THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 27, 1996 TAG: 9610240176
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 17 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: CREATIVE LICENSE
SOURCE: Mary Ellen Riddle
LENGTH: 64 lines
As I approached the crest of the Washington Baum Bridge, shadows disappeared quickly like water evaporating on hot pavement. The sunny sky was filled with cumulus clouds and there was a hint of cold in the air. I realized suddenly that autumn was here and that another year has passed since I began writing for The Carolina Coast.
There are many factors that play a role in writing a weekly column. I am inspired, not only by the obvious creativity in the community, but by everyday life. A luncheon with a friend at the waterfront, commiserating about single parenthood at the post office, and conversations at the local bookstore all inspire me when I return to my computer.
Ideas are vital and pour in via telephone, mail and word-of-mouth. I know I've missed a few potential stories here and there, and I am grateful to those who are patient. If you feel neglected, call me. Many galleries send me information. This helps.
I look forward to my third year on The Coast. We are entering an exciting time for the arts. There's much to be grateful for. Carroll Payne of Stumpy Point is working toward establishing a dinner theater in his community. The Dare County Arts Council has just hired its first employee. And always there are new art shows on the horizon. A special art weekend is on tap in Edenton next month.
The opening reception for ``Celebrate Life,'' the Chowan Arts Council membership exhibit, is at 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15. Enjoy a performance of ``Guys and Dolls'' by the Edenton Little Theatre that same evening or the next night at Swain Auditorium. Fill out the weekend with a stop at Majid and Stan Akins' show, ``Rugs to Handbags,'' at the Edenton National Guard Gallery on the 16th or 17th. Call the Chowan Arts Council at 482-8005 for more information.
Every Saturday through Thanksgiving, you can witness artists demonstrating their craft at Morales Art Gallery in Duck. Artists change weekly, but look for watercolorists Liz Corsa, Pat Troiani and Dennis Lighthart to be among those showcasing their talents at the Scarborough Faire location. Demonstrations run from 11 a.m. through 4 p.m. Call 261-7190 for more information.
You can help keep the arts alive in your community. Support the individual artists and galleries by purchasing art for holiday gifts. On the Outer Banks alone, we have about 25 galleries from which to choose. For starters, Greenleaf Gallery in Nags Head and Duck will offer ``Small Affordable Works of Art,'' Nov. 1-Dec. 23. Call 480-3555 for more information.
Another way to support the arts is to carefully weigh your vote on Election Day. Be sure your presidential candidate fully supports the National Endowment for the Arts. Without the NEA, vital monies would not be available to fund state arts councils and therefore local arts councils. Without the trickle down of funds, the Dare County Arts Council would have a difficult time providing valuable programming in our schools and community. Your vote is essential in maintaining a healthy, creative civilization.
As I walk down the streets of Roanoke Island on afternoon breaks from my computer, I notice flocks of birds settling in tree tops, the nodding heads of bright yellow marigolds and sweater-clad children scurrying home from school. I return to my desk with grass clippings from the season's last mowing stuck to my shoes.
Signs of autumn are everywhere. I am grateful and inspired to continue. MEMO: Mary Ellen Riddle covers the arts for The Carolina Coast. Send
mail to her at P.O. Box 10, Nags Head, N.C. 27959. by CNB