Newspapers / The Guilfordian (Greensboro, N.C.) / Oct. 7, 2011, edition 1 / Page 9
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FEATURES CoHill Festival promotes music, creativity, and inspiration October?, 2011 By Haley Hawkins Staff Writer Taped, pinned, tacked, and plastered on message boards throughout Greensboro, the point is clear: this small city is no stranger to events. Amid the collage of attention-catchers, though, is it possible to simply walk by, unaffected by a worthy event that is calling your name? In the case of the CoHill Festival last weekend, that would have certainly been a shame. A festival consisting of an eclectic mixture of artists and musicians, and attended by bands such as Crystal Bright and the Silver Hands and Hope for a Golden Summer, CoHill Fest also hosted Greensboro's own retail arts and crafts event, the Hand to Hand Market. "Events like CoHill Fest are really important because they kind of force people to see what's out there," said Tristin Miller, a visual artist who participated in the Hand to Hand Market. "Greensboro particularly isn't a city that has a lot of galleries. It isn't a city that has a lot of music venues that accommodate large events. That is why we have to have these outdoor festivals." Lined with tables displaying all types of artistry, from jewelry to paintings to clothing to pottery, Mendenhall Street was transformed into a path of inspiration for attendees who came out in the brisk budding fall weather to see just what Greensboro's artists and musicians have to offer: What they found was a chance to see the work of artists and musicians from all over North Carolina, each with a different style and energy. "What's really cool about CoHill Fest is that the music is varied," said Crystal Bright of Crystal Bright and the Silver Hands. "A lot of festivals have the same kind of music. I'd like to think that CoHill Fest has something for everybody." As I perused the street-side vendors, their art perched on flimsy tables lightly grounded on the asphalt below. Even as the threat of night hung heavy overhead, I saw warmth exuded from the people around me, people who were not only embracing community, but creating it. I felt the unique soul of each vendor offered delicately in their displays. Such a concentration of creativity and inspiration, I thought, is something to be celebrated and sought out. Still, with all of the variety, all of the pure unfiltered artistry this festival has to offer, where are all the people? "I think it's a shame that more people don't come out to festivals like CoHill Fest," commented Olivia Meyer- Jennette, an event attendee. "There's such a creative force here. These people are also really accessible and by buying goods from them you're supporting your community." Indeed, a mood of unity among a varied crowd radiated along Mendenhall Street on Saturday, along with support for local artistry and a possibility for a stronger community through art and music. As the group Hope for a Golden Summer took up their instruments to play to a tightly packed half-moon- shaped crowd, I felt this compelling force, as clear as the strums of the band's mandolin. Even as the threat of night hung heavy overhead, I saw warmth exuded from the people around me, people who were not only embracing community, but creating it. "Art and music are really strong forces that bring people together to share emotions and talk about things that they might not normally talk about," said Bright. "Events like this are about bringing people from all walks of life together." With all that this festival and others like it have to offer, how could anyone resist? The fact is that a lot of these events go unnoticed by a lot of people. As for keeping informed of future events like CoHill Fest in Greensboro, Miller advises "social media. Don't just ignore your Facebook invites and event posts. We can advertise all we want, but if no one takes the time to explore local art events, it's for nothing." So, get out amhexplore, Guilford! You might be surprised where those posters and flyers can lead. break Give us a break: students await a week of relaxation FALL BREAK CAN'T COME SOON ENOUGH FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF, WHO ANTICIPATE SPENDING TIME ON OR AWAY FROM CAMPUS Continued from page I again, since I came said to He will travel to Boston to see his brother and friends. "I'm excited to see my brother Alrashidi. "I haven't seen him school." Some students are just traveling home with friends, while others are taking the opportunity to journey to more unique locations. For instance, senior Emily Stewart will be spending her fall break looking at graduate programs in Fairbanks, Alaska. Junior Anna Stoddard is venturing off to the Smoky Mountains with her Geology class. "We are going to the mountains to prepare us for field camp," said Stoddard. "We get to map out rock formations, travel with compasses, and hike; it is almost like an exciting and fun training session." Sometimes, however, students have to stay on campus for this week of freedom. For example, the athletes on the football, soccer, and volleyball teams are residing on campus because they are in mid season. "We leave later because we have practice and we come back to campus early because of tournaments," said junior softball player Kate Fullerton Despite this, athletes do enjoy a limited October break. "It's like a long weekend with a lot of relaxing," said Fullerton. "It does not bother me that my break is shortened. I enjoy spending time with the team. It is part of the commitment being an athlete." There are also options for students who choose to stay in Greensboro for the duration.of the break. An alternative fall break program. Rooting Ourselves in Greensboro (ROIG), does community service work at various sites in the Greensboro area. This year, ROIG is planning to visit the Kathleen Clay Edwards Library, Timber Lake Farms, and possibly the Edible Schoolyard. "The goal is to familiarize Guilford students with some aspects of Greensboro that may be hidden, through active service," said sophomore Mandy Lu, student co-coordinator. "You really get to know people in the community that you wouldn't know otherwise. It is always fun and exciting to getting to know people, work with them, and hear their ideas." Even faculty and staff get to enjoy the week-long fall break, although they may not be able to get away for an exciting trip like many students can. "I don't really get a break per se, but I will have extra time to work with (ROIG)," said Binford hall director Justin Shreve '11. "I'll probably take a couple of days to catch up on reading and class work and just have some 'me time.' That doesn't necessarily mean I'm glad most of the students are gone — it just gives me the chance to collect myself so I can work productively for the rest of the semester." I will be exploring on my fall break as well. I am making the long trip to the state of Ohio to ride the roller coasters in the well-known amusement park at Cedar Point. Whether you are going home or on an adventure, or staying right here in Greensboro, enjoy your break. Take the time to relax and have a stress-free week away from school and homework, and most importantly, have fun.
The Guilfordian (Greensboro, N.C.)
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Oct. 7, 2011, edition 1
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