There’s something for everyone this weekend including a mix of indoor and outdoor events, from hiking tours to virtual performances
Compiled by Grace Beasley
‘The Light Within’ Exhibit at Craven Allen Gallery – Through Saturday – Durham artist Beverly McIver returns to Craven Allen Gallery with a powerful new exhibition of paintings. The gallery is open with social distancing guidelines in place, and the work is available for viewing online. Earlier this year, Beverly was working nonstop, teaching classes at Duke, leading workshops all over the country, caregiving for her family and painting when she could. When COVID-19 hit, along with all of the year’s racial and political turbulence, Beverly faced the chaos and isolation the only way she knew how – through paint. Through a series of self-portraits and paintings of family and friends, she confronted her feelings and fears.
Al Strong Provides Rendition of the Black National Anthem – Friday – The North Carolina Central University alum, adjunct professor and renowned trumpeter releases a special rendition of the classical hymn “Lift Every Voice and Sing” in honor of Black History Month. The eight-minute performance is a tribute to the African American experience and the preservation of its culture. The full performance will be available on Al’s Facebook page, YouTube channel and alstrongmusic.com.
In Conversation: Telvin Wallace – Friday, noon-1pm – The NYC-based artist, a 2019 graduate of North Carolina Central University, explores Black mental health and the human condition through painted portraits. Telvin discusses his recent work and his emerging career as an interdisciplinary artist during this conversation moderated by Durham-based artist William Paul Thomas and hosted by the Rubenstein Arts Center at Duke University.
Durham Parks & Recreation Youth Sports Sampler – Saturday, 10am-noon – Durham Parks & Recreation introduces children ages 7-12 to different sports, including disc golf, lacrosse and basketball. Kids will also learn the basic fundamentals of each sport in a fun, controlled and safe environment.
In Plain Sight: Reclaiming Hidden Histories – Saturday, 11am – Friends of Geer Cemetery hosts a virtual panel discussion that examines how historic places like Geer Cemetery reflect inequality and what activists can do today to change that. Hosted by Friends of Geer Cemetery Vice President James Stewart IV speakers will include: Vanessa Hines (Durham Racial Equity Taskforce, Stagville Memorial Project), William Sturkey (associate professor of history, UNC), Angela Thorpe (director, NC African American Heritage Commission) and Andre Vann (archivist, historian, NCCU).
Living Arts Outdoor Dancewave – Saturday, 1:15-4:15pm – Living Arts Collective creates a personal dancing space at Durham Central Park for those who need some time to reflect. The arts venue encourages participants to bring art supplies, journals or any other creative outlets.
VOCES8 Performance – Saturday, 8pm – The British vocal octet performs as a part of Duke Performances virtual season, “The Show Must Go Online!” The professional ensemble gained international recognition by The Times in London for its extensive repertoire of concerts and recordings. The livestreamed performance, “Enchanted Isle,” combines English, Scottish and Irish folk music and contemporary ideology.
Eno River Association Winter Hike Series – Sunday, 2pm – The Eno River Association hosts this two-hour hike through the Fannie Breeze Homestead at Fews Ford Access. The tour traverses 2.7 miles of trails to reach the homesite of Fannie Breeze, who was a slave and midwife in the area in the 1800s. Fannie was an important member of Pleasant Green United Methodist Church and was instrumental in the founding of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church on Pleasant Green Road.
Durham Community Bake Sale – Sunday, 9am-4pm – Durham Vegan Bake Sale and Lauren Clarke host this online event supporting local bakers and small businesses. All proceeds benefit the Durham Free Lunch Initiative, which was formed in response to the COVID-19 crisis with the goal of providing healthy, accessible meals for anyone who is food insecure. The bake sale offers online ordering, contactless payments and socially distanced pickup options.
Organ Recital: Celebrating the Musical Legacy of Marcel Dupré – Sunday, 4pm – Duke Chapel Organist Christopher Jacobson presents an online recital on the Chapel’s Aeolian organ. The program features three pieces by the French composer and virtuoso organist Marcel Dupré in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Dupré’s death. The program also includes compositions by Dupré’s mentors Alexandre Guilmant, Charles Marie Widor and Louis Vierne.
