Get to know the artists in more depth!
The ArtsCenter would like to thank the foundations and organizations that support our mission and programs.
Willa Brigham
African Drumming and Dance (Artist Group)
Ms. Willa breezes right into any classroom, bringing joy for children and adults alike with her contagious energy and captivating stories. Weaving story and song together into one magical experience, she balances youth empowerment with lesson learning to get participants connecting with one another through laughter and delight.
The Magic of African Rhythm
African Drumming and Dance (Artist Group)
This wonderful artist group offers the “Griot Gourd;” a performance with storytelling instruments made from gourds. Through both traditional and original melodies, singing and dancing, The Magic of African Rhythm’s modern-day griots make connections between West Africa and North Carolina. Audiences are invited on stage to become part of the magic. Students will see, hear, and know for themselves that there is much more to Africa than just drums.
Sandbank Shadow Factory
Puppetry & Poetry
Watch and make stories come to life with Sandbank Shadow Factories series of shadow puppetry vignettes designed to inspire creativity in young people. The use of puppetry has the twofold effect of making abstract literary concepts more concrete as well as making poetry a fresh and exciting subject. Workshops and residencies weaves in lessons of light and shadow science so that participants grasp a better understanding of the physics behind the magic of puppetry.
Rosendo Peña
Latin American Music and Movement
With Rosendo, students explore the foundational elements of music and movement through singing, rhythm, dynamics, and creative expression. Students will learn to keep a steady beat by using body percussion, explore pitch by matching simple melodic patterns, and be exposed to new instruments and movement activities. Songs and activities will incorporate both English and Spanish, fostering language development and cultural appreciation.
Omar Ruiz Lopez & Friends
Global Folk Music (Artist Group)
Omar Ruiz-Lopez and his acoustic band explore different fiddle musical styles from all over the world, including old-time, bluegrass, Celtic, Brazilian, Latin-American, and Afro-Caribbean. They will play a couple of songs and instrumental tunes in different styles and languages, teaching the audience different rhythms and melodies they can join in on. These offerings explore what works best with participants’ musical voice while making a joyful noise with others!
Nick Courmon
Writing & Poetry
Nick Courmon is a poet, spoken word artist, educator, and community organizer. In 2021, Nick founded NDC Poetry, L.L.C. as a way to use poetry, spoken word, creative writing, public speaking, and performance to educate, uplift, and edify others. Nick believes that using the arts to address controversial and social issues opens the door for constructive dialogue and critical thinking. Nick uses poetry and spoken word as a vehicle to educate about African American history. In his performances and workshops, participants will explore their personal relationships with stage fright, self confidence, and misconceptions about identity.
Music Discovery Lab
Junk Band Music & Instrument Building
Music Discovery Lab takes students on an interactive journey blending sound, science, and storytelling into a vibrant, hand-on learning experience. Jason Mullinax, the man behind the music, facilitates various workshops that focus on teaching the mechanics behind sound making so they are able to engage with unconventional methods of music creation.
Maria Geary
Mixed Media Visual Arts
Maria Geary is a mixed media and fiber artist whose work often incorporates found objects and textured materials to create bold, expressive pieces. Her offerings challenge participants to reflect on their inner landscapes, utilizing writing prompts, mixed media journaling, and bookmaking. Designed for upper elementary through high school levels, this hands-on experience weaves together literacy support, visual storytelling, and emotional reflection.
Marcos Napa
Afro-Peruvian Drumming and Dance
Marcos Napa brings the room to life with engaging percussion and dance from his home country of Peru. He offers both performances and workshops that get participants up and dancing to the Afro beats of Peruvian music. Presenting traditional instrument such as the cahon, particpants will learn about Latin American culture in these bilingual offerings.
Luke Vandergriff
Junk Band Music & Storytelling
Spanning the crossroads of storytelling and STEAM powered music, Luke’s offerings spark participants’ contagious passions for creativity. He offers two performances; “Pepito & the Trash Cans” a bilingual musical story that follows a boy making music against the odds, and “Homemade Music” a demonstration of Luke’s very own repurposed symphony.
Jeghetto’s Entertainment
Puppetry & Mural Painting
Jeghetto’s Entertainment offers interactive performances and workshops that integrate hand constructed puppets with hip-hop instrumentals. These adaptable offerings can be performed just about anywhere and be aware, you might just be pulled into to be a part of the magical storytelling!
Heather Pike
Dance & Movement
Heather Pike invites students of all abilities to engage with literacy and learning through movement. This meaningful, arts-integrated offering enhances literacy instruction and fosters important skill building. Movement activities will encourage students to “dance the story” while learning vocabulary, phonics and reading comprehension strategies. Lessons are based upon and aligned with the NC ELA Standard Course of Study and NC Essential Standards for Dance. This workshop engages all learners through multi-sensory experiences and active participation.
Cynthia Harrell
Ceramics & Mixed Media
As a multifaceted artist, Cynthia combines her passion for pottery, physical therapy, and painting into her offerings. Participants dive into critical thinking and communication skill building as they explore representational self expression through clay. Instruction is aimed at encouraging people of all ages and needs to connect with their own creativity from opening othe clay back to finishing the project.
Charles Pettee
North Carolina Bluegrass
Something for all ages! Charles Pettee’s informative and interactive offerings romp through the global musical styles that make up the foundation of North Carolina folk and blugrass traditions. Students will experience cultural diversity as they hear Irish jigs, Spanish Flamenco, Southern Blues, and Bluegrass, as Pettee demonstrates each instrument in turn. All are invited to “own” a portion of this unique NC style of music!
Alberto Lung
Manga drawing and storytelling
Alberto Lung consists of dynamic drawing demonstrations and engaging instruction that introduces participants to the world of manga. Covering the basics of cartoon portraiture, character design, creature design, and sequential storytelling, this experience encourages participants to be the protaganists in their own stories.
Braima Moiwai
African Drumming & Storytelling
The classroom comes alive through storytelling, song, and dance with Braima Moiwai. Hailing from Sierra Leone with years building roots in North Carolina, Braima weaves together drumming and storytelling with themes of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Students write poems and essays and share folklore, music and art that show understandings of their cultural heritage and some of the challenges they encounter in the community where they live.