Marcela Slade’s life story is as vibrant as her art. Soft blues, bright greens, and flashy pinks adorn the canvases on her walls and deep reds and golden yellows are stitched into the clothing she designs. Her art is alive – always changing, reflecting her current stage in life as well as the world around… Read More →
Young Orange County artists shine in art competitions
It’s no secret that Orange County, North Carolina, is home to an astounding number of artists. We see their art in galleries, hear their words at readings, and view their productions both onstage and on the screen. But, what many may not be aware of, is the incredible young artists we have in our schools…. Read More →
Vitamin O Artist of the Month: Norman Douglas
By Alicia Stemper/Vitamin O Fittingly, Norman Douglas arrived in Carrboro the day before its West End Poetry Festival. He offers poetry on a pay-what-you-will basis, often setting up outside the Farmers Market. He composes on a manual Smith-Corona typewriter while music streams from his laptop via a Bluetooth speaker. Douglas eschews the term “Pop-Up” Poetry…. Read More →
As Our State’s New Poet Laureate, Jaki Shelton Green Amplifies Her Life’s Work of Literary Empowerment
Vitamin O Artist of the Month: Emilio Taiveaho
By Alicia Stemper Poet Emilio Taiveaho is a first generation immigrant. Born in Quito to a Finnish father and an Ecuadorian mother, he also has three younger sisters living in Finland. They cannot speak to each other in words; body language is the only language they have in common. “My life is an interesting story… Read More →
Vitamin O Artist of the Month: Leigh Stringfellow
By Alicia Stemper/Vitamin O Although it is easy to immediately make beautiful music on the harp, mastering the instrument is difficult. Musician Leigh Stringfellow has loved the harp since she saw one at age four; she started playing at nine. The strings are the same as the white keys on a piano. Therefore, in addition… Read More →
A look at Eris Swanstrom, a Raleigh-based artist at Festifall this year
Vitamin O Artists of the Month: North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble
By Alicia Stemper Founded in 1982, North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble (NCYTE) is a repertoire company with roughly 40 dancers, all age 18 or younger. Surprisingly, founder and artistic director Gene Medler did not start dancing until age 28. He quipped, “I didn’t want to blossom too young.” Likewise, regarding NCYTE’s nationwide and international reputation,… Read More →
Meet the man behind the RedBall bouncing around Chapel Hill
Vitamin O Artist of the Month: Sol Ramirez & 123 Puppetry
By Alicia Stemper/Vitamin O After becoming interested in puppetry at age three, Sol Ramirez founded 123 Puppetry while still in elementary school. Puppetry includes a much greater variety of form than the classic sock puppet. Explains Sol, “Anything with movement can be considered a puppet.” Sol has also been a “full-on member” of the well-known… Read More →