Chatham Creative Economy Summit

Chatham County has already established itself as a leading Triangle arts destination with its many artists, musicians, and new gallery openings. But the Chatham County Economic Development Commission plans to put Chatham squarely on the map as a cultural arts leader with the upcoming Creative Economy Summit and weekend full of festivities planned.

Creative Economy Summit

Linda Carlisle, North Carolina’s secretary of cultural resources, will be the featured speaker at the Chatham County Economic Development Commission’s “Creative Economy Summit” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 19 at the Silk Hope Community Center.

Carol Hewitt, wife of renowned Chatam potter Mark Hewitt, in an effort to bring Chatham County’s strong art community together, is spearheading this first-ever Creative Summit, which is still a work in progress. Artists, business leaders, public officials, staff and board members of numerous art organizations, art educators, and art lovers alike will gather to launch a Strategic Marketing Campaign designed to place Chatham firmly in the Triangle as a destination for the cultural arts. The Chatham Creatives group is brand new, says Carol, and is open to anyone interested in the arts and in “coming together to build a community”. With 9 galleries now open in downtown Siler City alone, the art community is definitely going strong.

3rd Friday

The Saturday Summit is part of a weekend of festivities throughout Chatham County that begins with 3rd Friday, an art walk and community celebration that takes place each month in downtown Siler City. An array of art exhibits, live music, and family events are planned for the evening.

Downtown Historic Pittsboro

Festivities on Saturday afternoon in Pittsboro’s historic downtown district will include indoor and outdoor music, street theater, and promotional offerings at local stores and restaurants.

At 5 p.m. a wine and cheese reception will be held  at The General Store Cafe in Pittsboro, as a thank you to art patrons, museum professionals, gallery owners, music venue owners and other invited guests from throughout North Carolina. A Creative Economy Showcase Supper will follow, with entertainment and a digital showcase of local art. Just a short steps away, the Davenport and Winkleperry Gallery and Coffee House will host a Steampunk Dance Party from 9 p.m. to midnight. And other plans and events are still in the works as we speak. “It’s going to be a great weekend”, says Carol, “with lots of fun and activities for the whole family.”

Chatham County is home to a wealth of talented artists, writers, musicians, actors, designers, and many other artisans, making this area an ideal location to visit, or settle down in.

For more information about the Creative Economy Summit and weekend events, contact [email protected] or call Carol at (919) 244-7490. And for more info on beautiful Chatham County and its surrounds, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.

Event Details

3rd Friday– Friday March 18th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Downtown Siler City
Admission is free

Creative Economy Summit– Sat. March 19th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Silk Hope Community Center

Historic  Downtown Pittsboro– Sat. March 19th
12 p.m. to 5 p.m. free day activities
5 p.m. wine and cheese reception
5 p.m. to 9 p.m. free events