"Come out & Play" Just Outside Chapel Hill
Metal dinosaur skeletons, soaring geometric forms, rolled paper on a plaster wall, gigantic primate images, and a teepee that when one steps inside, is beamed into a universe of planets. These are but a handful of sculptures flecked across the 17-acre JimGin Farm in Chatham County, yes a farm. Horses and potbellies reside there too, but it's the plethora of local art that lures hoards of families -- including leashed four-legged members -- to the Come Out and Play sculpture shows in August and September. For the past 13 years, the art show has been a staple at the home of Debbie Meyer and Eric Brantley. It has grown from less than a dozen participating artists to more than 60 this past year. An estimated 1,800 folks flock here to take in the art, purchase one-of-a-kinds, listen to live music, feed animals and delight in the potluck served by Debbie and her friends and family. Best part, artists keep 100% of revenues on sales. It's an event that has burgeoned over the years, but clings to its down-home roots.
While this year's show has come to a close, mark your calendar for next summer!
(photographs taken at the Come Out and Play final reception held on September 20 in Pittsboro)