Ocrafolk Festival Artwork Released, Kids’ Inspiration Sparks at Ocracoke Arts Week, Ocrafolk School Returns in October, and more. . .

Ocrafolk Festival Artwork Released Kids’ Inspiration Sparks at Ocracoke Arts Week  Courses Announced for Ocrafolk School Fall Retreat, October 20-25  Deepwater Project Update  Ocrafolk Festival Early Bird Ticket Sales End April 30 Donald Davis Storytelling and Dessert Tickets Released A Tale of Blackbeard Rehearsals in Full Swing (Look Out for That Cutlass!) Ocrafolk Festival Artwork Released She’s done it again! When we wanted a special image to encapsulate all our warm wonderful feelings about Ocrafolk Festival we approached Kitty Mitchell. Kitty is the Ocracoke School Arts instructor, a past member of Molasses Creek band, and has created some of our favorite festival art over the years. Once we had Kitty’s black-and-white design, we shared it with our layout artist Justin Casey to prepare it for the poster and T-shirt. And here is the result! Kids’ Inspiration Sparks at Ocracoke Arts Week You never know when inspiration will strike and launch a youngster on the path of lifetime of creativity. Ocracoke School Arts Week is one of the favorite programs that Ocracoke Alive helps produce in partnership with Ocracoke School.  This year, Ocracoke youth hand-made Italian pasta, Greek dishes, and tamales, learned about African drumming patterns and Senegalese culture, crafted Eastern Carolina decoys, threw pottery and built a raku kiln, designed their very own digital arts animations, stitched whimsical felt art characters, wrote and performed songs, poured stunning acrylic paintings, and metal crafted colorful canvases. Many thanks to Nancy Leach, and the support of Ocracoke Occupancy Tax, Ocracoke Alive, housing donors, and private sponsors. Photos by Carol Woolgar Ocrafolk School Fall Retreat Returns October 20-25 Courses Announced In October, the much loved Ocrafolk School Fall Retreat will be returning to the island. This week long “school” offers an insider’s guide to Ocracoke that will spark creativity and a sense of community. Instructors and guest teachers will guide adult participants through their choice of one of six specialized courses. Students will enjoy handcrafted local food, inclusive tours, and unique activities as they make new friends and meet some of the most fascinating residents of our remote Outer Banks island. 2019 classes include Cooking with Island Chefs with Debbie Wells, Jewelry Making with Robin Macek, Mind and Body Renewal with Desiree Ricker, Decoy Carving with Jason Daniels, Drawing with Love (and a Little Science) with Kitty Mitchell, and Exploring Ocracoke’s Past, Present and Future with Ann Ehringhaus. Class sizes are usually limited to 6 to 8 people. Ocracoke Alive has a 11 rooms reserved on “campus” at the historic Berkley Manor and the adjacent Berkley Suites, as well as four rooms at Oscar’s House Bed and Breakfast.  Find out more about Ocrafolk School Deepwater Theater Project Update David Perez and John Brock have been working hard over at Deepwater Theater converting our pencil sketches and imaginative scribbles into real world structures. In the next two weeks, we will be finishing  the 16 x 16 storage shed, as well as the front deck expansion. Our faithful team of board members, Blackbeard cast members, and community volunteers have also been scouring the inside theater, repainting, and clearing away a scramble of vines from the property to expose the beautiful live oaks that line the driveway.  The season’s first Deepwater Theater shows will be Molasses Creek in Concert on May 30, and A Dingbatters (All New) Comedy Guide to Ocracoke (Season II) on June 5.  Pre-Sale Tickets are available through the Ocracoke Alive website, by calling 252-921-0260, and also at the door. Discount tickets are available for groups and seniors. We do recommend purchasing your tickets ahead of time as shows do sell out.  Ocrafolk Festival Early Bird Ticket Sales End April 30 Donald Davis Storytelling and Dessert Tickets Released   Just a quick reminder that Early Bird tickets sales will end on April 30. After that date, Weekend Pass prices will increase to $65. Day Pass prices will be released in May. Also, tickets have been released online for Donald Davis’s Storytelling and Dessert Evening on Saturday night June 8th at the Ocracoke Community Center. Tickets are limited to this event, so it is wise to purchase them before festival weekend. Links to Early Bird and Donald Davis Tickets A Tale of Blackbeard Rehearsals in Full Swing (Look Out for That Cutlass!) Avast! Avast! The Captain is our man! With Blackbeard’s return to Ocracoke (actor Peyton Piquard), rehearsals for A Tale of Blackbeard musical by Julia Howard are in full swing. Although Julie has not yet arrived on the island to play live accompaniment, Director Desiree Ricker is at the helm with a steady hand, guiding the cast and the good ship Adventure on its steady course towards destiny. Opening night is July 1st, 2019. The production will run at Ocracoke School on Mondays at 8 PM through August 12. Even if you’ve seen the show in past years, there are many new surprises you won’t want to miss! Tickets can be secured ahead of time online, or at the door. Ocracoke Alive Hosts Salem Select Choir On April 12th and 13th, Lynne German’s Salem Select Choir inspired Ocracoke School students and community members with beautiful performances. These visitors are all members of the Salem High School Madrigals Choir in Virginia Beach. Having performed on stage with the Virginia Chorus Women, at the Virginia Convention Center for Leadership Events, and in the local community for Black History Month events, their singers represent their school well with their energy and musical talent. Thanks so much for their contribution to the Ocracoke community, and also to all the folks on the island who helped make their visit possible! That's All for Now! David Tweedie ~ Executive Director OCRACOKE ALIVE BOARD Desiree Ricker ~ President, Assistant Director Sharon Brodisch ~ Vice President Gary Davis ~ Treasurer Katy Mitchell Chad Macek Gloria Perez Shae Youell

Stuff Your Stockings with Ocrafolk Festival Early Bird Tickets! Holiday News and more from Ocracoke Alive.

Ocrafolk Festival 2019 Early Bird Tickets Released in Time for Holiday Gifting!              It’s hard to believe but the wheels are already turning for next year’s Ocrafolk Festival (June 7-9). We are in top secret discussion with our lineup for 2019 (not revealing any names yet), and have some great surprises in store for our 20thOcrafolk Festival celebration. Hope you can join us! We have just released Ocrafolk Early Bird Tickets online in time for stuffing the stockings of your Folkie Friends and Family. The Early Bird $50 All Weekend Pass price will be good through the end of April, at which point Early Bird Ticket prices will rise to $65 for the weekend. If you are only able to attend two days of Ocrafolk Festival and Saturday is one of those days, it will be most economical for you to purchase an Early Bird All Weekend Pass.   Your Festival Feedback Helps Shape Ocrafolk . . . Kids and Students 0-17 Years Old Free in 2019! Photo by Ann Ehringhaus We work really hard to gather your wise feedback and use it to inspire the crafting of Ocrafolk Festival. Thanks to everyone who responded to this year’s survey. One of the brilliant suggestions floated this year was to make Kids and Student tickets free in 2019. Since one of our Ocracoke Alive goals is to provide fabulous programming for kids and students, this resonated with our crew! Attendees interested in securing Kids/Student passes may do so online as well as on festival weekend.   By becoming an Ocrafolk Festival Sponsor, you help make this happen!  Stay tuned for more press releases in 2019!   Sponsor Ocracoke Alive & Help Make Our Inspiring Programming Possible Diali Keba Cissokho gives a demonstration on the kora during Arts Week 2018 As we approach the end of the year, Ocracoke Alive would like to remind you how critical your contributions are to our mission on Ocracoke Island. Our small community relies upon the generous contributions from folks like you to produce vital student and community programming. Your donation fuels the Student Arts Partnership Program, the Deepwater Theater Community Space, Ocrafolk Festival, Festival Latino de Ocracoke, and community workshops and presentations. We couldn’t do this without your help! Make your tax-deductible contribution to Ocracoke Alive through our website at www.ocracokealive.org, or by sending a check into Ocracoke Alive, PO Box 604, Ocracoke, NC 27960.   Festival Latino de Ocracoke Festival Warms Up Blustery November Ballet Folklorico de Ocracoke gives a colorful performance! November 9-11, Ocracoke Island came alive with the vibrant sounds of mariachi songs, salsa music, and the mouthwatering flavors of a multitude of tasty Mexican dishes. The 3rd annual Festival Latino de Ocracoke brought together Latino and non-Latino islanders with Ocracoke visitors for a celebration of Hispanic culture and heritage. “Ocracoke’s Latino residents have become such an integral part of our community . . . we are thrilled to have a festival to share their culture,” says Ocracoke Alive Director, David Tweedie. Thanks to all of the volunteers and donors, as well as WOVV, Ocracoke Observer & the Ocracoke Current for getting the word out! For a snapshot of the weekend event (including some great photos), read Debbie Leonard’s article, “Ocracoke Celebrates Together,” on the Ocracoke Current website.    And the Quilt Winner Is .  .  . The Ocracoke Quilters gift us with a beautiful quilt each year for the Ocrafolk Festival as a fundraiser. This year was the first year that we didn’t sell all 150 tickets over June’s festival weekend, so as promised we delayed our drawing until our mission was complete. At our annual Thanksgiving Ocrafolk Concert on Ocracoke Island, we sold the final ticket and had the official drawing. We are pleased to announce that Barbara Hardy of Kitty Hawk, NC was the winner! Congratulations and thanks to all the participants. You raised $1500 towards Ocracoke Alive’s student and community programming!

Click Here to Add Your Critical Support to Ocracoke Alive's Community Programs

Ocracoke Alive December Schedule December 15 (Saturday) ~ Ocracoke Community Christmas ConcertOcracoke Community Center. 7:00 PM

Happy Holidays! Ocracoke Alive 2018 David Tweedie ~ Executive Director OCRACOKE ALIVE BOARD Desiree Ricker ~ President, Assistant Director Sharon Brodisch ~ Vice President Gary Davis ~ Treasurer Katy Mitchell Chad Macek Gloria Perez Shae Youell

Ocrafolk Festival 2015 Performers, Sponsorships Announced . . . and more!

Greetings friends of Ocracoke Alive,

We have almost reached April 1st, and though the weather on Ocracoke alternates between lovely spring and blustery winter, Ocracoke Alive pushes on ahead as if fair sailing weather is right around the corner.  These past couple of weeks, a steady trickle of spring breakers popped up on the island as the local business owners yawn, stretch, and peer out of their windows and trying to decide if they should turn their signs to "Open." Here is what we have been up to!

Ocrafolk Festival Announces 2015 Performer Lineup, Entices Sponsors with Fabulous Rewards!

Click on this link to find out more how to become a sponsor.  Donations are tax-deductible.

June 5-7 will herald the 16th annual Ocrafolk Festival on Ocracoke Island. The flagship event of Ocracoke Alive is one of the most popular weekends for visitors, as word of the event spreads across North Carolina and beyond. Last year, Our State Magazine featured the event as a top ranked NC festival, and several years ago it was ranked as one of the top 10 Island Festivals in the world by Coastal Living Magazine.  The Ocrafolk Festival's unique setting, and Ocracoke Alive's attention to detail helps create a weekend that is treasured by visitor and resident alike. The festival features musicians, storytellers, artisans, and characters from the NC region and beyond.  Popular events include a Fish Fry, Squaredance, Art Auction, Paperhand Puppet Parade, Gospel Sing, Bluegrass Jam, and performances by over 27 groups that will make fans of folk music and storytelling swoon.

Sponsors are a critical component of bringing the Ocrafolk Festival to life each year. The sponsors' passion for preserving the event through their donations fuels almost half of the total cost of the weekend. And the Ocrafolk Festival staff works hard to create unique rewards that make contributors feel a special part of the event.  As a sponsor you can not only receive the usual festival T-shirts and media recognition, but also an invitation to an Admiralty Party aboard Ocracoke Alive's Skipjack Wilma Lee, pre-release tickets to limited seating events, passes to the Fish Fry, reserved parking near festival grounds, and Supporter Level Buttons that enter you in drawings all weekend. Best of all, your sponsorship helps make sure that this unique event continues for another year!

Ocrafolk Festival 2015 Announces Performer Lineup

Mipso

The Yes Team

Victor and Penny

Los Tarascos de Michoacan

Kaira Ba

Blue Eyed Bettys

We had a great time this winter finding new music for the Ocrafolk Festival 2015!  Groups making their debut this year include the Blue Eyed Bettys, Kaira Ba, Los Tarascos de Michoacan, Victor & Penny, Mahalo Jazz 2, and the Yes Team. Returning to the stage we have . . . festival hosts Molasses Creek, storyteller Donald Davis, Martin Garrish, Mipso, The Outliers, Donald Thompson Band, The Alberti Flea Circus, Paperhand Puppets, Craicdown, Jacob Johnson, The Green Grass Cloggers, Bob Zentz & Jeanne McDougal, John Golden, Louis Allen, Philip Howard, Capt. Rob Temple, Chainsaw Artist Clyde Jones, Jef the Mime, Ocrachicks, and more.


Find out more about the lineup at www.ocracokealive.org/performers.html

Arts Partnership Program Celebrates the First 9 Weeks of Artists in the Schools

On Friday, March 27, from 4-6 PM at the Down Creek Gallery on Ocracoke, Ocracoke Alive celebrated the first nine weeks of the Arts Partnership Program with a Student Art Show, featuring photographs, paper popups, tie-dye, fresh baked bread, recycled critters, and paper quilling created by students. The Ocracoke community gives a huge THANK YOU! to all of the sponsors and volunteers who helped make this program possible.  Students and school staff have been abuzz with the creative energy swirling around the program. We hope to be posting a slide show soon of activities so that you folks at home can see what has been happening. It looks like we will have some funding to continue the program into fall.  If you would like to help this program continue, there are three things that we are looking for . . .

1. Funding . . . of course always helpful.  You may make a tax deductible contribution towards the program by visiting the Ocracoke Alive website at www.ocracokealive.org/donate.html for Paypal or Credit Card contributions, or by mailing a donation to "Ocracoke Alive (memo Arts Partnership Program), PO Box 604, Ocracoke, NC 27960.
2. Visiting artists. Would you like to spend a week here on Ocracoke Island in exchange for teaching in the program?  Ocracoke Alive will set you up with housing. The programming is moderate enough so that you will have personal time to stroll the village and beaches.  Artists who provide their own housing can receive a stipend. Details and teacher application at www.ocracokealive.org/community-programs.html
3. Donate Ocracoke lodging for a visiting artist. If you own an house or condo on Ocracoke Island and would like to donate housing for a week in the off season to house a visiting artist (and receive a tax-donation letter from Ocracoke Alive), please contact David Tweedie at info@ocracokealive.org or 252-921-0260.

Thanks! For your help!

A Tale of Blackbeard Returns to the Stage in the Summer of 2015

Arrg! Get ready to swing yer cutlasses and jig around Ms. Euphemia's boarding house . . . Julie Howard's A Tale of Blackbeard is returning to the Ocracoke stage for a 7-show run this summer (Mondays, June 29-August 10th at the Ocracoke School Gym).  We have been holding auditions at Deepwater Theater this week and are lining up pirates and village girls for the return visit of Ocracoke's most infamous pirate. The show will be in partnership with the Ocracoke PTA which will receive a portion of the revenue. Ocracoke teachers will be able to sell food concessions to raise money for their classrooms, and any additional monies raised will go towards Ocracoke Alive programming in the community.

Photo by Brenda Kremzer

If you are interested in being a part of the production on or off stage, we are always looking for volunteers to work on costumes, sets, lights, sound, backstage, and to work as ushers and helpers at the shows. You may also become a sponsor for the 2015 run by visiting www.ocracokealive.org/donate.html.  Please contact us at info@ocracokealive.org or 252-921-0260 for questions about volunteering or donating.

That's all the news for now!
Your friends at Ocracoke Alive
www.ocracokealive.org

Ocrafolk Festival Artisan Application 2015 Opens, Arts Partnership First Week A Great Success!!

Hi there friends!

It may be blustery and chilly on Ocracoke, but we are keeping warm with lots of new activities! Read all about them below, and visit our new website at www.ocracokealive.org. It is still under construction, but it getting pretty close! The new website also features an updated calendar system so that it will be easier than ever to keep track of upcoming Ocracoke Alive events. Read more about what has been happening below.

Ocracoke Alive began its Arts Partnership Program for Ocracoke students this week featuring two guest artists, Lauren Strohl of Ocracoke's Graceful Bakery creating artisan bread with preK-3rd grades, and Jean Skipper guiding 4th-8th grades in the creation of Recycled Critters. Oh what fun! Many thanks to our sponsors and to the Ocracoke Methodist Church for use of the Rec Hall and Captain's Landing for providing housing for Jean Skipper during her visit.

To find out how to financially support the Arts Partnership Program visit http://www.ocracokealive.org/community-programs.html

Next week our courses are Native American song, dance and visual arts with Pat Garber (PreK-3), and fabricating copper jewelry with Kathleen O’Neal (4th-8th). Can't wait!

Here are some photos:

Ocrafolk Festival Artisan Applications are now open (January 31-March 31). If you are interested in being considered by the artist jury for participation in this year's Ocrafolk Festival, June 5-7, we are inviting you to apply! All the details for the online application (and a print out application) can be viewed online at www.ocracokealive.org/artisan-application.html

The Wilma Lee is back in Ocracoke harbor safe and sound! We have just ordered a new Jib sail, and a busy bee is hard at work creating covers for the new sails. If you are in Ocracoke and would like to join up with the crew of the Skipjack Wilma Lee to lend a hand sanding and refinishing bench tops, please contact Tom Pahl at wilmalee@ocracokealive.org. If the weather is nice, there's no better place to be on a Sunday afternoon than in the sunshine on Ocracoke's Silver Lake!