“This place is amazing!†That’s the universal reaction from the 300 guests who enjoyed the Uncommon Garden Tour on Saturday, May 1. This rare opportunity to see the garden benefited The ArtsCenter in Carrboro. The half acre, which has to be seen to be believed, is a mysterious and Zen-like refuge filled with surprise after surprise. The amazing stonework, sculpture, garden beds and water features create a world unlike any other anywhere. The secret garden sanctuary gates have been flung open to the public only once a year in the last three years. This year was the biggest success yet, raising over $10,500!
Thank you to our event sponsors Clear Water Construction Group, Jane Bultman, Nan Van Der Puy of UBS, Chapel Hill Magazine and Carrburritos. Framemakers donated our Raffle Prize – a beautiful custom framing of an Uncommon Garden original photo print by David Poulos. Scharding Design provided our elegant publicity package.
Especial thanks are due to all the knowledgeable volunteer docents, who so ably described the particulars of every twist, turn and artistic manifestation. A special shout-out to Lynn Pace, Emily Krebill, Michael Triplett and Jane Oliver who fed everyone.
Ray Tolan and Tiffany Bernard are not only responsible for some of the spectacular sculpture (including the steel tree featured in our raffle prize), but also for helping to transport and setup the tents, tables and greenery and making the entrance safe for the tour. The preparation and all-important cleanup of the garden was done by Fabio Consani.
The unique experience of touring the Uncommon Garden was enhanced by musicians Marilyn Wienand, Celtic harpist; Viswas Chitnis and Chris Johnson, sitar and tabla; and Gregory Blaine and Dolie Chandler, vocals, guitar, percussion and didgeridoo.
ArtsCenter painters/instructors on hand demonstrating their skills included Jane Filer, Elizabeth May, Emily Weinstein and Luna Lee Ray. Our uncommon event photographer, David Poulos, was there documenting this beautiful day. As the official garden photographer, his sharp eye and sure hand produced the classic photos sold as souvenirs.
The Uncommon Garden Committee would like to thank all our guests for their support for artists and The ArtsCenter. The garden would not be what it is without the imagination and talents of many ambitious and accomplished artists and, of course, the generosity and vision of our host – a true Patron of the Arts – Dan Krebill.
THE UNCOMMON GARDEN COMMITTEE
Betsy James (chair), Susan Reda, Gail Fairbanks and Nan Van Der Puy
uncommongardentour.com