Beat the Heat and Enjoy These Art and Book Experiences as Summertime Temperatures Peak

ARTS & CULTURE

With the Fourth of July weekend approaching, we’re well into summer. The summer solstice was in June, and last week our area saw 100-degree days. Although temperatures are more bearable this week, hot weather is here to stay. Read on to find out where The Local Reporter suggests you can enjoy visual art and books in air-conditioned spaces, and perhaps do a little good along the way.

Two Art Galleries

FRANK Gallery – 370 E Main St, Carrboro

Founded in 2010, FRANK is a contemporary fine arts gallery featuring work by local member artists, together with a commitment to arts education. Located in a lovely space by the Hampton Inn and the parking structure in downtown Carrboro, FRANK is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

In July and August, two shows will be running concurrently.

“Scapes,” July 6-August 16, a group landscape show with member and guest artists. It explores the definition of “Scapes” through different media and interpretations.
Featured Artists Exhibit, July 8-August 16. It includes works by member artist R. Scott Horner, emerging artist in residence Lucas Bernard, and guest artists Chris Boerner, Paul Reamey, and Kerry Schroeder.

Both exhibits will have an opening reception on Friday, July 11, which coincides with Carrboro’s monthly 2nd Friday Art Walk, offering numerous opportunities for art lovers.

Carrboro has recently added newly designed signs marking all the available parking around downtown.

Peel Gallery – 708 W Rosemary St, Carrboro

Founded in 2021, Peel is an art gallery, digital photo lab, retail space, and community event space that promotes contemporary art. It’s open 12-6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 11-6 pm Saturday, and 11-5 pm Sunday.

Peel’s retail offerings make it more than a display space. You can find local art, photography, jewelry, art books, comics, and zines.

Currently showing Drive-In, a show of and about cars, Peel will also host a fundraiser on July 11, the 2nd Friday Art Walk.

Among other great prizes, a $100 photo lab credit and a $100 gift card are included, with three draws each. Learn more about the raffle here.

Additionally, explore the diverse range of workshops offered at Peel Gallery.

Two Bookstores

Flyleaf Books – 752 MLK Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill

Whether you’re in town or away at the beach, summer is a perfect time to explore new books and adventures. Flyleaf has put together a handy list that includes “cozy romance, contemplative nonfiction, epic sprawling fantasy, and literature steeped in social commentary.”

While you’re at it, take a look at the bookstore’s Essential Reading for Locals, which covers a wide range of “North Carolina history, politics, food, music, basketball, and the natural landscape.”

Flyleaf’s monthly Second Sunday Poetry Series continues on July 13, 2:30-4 p.m. Featured poets and writers read for about 20 minutes, and there is an open mic.

July will feature Georgann Eubanks, well-known for UNC Press guidebooks on Southern heritages, reading from her first poetry collection, “Rural Astronomy.”

Ruth Bardon will read selections from “Witness,” a finalist for the 2024 Birdy Poetry Prize.

McIntyre’s Books – 220 Market St, Pittsboro

Located in Fearrington Village, McIntyre’s Books hosts a poetry reading with the NC Poetry Society on the last Sunday of every month.

On July 27, from 2-3 pm, enjoy the poetry of Han VanderHart, Pat Riviere-Seel, and Crystal Simone Smith. Click here to learn about each.

The bookstore’s website also has several curated reading recommendations.

McIntyre’s community involvement includes in-store book fairs for fundraising and collecting books for book drives.

This summer, they have a wishlist to which you can contribute with a 20% discount.

The book drive is to help Chatham Reads collect books for CORA’s SNACK! program. SNACK! (Summer Nutritional Assistance for Chatham Kids) distributes free groceries to Chatham County children from mid-June to mid-August.

Pamir Kiciman is an artist who writes about a range of the arts and the creative process. This reporter can be reached at: Information@TheLocal Reporter.press.