Arts

Artist Village of Hope Mills builds bigger community through grant-supported season

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Tuesday, 18 August 2026

Written by Sheila D Barker

A $12,500 Grassroots Arts Project Grant is helping Artist Village Community Theatre take significant steps forward during its 2026-27 season, including exploring new theatrical genres, creating more opportunities for young performers, and taking a production beyond the traditional stage.
The Hope Mills-based nonprofit received a grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County to support its upcoming season, which includes three productions, including Witches!? In Salem!?, The Toys Take Over Christmas and a youth production of Peter Pan. The funding will help cover artist and technician expenses, licensing, production materials, venue costs and marketing.
For Artist Village Executive Director Teresa Davis, the season represents an opportunity for the community theatre to stretch beyond what audiences have seen from the organization in the past.
“In the past, our productions have generally fit into well-known genres, with shows such as War of the Worlds, It’s a Wonderful Life, Dracula, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Nunsense,” Davis said. “Our previous seasons have also primarily been designed for adult actors, even when youth roles were available.”
This year, Davis said Artist Village wanted to step outside that model by exploring new genres and expanding its approach to casting and theatre education.
“It felt like the right time for Artist Village to grow, experiment and create opportunities for a broader range of artists and audiences,” she said.
That growth is being made possible in part through the Grassroots Arts Project Grant program. The Arts Council launched the program as part of a restructuring of its grant funding, with grants supporting smaller-scale arts, culture and history projects in Cumberland County. Funding for the program is supported in part by the North Carolina Arts Council Grassroots Allocation and the National Endowment for the Arts Grants for Art Projects program.
Davis said the $12,500 investment is particularly important because of the scope of what Artist Village hopes to accomplish this season.
“This season is ambitious for Artist Village in many ways, including financially,” Davis said. “We simply could not tackle a season of this scope without the generous grant funding we have received.”
The three productions are expected to provide artistic opportunities for approximately 60 artists and technicians from Hope Mills and the surrounding Sandhills area.
Something wicked, and funny, comes to Hope Mills
The season begins in October with Witches!? In Salem!?, a dark comedy by New York playwright Matt Cox set against the backdrop of the Salem Witch Trials.
The production examines the accused, accusers and bystanders caught in the hysteria while using humor and history to explore fear, conformity, power and injustice. It is also new territory for Artist Village.
“This dark comedy, written by New York playwright Matt Cox, is Artist Village’s first real dive into comedy, and certainly our first exploration of dark comedy,” Davis said.
Adding to the atmosphere will be the venue. The production will be staged at the historic Thomas Campbell Oakman Chapel, located along Hope Mills Lake at 3715 S. Main Street.
“The combination of the location, the subject matter, and the unexpected humor of the play creates something we believe will captivate both our actors and our audiences,” Davis said.
Artist Village’s website describes the production as “edu-tainment,” using an eighth-grade student guide to take audiences through the events surrounding the Salem Witch Trials.
Taking Christmas on the road
For the holidays, Artist Village will present Patricia Clapp’s The Toys Take Over Christmas, a family production about a hardhearted toymaker whose nearly magical creations long to leave his workshop and experience Christmas with children.
The story introduces audiences to characters including Tina, a fashionable doll; Sunny the rag doll; a wooden soldier; a timid clown and an assortment of other toys working to change their creator’s heart. But the holiday production will also mark another first for Artist Village: the theatre plans to take the show on the road.
“This production will also mark our first step into ‘tour life,’” Davis said.
Artist Village hopes to bring the production to a Hope Mills-area school and an assisted-living audience in addition to offering public performances in December.
Giving young people the theatre
The spring portion of the season represents perhaps the largest expansion of Artist Village’s educational mission. For the first time, the theatre’s spring production will be dedicated specifically to middle and high school students with Peter Pan Youth Edition.
The production will offer young participants more than the chance to perform. Artist Village plans to structure the experience as a theatre workshop in which students can learn about choreography, costumes, props, scenic design and the fundamentals of directing.
The goal is to introduce young people to the many ways they can participate in theatre—not just the roles audiences see under the stage lights. Auditions are planned for January 2027, with additional information expected near the end of 2026.
Artist Village Community Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to entertain, inform and educate youth and adults while enriching the cultural life of the community through the arts. The organization emphasizes inclusiveness, participation, quality and collaboration, with a vision of becoming a significant cultural asset in the Hope Mills area.
For Davis, however, the impact of the new season and its grant funding reaches beyond what happens onstage. Artist Village hopes performances will bring people into Hope Mills, where theatergoers may also visit local restaurants, shops and other businesses. At the same time, Davis hopes the season encourages cultural appreciation and artistic development.
“Most importantly, we want people to see that the arts belong to everyone,” Davis said. “Whether you are nine or nearly 80, whether you have years of experience or have never stepped on a stage, there should be a place for you in the arts.”
That philosophy extends to people who have no desire to perform. Artist Village relies heavily on volunteers for everything from set construction and sewing to greeting audiences and selling concessions.
“I always say that if you can operate anything from a paintbrush to a power tool, we have a need for you at Artist Village!” Davis said. “Whether you want to perform, build a set, sew a costume, sing, usher, volunteer or simply share our programs with a friend, there is a place for you,” Davis said. “We hope to see you in the Village!”
While financial support makes productions possible, Davis said community participation remains the organization's most valuable resource. Artist Village currently brings together a variety of participants, creating a place where people with different backgrounds, experience levels, and abilities can participate in the arts.
Before the curtain officially rises on the new season, Artist Village will invite the community to help support its upcoming productions with a pre-season murder mystery dinner theatre fundraiser Aug. 21–22. Set in October 1776 amid the turmoil of the American Revolution, the interactive mystery takes guests to the Beacon Tavern on the Massachusetts North Shore, where a spy has infiltrated the resistance and a suspicious colonist who is close to uncovering the culprit is killed before he can reveal the spy’s identity. Tavern guests must then unravel the clues, identify the killer, and bring the spy to justice.
The evening includes dinner featuring salad, meat or vegetarian lasagna, dessert, and soft drinks, with a cash bar available. Taking place at the Arts XL building at 214 Burges Street, all the proceeds will help Artist Village meet the costs of producing its 2026–27 season. For more information or tickets, visit their website at https://ww.artistvillagehm.

(Photo: Actors with the Artist Village pose for a photo in costumes for their 2025-26 production of Nunsense. The company will be performing three new productions for this next season. Photos courtesy of Artist Village)

Cape Fear Studios hosts Project Upscale workshop

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Tuesday, 14 July 2026

Written by Lena Simmons

Crafting is the art of turning ordinary objects into extraordinary things.

—Unknown

Cape Fear Studios will be hosting a workshop, Project Upcycle, on Aug. 1 and Aug. 8, at their studio at 148 Maxwell Street. The workshop, for children aged 4 to 12, is geared toward making art with recycled materials. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days. Admission is free for children participants, but registration is required. To register, visit https://www.capefearstudios.com/event-details/project-upcycle-2026-08-01-10-00

To continue with the recycling theme, the studio will also be hosting a Recycled Exhibition, running from August 28 to September 22. The studio is open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a community exhibition; artists at all levels within Fayetteville and Cumberland County are encouraged to submit application forms. For more information and application submission forms, visit the Cape Fear Studios website at https;//www.capefearstudios.com.

Upscale recycling can be transformed into recycled art, a creative process that converts discarded, useless, or unwanted waste into something new and valuable. It promotes sustainability while challenging throwaway culture. Recycling art preserves the character of the original object, transforming it into pieces of greater cultural value.

Art pieces are varied, but an example of recycled art is a textured mosaic. These are created by discarded items such as buttons, seashells, bottle caps and glass and are arranged to create new formal narratives.

Pandora Autry, Board President, Cape Fear Studios, said the studio is looking for pieces to recycle.

“We are collecting the following clean items: paper towel rolls, toilet tissue rolls, egg cartons (paper) plastic lids, colorful larger plastic lids, peanut butter lids, metal bottle caps, miscellaneous items such as ribbons, fabric scraps, (small) yarn, buttons, etc.,” she said. 

People can bring these items to Cape Fear Studios.

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see, “shares Edgar Degas. 

Experience the process of upcycle art with the children’s workshop Aug. 1 and Aug. 8, with Project Upcycle. Children aged four to twelve are encouraged to attend the workshop.

The Recycle Art Exhibition will be held at Cape Fear Studios beginning Aug. 28.

7 Directions of Service honors LeJuane Bowens as Poet Laureate

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Tuesday, 18 August 2026

Written by Amber Little

Words matter. They influence, they provoke feeling, they are a powerful mechanism of human communication. Poetry is one of the beautiful ways that humans created to communicate. From Haiku to Prose to Freestyle, poetry doesn’t follow a template. There is a form for every situation, for every voice. Poetry is for everyone everywhere; mastery of words and expression is performed within the confines of rooms to the National Mall on Inauguration Day.
One of the most distinguished titles one can hold in the literary community as a poet is that of Poet Laureate. The tradition of honoring the best poet is old and can be traced as far back as ancient Greece, when citizens would place sweet bay laurel leaves on the heads of the winners of poetry competitions.
During Medieval times, university scholars who mastered poetry and grammar were crowned with laurel leaves. Early 1600s English royalty had royal poets who not only entertained the court but wrote poems to highlight the best parts of the reigning King/Queen. Now it’s a title issued by governments (countries, states, cities and towns) or organizations to individuals to honor their work, often highlighting how their work has impacted their community or society as a whole for the better. The United States named its first Poet Laureate in 1986. Honorees often write and perform their works in public forums and on stages and spearhead community projects centered around literacy.
7 Directions of Service, a grassroots, Indigenous-led non-profit focused on environmental justice to protect the lands of the Occaneechi-Saponi in rural North Carolina, has named their inaugural Poet Laureate, Fayetteville’s own LeJuane Bowens. This is an honor well deserved by one of the biggest literacy advocates in the city.
7DS’s mission is clear and focuses on the 7 directions of service aimed at “protecting Sacred Places, advocating for the legal recognition of the Rights of Nature, and establishing a land, language, and cultural center grounded in traditional Yesah teachings.”
The organization connects and collaborates with artists, teachers and leaders to encourage a lasting positive impact on the community. Bowens and 7 Directions of Service have worked with each other on community projects and during an event in Wilmington, the organization officially asked him to be Poet Laureate.
Bowens happily accepted.
Executive Director, Dr. Crystal A. Cavalier-Keck, shared, “Our movements need organizers, advocates, scientists, attorneys, farmers, educators, and young people—but we also need our storytellers. Poetry gives us a way to preserve memory, speak difficult truths, celebrate our communities, and imagine futures that do not yet exist… [LeJuane] will bring poetry and storytelling into our Indigenous-led environmental justice work—helping us uplift community voices, preserve stories, celebrate culture, create space for reflection and healing, and inspire people to action.”
While Bowens’ poetry resumé reads like that of a bard, you couldn’t tell by talking to him. Fresh off of a five month tour that took him to 10 states and landed him his very own TedTalk episode, as well as his help with the NEA for Poetry Out Loud, he’s already back to business planning an epic one day fan fest in Downtown Fayetteville and planning out his new responsibilities as Poet Laureate.
“This isn't just an honor; it’s a responsibility to use poetry to bring people together, tell our stories, and make sure every voice in our community knows it matters. Honestly, the work doesn't change; it grows,” he said. “I'll have more opportunities to serve, build relationships, and use poetry in spaces where healing, conversation, and community are needed most. I'll be writing poems that reflect our community and communities abroad, leading workshops, visiting schools and organizations, mentoring writers, and creating programs that make poetry accessible while celebrating the people, history, and culture that make our community unique.”
Poetry wasn’t the thing that Bowens thought would bring him success. Bowens has given countless interviews citing poetry was something that started as a way to get feelings out on paper and it has evolved to what it is now: a career.
He has some big plans for his new role and how to spread the mission of 7DS.
“To be honest, I never imagined poetry would take me this far. I started with a pen, a voice and a need to tell stories,” Bowens said. “Along the way, poetry has taken me to stages with the Kennedy Center, Poetry Foundation, PBS, NPR, All Def Poetry and communities across the country. Becoming a Poet Laureate is a reminder that the work, the words and the purpose behind them truly matter…I envision this role taking me deeper into the work I've already committed my life to; using poetry as a tool for connection, healing and change. I want to take this role into schools, communities, and spaces where voices need to be heard. My goal is to build bridges, inspire the next generation of writers, and show that poetry belongs everywhere,” Bowens explained.
7 Directions of Service honored Bowens with an official ceremony on Aug. 14 at the Sip Room in Downtown Fayetteville in a room full of organizational leaders, family, friends and fellow artists.
The calendar is filling up fast for Bowens in the last quarter of the year, with several upcoming poetry events (he can’t speak on them yet) and collaborations with National organizations. There are no signs that he will be slowing down anytime soon.
To learn more about how to become involved with 7 Directions of Service, find them online at https://7directionsofservice.com/
To stay up-to-date on all things LeJuane “El'Ja” Bowens, make sure to follow him on social media at https://www.facebook.com/elja7.

(Photo: LeJuane El'Ja Bowens' poetry career spans multiple states and even a Ted Talk. He has been recognized as  7 Directions of Service's Poet Laureate. Photos courtesy of LeJuane Bowens)

Cape Fear Studios presents 15th annual 2D competition

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Wednesday, 08 July 2026

Written by Lena Simmons

Cape Fear Studios will be showing the 15th Annual 2D Competition until Aug. 25. The studio is located at 148 Maxwell St., and is open Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This juried art exhibit features the works of artists nationwide. JJ Jiang from the Village Art Circle Fine Arts Studios out of Cary, NC,  was the juror. Admission is free to the public. For more information, visit the Cape Fear Studios website, www.capefearstudios.com

Two-dimensional art is any visual artwork created on a flat surface. It possesses only two dimensions, height and width, and lacks any physical depth. Artists use mediums such as pencils, ink and pastels on paper for drawing, sketches, illustrations and detailed portraits. 

Painting uses the mediums of oil, acrylic, watercolor, or gouache on canvas, wood and paper. Photography captures images using a camera to freeze a moment in time. Mixed media combines various flat materials such as cut paper, fabric, for photographs on a flat surface.

Jiang is a signature member of the Oil Painters of America, American Watercolor Society and National Watercolor Society. His painting, "Green Guitar," was selected for the 35th National Juried Exhibition of the Oil Painters of America, held in Steamboat Springs, CO, this year.

Jiang shared with the Youage Raleigh Magazine in 2021, “My childhood was spent in China during the Great Proletarian Revolution (1966-1976). During that era of madness, drawing, writing and reading poetry kept me safe and sane, and shielded me from the chaotic world outside. Drawing and painting have become inseparable parts of my life.”

The winners of the 15th Annual 2D Competition at Cape Fear Studios are:

• Best in Show, “li'l girl,” oil, Ron Beckham, Roanoke Rapids, NC

• 1st place, "Chromatic Dashboard,” oil on canvas, Thistle Wise, Mt. Pleasant, NC 

• 2nd place, “Lazarus,” oil, Devlin Lovett, Augusta, GA

• Honorable Mention, “Basket of Blooms,” oil, Suk Rodriguez 

• Honorable Mention, "Clusterscape 48:Oodles,” tissue collage, pen and ink, acrylic on archival board, Sudie Rakusin, Hillsborough, NC

Cape Fear Studios was established in 1989 as a non-profit arts organization in historic downtown Fayetteville. 

Experience the 15th Annual 2D Competition until Aug. 25. For more information, visit Cape Fear Studios’ website at www.capefearstudios.com

(Photo: "Li'l Girl," oil, was named Best in Show at the Cape Fear Studios 15th Annual 2D Competition. The creator is Ron Beckham out of Roanoke Rapids, NC. Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Studios)