Wednesday • August 28 2024
Milton’s Shirley Cadmus Awarded
Shirley Cadmus has owned the Milton Studio gallery for 17 years and has a long history as a potter and art teacher as well. We caught up with her after her 3D pen basket, ‘Open basket with patterns” was given the Best in Crafts award at the Craven Arts Council “National Bank of the Arts“ exhibition in New Bern, NC.
How did it feel to win the award?
It was wonderful because I’d always gotten awards from the media I have done, but NEVER A Best In Show -this is so new. Of course everyone at the show asked how it was done.
What’s the most interesting part about using the 3D pen?
I was a potter for many years, with lots of shows and awards since the 60’s. A few years ago I quit after tests, X-rays, breathing treatments determined that my lungs had been compromised from breathing in fumes, dry powered clay, copper, lead, silica, alumina, chemically enhanced fumes and smoke from firings etc.
Then my sister gave me a 3D pen about 6 years ago for Christmas, and I just kept experimenting with it; it took me a few months to get the hang of using the pen. It uses plant based plastic filaments, the same as 3D printers. One must keep building up layers so it will hold its shape.
It was a great transition from pottery. I could make my forms bigger then I ever could on the potters wheel. It’s like painting and sculpture at the same time.
What’s the best part about having a gallery that not only houses your own work but also that of many other artists?
It’s fun to enjoy other artists’ work, send them a check for sold items and meet the other artists.
What advice do you have for artists just getting started and getting their work into galleries like yours?
Once they’ve developed their own style, they should take pictures of it share it, or just bring the actual work in to the gallery. Sometimes I can give them advice about how they can improve. The other thing is to start entering shows - regional, nation and international shows.
What are you up to besides the gallery these days?
I am teaching Drawing - beginning and advanced at Averett University.
More info about Shirley and her gallery:
More info about Shirley: www.shirleycadmus.com
The Milton Studio Gallery on Facebook: Milton Studio Art Gallery
Photography note: The final photo of Shirley’s Patterned Open Basket was given the Best in Crafts award at the Craven Arts Council “ National Bank of the Arts “ exhibition in New Bern, NC.
Saturday • July 6 2024 • 11am - 10pm
Milton’s Independence Day Event
Always a fun and entertaining event, Milton, NC's Independence Day festivities tooks taking place on Saturday, July 6th!
Kicking off the excitement at 11 am, a vibrant parade wound through the heart of town, setting the tone for a day full of celebration. This was followed by a variety of delightful features such as food from our growing restaurant scene, music, a bounce house, fireworks, and community spirit.
Saturday • June 8 2024 • 8am-2pm
Milton Community Yard Sale
Milton residents hosted a delightful community yard sale on Saturday that featured numerous antiques, furniture, toys, housewares, clothing, hunting gear, tools and so much more. The event was spearheaded by Kimberly Cash amongst other longtime residents of our town. We asked Kimberly a few questions about the experience, as well as what she enjoys about living here!
What motivated you to do the yard sale?
Everyone tends to have items that they don’t use and putting them to good use, in a sense of reduce, reuse, and recycle can help everyone. I had been considering doing a yard sale for some time and thought that maybe if the community joined in, it could help in many ways. It helped me declutter my shelves and I was hoping it could do the same for others.
What was a fun memory from the day?
One of the best memories I had from that day was from two little boys going on a “treasure hunt” trying to find the perfect toy they wanted. The joy these two boys expressed when they each found their own items, paying a dollar or two to buy them made the yard sale worth the effort. The boys left with a smile on their faces toys clutched in their hand and left me with a a sense of true happiness . On a funny note some of the articles most sold were to our neighbors, it was a bit of a treasure hunt among friends.
What do you like best about living here in Milton?
I truly enjoy and embrace the community spirit and living the steeped history here in Milton. Knowing I walk the same streets that have been walked for over 200 years still amazes me. From the memories of our elders or the artifacts found Milton is a precious gem not only valuable to North Carolina but truly to the foundation of the United States. In a world sometimes divided Milton seems to be united in family and friends embracing everyone who cares to come or just pass through.
Saturday • Mar. 16 2024 • 5:30-7pm
The 2nd Annual Shamrock Scavenger Hunt
Last night, pairs of contestants hit the streets of Milton, NC for a fun treasure hunt with prizes from several Milton merchants, including Aunt Millie’s, Milltown Eatery, Samantha’s Grill, Milton Art Gallery, The Milton Renaissance Museum, and the Milton66.
The hunt started at 5:30 at the Milton Art Gallery where participants had to ask owner Cadmus, “What two colors make green?” Then everyone visited participating restaurants to found printed out clues, each which lead to the next location. The game ended up in a very tight finish at the Milton Heritage GreenWay and Walking Trail, where the bedazzled shamrock was hidden behind a sign. The clues were fun and thought provoking for both adults and a couple kids as well.
Overall, it was a festive night in town, with many locals and out-of-towners decked out in St. Patrick’s Day green, with many donning Mardi Gras Beads.
Thursday • Feb. 29, 2024 • 10am-12pm
The ceremony in honor of the new Thomas Day State Historic Site
On Feb. 29, dozens packed every pew at 10am on a cold 35 degree (yet sunny) morning at the historic Milton Presbyterian Church, located at 66 Broad Street in Milton, NC, and then walked down to the official sign unveiling and reception at the Thomas Day House.
The historic site will honor Thomas Day, a free Black cabinetmaker who at one point in the 1850’s was the largest furniture maker in North Carolina by a factor of four times. Additionally, it will spotlight the role of free Black residents in North Carolina during slavery. That number is estimated to be 30,000.
In total, the Thomas Day State Historic Site consists of the Union Tavern, constructed c. 1818 (which became Thomas’ residence and workshop), and the Milton State Bank, constructed in 1860. Once the new State Historic Site is fully developed, the Tavern will be furnished as it would have been during Day’s residence. The Milton State Bank will serve as the site visitor center with a museum and gift shop.
It was a great day for so many who had spent years dedicating time and energy to keep the historic locations afloat and growing. You could feel the joy and excitement in the air.
Additionally, a number of Thomas Day descendants were present at the event, wearing small wooden labels to signify their special connection.
The second picture shows the following next to the historic sites sign (left to right): Angela Daniel-Upchurch, Milton Mayor, Michelle Lanier, Director of the North Carolina Division of State Historic Sites, Reid Wilson, Secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, First Lady of North Carolina, Kristin Cooper. On the right of the sign are descendants of Thomas Day and the President of the Thomas Day House Association, Vanessa “Twinkle” Graves (in pink).
