Flooding from Tropical Depression Chantal devastated the Eno Arts Mill in July, destroying decades of work and displacing 15 Orange County artists along with the headquarters, offices, classroom and gallery of the Orange County Arts Commission. It also cast doubt on whether Uproar, the biennial public art festival featuring 60 larger-than-life works, would take place.
But the show must go on. OCAC Director Katie Murray and her team pressed forward. A week later, I visited their makeshift Hillsborough headquarters, where papier-mâché animal heads guided me through rooms stacked high with supplies and a once-bland space was transformed into a cheerful studio for campers working on projects. I could accutely sense a palpable resiliency in that building.
The following week, I spotted a cube-like Pinocchio sculpture, “Pinocchump,” on a night walk in downtown Hillsborough. On a rainy morning soon after, I watched teens interact with a whimsical doors installation. These moments reminded me that art matters – it brightens, challenges and connects us. At press time, I’m eager to see how the rest of the Uproar pieces will bring joy and meaning to our community. – Jessica Stringer, editor
THE FOOD & DRINK ISSUE
22 A Cut Above
Wedgewood Cheese Bar elevates Carrboro’s dining scene with artisanal selections and stories behind every bite
30 Bar None
Four unique watering holes to frequent this fall
40 From Porch to Powerhouse
What began with cans of tuna on neighborhood porches has grown into a hunger relief network feeding our community
42 What We’re Eating
News from our restaurant community, plus a dish we love
FALL ARTS
46 License To Thrill
Local band Chiroptera grows in popularity with a genre-bending sound
52 Framed for the Future
Photo Farm balances its roots in analog photography with forward-thinking workshops and collaborations designed to inspire
58 A Brush With Purpose
Tiffney Marley’s creative journey blends personal healing with community activism
62 The Write Stuff
A quick glimpse at the latest books from Orange County authors
64 Canning Creativity
Pittsboro artist wins Eno River Brewing’s design contest
66 Murals on the Move
Chapel Hill’s past and future ride side by side in this rolling piece of history
67 Cold Case, Hot Mic
A new podcast reopens the unsolved 1951 murder of trailblazer Rachel Crook, unearthing long-buried clues and challenging the story Chapel Hill thought it knew
68 Fall Arts Guide
Can’t-miss concerts, events and more
FEATURES
74 Making Waves, Breaking Barriers
Special Olympics Orange County fosters friendships, confidence and connection through year-round sports
80 Back to Nature
How conservationists protect land in Cedar Grove as a sacred space for natural burials
84 Rooted in Renewal
A globetrotting family blends the home’s original charm with modern updates to create their perfect Chapel Hill retreat
DEPARTMENTS
10 About Town
Events not to miss
12 Blast From the Past
The Danziger family’s legacy
16 Glow Getters
Brenda Baldwin
PEOPLE & PLACES
100 Chapel Hill-Carrboro CROP Hunger Walk
102 SECU Family House Classic
102 South Green Flats ‘Going Vertical’ Celebration
