Meet potter Mark Hewitt at ESU dinner

Born in Stoke-on-Trent, England, Hewitt is the son and grandson of directors of Spode, the fine china manufacturers. As a student at Bristol University in the early 1970s, Mark read Bernard Leach’s “A Potter’s Book,” and decided to become a studio potter rather than an industrial manager. This decision led to a three-year apprenticeship with Michael Cardew, and later another with Todd Piker in Connecticut, where Mark met his wife, Carol.

In 1983 they moved to Pittsboro and set up their pottery. Mark built a large wood kiln and began making the distinctive functional pots for which he is known, specializing in large planters and jars, along with finely made smaller items. He uses local clays and blends the different North Carolinian folk traditions together into a contemporary style that has attracted a sizeable following.

Mark’s work has been featured in the Smithsonian magazine and on the cover of American Craft magazine, he has written extensively in the ceramic press, and he has exhibited in London, New York, Tokyo and throughout the U.S.

On Thursday, March 23 at 6:30 p.m., Hewitt will speak at the English Speaking Union Salisbury Branch dinner meeting. Reservations are $32. rsvp to Gerry at 704-216-2660 or gwood@gerrywoodauto.com

“Pottery today” will be presented at the Country Club of Salisbury. You do not have to be a member of either to attend. Learn more at www.esuus.org

 

Tonight: Opening night for PPT’s ‘Sister Act’ 

“Sister Act” is the feel-good musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 Whoopi Goldberg film. Featuring original music by Tony- and eight-time Oscar winner, Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), this uplifting musical was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Join the cast for a complimentary reception immediately following the opening performance. 

7:30 p.m. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St. Adults $20, students/seniors $17. 704-633-5471 or www.PiedmontPlayers.com

Bi-annual Antiques Appraisal Fair (Roadshow Style)

SPENCER — It’s time again to clean out the attic. Coming March 24-25 to the Spencer Doll And Toy Museum is the popular Antiques Appraisal Fair (Roadshow Style) from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days.  Antiques dealer Michael Hansen will take a look at your items and offer advice and information regarding a broad spectrum of general merchandise, including toys.

Bring in your family heirlooms and yard sale bargains to find out the fascinating truths about these finds. Cost is $5 per item; limit two. Regular admission charges apply. Spencer Doll And Toy Museum, 108 Fourth St., 704-762-9359, www.spencerdollandtoymuseum.com

 

Voices from the Margin presents ‘Point Blank’ 

“Point Blank” is a community sourced theatrical production exploring systemic racism as it affects us personally and culturally. The third annual Voices from the Margin production offers a platform for collaborative examination of local civic concerns.

Conceived by Craig Kolkebeck, working in connection with Covenant Community Connection, the play offers multiple perspectives through words, sound, movement and multi-media effects. Audience members are encouraged to discuss issues and share
viewpoints.  Center for Faith & the Arts gallery show “Unreasonable Fears” is on display in the theater lobby, performance nights only.

Admission is by donation, collected at the door. March 29-April 1, at Lee Street theatre, 329 N. Lee St.  Doors open at 7 p.m., curtain at 7:30.

 

African American fashion show

SPENCER — From 7-9 p.m. on Friday, March 17 will be the annual African American Fashion Show held at the Spencer Woman’s Club, 200 Third St. Light refreshments will be served. Tickets are $10. Sponsored by the Spencer Doll And Toy Museum; find details at http://www.spencerdollandtoymuseum.com/

 

‘Pasta with a Purpose’

CHINA GROVE — First Baptist Church of China Grove, 302 Patterson St., will host “Pasta with a Purpose” on Saturday, March 18 from 5-8 p.m., a benefit for the ongoing capital campaign for a handicap-accessible bathroom.

The Back Creek Bluegrass Boys and Tori Jones will entertain while attendees enjoy a pasta dinner, garlic bread, salad, homemade dessert and drink. A silent auction will also take place.  Tickets are $10 at 704-310-6741 or www.chinagrovefbc.com/event

 

LSt holds auditions for ‘Boeing Boeing’

Auditions for “Boeing Boeing” are April 2-3 at 7 p.m. at Lee Street theatre. The play is a classic French farce that boasts the Guinness World Records most performed French play. It is set in the 1960s and follows Bernard, a handsome bachelor living in Paris. He is simultaneously seeing three different airline stewardesses whose flight schedules never overlap. Until now. Havoc ensues when the three women, each believing they are engaged to Bernard, arrive at the same time. It is a play rich in laughs and situational comedy. Scripts are available for perusal. The cast includes:

BERNARD – a Parisian bachelor

GLORIA – an American air hostess

BERTHE – Bernard’s housekeeper

ROBERT – a friend of Bernard’s

GABRIELLA – an Italian air hostess

GRETCHEN – a German air hostess

Performances dates are May 18-27. Lee Street Theatre, 329 N. Lee St., www.leestreet.org or 704-310-5507.

 

British writers make appearance at South Main Books Wednesday

Submitted

On March 22, we will have two writers from London, England from 6:30-8:30 p.m. They are Anne-Marie Fyfe and Cahal Dallat.

Dallat, poet, musician and critic, lives in London where he reviews literature and the arts for the TLS and Guardian, among others, and has been a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4’s weekly Saturday Review since 1998. His first poetry collection, Morning Star, was published in 1998, he won the Strokestown International Poetry Competition in 2006, and his latest collection is The Year of Not Dancing.

Anne-Marie Fyfe’s fifth poetry collection is House of Small Absences. Born in Cushendall, Co. Antrim, Ireland, Anne-Marie lives in London where she works as an arts organiser. She has run Coffee-House Poetry’s readings and classes at London’s leading live literature venue, the Troubadour, since 1997, is poetry co-ordinator for the annual John Hewitt International Summer School in Ireland, and is a former chair of the UK’s Poetry Society.

South Main Book Co. is located at 110 S. Main St. Call 704-630-9788 or visit southmainbookcompany.com to learn more.