FireFest is a three-day celebration of fire and its role in the creation of art. World-renowned artists in ceramics, glass and metal have been invited to participate, demonstrate, lecture and create sculptures to be installed at STARworks in Star, N.C.
Some of those artists are local to central North Carolina.
Some of the finest ceramic artists in the state are collaborating to create a fire sculpture that will be fired in place at STARworks on Saturday night. “Firebird” is a two-meter tall ceramic sculpture designed by Estonian artist Anne Pärtna, who currently resides in Seagrove, and built under the instruction of Estonian artist/kiln builder Andres Allik. “Firebird” will be uncovered near the peak temperature of the firing, while it’s still red hot.
Other ceramic activities include demonstrations by Seagrove potter David Stuempfle, who is well known for his large pots. He will demonstrate how he constructs his large coil built vessels all weekend. Another well-known potter, Mark Hewitt, from Pittsboro, will present a lecture and slide show entitled, “A Few of My Favorite Big Pots” on Friday evening at 7 p.m.
Other special guests include metal artists Ben Galata from Raleigh and Jim Gallucci from Greensboro, and glass artists Thor and Jennifer Bueno from Penland and Hank Adams from Philadelphia, Pa.
Workshops and hands-on activities in glass, metal and ceramics will be offered for all ages and skill levels, including those with no experience. Some workshops require advance registration. Visit www.STARworksNC.org and click the FireFest slide for more information. All participants in workshops or hands-on activities need to wear closed-toe shoes.
In addition to special guest artists and the activities mentioned above, FireFest will also feature live entertainment and a beer garden Friday and Saturday night. Locally made food will be available throughout the event.
15 Minute Freakshow, a hard rock band from Southern Pines, will perform after the opening ceremonies Friday night, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Charlottes’s Carolina Gator Gumbo will perform Saturday night, from 8 to 10 p.m. Local North Carolina beer will be available in the beer garden from 6 to 10 p.m. both nights.
Fresh North Carolina barbecue made by Nutt’N Butt Rubb’N, and Breads and Sweets by Donna Kay will be available on-site, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday evening, fried chicken plates will be available from the Community Kitchen, located in Star within walking distance of STARworks.
Admission to FireFest is $25 per day or $60 for a weekend pass if ordered in advance. It is $30 per day or $75 for a weekend pass if purchased at the gate. Student admission is $15 with valid ID. Children 16 and younger are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.FireFestNC.eventbrite.com or by calling 910-428-9001.
A few volunteer tickets are still available. Those who volunteer for three hours will receive one day’s free admission. Call 910-428-9001 or e-mail mary@CentralParkNC.org to volunteer.
Lectures, slide shows, artist demonstrations and live entertainment are covered in the price of admission. Workshops and hands-on activities are an additional charge. Register in advance for workshops. Hands-on activities are first come, first serve. For a complete list of activities and prices, overnight accommodations and profiles of guest artists, visit www.STARworksNC.org and click the link for FireFest under the Events tab.
FireFest is made possible in part, thanks to an Our Town grant from the National Endowment of the Arts. Other sponsors include the City of Rockingham, the Town of Star, Charlotte Pine and Foundry, Larkin Refractory, D.H. Griffin Company, Wet Dog Glass, Insurance Associates of the Triad and Spruce Pine Batch.
— Staff Writer Dawn M. Kurry can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 15, or by email at dkurry@civitasmedia.com.
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