand premier right here in Fayetteville on Saturday, March 1 at Seabrook Auditorium on the campus of Fayetteville State University.
Doors open at 6 p.m., with red carpet photos, a sparkling cider toast and light hors d’oeuvres. The attire is formal, and guests are encouraged to dress to impress for the red carpet walk. Filmmaking has played a big part in Jones’ life.
“I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, it’s a way to connect with others and explore the richness of life. I’m fascinated by the human condition, by the emotions, struggles, and triumphs that make us who we are. Through film, I can delve into those experiences, shine a light on them, and share narratives that resonate on a deep, personal level. It’s an art form that allows me to express myself while also creating something meaningful for others," she said.
Jones has been able to balance life as an active-duty officer and filmmaker.
"Balancing active duty and creating a short film has been an exciting journey. It’s taught me how to be very intentional with my time. While being in the military is demanding, I don’t work 24 hours a day, and I usually have weekends off.
"That downtime has become my creative window, allowing me to focus on planning and building my film projects. It’s been rewarding to see how much I can accomplish by making the most of those moments, and it’s a reminder that pursuing your passion is always possible, no matter what the circumstances,” she said.
Letting Go has been a passion project and the accumulation of years for Jones.
“My latest project, Letting Go, is a deeply personal love story that explores the beauty of true love in the midst of pain. It’s a story about connection, resilience, and the difficult choices we sometimes face when we care deeply for someone else.
"The inspiration came from reflecting on how love can flourish even in the hardest moments of life, and I wanted to create something that could resonate with people on a heartfelt level.
"The film was shot over the course of three intense days, which required a lot of careful planning and precise execution to make the most of our time. Having a talented and dedicated team was absolutely key to our success, they brought incredible energy and creativity to the set,” Jones said.
She was hands-on with every part of the filmmaking process, down to casting.
“As for the actors, I was very deliberate in my selection process. I wanted individuals who could bring authenticity and depth to the characters. It wasn’t just about talent but also their ability to connect with the story and embody its emotional core. Seeing everything together was truly rewarding."
Jones isn’t letting her foot off the pedal anytime soon. She recently submitted her film to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for consideration.
Jones takes great pride in this, saying, “Submitting my work to the Academy was both thrilling and humbling.
"It was a long shot, but I genuinely felt my film was good enough to be in the running. While it wasn’t selected, I see it as just one step in a much larger journey. There are so many talented filmmakers out there, and being part of that community is inspiring. I believe in aiming high, and this experience has only fueled my determination to keep growing and creating. Every step, whether big or small, brings me closer to my goals."
Her next project is already in the works.
“My next project is about a group of friends who are blues singers. The movie delves into how good people can get caught up in the world of drugs. It’s a story about life’s challenges and how circumstances often push us to take a deeper look at ourselves.
"Ultimately, it’s a spiritual journey that navigates through pain, bad decisions, and the path to transformation. I’m really excited about this project because it’s raw, and emotional, and carries a message of hope and redemption. It’s still in the early stages, but I can’t wait to bring this story to life,” she said.
Jones is excited about what the future has for her as a filmmaker and appreciates those who have supported her along the way.
“I would like to thank Irene Mink, my second mom. She has been on this journey with me since the beginning and I thank God for her. I would also like to thank my church family from Country Club Christ of Christ. They have been supportive since I came to Fayetteville in 2017.Thank you.”
For tickets to the event, visit jonesygirlproductions.com.

(Image courtesy of Lynette Jones)