"Visual Arts Faire" at Horne Square June 4

The Clayton Visual Arts Faire, is a new music and art festival scheduled this Saturday, June 4 on Horne Square in downtown Clayton.

Artists and craftsmen from all over the area will join musical acts and dance groups for a celebration of art from 10 am to 4 pm.

The event is being sponsored by Clayton Visual Arts.

Many of the artists who will exhibit and sell their work are from Clayton or Johnston County. They are Linda Creech, Amy E. Devereaux, Ed Dougherty, Pamela Douglas, Leeanna Dulin, Angelica Borders, Mary Allison East, Lin Frye, Catrena M. Hall, Sharon Hammond, Milly Hodges, Brandy House, Dawn Kassa, Annette Libby, John McFadden, Deborah McGuin, Elisa Miller, Rebecca Nelson, Diane Ottley, Lynnette Pair, Rhonda Peters, Janie Prete, Cherri Sterling, Ann Tahir, and Carole Wartella.

In addition to the artists' booths, there will be a Children's Booth where youngsters can paint pictures or make collages that they can take home.

Chalk It Up, a sidewalk art contest, is back. Individuals or families may enter--the fee is $10, but the prizes are $100 for 1st place, $50 for 2nd, and $25 for 3rd.

Several acoustic musicians and dance troupes will perform during the day on the square. Many of the downtown businesses will be open as well.

An allied downtown attraction will be "Millstock at the Flipside" restaurant and bar, less than a block from the Arts Faire, where the band "Mr. Mustard" will perform outdoors at noon. Three other bands will perform during the afternoon, two indoors. Millstock also features a car show and a motorcycle show.

And it's all FREE -- except, of course, the items being sold at the arts and crafts booths.

Downtown Clayton will be hopping this Saturday. Everyone please come out -- at least for a half-hour or so to support another of CVA's efforts at "bringing art to the people of Clayton."

Annual 1/2 Price Frame Sale - Right Angles Custom Framing

It's time.


Beginning Monday, May 30th!

Our Annual Frame Sale...celebrating 29 years of custom framing!

EVERY FRAME is 1/2 price!

This sale includes custom mouldings as well as "readymade" frames and photo frames.

Dates: 10 a.m. Monday, May 30th through 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8th.

(For this sale, we will be open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Monday, Memorial Day, May 30th.)

This is a great time to bring in those diplomas or to frame a special memory for Dad for Father's Day!

Don't forget we build and customize shadowboxes for military ribbons and awards, Eagle Scout awards, christening gowns, and hole-in-one balls & score cards...just to highlight a few! The list goes on and on as to what memories you choose to custom frame.

Bring us a challenge!

This is a great time to SAVE!

While you're here, check out our new artists and new work from your favorites in our gallery...jewelry, pottery, gifts and lots of wall and shelf art!

Looking forward to working with you!

Janet and Kelly

For more information or directions, visit our website at http://www.janetsartshop.com/, become our friend on Facebook, or give us a call at 919-553-2486.

“Nantucket” Brings New Music to Clayton Town Square Concert on June 2

The music will begin at 6:00 pm at the Clayton Town Square Concert on Thursday, June 2. The legendary Nantucket band will be making their fourth appearance at 7:00 pm, but the teenage 70’s cover band, Brimstone, will open for the band at 6:00 pm. Town Square is at 100 W Main Street.

Concert-goers will be treated to some new Nantucket music, featured on their new CD “You Need a Ride to Raleigh.” The new album is Nantucket’s first in many years. The band signed with Epic Records in 1977 and released its self-titled debut album the following year. The album featured the hit single "Heartbreaker." Nantucket released a new single this year “The General Has Left Us” in tribute to beach music legend General Johnson. Nantucket has toured with top acts such as KISS, Styx, Boston, Mother's Finest, and Journey, AC/DC and Heart. http://www.nantucketband.com/

“Brimstone” is a teenage 70’s cover band founded in 2008 at the 2112 Rock School in Raleigh. They received rave reviews following last year’s warm-up appearance with Nantucket. The band's main purpose is to offer the school’s most talented students the opportunity to further develop their skills in a structured band environment. The band's mission is to play live shows around the state, and inspire and encourage other young people to discover for themselves how rewarding learning to play a musical instrument can be. www.2112online.com/brimstone

Nantucket will be providing music to a new film which will debut in the fall and details will be announced during the Clayton concert.

All concert dates, except June 2, are the third Thursday of the month from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at the Town Square at 100 W Main Street in downtown Clayton. Upcoming concerts are:

June 16 Johnny Orr Band

July 21 Craig Woolard Band

August 18 Central Park Band

Sept 15 The Castaways

The Clayton Town Square Concert Series is organized by The Clayton Downtown Development Association, Inc. and sponsored by The Town of Clayton, Clayton Steakhouse, Home Towne Realty, The Flipside, Clayton News Star, and Joe Mama’s Mobile Stages.

Residents of Clayton are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for this “free” public concert. There are several local vendors to provide light refreshments and food. The Clayton Downtown Development Association, Inc. will once again serve beer and wine. Concert Series updates and other downtown news can be found by visiting http://www.downtownclayton.org/

Several downtown restaurants offer pre-concert dinner specials, including The Flipside at 408 E Second Street, Clayton Steakhouse, 307 E Main Street, Mulberry on Main Italian Restaurant, 217 E Main Street as well as Festejos Mexican Grill, 905 E Main Street, and Lucky Chicken Peruvian Restaurant, 226 E Main Street.

The Clayton Downtown Development Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization formed to coordinate revitalization work in the historic downtown district. The Clayton DDA advocates and provides business improvement services in the downtown district, administers incentives for downtown improvements, and organizes several special events, including the Town Square Concert Series, and the Christmas Village & Tree Lighting.

GoJoCo Free Phone App

Article from Triangle East Magazine describes new, free phone app for Johnston County events GoJoCo.

Annual Clayton Road Race Coming This Saturday!

Registration is underway for the 28th Annual Clayton Road Race coming up Saturday, May 14 at 9 am.

Race Day will include a 5K TAC sanctioned race with trophies in six age groups in both male and female divisions, as well as 5K Health Walk and a Tot Trot for ages 6 and under.

All participating adults will get a T-shirt and all youngsters will get a beach ball.

Registration will be open until 8:30 am on Race Day. The registration fee for both runners and walkers is $20---$15 if paid by April 29. The Tot Trot fee is $5.

Registration forms can be obtained from the Parks & Recreation Department office at the Clayton Community Center at 715 Amelia Church Road, Access Physical Therapy & Wellness, Town Hall and the Hocutt-Ellington Library downtown. Click here for Registration form and downloadable Map.

“Unplugged: Clayton Music & Art” This Saturday!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Horne Square @ Lombard & Main

1:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Downtown Clayton

“Unplugged: Clayton Music & Art,” an acoustic-music and art event will be held on May 14 in downtown Clayton. Organized by the Clayton Downtown Development Association, Inc. the purpose is to promote the cultural arts in Clayton and downtown. This will be the first event at the new public space, Horne Square, at Lombard & Main streets.

Artists will set up at 1:00 pm and the music will start at 2:00 pm and conclude by 7:00 pm. Deadline for visual artists to register is May 10.  Registration form is available online or by sending an email to claytondowntown@gmail.com.

“Our musicians are emerging artists and veteran musicians, singer-songwriters and all of them are acoustic,” said Debbie Romano, co-chair of the CDDA’s Promotion Committee. “We’ll also have a variety of local and regional artists with their art available for purchase,” she added. Several vendors will provide snacks and refreshments, including soft drinks, water, beer and wine.


The music line-up is:

2:00 pm – Taylor Leopold

3:00 pm – Scott Dameron & Jay Ladd V

4:00 pm - Kathy Hinton Nixon

5:00 pm – Ironing Board Sam

6:00 pm – Mr. Mustard

One of the featured artists performing is Ironing Board Sam. In his early 70’s, Sam’s powerful, soulful voice and remarkable piano prowess remain undiminished. He was featured on the “Night Train” television show in the 1970’s and continues to perform with great energy. 16-year old singer-songwriter Taylor Leopold, who is the 2010 Clayton Idol winner, will perform mostly original music.

“’Unplugged’ will provide an entertaining spring event this year in lieu of the former Millstock event and extend the cultural arts brand that Clayton is promoting,” said CDDA President Richard Rairigh. Earlier this year, the CDDA, along with Clayton Visual Arts, ended their involvement with Millstock Music & Art Faire.

This event received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Cultural Resources, and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes a great nation deserves great art. Other sponsors include the Town of Clayton and the Clayton Downtown Development Association, Inc.

The Clayton Downtown Development Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization formed to coordinate revitalization work in the historic downtown district. The Clayton DDA advocates and provides business improvement services in the downtown district, administers incentives for downtown improvements, and organizes several special events, including the Town Square Concert Series, and the Christmas Village & Tree Lighting.

2011 Clayton Steakhouse Dinner for Partnership for Children

Clayton Youth Theater Announces Auditions for "West Side Story"

Calling all JETS & SHARKS!  Clayton Youth Theater announces AUDITIONS for ... West Side Story
Friday, May 13 at 6:00pm  or  Saturday, May 14 at 1:00 pm

The Clayton Center
111 E. Second St.
Clayton, NC 27520

Eligibility: Participants must be in 7th-12th grade during the 2011-2012 school year.
Class of 2011 high school graduates are also eligible.

Complete audition information can be found at http://www.claytonyouththeater.com/

Sherry’s Signature Cheesecakes Opens in Downtown Clayton

Sherry’s Signature Cheesecakes has opened in The Southern Traditions House at 115 E First Street in downtown Clayton, just a block north of Main Street, along with My Girlfriend’s Place Glamour Studio and Lizardwebs.

Sherry’s Signature Cheesecakes is the only place in Clayton where you can get a slice of homemade cheesecake and sit down to enjoy it! Owner Sherry Mitchell said, “There will always be cheesecake and granola bars, but other treats are available, too.” Those treats include muffins, sweetbreads and cakes, all of it fresh and homemade.

Sherry started selling cheesecakes three years ago when a friend suggested she needed to sell them, and connected her with her first client, a restaurant that remains a major customer. Thus began a wholesale cheesecake business.

Located in the recently named “Southern Traditions House” at 115 E First Street, Sherry’s Signature Cheesecakes is located on the first floor of the grand Queen Anne-style house which was built around 1915. There is a café area where you can visit with friends or have small meeting or you can enjoy your cheesecake and coffee on the front porch, too.

“It is exciting to have fresh baked goods in downtown Clayton,” said Downtown Development Coordinator, Bruce Naegelen. “Good food brings people together and that fits perfectly with our vision of downtown being the ‘cultural and social hub of Clayton.’”

Sherry’s Signature Cheesecakes is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm and Saturday’s from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm. For more information, call (919) 270-0513 or on Facebook.

My Girlfriend’s Place Glamour Studio Moves to Downtown Clayton

“My Girlfriend’s Place Glamour Studio” is now located in downtown Clayton. Owner Dawn Thompson-Black and her husband, Paul, moved the spa to The Southern Traditions House at 115 E First Street in downtown Clayton, just a block north of Main Street, along with “Sherry’s Signature Cheesecakes” and “Lizardwebs”.

“My Girlfriend’s Place” is a full-service salon and spa including eyelash extensions, permanent make-up, a private nail department, manicures, highlights, hair design and more.

Dawn Thompson-Black has been in the beauty industry since 1985 as a practitioner with many of the Triangle area’s well-known hair designers, and as a teacher at Johnston Community College. The Clayton native said, “I have always wanted to own my own spa in Clayton and after 18 years of working for the same large spa chain, my husband and I decided to open on our own.”

“My Girlfriend’s Place” opened two years ago on US 70 Business and needed to expand. Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen said, “We are glad Dawn & Paul saw growth potential by moving their business to downtown Clayton. They have done an excellent job of designing their new space and bring their excellent reputation with them, too.”

Located in the recently named “Southern Traditions House” at 115 E First Street, different departments of “My Girlfriend’s Place” are located on the first and second floors of the grand Queen Anne-style house which was built around 1915.

“My Girlfriend’s Place” is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm and by appointment by calling (919) 585-1221 or by visiting their website at http://www.mygirlfriendsplace-glamourstudio.com/.

Lizardwebs Opens Office in Downtown Clayton

Lizardwebs has opened their office in The Southern Traditions House at 115 E First Street in downtown Clayton, just a block north of Main Street, along with My Girlfriend’s Place Glamour Studio and Sherry’s Signature Cheesecakes.

Lizardwebs is a computer repair and web-design company established in 1997. Owner Eric Erickson started the company in the evenings while working during the day for some of the major computer and networking companies in Research Triangle Park.

Lizardwebs has been a full-time, home-based company since 2009. Eric said, “We have grown so much and needed a larger space to work and I’ve had my eye on downtown Clayton for some time.” The company designed and maintains the website for the popular cable TV show, “Lizard Lick Towing.”

Located in the recently named “Southern Traditions House” at 115 E First Street, Lizardwebs is located on the second floor of the grand Queen Anne-style house which was built around 1915.

Lizardwebs office is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, or anytime by appointment. Call (919) 404-9327 or visit their website at http://www.lizardwebs.net/ for more information.

The Town of Clayton is hosting two public forums on the proposed
Scenic Highway Overlay (SHO) District text amendment to the Town’s Unified Development Code on the following dates:

Thursday, May 26, 2011
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Council Chambers
111 East Second Street

Thursday, June 9, 2011
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Council Chambers
111 East Second Street

The public forums are to provide information and encourage discussion on the proposed Scenic Highway Overlay (SHO) regulations. At the public forums, Town staff will receive citizen input on the proposed text amendment to the Unified Development Code.

These are open meetings and citizens are encouraged to attend and participate.
___________________________________

David DeYoung
Planning Director
919-553-1545 ext. 5400

Talecris-Grifols Deal Wins Initial FTC Approval

Here's an article from the News & Observer regarding the status of the sale of Talecris.

.biz - Talecris-Grifols deal wins initial FTC approval newsobserver.com blogs

Clayton High School Student Art Show at The Clayton Center in May

Thirty to 40 Clayton High School art students will exhibit their art in May in a show sponsored by Clayton Visual Arts.


The show at The Clayton Center will have pieces from young artists in grades 10 through 12. Their art teachers are Jane Roberts and Crystal Seagroves.

The work will encompass a variety of media—acrylics, watercolor, color pencil, ink, oil pastels, graphics, paper mosaic and mixed media.

Subject matter will vary from self-portraits to abstracts, graphic design, architectural painting, radial designs and illuminated letters.

This year, photographer Sue Mitchner of Zoom-In Photography donated time to take photographs throughout Clayton that she gave to the art classes for students to paint from. These works will be a highlight of the show for townspeople.

Mitchner also invited Roberts’ students to a studio sitting, and they used those photographs to paint self-portraits.

In the fall, students worked with artist Allen Montague and learned how to paint an iris and a window box.

Several students have participated in previous student art shows, including the Woman’s Club arts and crafts exhibit in January and last year’s CHS art show in May 2010.

A free, meet-the-young-artists reception will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 5, in the lobby of The Clayton Center, sponsored by Clayton Visual Arts. Light refreshments will be served—cookies, fruit, cheese and punch.

Everyone is invited, adults and young people alike.

The student show will run May 3-31 and also is free and open to the public. The center is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Unplugged: Clayton Music & Art Poster

DPM Studios Anniversary Showcase & Party - May 14th!

Equity firm creating Triangle network for entrepreneurs - Economy - NewsObserver.com

Interesting article.

Equity firm creating Triangle network for entrepreneurs - Economy - NewsObserver.com

"Unplugged" Musician Profile

Taylor Leopold
http://www.taylorleopold.com/

The 16-year old singer-songwriter picked up the guitar for the first time when she was 10 years old. She has written dozens of songs over the past few years and is now working towards releasing them on a self-published album, with an expected release date in late 2011. She was the 2010 Clayton Idol winner this past fall at the Harvest Festival, sponsored by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce.  This is a good opportunity to spotlight this up and coming singer-songwriter and provide a new audience.





Scott Dameron & Jay Ladd V
http://www.scottandjay.com/

Scott Dameron and Jay Ladd fall comfortably in the mold of the new “singer/songwriter”. Accomplished musicians, singers, and lyricists, their sound is a mixture of new/fast-folk, americana, pop, and any other trendy genre that includes acoustic-based, thoughtfully written, and melody-driven music. Jay Ladd’s dynamic and emotive voice, as well as his stylish keyboard playing, perfectly seams and connects with Scott Dameron’s acoustic guitar, which can be rhythmic and percussive, but also melodic and soulful.

Kathy Hinton Nixon

Kathi Hinton Nixon is a local singer/songwriter with a love for bluegrass and Americana music. In 1994, she and her sister Kellie Hinton produced a CD with a majority of the songs written by Kathi. She performs locally, sometimes accompanied by other musicians. Kathi performed at the 2010 Millstock Music and Art Faire.









Ironing Board Sam
www.musicmaker.org/

A truly gifted and engaging performer, Sam’s powerful, soulful voice and remarkable piano prowess remain undiminished. In fact, he believes that he’s only getting better with age. “This is the time when in my life it seems to be that I’m at my best because I know more on how to write music, know more how to play it, know more how to get it to the audience, know more about everything. I’m 70 years old. It took this time, you know.” -Ironing Board Sam -


Mr. Mustard
http://www.mistermustardband.com/

Mister Mustard pays tribute to influences like The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Elton John, CCR, The Band, etc., but also serves up a plateful of hot, spicy new material. All four sing lead and harmony, play a variety of instruments, and write. Mister Mustard's gigs are remarkable mostly because they're just fun - Harry, Rick, Mark and Kevin really are good buddies, and they revel in sharing good music with their friends. The onstage camaraderie and chemistry of Mister Mustard is contagious!

Large Crowd Helps Dedicate "Horne Square"

Several dozen residents crowded into the center of downtown Tuesday for the official dedication of the new "Horne Square."

Mayor Jody McLeod, who teamed with Town Manager Steve Biggs to lead a years-long effort to turn the vacant lot at the corner of Main and Lombard Streets into a downtown "centerpiece," said the new downtown plaza "is a dream come true after such a long time."

"I know people wondered if this would ever be anything but an old, dusty parking lot," the Mayor said. "I'm thrilled to be here today with all of you at the official dedication of this wonderful new downtown square where that dusty parking lot once stood. It's a great day in Clayton."



The tree-covered sanctuary with beautiful sidewalks, benches, greenery and design, has earned the praise of residents all over town, including downtown business owners. Town officials recently settled on the name ”Horne Square” in memory of the old Ashley Horne mansion, which once stood on the site. Granite from the old home was used in construction of the new Square, which is expected to become a popular meeting place, as well as a home for downtown activities. The town already offers free wireless internet service there.

The Mayor joined with Ashley Grady of G2 Design, who helped design the new Square, to unveil a temporary placque proclaiming the site "Horne Square," while town officials and the crowd looked on.

Biggs said the new Square should be a huge boost to efforts to revitalize downtown.

The enthusiasm and size of the crowd that assembled for the dedication is indicative of the community spirit here, he said.

"It's one of the things I like most about Clayton, that the people here care, that they come out in the middle of the day to share in an event like this," he said.



The new Horne Square includes 30 premium parking spaces. The $300,000 project is being funded through a $310,000 easement fee for a communications tower at the Operations Center property.

For a look a photos from the dedication ceremony, please visit the town's Facebook site at Town of Clayton, NC

Video Clips from the Horne Square Dedication

Here are some video clips from today's dedication of Horne Square at Lombard & Main:

Mayor Jody McLeod's comments

Town Manager Steve Biggs comments

Unveiling of temporary sign