MUMFEST ARTZONE

Painting by Dan Nelson - Downtown New Bern

Every year we look for new venues for mumfest to keep it fresh and interesting. Our goal is of course, to produce a festival that attracts thousands to our downtown area. It is also a goal to entice visitors to come back and shop, dine and enjoy our many attractions at a later date. Certainly, as our downtown has developed as a cultural center with an abundance of artists, museums, theatre and other attractions, it is easy to do.

To highlight the many working artists and galleries, this year's mumfest will feature an ARTZONE. Jim Bisbee is chairing a committee to encourage the galleries to have artists working in their studio’s or on the sidewalk in the 300 block of Pollock Street so they can interface with festival-goers, discuss their painting styles and sell their work. It will be listed on the festival map, on the website and in the festival program.

We expect to see a good mix of painting styles, pottery and jewelry being created and other art forms demonstrated which will add to the streetscape and festivities that fill the downtown on this fun-filled weekend.

Tell us what you think.

Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director

Gaining Popularity...painting en plein air

 

Lisa Bisbee painting Baxter's Building

 


Painter Chris Wagner

 

Painter Lee Hood



Downtown New Bern’s development as a cultural arts center with galleries, museums, a theater, artwalks and other cultural events is attracting entrepreneurs/artists in growing numbers.  Gaining in popularity are artists gathering downtown to paint en plein air,  a French expression for painting “in the open air”.

Lisa Bisbee, a local artist/entrepreneur has been an ambassador for our downtown and for painting en plein air since she moved here a year or so ago. Every Saturday morning she sets up her easel on the sidewalk in front of New Bern ArtWorks & Co. on Pollock Street. As she sketches and paints, she engages visitors and residents in conversations about her work, downtown happenings, where they are from, places to go and things to see and do.  She said it is amazing how many visitors she meets from all across the country and foreign countries. 



Painter Lisa Bisbee
Photo by Robert Hennon



Lisa Bisbee's Artwork

Her enthusiasm has set the tone. More and more artists are joining her and adding to the ambiance and sense of place by setting up their easels every Saturday morning.

An invitation is extended to all artists who want to participate in this Saturday morning 10 a.m. – noon, downtown happening, painting  street scenes and chatting with the public.   It’s easy, it’s fun, it’s a great way to meet fellow artists, showcase your talents and meet interesting people.…just bring sketchbooks, watercolors or pigments of choice and gather on the 300 block of  Pollock and corner of Pollock Street and Middle Street. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning and enhance the culture of downtown New Bern.

For more information, call Craven Arts Council at 252-638-2577. 

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

SeaFair, the Mega Yacht, MUMFEST Venue

SeaFair in Morehead City 2011
Photo by Alan Welch

Last Thursday, Judy Avery, Carol Takarski, Jim Bisbee, Nancy Wyatt, Linda Mattocks, Danielle Glynn and me met to discuss developing plans for a fundraising reception, October 11 on the 228' mega yacht that will be a major venue at mumfest and how we can involve and promote the local art community as another festival venue to take advantage of this opportunity.

A major part of the meeting was talking with owners David and Leigh Anne Lester, owners of the yacht, via a conference call. They are looking forward to being in New Bern and are as excited as we are about the possibilities of making this a new memorable experience for festival goers and our community in general.

SeaFair 228' Mega Yacht
Photo by Alan Welch

The yacht will leave Florida en route to other ports on May 9, arriving in Morehead City to re-fuel along the way. Weather permitting they will arrive May 11 or 12. We accepted his  invitation to go aboard and tour the five floors so we have a better idea and understanding what will be open to the public.

As New Bern develops its reputation as a cultural and art center, this opportunity to attract visitors from the western part of the state and adjoining states, will enhance that reputation.

If you are interested in seeing pictures of SeaFair, go to http://www.expoships.com/

Tell us what you think.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director