October 7-14 An Incredible Week For New Bern

Committee members (L to R)
Judy Avery, Nancy Stallings,Danielle Glynn, Melissa Riggle,
Nancy Wyatt, Jim Bisbee, Sandy Bruno
Members not pictured
Susan Moffat-Thomas, Linda Mattocks, Carol Tokarski, Alison Mattocks, Mary Harris

The Arts Ahoy Committee met on Monday morning and we were all happy to hear the tickets are selling extremely well and may be a sell-out. The good news provided the enthusiasm for all of us to embrace the many details that remain to insure the event will be a grand affair., i.e. selection of hors d oeuvres from the list submitted by Seafair’s chef, booking entertainment for the three decks for the First View, organizing guest registration for the evening of the event, parking…the list is long but our able committee members are taking it in stride and everything should go as planned.

The Arts Ahoy gala marks the inaugural of this mega yacht’s stay in New Bern with the unveiling of The SeaFair Collection to include works of art from a broad array of paintings, prints, sculpture and photography by contemporary artists, all available for sale. Artists include Robert Cottingham, Thomas Hartmann and pop-artist icons Robert Indiana, Jim Dine, Tom Wesselman and many others. In addition to the 28 galleries filled with art, there are two outdoor bars, a coffee bar and an open-air bistro and bar on the Sky Deck. What a great venue for MUMFEST’s 32^nd year.

Captain Craig Matthews notified us they departed from Brooklyn at 9:45 am on Monday, expect to reach Morehead City Thursday morning to take on fuel and then on to New Bern arriving, weather-permitting, on Sunday. It will be fascinating to see this 228 foot yacht arrive and watch as Captain Matthews maneuvers the enormous vessel so it can dock at the New Bern Grand Marina.

Arts Ahoy featuring nationally known artists on Thursday, acclaimed musicians performing at the Four Seasons concert on Friday, MUMFEST on Saturday and Sunday with dozens of venues…what an incredible week…what an incredible reputation New Bern is building!

What do you think?

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Carven Arts Festival - September 29-30

The place to be for art lovers this week-end is the Craven Arts Festival in the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center. This is a perfect time to meet artists who specialize in many mediums from handmade jewelry, pottery, sculpture, photography, mixed media, fiber arts to hand crafted furniture, much of it available for sale.

In addition to the artist’s booths, there are demonstrations and workshops. The workshops, for a modest fee, offer a wide range of choices… from Ikebana Flower Arranging and Raku/Smoke Pit-fired Pottery, Fabulous Earrings, Photography, Strong Composition, Bookmaking, Watercolor Layering/Masking to Painting En Plein Air, all by well-known artists.

The Wine Tasting and Bernie Awards Party, a ticketed event Saturday evening ($30/ members, $35/nonmembers) promises to be lots of fun along with the opportunity to be a part of the award festivities and see who receives the Bernie Award for their outstanding contributions  to the arts in Craven County.  Event proceeds benefit the Craven Arts Council & Gallery.

The Festival is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, to sign up for classes and buy tickets for the Party, go to http://www.cravenarts.org/craven-arts-festival.html or call (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