WALTER Magazine | October 2024

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The Art & Soul of Raleigh

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CONTENTS

OCTOBER 2024

54 OUR TOWN 27 CELEBRATE: Happy RAL-o-ween!

29 MUSIC: Altering Perspectives 31 GARDEN: Autumn Ambition 33 NATURE: Watch Out for Zombies!

37 EXPLORE: Hike a State Trail 41 NOTED: 20 Years Sober 44 SIMPLE LIFE: October Dreams

37 FEATURES 47 Arachno-phobia

by Danae Younge art by George Hage

48 Sharing Nature’s Bounty

A front-yard vegetable garden welcomes human and wild visitors

by Helen Yoest photography by Juli Leonard

54 Tranquil Beauty

Tula Summerford creates a dream home for a Budleigh family after an unexpected fresh start

by Ayn-Monique Klahre photography by Aura Marzouk

IN EVERY ISSUE 12 EDITOR’S LETTER 16 CONTRIBUTORS 17 YOUR FEEDBACK 19 OUR TOWN 21 DATEBOOK 69 THE WHIRL 80 END NOTE: Esmerelda

62 Siren Song

Holly Fischer’s provocative art embraces and expands dualities

by Colony Little photography by Joshua Steadman

On the cover: Sandman garden. Photograph by Juli Leonard.

10 | WALTER

44

Aura Marzouk (DINING ROOM); Tim Walter (AMMONS); Todd Bush (HIKERS); Gerry O’Neill (LEAVES)

29

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EDITOR’S LETTER CARLOS MIGUEL PRIETO, MUSIC DIRECTOR MEYMANDI CONCERT HALL, WOOLNER STAGE, RALEIGH

Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 3 & Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 FRI/SAT, OCT 18-19 | 8PM Carlos Miguel Prieto, conductor Jorge Federico Osorio, piano My daughters and I with their little cousins, left.

Addie and Laura at a recent Visit Raleigh event.

CARLOS MIGUEL PRIETO

O

PHILIPPE QUINT

Carlos Conducts Sibelius Symphony No. 2 & Wallen Violin Concerto FRI/SAT, OCT 25-26 | 8PM Carlos Miguel Prieto, conductor Philippe Quint, violin

Tickets start at $20! ncsymphony.org 919.733.2750 12 | WALTER

ver Labor Day weekend, my family and I met up with my sister and her family in the Outer Banks, a sort of halfway point between us in Raleigh and them in Washington, D.C. She and her husband have two young boys, ages 2 and 5, and my daughters just adore their little cousins.

But man, they’re in the weeds! We may have been on vacation, but those kids were up at the crack of dawn, full of energy. We had to keep an eye on them in the parking lot and along the shore, and their days were full of little tussles over tiny front loaders and helicopters, tears that could only be resolved with welltimed snacks.

Meanwhile, my girls on vacation mode are more likely to fight over the television remote — Real Housewives or YouTube shorts? — or when someone borrows a shirt without asking permission.

Our house was about a four-minute drive or 15-minute walk to the beach.

While our daughters set off on bikes on their own, Josh and I loaded up a car with the gear and the boys to offer my sister and her husband a few minutes of alone time.

We got to the parking lot and filled a wagon with beach chairs, towels, coolers and a sun shade. We unhooked the boys from their carseats, and the younger one

insisted on being carried. (I don’t mind, I love the feel of a toddler on my hip.)

While Josh dragged the wagon onto the sand, the boys and I trailed behind, my other nephew’s little hand in mine. We walked so, so slowly toward the spot the girls had staked out. (They were already in the water.) The boys and I stopped to catch a crab, to take off shoes, to inspect a shell, to feel a lick of waves on our toes.

By the time we reached our beach blanket, my sister and her husband had arrived. They said their walk had been shockingly quick — too quick!

And isn’t that the perfect anecdote for parenting? I’ve heard it from so many people: “the days are long, but the years are short.” For me, those preschool years seem like decades, not years, ago.

This month, my girls will turn 10 and 12 — we’re officially in the double digits!

I know this next era will come with its own blessings and challenges. I just need to remember to slow down and savor every season.

Ayn-Monique Klahre Editor

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EDITORIAL

PUBLISHING

Editor AYN-MONIQUE KLAHRE ayn-monique@waltermagazine.com

Publisher DAVID WORONOFF

Creative Director LAURA PETRIDES WALL laura@waltermagazine.com Associate Editor ADDIE LADNER addie@waltermagazine.com Contributing Writers Scott Crawford, Jim Dodson, Mike Dunn, Colony Little, David Menconi, Joe Miller, Helen Yoest, Danae Younge Contributing Poetry Editor Jaki Shelton Green Contributing Copy Editor Finn Cohen Contributing Photographers Bob Karp, Juli Leonard, Aura Marzouk, Bryan Regan, Joshua Steadman Contributing Illustrators Gerry O’Neill, George Hage

Advertising Sales Manager JULIE NICKENS julie@waltermagazine.com Senior Account Executive & Operations CRISTINA HURLEY cristina@waltermagazine.com Finance STEVE ANDERSON 910-693-2497 Distribution JAMES KAY Inquiries WALTER OFFICE 984-286-0928 info@waltermagazine.com Address all correspondence to: WALTER magazine, 421 Fayetteville Street, Suite 104 Raleigh, N.C. 27601 Interns Samantha Pressly, Anna Marie Switzer

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Owners JACK ANDREWS, FRANK DANIELS III, DAVID WORONOFF In memoriam FRANK DANIELS JR. © WALTER magazine. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the express written consent of the copyright owner. Published 12 times a year by The Pilot LLC.

CONTRIBUTORS

Find Your Trail to vibrant fall adventures.

George Hage is a published artist and songwriter based in North Carolina. He’s designed works for Bacardi, Carolina Hurricanes, IBMA, Dreamville Festival, The Rink, No Depression magazine, and much more. When he’s not designing and illustrating, you can catch him performing in Jack The Radio. “It was a fun challenge to create something visually appealing while also capturing the unsettled emotion of the poem.”

MIKE DUNN / W R I TE R

Mike Dunn is a lifelong naturalist and educator living in Chatham County, where he and his wife nurture 14 acres of woods and a yard full of native plants to attract wildlife. He shares his passion for nature with a monthly column for WALTER and through his blog, roadsendnaturalist.com. “The zombie fungus is certainly one of the more fascinating and bizarre things we have observed in our woods. I encourage everyone to pay attention as you walk through any habitat and then have the curiosity to learn more about what you see. What you find may delight and surprise you.”

www.ExploreElkin.com 16 | WALTER

JULI LEONARD / P HOTO GR A PH ER Juli Leonard has worked as a photojournalist for over 20 years. She resides in Raleigh with her family and a house full of creatures. When she’s not making photos, she’s usually out in a patch of woods or holding a book. “The layers of vegetables, fruit trees and native plants in Jenn Sandman’s garden photographed beautifully.

The thoughtfully planted garden really shines as a fall landscape.”

COLONY LITTLE / WR I T ER

Colony Little is a freelance arts writer and critic based in Raleigh.

“I first saw Holly Fischer’s work during the Raleigh Fine Arts Society’s 2023 NC Artists Exhibition at CAM Raleigh. It was a white ceramic piece titled Ruminate that kept calling me back; it told a different visual story from every angle. Her work makes you think about familiar shapes and forms in whole new ways. It’s a visual metaphor for beauty and more broadly our ideals, and how we come to define them for ourselves.”

courtesy contributors; Catherine Nguyen (LITTLE)

GEORGE HAGE / I L L U S TR ATO R

FEEDBACK We love to hear from you!

“I love your magazine. Everything is done right. It’s first class.”

— Ralph Ashworth “I have had so much wonderful feedback on the article. I remember when I left the N&O for a national outlet, John Drescher said to me, ‘You’re going to miss working for a paper in your community.’ He was right! It’s been fun to have people walk up in the neighborhood or church and say, ‘I saw you in WALTER!’” — Valerie Bauerlein

Beautiful Surroundings, Peaceful Living

Craig Woolard poses with his article.

“Thank you for your wonderful magazine. However, I am writing to respectfully request you consider the effects (although unintended) of the over-tourism that can occur from glowing articles about special places like Sand Dollar Island. It is unreal how much damage has been done to the sand dollar/urchin population from over-visitation. The problem is that people do not pay attention to dead versus alive.

They grab whatever they see. I’ve been going there 20 years and the population has dropped precipitously from visitor abuse.

Idyllic places like Sand Dollar Island should be shared and enjoyed by all, but people need to be urged to to respect their surroundings and protect them for future generations.”

— Grant Godwin

At The Cypress of Raleigh, a premier Life Plan Community, our members revel in the beauty of our meticulously landscaped 44-acre campus. Come see for yourself!

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@waltermagazine www.waltermagazine.com

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THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 17

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OUR TOWN

Bob Karp

Embrace October with cozy outdoor movies, hearty fundraising meals and some fun and spooky festivities.

THEY’RE GOURD-GEOUS! Getting a jack-o’-lantern just right takes a certain amount of skill — and the right pumpkin to begin with. “You want a flat bottom and a nice, long stem for that classic look,” says Kenny Krause, a local pumpkin-carving wizard known for his extremely detailed celebrity portraits. He suggests visiting the NC State Farmers Market early on Tuesday mornings for the best selection of pumpkins (open Mondays - Saturdays 5 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sundays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; 1201 Agriculture Street; ncagr.gov). If you’re feeling inspired to show off your creation, bring it to Cary’s Fred G. Bond Metro Park on Oct. 25 to get it in place for the annual Pumpkin Flotilla, a quirky event where lighted pumpkins float above Bond Lake at sunset. On Oct. 26 from 4 - 7 p.m., the lake will be aglow with jack-o’-lanterns for the public to enjoy, with live music and food trucks to enhance the festivities (801 High House Road, Cary; carync.gov/events). — Addie Ladner

THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 19

DATEBOOK WALTER’s list of things to see, do and experience this month.

by ADDIE LADNER

FALL ARTS FAIR

Sarahlaine Calvan (ILLUSTRATION); courtesy Theatre Raleigh (MARSHALL)

Oct. 5 | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Get to know area makers at the Fall Arts Fair, a daylong celebration of the City of Oaks’ rich culture.

Curated by the City of Raleigh’s Sertoma and Pullen Art Centers and hosted at Fred Fletcher Park, you’ll find artisans selling handmade ceramics, jewelry, textiles, candles and more. Entertainment will include Poetry Fox writing verse and Wayne Schindler Music playing folk tunes.

Food trucks Paris Delight Bakery and Corner Boys BBQ will be serving bites for purchase. Free admission; 820 Clay Street; raleighnc.gov

other women going through the same thing. Marshall will offer a jazzy spin on a range of new and classic songs — like Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” the Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” and Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” — and perform alongside guest musicians including Al Strong, Carter Minor and Estes Tarver. From $40; 6638 Old Wake Forest Road; theatreraleigh.com

BIRDSONG

Oct. 4 | 7:30 p.m.

City Market’s Blackbird Coffee and Books is hosting a poetry night featuring Charlotte-based comedian, storyteller and writer Adrian McQueen Parrish. Get there early to grab one of the shop’s seasonal coffee drinks or teas and browse their reading selection. In addition to offering classics, mystery and romance, the coffee shop and bookstore prides itself on lifting Indigenous, female and LGBTQ+ voices. Free; 323 Blake Street; blackbirdbooksandcoffee.com

TWIST OF JAZZ

Oct. 4 & 5 | 7:30 p.m.

Jazz artist Carrie Marshall is combining two of her worlds for a special eve-

NCMA TEEN DAY

ning to raise money for the nonprofit 1 of Us. Marshall started this show three years ago, following a breast cancer diagnosis, to raise money for

Oct. 5 | 12 - 4 p.m.

Bring your teen to the North Carolina Museum of Art for a day of hands-on art projects, programming, games, discounted refreshments at the Cafe and more. Free; 2110 Blue Ridge Road; ncartmuseum.org

All information is accurate as of press time, but please check waltermagazine.com and the event websites for the latest updates.

THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 21

DATEBOOK

Oct. 10 - 27 | Various times Werner Heisenberg and Niels Bohr were two renowned physicists active in the early 1940s, Heisenberg in Germany and Bohr in Denmark. Their work overlapped in various ways but became contentious during World War II. To this day, mystery surrounds an unexpected meeting the two had in the middle of World War II in Copenhagen and how that may have led to the creation of atomic bombs. That meeting is the premise of Burning Coal Theatre’s Copenhagen, a fictional play that touches on themes of personal struggles, war, risk and scientific achievement, directed by Jerome Davis. “I’ve always wanted to do the play because of its simplicity,” Davis says. “Essentially, it asks the question: ‘How did that happen?’” The ‘that’ in question is the fact that Heisenberg, one of the world’s greatest mathematicians and physicists of the time, seems to have made a simple error in arithmetic that led to the Nazis failing to develop the atom bomb in time to use it in World War II. The play offers an opportunity to contemplate these scenarios, Davis says: “Did Heisenberg fail deliberately?

Did he really just make a mistake? And if neither of those things are true, then what is the other option?” From $30; 224 Polk Street; burningcoal.org

inspired by each planet, plus songs from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and compositions with otherworldly sounds.

Before the show, check out the costume contest and the interactive Instrument Zoo in the lobby. From $29; 2 E. South Street; ncsymphony.org

BOURBON & BITES

TO SPACE & BEYOND!

Oct. 5 | 1 & 4 p.m.

This month, the North Carolina Symphony is producing a family-friendly, hour-long show with music from English composer Gustav Holst’s The Planets, which includes a different tune 22 | WALTER

Oct. 5 | 1:30 - 3 p.m.

Do you crave warming cocktails when the temperatures drop? Treat yourself to the Bourbon & Bites experience at The Oak restaurant. The event includes a private bourbon pairing and food tasting. General manager Hali Haught says the restaurant prides itself on its passion for the spirit. “We run an education-based program, so every

team member knows all 182 bottles on our shelf and attends classes weekly,” Haught says. The bourbon is selected day-of based on the season, weather and what’s on the menu. Last month, participants got to try Old Tub, Russell’s Single Barrel and Four Roses Small Batch Select, alongside dishes like beef and bourbon sliders and birria tacos. $60; 4035 Lake Boone Trail; theoakraleigh.com

HOCUS POCUS

Oct. 10 | 7 p.m.

“Come, little children!” Don your best witch costume and round up a group to head to Raleigh Little Theatre’s Stephenson Amphitheatre for this outdoor showing of the 1993 film Hocus Pocus, starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Bette Midler.

The movie starts at 7 p.m., but get there early to scope out your seat and have a little dinner before the show. On-site bites will include food trucks Berto’s Chimis, Uncle Dave’s Kettle Corn and JAM Soft Serve Ice Cream. $5; 301 Pogue Street; raleighlittletheatre.org

KWAME MBALIA

Oct. 11 | 6 p.m.

Kids of all backgrounds love Raleighite Kwame Mbalia’s best-selling graphic novel trilogy, Tristan Strong, which follows the protagonist through a mythological world infused by West African folktales. This month, he’ll be at Quail Ridge Books to read from his latest graphic novel, Jax Freeman and the Phantom Shriek. The book follows 11-year-old Jackson when he’s sent to Chicago from Raleigh — and adventure ensues. Jax Freeman also marks an important milestone for the writer: Disney selected him to help launch Freedom Fire, a first-of-itskind middle reader imprint focusing

courtesy Burning Coal (COPENHAGEN); courtesy NC Symphony (SPACE); Getty Images (HAT)

COPENHAGEN

courtesy Kwame Mbalia

on Black stories. In addition to reading from the book, Mbalia will discuss this next chapter in his career and talk about the significance of his stories.

Free; 4209-100 Lassiter Mill Road; kwamembalia.com

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MATERIAL MESSAGES: THE TALES TEXTILES TELL

Oct. 17 | 6 p.m.

Textile artist Precious D. Lovell will discuss an exhibit she curated, Material Messages: The Tales Textiles Tell, at NC State’s Gregg Museum of Art + Design. It explores how different cultures communicate both similar and distinct artistic visions through their particular cloth-making traditions. As a designer and maker, Lovell’s mixedmedia sociocultural creative practice explores the narrative potential of cloth and clothing, particularly those of the African diaspora. Free; 1903 Hillsborough Street; gregg.arts.ncsu.edu

NC STATE FAIR

Oct. 17 - 27 | Various times Enjoy all the forms of Home Grown Happiness — the theme of this year’s NC State Fair — over 10 days at this quintessential fall outing. Wander the exhibition halls to check out the state’s largest pumpkins, watermelons, sweet potatoes and more, and to see local farm clubs show off their prize livestock. Step back in time at the Village

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THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 23

DATEBOOK

Oct. 19 | 2 - 5:30 p.m.

of Yesteryear to see heritage crafts like pottery, woodworking or fiddle making, explore the food vendors for this year’s wildest concoctions, enjoy performances by a range of musicians, and much more. There are plenty of ticket options whether you’re just going for lunch, bringing a group or wanting to soak up the hype for multiple days. From $10; 4285 Trinity Road; ncstatefair.org

Abigail Jackson (left & right) , Kathy Howard (center)

Local hospitality folks will come together to raise funds for the community at a rollicking food and wine festival benefiting Now Serving. The nonprofit got started in 2016, drawing on the resources of restaurants and chefs to aid in Hurricane Matthew’s aftermath. It has since evolved into an organization to combat food insecurity across North Carolina. Standard Beer + Food, Trophy on Morgan, Native Fine Diner, Oak Steakhouse, Figulina and Lawrence Barbecue, among others, will be dishing up their specialties at the festival. Funds raised from this event will go toward preparing and delivering meals to partner organizations like The Women’s Center and Durham Children’s Initiative. Enjoy music curated by local DJ Jermainia and drink options like wine from Sojourn Cellars, beers from R&D Brewing and coffee from Pine State, all served up block-partystyle in Smoky Hollow. From $100; 421 N. Harrington Street; nowservingnc.org

Homes That Tell A Story Of Your Life Raleigh, Cary, Wilmington & Beyond

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courtesy Now Serving (PARTY); Justin Kase Conder (FAIR)

NOW SERVING FOOD + WINE

Jessica Crawford (CRAWFORD); courtesy Dix Park (STONE HOUSE)

FREEDOM HARVEST

Oct. 20 | 5 - 7 p.m.

On Oct. 20, Scott Crawford will host a fundraising dinner to support Healing Transitions, a nonprofit that provides recovery services to homeless and underserved individuals with alcoholism and other substance use disorders.

Crawford is on the board of the nonprofit, and the evening honors his 20 years of sobriety. “I’m celebrating freedom from addiction; we want to give this gift to others,” says Crawford. He will prepare an intimate, family-style dinner, which will be held at Healing Transitions’ Women’s Campus. From $195; 3304 Glen Royal Road; healingtransitions.org

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LIBRARY POP-UP

Oct. 22 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Enjoy a pop-up public library program at Dorothea Dix Park’s new Visitor Center and Outdoor Classroom within one of the recently renovated

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THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 25 9/10/24 10:14 AM

Stone Houses. Hosted by the Wake County Library system, librarians will be on site accepting books to return, handing out new library cards and offering books to check out! At 10:30, little ones can enjoy an interactive story time. Free; 830 Umstead Drive; dixpark.org

weaves from S. Wilmington Street through Oakwood Cemetery and back, passing by two community altars on the course for people to place mementos, flowers and written words for their late loved ones. Before and after the race, enjoy a street celebration outside Centro Mexican Restaurant with Latin American music, face painting, kids’ crafts and, of course, food! From $40; 106 S. Wilmington Street; wakebgc. org/dod

THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI DAY OF THE DEAD 5K

Oct. 26 | 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Benefitting the Brentwood Boys & Girls Club, this celebratory family fun run raises money for after-school programs for its community. The route

26 | WALTER

Oct. 30 | 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Head to NC State’s Gregg Museum of Art + Design dressed in costume for a spooky film screening the night before Halloween. The museum will be showing the mind-bending silent horror flick The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, a German film made in 1920. The plot line

follows a brainwashed chronic sleepwalker who is repeatedly convinced to commit murders by a psychotic hypnotist. Free; 1903 Hillsborough Street; gregg.arts.ncsu.edu

courtesy Day of the Dead 5K (5K); Gregg Museum (POSTER)

DATEBOOK

CELEBRATE

Happy RAL-o-ween!

FAIR FOODIES

Samantha Pressly as Funnel Cake, Shreeya Duvvuri as Walking Taco, Matt Kruse as Turkey Leg, Kylie Shaw as Cotton Candy and Anna Haddad as Dill Pickle Donut.

Need a costume? Visit the NC State Fair for some deliciously fun ideas. costumes created by LAURA PETRIDES WALL photography by BRYAN REGAN

THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 27

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MUSIC

Altering Perspectives With Spectacles, Shirlette Ammons explores identity, along with a cast of local talent

by DAVID MENCONI

Tim Walter

I

n life as well as art, Shirlette Ammons is a multi-hyphenate polyglot who crosses all kinds of borders and boundaries. A self-described Black queer Southern truth-teller, she is a poet, community activist and documentary film producer as well as a musician. And if you want a sense of her range of sounds and influences, all you have to do is check the credits of her brilliant 2024 album Spectacles, which was released in April.

Ammons’ collaborators on Spectacles include Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn from Grammy-nominated electronic duo Sylvan Esso; rappers G. Yamazawa and Kane Smego; Justin Robinson from the Grammy-winning old-time string band Carolina Chocolate Drops; and players from The Veldt, Dante High, Hiss Golden Messenger and other rock bands. For good measure, students from Durham’s Central Park School For Children contributed a vocal cameo on one song.

It’s quite an all-star team that speaks to Ammons’ status as a connector.

“I kinda just don’t take ‘no’ for an answer,” she says of her collaborative ways. “I’m like a little pest. There’s just so much overlap in the Triangle’s creative communities, especially music.

When I write a song, I’m harming it if I’m not delivering it right.

So I won’t hesitate to get someone else to sing it or play it.”

Spectacles is the third full-length album Ammons has released, and it has broken out enough to pick up national acclaim. Back in May, music critic Greg Kot of the prestigious Chicago-based radio show Sound Opinions called it “an extraordinary record” and one of this year’s best.

“I screamed when I heard that! It was so dope,” Ammons says.

“I listen to those guys regularly and love how pretentious they can be — reminds me of me! But it feels like they really listened critically and got into the concepts I was trying to achieve. That meant a lot to me. To be heard and seen by them felt affirming.”

A current resident of Durham, Ammons grew up in the tiny Duplin County township of Beautancus and has the drawl to

prove it. Now 50 years old, she has an identical sister, Shorlette Ammons, who works as program director for the annual Farm Aid festival. A childhood picture of the sisters with their mother adorns the cover of Spectacles, although there is uncertainty about which sister is which.

“Damned if I know,” Shirlette says. “Educated guess, I’m on the right.”

Growing up “as one when you’re actually two,” as she puts it, was an early dichotomy for Ammons to negotiate — along with growing up gay in the rural South. Her early musical experiences were singing in church, and various aunts also introduced her to Southern soul and R&B. Rock ’n’ roll entered the picture after Ammons moved to the Triangle, where she started playing bass and going to open-mic poetry nights. Taking it all in, she began honing a staccato style of her own, combining hip-hop, rapid-fire slam poetry, funk and overdrive rock ’n’ roll.

“I was a geek, just tunnel-vision on learning,” she says. “I started going to places where I would not necessarily belong, and I’d see what white kids were doing in rock clubs. It actualTHe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 29

ly pissed me off: ‘Why are WE not doing that, being loud?’”

Ammons began singing with a local rock band, the Dynamite Brothers. She also worked as a producer on film and television projects, ranging from four seasons of the award-winning series A Chef’s Life to the rap group Little Brother’s 2023 documentary May The Lord Watch.

While Ammons made some waves with her second album, 2016’s Language Barrier, Spectacles stands as her new highwater mark. Despite all the guests, she says it was actually a lonely record to make because so much of the work happened in isolation during the pandemic shutdown.

But her steadfast co-producer throughout the project was Phil Cook, formerly of Hiss Golden Messenger and Megafaun.

Questions of identity have been a recurrent songwriting topic throughout Ammons’ discography, and they are at the center of Spectacles. Framing the album are snippets of recorded voicemails from artist friends of hers talking about the different aspects of living one’s life as a spectacle.

“I love the title and the idea of all the different ways that concept can work,” Cook says. “There’s being a spectacle in the American landscape as a Black queer Southern artist subject to the white gaze. And also spectacles we wear — like coping mechanisms. Shirlette has always put so much into her writing about identity.”

Once she finished Spectacles, Ammons went shopping for record labels and had a few close calls where she almost got signed, but not quite. That brought on a minor crisis of faith, until she decided this record was too good to go unheard.

“It’s such a messed-up time in the music industry right now,” Ammons says with a sigh. “I still love making things like records, which feels satisfying. That’s the selfish motivation. Then the thing with record companies just fizzled out.

“But I believe in this record and I want people to hear it,” Ammons continues. “So that was my ‘come to Jesus’ moment, to put it out myself.”

The reception to Spectacles as an independent release has more than validated her faith in it. Cook agrees: “This is a seminal work for her.”

30 | WALTER

Nika Kramer (PERFORMANCE)

MUSIC

GARDEN

AUTUMN AMBITION October brings a reenergized spirit in the yard, says Tami Purdue of Sweet Peas Urban Gardens:“The weather is nice and you can get so much done.” She shares some garden projects to try.

Getty Images

SAVE YOUR SEEDS As your summer flowers and edibles fade, Purdue suggests harvesting their seeds. “Hold your hand under the dried flowers and gently shake them to release all those beautiful seeds,” she says. Wrap them in a dry paper towel and store inside a ziptop bag in a dark, cool spot.

IT’S ALL ROSY “Fall is the time to get roses in the ground for a stunning show next year,” says Purdue. If you already have roses, prune them back to encourage flowering and a consistent shape.

Start by cutting off dead branches and blooms, including any competing shoots at the center, then trim to your desired height.

CONSIDER COMPOSTING “Composting is an easy and affordable way to aid the garden,” says Purdue. Toss your veggie scraps, egg shells, coffee grounds and yard waste into a compost vessel or a partitioned-off area of your yard; once it’s broken down, add it to your soil. Purdue says the key to avoiding critters and smells is a 50/50 greento-brown ratio: add enough yard clippings (the “green”) to balance and break down food waste (the “brown”). “Critters are lazy,” Purdue says. “They don’t want to dig to find —Addie Ladner your scraps.”

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THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 31

THEATRE RALEIGH 2025 MAIN STAGE SEASON

March 26 - April 6 Aug 6 - 24

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Sept 24 - Oct 5

Nov 12 - 23

(919) 832-9997 THEATRERALEIGH.COM 6638 OLD WAKE FOREST ROAD

PARADE PREVIEW

VISIT NORTH CAROLINA’S LARGEST OPEN HOUSE

September 28-29, October 4-6, and 11-13

THE JIM ALLEN GROUP’S 2024 PARADE OF HOMES

FRANKLINTON OPEN TO TOUR

FRANKLINTON OPEN TO TOUR

KNIGHTDALE

MEBANE

NEW HILL OPEN TO TOUR

NOT OPEN TO TOUR

HIDDEN LAKE

HIDDEN LAKE

GLENMERE

TOWNES AT OAKWOOD SQUARE

JORDAN POINTE

250 FOREST BRIDGE ROAD 3 BED | 3.5 BATH | 3,287 SQ.FT.

270 FOREST BRIDGE ROAD 5 BED | 4.5 BATH | 4,014 SQ.FT.

326 HIGHLAND RIDGE LANE 5 BED | 4.5 BATH | 3,277 SQ.FT.

862 PRYOR STREET 3 BED | . BATH | 2,021 SQ.FT.

3666 JORDAN ESTATES WAY 5 BED | 5. BATH | 4,470 SQ.FT.

OAK & STONE CUSTOM HOMES

BRANDYWINE HOMES

DAVIDSON HOMES

TRADITION HOMES

UPRIGHT BUILDERS

RALEIGH

RALEIGH

RALEIGH

RALEIGH

RALEIGH

FAIRFAX HILLS

1137 IVY LANE 5 BED | 5 BATH | 2 HALF BATH 5,045 SQ.FT.

FAIRFAX HILLS

FALLS RESERVE

FALLS RESERVE

LAKEMONT

1318 IVY LANE 5 BED | 4.5 BATH | 4,554 SQ.FT.

7413 SUMMER TANAGER TRAIL 4 BED | 4.5 BATH | 5,107 SQ.FT.

7433 SUMMER TANAGER TRAIL 5 BED | 5. BATH | 6,035 SQ.FT.

5024 LAKEMONT DRIVE 5 BED | 5 BATH | 4,658 SQ.FT.

CRANE HOMES

SOUTHERN HERITAGE RESIDENTIAL

WILKS BUILDERS

ST. CLAIR CONSTRUCTION GROUP

VR CUSTOM HOMES

RALEIGH

RALEIGH

RALEIGH

RALEIGH

ROLESVILLE

7621 WINGFOOT DRIVE 6 BED | 6 BATH | 2 HALF BATH 5,014 SQ.FT

NORTH RIDGE

NORTH RIDGE

SANCTUARY AT LAKE WHEELER

SUNSET HILLS – ITB

TOWNES AT CARLTON POINTE

1308 HEDGELAWN WAY 4 BED | . BATH | 5,413 SQ.FT.

2917 FRANCES MARIE LANE 4 BED | . BATH | 4,407 SQ.FT.

3414 BRADLEY PLACE 4 BED | . BATH | 4,077 SQ.FT.

701 JAMESCROFT WAY 3 BED | 2.5 BATH | 1,827 SQ.FT.

ICG HOMES

AR HOMES | MONTEREY BAY

EXETER BUILDING COMPANY

DJF BUILDERS

ICG HOMES

WAKE FOREST

WAKE FOREST

WAKE FOREST

WAKE FOREST

UNPACK UP TO

$20,000* WEXFORD RESERVE

WEXFORD RESERVE

WEXFORD RESERVE

WEXFORD RESERVE

7800 AILESBURY ROAD 4 BED | 4.5 BATH | 4,558 SQ.FT.

7920 WEXFORD WATERS LANE 5 BED | 5 BATH | 2 HALF BATH 4,402 SQ.FT.

7941 WEXFORD WATERS LANE 4 BED | 5 BATH | 2 HALF BATH 4,576 SQ.FT.

8001 WEXFORD WATERS LANE 4 BED | 4.5 BATH | 4,309 SQ.FT.

HJ MORRIS

CAMBRIDGE CLASSIC HOMES

UPRIGHT BUILDERS

BLUESTONE BUILDERS

IN PRIZES

VISIT JAGPARADE.COM FOR A FULL LIST OF HOMES

JAGParade.com DOWNLOAD THE JAG PARADE APP TO START YOUR JOURNEY. *Terms & Conditions apply. Visit JAGParade.com for details. ©2024 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Sales and Marketing by The Jim Allen Group | Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston.

Promotion subject to change without notice. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. Images for illustration purposes only.

Welcome to the latest in luxury living.

Visit us at 117 Lochinvar Court in MacGregor Downs to see this exquisite Parade home, and discover our Loyd Builders communities.

This exclusive gated estate community in an unspoiled corner of Chatham County, with just 6 homesites available, offers custom bespoke residences on expansive 4-to-9 acre wooded sites in a secluded location with easy access to everything. Starting at $5M.

Located in the prestigious inside-the-Beltline area near St. Mary’s Street and Anderson Drive, this exclusive community features 11 homesites perfect for refined luxury living—a rare opportunity in such a coveted Raleigh location. Starting at $4.5M.

FAIRWAY COLLECTION

Tucked off of Durant Road in North Raleigh, this private oasis offers custom-built estate homes with exceptional craftsmanship, surrounded by natural beauty. Only 7 homesites remain in this unique location for building your dream home. Starting at $3M.

Build your custom residence on untouched land along the renowned Donald Ross golf course in the heart of Durham’s most desirable neighborhood. Only 6 golf course sites are available in this treasured Hope Valley location. Starting at $3.5M.

Contact Christina Valkanoff Realty Group to book a private appointment.

LoydBuilders.com

christina@cvrealtygroup.com | (919) 345-4538 | LoydBuilders.com Christina@cvrealtygroup.com | (919) 345-4538

GRAND HIGHLA ND E STATE S From $1, 695 , 0 0 0 - $2 , 9 95 , 0 0 0

Featuring Our 2024 Parade Homes A Showcase of Homes by Award-Winning Builders in Wake Forest, NC.

AR Homes/Hearthstone Luxury Homes Braswell Custom Homes EDK Design Build Exeter Building Company Paragon Building Group Raleigh Custom Homes Speight Built

Private | Gated | Luxury G ra nd Hi g h l a nd Li vi ng . com 91 9. 457.9002 Big Sky Estates, LLC Henry MacNair Will MacNair

H O M ES

INNOVATIVE DESIGNS • SUPERIOR QUALITY INTRICATE TRIM DETAILS • EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

ICGHomes.com 919-876-5802

10

CONTENTS

Welcome To the Parade Triangle’s most inspired and trend-forward spaces

14

Parade of Homes Map Use this official guide to help you plan your route

JPS Homes (LIVING ROOM)

17

Industry Profiles Get to know a few key leaders in this industry

20

Vibrant Visions Discovering color across the Parade of Homes Tour

24

Dramatic Heights Moreover, ceilings are just as much a canvas as walls

28

Natural Harmony Earth-inspired accents beyond plants to bring the outdoors in Cover Image of Rock Creek Builders 2024 Parade entry by Dominique Sinibaldi.

8 PARADE OF HOMES

THE JIM ALLEN GROUP’S 2024 PARADE OF HOMES

RALEIGH

RALEIGH

RALEIGH

RALEIGH

CHESTNUT HILLS

RALEIGH

CAMERON VILLAGE – ITB

CHESTNUT HILLS

CRABTREE PINES

501 SHELLEY ROAD 5 BED |  BATH | 4,520 SQ.FT.

1304 LENNOX PLACE 4 BED | 4 BATH | 2 HALF BATH 4,527 SQ.FT.

CHESTNUT HILLS

838 WOODBURN ROAD 5 BED |  BATH | 3,398 SQ.FT.

5305 DIXON DRIVE 5 BED | 6 BATH | 4,125 SQ.FT.

6405 PLEASANT PINES DRIVE 4 BED | 4.5 BATH | 3,800 SQ.FT.

KENNON CONSTRUCTION

HOMESTEAD BUILDING COMPANY

VR CUSTOM HOMES

CAMBRIDGE CLASSIC HOMES

VR CUSTOM HOMES

RALEIGH

RALEIGH

RALEIGH

RALEIGH

RALEIGH

NORTH HILLS ESTATES

OPEN TO TOUR

NOT OPEN TO TOUR

NEWBURY

NEWBURY

NEWBURY

NORTH HILLS ESTATES

9400 RAWSON AVENUE 5 BED | . BATH | 3,547 SQ.FT.

9405 RAWSON AVENUE 4 BED | . BATH | 4,029 SQ.FT.

9421 RAWSON AVENUE 4 BED | . BATH | 4,770 SQ.FT.

5401 NORTH HILLS DRIVE 5 BED | 4.5 BATH | 4,330 SQ.FT.

1209 GUNNISON PLACE 5 BED | 4 BATH | 2 HALF BATH 4,419 SQ.FT.

DJF BUILDERS

CAMBRIDGE CLASSIC HOMES

BLUESTONE BUILDERS

VR CUSTOM HOMES

VR CUSTOM HOMES

WAKE FOREST

WAKE FOREST

WAKE FOREST

WAKE FOREST

WAKE FOREST

NOT OPEN TO TOUR

2109 CAMBER DRIVE 4 BED | 4 BATH | 2 HALF BATH 4,724 SQ.FT.

CAMBERLY

PRESCOTT

PRESCOTT MANOR

STONEGATE AT ST. ANDREWS

6428 PRESCOTT CHASE DRIVE 4 BED | . BATH | 4,084 SQ.FT.

1001 HARRISON RIDGE ROAD 4 BED | 4 BATH | 3,498 SQ.FT.

3809 COACH LANTERN AVENUE 4 BED | 3 BATH | 2,888 SQ.FT.

2345 BALLYWATER LEA WAY 4 BED | 6 BATH | 2 HALF BATH 4,854 SQ.FT.

EXETER BUILDING COMPANY

JPS HOMES

GRANDE MANOR HOMES

COPPER BUILDERS

ICG HOMES

YOUNGSVILLE

YOUNGSVILLE

YOUNGSVILLE

YOUNGSVILLE

NOT OPEN TO TOUR

NOT OPEN TO TOUR

WATERSTONE MANORS

UNPACK UP TO

$20,000*

CALVIN’S MILL

HIDDEN LAKE

SORRELL OAKS

SORRELL OAKS

5113 GRIST STONE WAY 3 BED | 3 BATH | 2,535 SQ.FT.

265 HIDDEN LAKE DRIVE 4 BED | . BATH | 3,107 SQ.FT.

60 SPANISH OAK DRIVE 4 BED | 4 BATH | 3,638 SQ.FT.

20 CHESTNUT OAK DRIVE 4 BED | . BATH | 3,854 SQ.FT.

GEMSTONE HOMES

OAK & STONE CUSTOM HOMES

CANTIERE HOMES

KEN HARVEY HOMES

IN PRIZES

VISIT JAGPARADE.COM FOR A FULL LIST OF HOMES

JAGParade.com DOWNLOAD THE JAG PARADE APP TO START YOUR JOURNEY. *Terms & Conditions apply. Visit JAGParade.com for details. ©2024 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Sales and Marketing by The Jim Allen Group | Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston.

Promotion subject to change without notice. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. Images for illustration purposes only.

PLANNING YOUR TOUR

WELCOME TO T H E PA R A D E Now in it 59th year, Parade of Homes continues to deliver inspiring, trend-forward spaces that showcase the Triangle home market.

10 PARADE OF HOMES

Photos supplied by the HBA of Raleigh-Wake County

C

elebrating its 59th year, the Triangle Parade of Homes is one of the largest home tours in the country—and it’s here! This event serves as a dynamic showcase for the region’s skilled builders and designers, providing current and prospective homebuyers with a unique opportunity to explore over 240 stunning new homes constructed by more than 75 different builders.

Scheduled to take place over three weekends—September 28-29, October 4-6, and October 11-13—the Parade of Homes is set to welcome visitors from 12 to 5 p.m. each day.

This annual, free tour allows attendees to experience firsthand the quality and craftsmanship that define the local community. This year the tour spans across 13 counties, inviting the public to experience a wider range of living spaces throughout the Trianlge region.

“This event provides insight into the local real estate market,” states Paul Kane, HBA Raleigh-Wake County Executive Vice President/CEO. “Visitors will get a sense of current pricing trends, the types of homes available in the area, and community amenities where the homes are located, all of which are valuable to those searching PARADE OF HOMES 11

for a new home or considering a move.”

The Parade of Homes promises to be the most diverse and exciting showcase of new homes in the region, providing a unique opportunity for the public to explore the latest trends in home design and construction. Visitors will be able to explore homes from $275,000 to over $5.3 million. Many of the builders come back year after year, many with multiple houses at this annual event. It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase special features, home design trends and engage with our the local community.

Homes By Dickerson, a custom homebuilder who has been participating in the Triangle Parade for almost 50 years, will have eight homes in this year’s Parade including two in their new home community, The Founding at Blue Ridge in Raleigh. “The Parade is a year-long process and it sets the standards of which we design and execute our homes”, says Brant Chesson, President of Homes By Dickerson. “The really cool thing about it, the whole team is involved and it unifies us and really drives our culture.”

Builders are eager to showcase designs that reflect modern living, from sleek architectural styles to luxurious finishes. Each home is crafted to cater to a variety of lifestyles and preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone. “Our Parade of Homes is a wonderful showcase of the latest in-home technology, designs, and features” says Christy Beck, President of the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County. “From cutting-edge smart home systems to innovative sustainable materials, each home reflects the future of living.”

This year, the Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors has partnered with Exeter Building Company to host a fundraiser throughout the weekends of Parade, called Canvas of Hope. While Exeter will have five homes on the tour this year, their home at 2405 Ridge Road in Raleigh will host a collection of over 20 works from local artists to raise funds for Designed For Joy, a local nonprofit that provides women in crisis with support, removing the stigma of vulnerability.. The artwork will be displayed and for sale and they will be raffling off one painting of Fayetteville Street in Raleigh by Susan Dahlin.

With a focus on innovation and community engagement, the 2024 Parade of Homes promises to be an inspiring experience for all who attend.

To plan your tour, visit www.triangleparade.com.

12 PARADE OF HOMES

It’s (finally!) Parade of Homes season at Wendell Falls — and new homes are just the beginning. You’ll also find seven new model homes. Two community pools. Ready-now residences.

And the shops and restaurants of Treelight Square.

Now that’s a creatively crafted community.

7 PARADE HOMES TO TOUR + 7 NEW MODELS + DOZENS OF READY-NOW RESIDENCES New homes and townhomes from the low $300s to $900s+

wendellfalls.com/parade 320 Vintage Point Lane, Wendell, NC 27591 | 919.822.3060 Wendell Falls by Newland is owned in a joint venture partnership between North America Sekisui House, LLC (NASH) and Brookfield Residential, and is proudly managed by Brookfield Properties.

These partners share a deep commitment to sustainable development practices and apply these core values to the vision, planning, and development of their communities. Wendell Falls by Newland is one of more than 20 communities this partnership manages together across the US. For more information, visit wendellfalls.com EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. This is not intended to be an offer to sell or a solicitation of offers to buy real estate in the Wendell Falls Community to residents of Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Oregon, or in any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law. NASH Wendell Falls, LLC (“Fee Owner”) is the owner and developer of the Wendell Falls Community (“Community”). Certain homebuilders unaffiliated with the Fee Owner or its related entities (collectively, “Wendell Falls”) are building homes in the Community (“Builder(s)”). Fee Owner has retained Newland Communities solely as the property manager for the Community. North America Sekisui House has an interest in one of the members in Fee Owner. Newland Communities and North America Sekisui House are not co-developing, co-building, or otherwise responsible for any of the obligations or representations of any of the Builders, and shall have no obligations to any buyer regarding a home purchase from a Builder. Purchasers of homes from any of the Builders waive any claims against Newland Communities and/or North America Sekisui House arising out of their purchase transaction. Prices, specifications, details and availability of Builder’s homes are subject to change without notice. ©2024 Wendell Falls. All Rights Reserved. Wendell Falls is a trademark of NASH Wendell Falls, LLC, and may not be copied, imitated or used, in whole or in part, without prior written permission. 8/2024

2024 SPONSORS

174173

144,145 140,141

142,143

136

Chapel Hill

137-139

Mebane

25, 34-39, 81

132-135 118

130,131

119-125

126,127

115-117

82 24

113,114

14,15 23

111,112 108

22

128,129

109,110

104-107 21 16

13

103 102

Pittsboro

19,20

84-92

17

18

83

93

11,12

94

10

Sanford

151-153 66 63-65

59

58

60

55

52-54

72

57

95

Burt Rd

71 56 49 48

194

50,51

47

Lillington

75-80

SR 210

7-9

Angier 1-6

183

-183

Franklinton/Youngsville

WHEN

42-46, 195-199

September 28-29, October 4-6 & 11-13

167-170 172

WHAT

171

164

166

The 2024 Parade of Homes is a scattered-site tour of 203 new homes. With homes in all price ranges, the Parade is the perfect source of anyone planning to buy a new home now or in the future - or for seeing the newest trends in the Triangle building industry

162,163 158-161

165

150

WHERE

Most homes are in Wake County.

For driving directions, follow the route outlined on each house page or visit TriangleParadeofHomes.com to set up your own tour.

COST

The Parade of Homes is FREE.

Mills Road

157

149

147 146 148

200 ll Mill

Mitche

Road

202 203

204

74

72,73

71

184-190 69,70

87

67,68

101

191

192

100 99 98

193

96,97

62 26-33

Selma/Smithfield 61

154-156

Four Oaks 40-41

Due to unforeseen problems in the field, continuing research and the availability of materials, the builders reserve the right to alter plans and specifications without prior notice. The information found in this publication is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Prices of homes are also subject to change without prior notice. Please check with the builder or realtor to verify correct prices. Due to the enormous growth being experienced in the Triangle area, labor shortages may mean some of the homes you visit may not be complete. The most up to date availability information is online at TriangleParadeofHomes.com The designs shown within these pages are subject to copyright protection. Use of any part of these designs is prohibited without the written consent of the owner.

Copyright ownership is noted on each entry page.

PLANNING YOUR TOUR

TOUR TIPS HELPING YOU PLAN YOUR HOME TOUR

1

2

3

We are excited to share helpful features such as the Map Your Tour, Builder Profiles, and enahnced search functionality so you can easily and seamlessly plan your route.

Visit www.TriangleParade. com for the most up-to-date information!

The official Parade of Homes Guidebook has details on more than 200 incredible homes that are open to tour for free in the Triangle area!

Use the directories to find the city or builder you are looking for in your quest for a new home. Then, read up on all the detials these homes have to offer - number of bedrooms, bathrooms, price and home features - before heading on your tour.

Keep connected with us on social media! Follow along for the latest updates and also get to know the local builders in the Triangle. With sneak peeks and insider looks, you’ll see images and videos from all the homes on the tour.

You’ll also be able to find out about other events happening during the Triangle Parade.

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE

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16 PARADE OF HOMES

INDUSTRY PROFILES

THE PRO CHANTALE PERSINGER Closests By Design CREDENTIALS Chantale Persinger is the owner and operator of Closets By Design in Raleigh.

With over 20 years of experience, she has built a reputation of integrity as the indsutry leader in customer service and total customer satisfaction.

Your name is Closets By Design, what other rooms in your house can benefit from a redesign?

Since our products are built to order, we can create custom organization solutions for any room in your home. We can do just about any room in your home, including home offices, hobby rooms or laundry rooms. Each design is made to order, ensuring it perfectly fits your needs and preferences.

What’s the best advice for someone when they are starting to organize their closet or space?

When first starting off with one of our designers, make sure you leave your space “as is” and exactly as you use it. The best thing for our designers to see and understand is exactly how you use your space from day to day. Whether you’re wanting to get a more functional closet space or turn your garage into an organized storage area, understanding exactly how you will use this space in the future is such an important first step. Our team works closely with our clients to develop functional, stylish solutions that reflect your unique lifestyle.

What’s an upgrade you can get in your closet that gives you the best added space?

Each closet and customer is distinct, which is why we offer a complimentary in-home consultation to understand and address your specific needs and preferences. In closets specifically, we are able to create storage all the way to the ceiling, so we can double hang or add shelves to increase the storage significantly in your space.

Visit www.closetsbydesign.com for more information.

PARADE OF HOMES 17

INDUSTRY ASKPROFILES THE EXPERT

THEPRO PRO MARY MARY BETH TAINTOR THE BETH TAINTOR Robuck Homes Robuck Homes CREDENTIALS Mary Beth Taintor is the Customer Experience

Beth Taintor is Robuck the Customer CREDENTIALS Manager and head Mary of the Design Studio for Homes.

What inspired the design of this adaptable space in the Hampton floorplan?

What inspired the design of this adaptable space in At Robuck Homes, our design philosophy is rooted in the Hampton floorplan? understanding and anticipating the evolving needs of modern At Robuck Homes, ourspace design philosophy is rooted homeowners.

The diverse in the Hampton floorplan, in understanding and anticipating the evolving needs of particularly the tech nook, is a prime example of how we adapt modern homeowners. The diverse space in the Hampton our designs to enhancethe functionality andismeet a range of different floorplan, particularly tech nook, a prime example lifestyle needs. of how we adapt our designs to enhance functionality and thedifferent tech nooklifestyle was envisioned meet aInitially, range of needs. as a practical area for managing home technology and charging devices. However, as we Initially, the tech nook was envisioned as a practical the changing of work home life, it areaobserved for managing homedynamics technology andand charging devices. became clear that this space could serve a broader range of However, as we observed the changing dynamics of work We itrecognized growing needspace for flexible andpurposes. home life, became the clear that this couldspaces servethat can adapt to various functionsWe throughout the day. a broader range of purposes. recognized the growing need for flexible spaces that can to various functions In response, we reimagined theadapt tech nook as a versatile and throughout the day. multi-functional area. Situated conveniently off the kitchen, this space can effortlessly transform tothe meet diverse needs.

In response, we reimagined tech nook as aWhether versaa dedicated workstation, a cozy homework nook, a off tech tile used and asmulti-functional area. Situated conveniently the hub kitchen, thismeetings, space can transform to meet for virtual or effortlessly even a creative craft area, the tech nook diverse Whether used as avarious dedicated workstation, offersneeds. flexibility and utility to suit lifestyle demands. We a cozy a tech hub virtual meetings, lovehomework talking to ournook, customers about thefor ways they envision using or even a creative craft area, the tech nook offers the space. We have had a few new homeowners tell us flexibilthat they are ity and various lifestyle demands.

Weroom. love usingutility it as anto artsuit studio and YouTube Content creation

talking to our customers about the ways they envision using the space. We have had a few new homeowners tell us PARADE OF HOMES that00 they are using it as an art studio and YouTube Content creation room.

This evolution reflects our commitment to creating homes that are not only stylish and contemporary but also adaptable to the ever-changing needs of today’s homeown-

18 PARADE OF HOMES

Photography by TK

Experience Manager and head ofinthe for Robuck has been building homes theDesign TriangleStudio and Coastal Robuck Homes.

Robuck has been building the Regions of North Carolina since 1926.

A familyhomes ownedin and Triangle and Coastal Regions of North Carolina since operated company, our diverse residential, commercial, and non1926.

A family owned and operated company, our diverse profit portfolio ensures that Robuck legacy of excellence residential, commercial, andthe non-profit portfolio ensures preservedlegacy for future generations.will With homes thatwill thebeRobuck of excellence bethousands preservedoffor built across 60+ communities, Robuck continues to offer the future generations. With thousands of homes built acrosssame and serviceRobuck in every home — in to theoffer the same 60+quality communities, continues quality and service in next. every home — in the past century past century and the and the next.

This evolution reflects our commitment to creating homes that are not only stylish and contemporary but also adaptable to the ever-changing needs of today’s homeowners. By incorporating these thoughtful enhancements, the Hampton floorplan continues to offer a modern living experience that aligns with both current trends and future demands. The Hampton is available in Kennebec Crossing (Angier) and Baylee Ridge (Selma).

Visit RobuckHomes.com for more information.

ers. By incorporating these thoughtful enhancements, the Hampton floorplan continues to offer a modern living experience that aligns with both current trends and future demands. The Hampton is available in Kennebec Crossing (Angier) and Baylee Ridge (Selma).

Visit www.RobuckHomes.com for more information.

PARADE OF HOMES 00 PARADE OF HOMES 19

MARKET TRENDS

VIBRANT VISIONS Discovering Color Across the Parade of Homes

Above: Homes By Dickerson paints all the walls, ceiling and trim a soft green to envoke a relaxing place to work. Below: Mattamy Homes uses an ebony hue on one wall in the dining room to draw the eye and create an elegant space to enetertain.

I

n many of the homes you’ll tour on the 2024 Parade of Homes, you’ll note that builders are adding splashes of color to many of the rooms.

Using color on walls is a powerful way to infuse character and personality into a room. From single accent walls, to color-drenching (painting all the walls and ceiling), builders and designers are using color to enchance the depth and character to each space. Whether opting for a vibrant pallete or subtle tones, the right choice of color can transform any room into a reflection of your style and enhance the overall atmosphere of your home.

20 PARADE OF HOMES

Above: Brookfield Residential uses a muted blue hue to create a calming living room that transitions smoothly into the open kitchen. Left: Experiment with wallpaper! M/I Homes adds color in the form of an accent wall in a primary bedroom to add texture and create a cozy and personalized retreat.

Above: JPS Homes paints just one accent wall and the ceiling in a bright teal to introduce unique elements and add dimension to this home office.

PARADE OF HOMES 21

Above: This punchy teal color that David Weekley uses in their dining room creates visual interest and a vibrant place to gather. Below: Raleigh Custom Homes drenches this study in an eggplant tone on all walls and ceiling to create a dramatic effect.

22 PARADE OF HOMES

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MARKET TRENDS

DRAMATIC HEIGHTS Innovative Ceiling Ideas to Brighten Your Space

Left: JPS Homes adds a black and white wallpaper to create a dedicated dining space in their home.

Below: Ashton Woods uses a bright tint to add contrast to this white bedroom and give visual interest.

A

dding paint, wallpaper or beams to a ceiling can significantly enhance the depth and interset in your home, trasnsforming an often overlooked surface into a stunning focal point. A fresh coat of paint in a bold color or wallpaper pattern can draw the eye upward, creating a sense of personality to the room. These design elements not olny elevate the space, but create a unique ambiance, making every room feel more thoughtfully curated.

24 PARADE OF HOMES

Above: Raleigh Custom Homes adds warmth and texture to this living space with wooden beams across the ceiling anchored with a statement chandelier.

Below: Infuse character into a bedroom with a custom trim design on the ceiling to add elegance and personality as in this Toll Brothers Parade home.

PARADE OF HOMES 25

Above: Wallpaper inset in a trey ceiling in this bedroom draws the eye up. Even with a neutral pallete, M/I Homes masterfully designed a striking and elevated retreat.

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Johnathan Stroud, Broker stroudrealestate1@gmail.com 336.428.5250

Patrick A. O’Neal, Broker in Charge poneal44@gmail.com 919.795.0356

Kevin O’Neal, Broker Kevin@trecnc.com 919.986.2025

MARKET TRENDS

NATURAL HARMONY Creating Harmony with Natural Elements

I

ncorporating natural elements like stone and wood into a home design fosters a serene and grounding atmosphere. These materials can evoke a connection to nature, promoting tranquility and a sense of harmony. Whether you use wood to add warmth to the inside or outside of your home or use stone as a artistic feature, the blend of textures will make the space feel more organic and inviting.

28 PARADE OF HOMES

Above: Draw attention to an architectural feature like a fireplace with a dramatic stone like Homestead Built and Bardi Designs have done in this Parade home.

Right: Toll Brothers shows us how to incorporate wood, stone and an organic tile to create a cohesive space.

Here, a square green tile backsplash across the entire wall creates a balanced aesthetic.

Above: Adding natural elements can come in big and small accents. Raleigh Custom Homes uses an organic material on their pulls to add warmth.

Left: HJ Morris uses wood as an accent wall to create visual appeal for their bar and add natural beauty.

PARADE OF HOMES 29

Above: Bold veining on the counter and backsplash paired with the warm wood tones in this Sage Built kitchen create a relaxing space to gather in the heart of the home.

30 PARADE OF HOMES

to Stunning

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DOWNLOAD THE JAG PARADE APP TO START YOUR JOURNEY.

Home buying is an adventure.

We invite you to embark on an adventure to find your new home. Our agents and resources will help you reach your dream destination.

The Jim Allen Group is proudly showcasing 38 homes. See inside to chart your course to homes curated by our expert team.

2024 TRIANGLE PARADE OF HOMES SEPT. 2829 | OCT. 46 | OCT. 1113 12 PM  5 PM

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JAGParade.com *Terms & Conditions apply. Visit JAGParade.com for details. ©2024 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Sales and Marketing by The Jim Allen Group | Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston. Promotion subject to change without notice. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. Images for illustration purposes only.

NATURE

Watch Out for Zombies!

A Carolina Leaf-roller cricket, left, and a spider killed by a parasitic fungus.

A bizarro fungus creates spooky reactions in bugs words and photography by MIKE DUNN

O

ctober means football, cool temperatures, colorful leaves and our spookiest holiday of the year – Halloween. Befitting that theme, I made a bizarre discovery in my yard one Halloween a few years ago.

I was walking around the yard looking for something to photograph when my eye caught a strange shape on the underside of a twig. I moved over for a closer look. It was a spiky, insect-shaped corpse, a cricket of some sort, I thought.

I recognized the strange growth forms on its body as some sort of parasitic fungus, one of the most Halloweenappropriate things in nature.

After some research, I figured my little corpse was a Carolina Leaf-roller, a type of wingless cricket. If that was the case, then this fungus was probably a species of Cordyceps (or perhaps Ophiocordyceps), a group of fungi that attack various insects.

These insect-eating fungi have been collectively called Zombie Fungi for the way they infect and ultimately kill their hosts.

Research is uncovering more about

how these entomopathogenic (insectinfecting) fungi function. A passing insect encounters a fungal spore in its wanderings that gets attached to the outside of its body, where it germinates. The fungus then penetrates the exoskeleton using enzymes or a needle-like peg that presses against the cuticle and punctures it. Once inside, the fungus starts to grow and absorb nutrients from its host.

As if that wasn’t strange enough, now things start to get really weird.

Within a few days after infection, the host insect begins to behave differently due to chemicals secreted into its brain by the invading fungus. Studies have shown that ants infected by one species of zombie fungus tend to crawl up on vegetation and lock onto a leaf with their mandibles. They soon die, and strange, stalk-like structures grow out of the ant to release spores. By altering the behavior of the ant to make it climb up off the ground and attach its soon-to-be-dead body to the vegetation, the fungus ensures its spores are released in an environment favorable

to their dispersal by wind.

The same is probably true of my dead cricket. It had been manipulated into a good spore-release position on the underside of a twig a couple of feet above the ground. I can’t say whether the cricket was tricked into clasping the twig with its legs or if it was stuck in place by another mechanism seen in some body-snatching fungi — when specialized cells burst through the legs and other body parts of the victim to anchor the hapless host.

Other parasitic fungi infect many other types of invertebrates. I have found flies in many areas across our state stuck in odd positions on plants, with white fuzz coming out between their abdominal segments. This type of fungus has been well-studied in fruit flies, where scientists have tediously mapped out the nervous system of these flies for various experiments. It seems this fungus takes over the brain of the fly, causing it to climb to a high point in its environment (a process called “summiting”) and then glue itself THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 33

Downsizing YOUR HOME FOR RETIREMENT HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER

NATURE to the plant with secretions from its “tongue.” The spores of the fungus are then shot out like miniature rockets ready to infect another passing fly.

Then there was the time I found a bunch of dead soldier beetles in a patch of goldenrod flowers. They were all grasping onto the flowers with their mandibles in an odd death grip, wings cocked open, with a whitish fuzz on their abdomens.

From what I have read, this is most likely the work of a fungal pathogen called Eryniopsis lampyridarum, a specialist on these beetles. One scientist studying this cleverly dubbed the infected insects “zombeetles.” He noted that by some asyet-unknown mechanism, several hours after the beetle dies, the fungus manipulates the beetle’s wings to open up and hold that position. Unlike the rocketing fly-fungus spores, this one apparently needs another beetle to touch its dead comrade to become infected. This openwing position increases surface area for body contact and seems to attract other beetles in what he described as faux mating behavior.

The spores of the fungus are then shot out like miniature rockets ready to infect another passing fly.

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The more I learned about these fungi, it started me thinking about the what-ifs of this ghastly group. Apparently, I’m not the only one. It turns out these fungi served as the inspiration for an award-winning video game and now a popular television show, The Last of Us. The story explores the concept of the Cordyceps fungus evolving and infecting humans. A classic case of truth being stranger than (or at least inspiring) fiction.

So if you notice a neighbor with oddstalk-like projections coming out of their backs as you go about your trick-ortreating this year, you may want to skip that house.

IS N OW

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911 N WE ST ST STE . 203 | R A L E I G H , N C | 9 1 9 . 6 6 9 . 7 9 9 3 | C OR C OR A N . C OM © 2024 Corcoran. All rights reserved. Corcoran and the Corcoran Logo are trademarks of Corcoran Group LLC. The Corcoran System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. Corcoran Group LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

CHOOSE WILDERS LOCALLY RAISED 100% WAGYU BEEF AND BERKSHIRE PORK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON It’s never too early to start planning for the holidays.

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EXPLORE Bearwallow Mountain

HIKE a STATE TRAIL Sample a stretch of North Carolina with one of these nearby paths

courtesy ExploreBurnsville.com

by JOE MILLER

I

f you’re familiar with the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, the notion of walking across North Carolina may not seem farfetched: nearly 200 people have made the entire journey on the 1,175-mile MST, from Clingman’s Dome on the Tennessee line to Jockey’s Ridge on the coast.

But what about the idea of walking from Morganton to Asheville? Or paddling a canoe from Greensboro to Moncure?

North Carolina has 14 State Trails intended to let you explore the state on foot, by kayak or canoe, and even on horseback.

These longer trails are part of N.C. State Parks, though each State Trail is administered by a nonprofit partner agency. Eventually, the trails will cover some 3,500 miles, touching roughly three quarters of North Carolina’s 100 counties.

The state trails concept dates back nearly 50 years, but it’s only within the past two that most of the State Trails have gotten traction — or, in some cases, come into being. One of the key provisions of the General Assembly’s 2023 Year of the Trail was $29.15 million set aside for the Complete the Trails fund. Another $25 million was allocated for State Trails for 2024-2026 as part of the Great Trails State Program fund. Last year, the third Saturday in October was officially designated the Great Trails State Day, so Oct. 16 of this year will be the second annual observation.

Where’s the best place to sample a State Trail? In the Triangle you have three options.

MOUNTAINS-TO-SEA TRAIL One of the longest stretches of MST outside the mountains is in the Triangle, running 106 miles from Eno River State Park

in Durham, along the south shore of Falls Lake, then down the Neuse River into Clayton. The 27.5-mile stretch along Falls Lake is paved, making for good cycling as well as walking; the 78.6 miles along Falls Lake and in Eno River State Park are natural surfaces and offer surprising backcountry escapes in the heart of the Triangle. The Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, the MST’s partner agency, has good maps for exploring the trail on its website, mountainstoseatrail.org.

EAST COAST GREENWAY The North Carolina portion of the East Coast Greenway, which will one day link Maine with Florida, is a recent addition to the State Trails system. The best place to experience it in North Carolina is in the Triangle, as it piggybacks on the American Tobacco Trail in Durham, Chatham and Wake Counties; the Cary greenway system; Umstead State Park; and the Raleigh greenway system, including the Neuse River Greenway. Learn more at the East Coast Greenway Alliance’s website, greenway.org.

DEEP RIVER STATE TRAIL This hiking and paddle trail begins in Jamestown and works its way 125 miles south, then east, to Moncure below Jordan Lake. Your best bet for hiking is in Randolph County, especially in Franklinville, where the trail follows a shaded rail line and climbs a bluff overlooking the river. You’ll find beginnerfriendly paddle options downstream in Moore, Chatham and Lee Counties. Learn more about hiking at franklinville.org; about paddling at triangleland.org, and about the trail in general through the Piedmont Land Conservancy, at piedmontland.org.

THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 37

EXPLORE

FURTHER AFIELD In addition to the three trails in the Triangle, North Carolina has 11 other State Trails. You can learn more about each of them at trailsnc.gov, but here’s a taste of what you’ll find.

DAN RIVER STATE TRAIL This 90-mile paddle trail in Surry, Stokes and Rockingham counties offers challenging whitewater thrills upstream, becoming more placid — and beginner friendly! — downstream in Rockingham County. Partner: Dan River Basin Association; danriver.org

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EQUESTRIAN STATE TRAIL This horse trail is still in the conceptual phase, but the plan is that within a few years it will run through several counties south of the Triangle. Partner: North Carolina Horse Council; nchorsecouncil.com FONTA FLORA STATE TRAIL About 31 miles of this 80-mile trail that will link Morganton to Asheville are finished, mostly in the Lake James and Morganton areas. The trail gets its name from a community that was submerged when Lake James was created more than 100 years ago. Partner: Friends of the Fonta Flora State Trail; fontaflorastatetrail.com FRENCH BROAD RIVER STATE TRAIL This paddle trail runs 115 miles on the French Broad, from Rosman to the Tennessee Line. Partner: Mountain True; mountaintrue.org HAW RIVER STATE TRAIL This paddle and hiking trail runs from the Haw’s headwaters north of Greensboro to its conclusion in Jordan Lake. Twenty miles of hiking trail and 40 miles of paddle trail with 14 access points are currently accessible. Partner: Alamance Parks; alamance-nc.com

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HICKORY NUT GORGE STATE TRAIL This hiking and biking trail links Chimney Rock State Park, Florence Nature Preserve, Bearwallow Mountain and Rumbling Bald near Lake Lure. About 38 miles are currently accessible. Partner: Conserving Carolina; conservingcarolina.org NORTHERN PEAKS STATE TRAIL This 40-mile hiking trail will link Boone on the south to Mount Jefferson State Natural Area to the north. It’s currently accessible at Elk Knob State Park and Paddy Mountain in West Jefferson. Partner: Blue Ridge Conservancy; blueridgeconservancy.org

courtesy GreatTrailsNC.com (KAYAKS); Getty Images (BOOTS)

Yadkin River State Trail

OVERMOUNTAIN VICTORY STATE TRAIL This 225-mile stretch of the OVT in North Carolina follows the paths that patriot militia took to the Battle of Kings Mountain. Partner: Overmountain Victory North Carolina State Trail Friends Group; ovncst.org ROANOKE RIVER STATE TRAIL This paddle trail originates at Roanoke Rapids and ends at Albemarle Sound. It is known for the 16 camping platforms along the route, from Halifax to Edenton, which were developed by its partner, Roanoke River Partners; roanokeriverpartners.org. Reservations are required through Roanoke River Partners.

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WILDERNESS GATEWAY TRAIL This mostly hiking trail (there will be some biking, paddling and horseback sections) will run from Valdese and Hickory to South Mountains State Park, Bob’s Creek State Natural Area and to the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail. Partner: Foothills Conservancy; foothillsconservancy.org YADKIN RIVER STATE TRAIL This is a 163-mile paddle trail running from W. Scott Kerr Reservoir to Morrow Mountain State Park. Nearly all of this trail is accessible. Partner: Yadkin River Keeper; yadkinriverkeeper.org The good thing about a trail system in its infancy? New trails are constantly opening.

Keep up with the latest at getgoingnc.com.

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Garden Lovers' Weekend • October 11-13 Fall Heritage Plant Sale • October 11-12 | 9 AM - 5 PM Mumfest • October 12-13 Garden Lovers' Weekend • October 11-13 Fall Heritage Plant Sale • October 11-12 | 9 AM - 5 PM Mumfest • October 12-13

18th Century Apothecary Workshop Try-Yarn at the Palace Become an Apothecary Apprentice Fiber: Past, Present, and Future with Dr. Charles Brett October 5 | 10 AM - 4 PM October 5 | 10 AM - Noon Experience living history. Walk in the steps of the governors who lived at Tryon Palace during the 1770’s – a time of intellectual and 18th Century Apothecary Workshop Try-Yarn at the Palace political turmoil.

Tour the Palace and Kitchen Office and our 21 acres Become an Apothecary Apprentice Fiber: Past, Present, and Future with Dr. Charles Brett ofOctober beautiful5 gardens.

Visit with the 1st Regiment NC Continental Line | 10 AM - 4 PM October 5 | 10 are AM specialized - Noon at their encampment. Throughout the year, there tours, lectures, and special events such as our “Life on the Lesser Stairs” tour,living Garden Lecture Series andsteps monthly Outlander tours Experience history.

Walk in the of the governors who African American cultural programming.

Learn about colonial lived at Tryon Palace during the 1770’s – a time of intellectual and spinning and weaving, clothing, dueling political turmoil.

Tour the apothecary, Palace and Kitchen Office andand ourmore.

21 acres Experience Tryon Palace. of beautiful gardens. Visit with the 1st Regiment NC Continental Line at their encampment. Throughout the year, there are specialized tours, lectures, and special events such as our “Life on the Lesser Stairs” tour, Garden Lecture Series and monthly Outlander tours

All Hallows' Eve Folklore and Fairytales October 19 | 10 AM - 2 PM

All Hallows' Eve Folklore and Fairytales October 19 | 10 AM - 2 PM

www.tryonpalace.org 529 South Front St. 252.639.3527

www.tryonpalace.org

NOTED

20 Years Sober Chef Scott Crawford reflects on a hard-won milestone

by SCOTT CRAWFORD

Jessica Crawford

J

an. 29, 2003, was the day my grandfather died. It’s also the day I should have died. I was 31 at the time, working as a chef for the Ritz-Carlton group in Amelia Island, Florida.

I was putting in 12- to 15-hour days, always followed by extreme partying. My drink of choice was whiskey, and it was normal for my friends and I to share an eight-ball of cocaine on any given night. I was usually out until 3 or 4 a.m. Sometimes I didn’t sleep at all; I’d just walk back into work the next day, still drunk and pumped up on cocaine.

This particular day came after a five-day bender with a buddy in Miami. My tongue was swollen; I was severely dehydrated and no amount of water seemed to make a difference.

While driving back to Amelia Island, I called my doctor and told him my symptoms. He said, “I want you to find a sign that has an ‘H’ on it and go there.” I was reluctant — “Well, I’m on the 95…” — but he insisted: “Go to the first hospital you see.”

So I found an emergency room and discovered that I had type 1 diabetes and was in full ketoacidosis. My blood sugar at the time would not even register on their machine. My pancreas had stopped producing insulin about six weeks earlier. This type of diabetes was not genetic — it was autoimmune.

After close to two decades of a hard-partying lifestyle, my body had attacked itself; my organs were shutting down.

The doctors didn’t know what to do with me and told me I was hours away from dying. One of them said, “We’ve never seen anyone alive with blood sugar like that. Only dead people.”

I was in the ICU for days and missed my grandfather’s funeral.

But I left the hospital and immediately went to a liquor store.

{ I grew up in a small steel town outside of Pittsburgh. There, my older brother Steve and I had freedom to run the streets.

Our parents were completely self-absorbed, wrapped up in

their own crumbling marriage.

There was always a feeling of being lost, a feeling we deflected through alcohol and drugs. I took my first drink — whiskey neat — and smoked my first joint in 1982, the year my parents divorced. I was 11. By the time I was 12, I was addicted to getting high. My brother was in jail by the time he was 18. When he came out, he was sober, but I wasn’t.

At 17, I moved to Florida on my own and started working in restaurants. One of the reasons I chose this industry was that I recognized I wasn’t normal. I was wild and an adrenaline junkie. Restaurant work was a great way to continue the partying lifestyle. It was completely acceptable.

I started out in the front of the house, but got moved to the kitchen one day when someone didn’t show up. I was already friends with the cooks because I sold them weed. After watching me work in the kitchen that night, the chef noted the way I used my body and made decisions. He said it was like someone who had been cooking for 10 years. “This is where you belong,” he told me. I’d never heard those words before. And he was right: it was the first place where I felt like I belonged.

When someone asks me why there’s a high ratio of people THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 41

NOTED in the restaurant industry using and drinking, I think it starts with who the industry welcomes. Back then, anyway, it was people who had no money for college, who were working their way through school or maybe had had a rough childhood. You got credit for being tough: the longer hours you could work, the tougher you were, the cooler you were. There’s a great sense of comradery in that.

Alcohol and cocaine eventually took over my life. I dabbled in heroin, but I mostly kept it at bay, thankfully. Addiction is progressive. And a lot of people can set up their lives to be functional addicts, including myself.

Looking back, one of the craziest things is how successful I still was at work. After that first cooking job, I made a point of always moving up to better kitchens, focusing on places where I could sharpen my skills. I didn’t yet know the language of classical cooking. I was always faking it ‘til I made it. This was before the internet, so when a chef would ask me to make a sauce that I’d never heard of — or didn’t know how to make — I would run out to my car and refer to a cookbook that I kept on hand.

Eventually, I made my way to an inexpensive culinary school in

Tampa, where I ran circles around the other students based on all my experience. I got straight A’s for the first time in my life.

After my near-death experience, I was promoted to executive chef of my own fine dining restaurant for the Ritz. I was taking risks in the kitchen that I’d never taken before; I was reading books, exploring without parameters and trying to develop my own cooking style. And I was still very ambitious. That led me to Charleston, to work for The Woodlands Inn, a Relais & Châteaux property that no longer exists. It was Forbes 5-Star rated, which at the time was the highest accolade you could get as a chef.

This was in 2004, and my addiction was starting to catch up to me. I was living a double life. With my success as a chef, I was a public figure, in the media and receiving accolades. I would go out for drinks with my team, but when everyone went home, I would keep using.

I couldn’t risk letting anyone know the depths of my addiction, because it just wasn’t socially acceptable. It was exhausting. I wanted to get sober, but I didn’t know how to do it.

Until the day my brother Steve called me and said, “You are going to die. How can I help you?” I had just seen him after a

I was living a double life.

I would go out for drinks with my team, but when everyone went home, I would keep using.

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42 | WALTER

weeklong bender, and he had noticed how unhealthy, incoherent and near death I was. Between the diabetes, the using and the intense stress I was under, my brother worried that I just wasn’t going to wake up one day.

Steve caught me at the right moment. He had been sober since he was 18; I knew he was right. The next day, I walked into my first AA meeting, terrified. I couldn’t imagine how I could possibly stay sober after 20 years of using to the absolute extreme.

The only thing I remember from that meeting was that it had a bunch of old timers, people with decades of sobriety.

And they all had peace.

Peace was something I’d never experienced in my life. I wanted it for myself.

I took it day by day, brick by brick. I got a gym membership at an all-night gym so I had something to do after work to manage the high of service. I got a sponsor, Mickey Bakst, the co-founder (with Steve Palmer of Indigo Road Hospitality) and executive director of Ben’s Friends, an organization that helps restaurant industry workers get and stay sober.

I also leaned on my colleagues at The Woodlands, particularly Stephane Peltier, the sommelier, and Hugues Le Berre, the maître d’. We hosted many wine dinners that required careful pairings, and, newly sober, it was too risky for me to even taste wine. So I went to them and said, “I’m going to need you to be my palate.” They were supportive in a discreet way, and to this day I don’t know if they knew the degree to which I was suffering. I was so ashamed, but they didn’t make me feel any shame. Hugues didn’t ask any questions — instead, he gave me detailed wine notes. I swear, those pairings were better than ever before. Maybe it was because we were trying so hard, but maybe it was also because my sense of smell was coming back.

When I started my own company here in Raleigh, Crawford Hospitality, I made a pledge to change the culture of restaurants, which starts from within. We have to be mindful about who we hire and what our deal breakers are. The first rule we implemented is no alcohol consumption at work, period.

When we are tasting wine, we spit it out. There are no shift drinks, and many times I’ve given the same advice that led me to the gym: “find something to do after work.” I founded the Raleigh chapter of Ben’s Friends.

So far, 2024 has been a pretty great year. In March, we opened Brodeto, and in June, the Crawford and Son team and I attended the James Beard Awards as finalists for the category of Outstanding Hospitality.

But most importantly, I’m celebrating 20 years sober.

A lot of people see my success today and have no idea the depths of darkness that I reached two decades ago. Real talk: most people don’t make it back from where I was. And that’s why I’m sharing my story. For anyone out there who is suffering from addiction: there is a path to peace and happiness.

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THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 43

SIMPLE LIFE

October Dreams The house on the hill that haunts my slumber

by JIM DODSON illustration by GERRY O’NEILL

D

uring the decades we lived on a forested hill in Mid-Coast Maine, October’s arrival was greeted with relief and joy.

To begin with, it signaled the final exodus of summer tourists, who left their spending money behind in the pockets of local businesses. The cost of a seafood supper roughly halved and it was possible to venture into town to lunch with friends without being caught in a traffic jam. By mid-month, even the annual invasion of “leaf peepers” was drawing to a close.

On our hilltop, we watched the 500acre forest around us erupt into a dazzling pageant fire of golds and reds, and wildlife grew more active as the days grew shorter.

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I remember walking down our long gravel driveway to fetch the afternoon mail with my toddler daughter, Maggie, and pausing to watch a flock of ringnecked pheasants calmly cross our path, spectacular creatures completely unconcerned by our presence.

The family of white-tailed deer that inhabited our forest could be seen most October evenings finishing off the last of the hostas, which I had strategically planted at the rear of our property to keep them away from the house in high garden season. We were often visited by beavers and skunks and, on one memorable occasion, a gangly young male moose harmlessly crossing our upland meadow

to the bog where bullfrogs croaked at night. The fireflies were gone by then, replaced by the lonely cry of coyotes deep in the woods.

October is a time of serious preparation in Maine. For the last time of the year, somewhere around mid-month, I mowed the half-acre of grass that surrounded our hilltop lilium and put away my beloved John Deere lawn tractor until next spring. I also cut down and raked out several large perennial beds, and split and stacked hardwood for an hour each day, preparing our wood pile for the cold days and nights just ahead. October was the month of our first evening fire, something we all looked forward to.

The last warm days of the month were a bonus. We packed up a picnic and took the kids to one of our favorite spots, Popham Beach State Park, a spectacular 3-mile sandy spit near the mouth of the Kennebec River, where a short-lived colony was established in 1607. Popham was — and probably still is — the most popular beach in Maine. But by October, the beach belonged again to the locals. Our children, far-flung and now in their 20s and 30s, have fond memories of walking out to “Rock Island” at low tide and swimming in the ocean, warmed ever so slightly by the sun. On the way home, if the timing was right, we stopped off at our favorite seafood shack at Five Islands for fried clams and blueberry ice cream, even as its owner was preparing to shut down for the season.

The decision to sell our beloved house in 2008 was possibly the toughest one we’ve ever had to make. A year before, however, we moved to North Carolina,

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foolishly believing that we would simply keep our precious Maine house and return to it each summer. But, after letting it sit empty with only a caretaker looking after it for one full winter, it became clear that this was a recipe for trouble.

Maine winters are tough on people and houses alike. We reluctantly decided to sell the place to a charming young couple from Connecticut who dreamed of making our dream house theirs.

The timing couldn’t have been worse.

Thanks to a national collapsing housing market and the start of the Great Recession, the sweet couple from Connecticut failed to sell their house in time, and we wound up selling to a couple from Massachusetts, who got a sensational deal. The wife adored the gardens and the quiet of the forest. The husband, however, complained that the house’s exposed beams made the interior “look unfinished.” He also didn’t like the closets or the notches on the utility door that

memorialized the growth of our kids.

I nearly backed out, but finally signed because the woman loved the place.

I stayed out of Maine for more than a decade, joking to friends that it was too soon to return and risk never coming back. That hilltop, after all, is where I built my first house, got married and had my children, created my first garden, and stayed longer than anywhere else.

Looking back, however, coming home to North Carolina was one of the wisest moves we ever made. Over 17 years, I’ve had the opportunity to create four arts magazines, publish nine books, and make scores of new friends while deepening my oldest friendships. Moreover, during the past decade, we’ve fully restored a lovely Mid-century house in my boyhood neighborhood, just two doors down from the house where I grew up. Talk about a spiritual homecoming.

Now, both places own a piece of my heart.

A sincere thank you to the Police Foundation for purchasing five Enduro bikes for increased Greenway safety. This has doubled our production while maintaining positive feedback from the public. And with the additional purchase of our drone, we now have eyes on the ground and in the sky!

All thanks to the Raleigh Police Foundation – our advocate to promote better services for public safety and improve the workload of each officer.

Sergeant Jeff Burgess THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 45

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Arachno-phobia

by DANAE YOUNGE illustration by GEORGE HAGE The house is sicky, silk as royal.

The Stockholm Syndrome of a dragon fly in a hammock — maybe enveloped, straightjacket in a crib.

Beneath me, lines of spider mums crawl only into summer’s tomb while frindged shadows breathe, the opposite of sticky on the flaking bark.

Ill-intentioned sap for which I would be grateful, or at least I should.

I fear the black widow who carries a lover in her stomach, the unrelenting hourglass of red salt in skin.

I fear lumps of linen using my wire spine as bridge; folded vision of a woman on fire I cemented shut in a matchbox.

Eight-legged, four-faced, swelling bites I can’t reach far back enough to know past a presence.

In the midst of this betrayal, I count diamonds on their rigid string like the river stars that stuck to my ancestor’s shins, knowing shadows have always dissolved into themselves, crannies allege life, its reflective dependency a card palace, and tomorrow, I may be devoured.

Danae Younge is an internationally published poet who teaches creative writing to high schoolers in North Carolina. Her work has been recognized by The Wax Paper, Salamander Magazine, Petrichor and more than 40 other publications. Her debut chapbook, Melanin Sun (−) Blind Spots, won the National Federation of State Poetry Societies’ College Undergraduate Competition. Her second chapbook, These Pink Cocoons of Ice, was published through Broadstone Books. Read more of her work at danaeyounge.com.

THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 47

Jenn and Andy Sandman’s front-yard vegetable garden is a welcoming space for neighbors human and wild

SHARING NATURE S

BOUNTY

by HELEN YOEST photography by JULI LEONARD

R

aleigh native Jenn Sandman didn’t grow up working in the garden. “My mom grew marigolds every summer, but that’s about it,” she says.

But she may have had a dormant green thumb.

Her grandfather, who lived in Massachusetts, had a large vegetable garden, and the rhubarb in particular impressed Sandman: “I didn’t care for the taste, but I remember being very taken by the enormous leaves.”

On the other side of the family, her grandmother in New York had a beautiful yard, too. “She had a goldfish pond surrounded by ferns and stepping stones, and I’ve been obsessed with moving water features since,” says Sandman.

“I also remember how she used to dig her bulbs up each year and overwinter them in the garage wrapped in newspaper; I thought that was the most bizarre practice then.”

When they were newly married, Sandman convinced her husband, Andy, that they should have a dedicated vegetable garden in their North Hills backyard. Over 20 years, the two built a family — and a child-friendly, wildlife-friendly garden.

“The garden changed over with the ages and stages of our children. I grew what they liked to eat as toddlers, so cherry tomatoes and dragon carrots featured prominently. Snap peas were always a hit,” she says. “There were also years we tried for the biggest watermelons or pumpkins, just for fun.”

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The couple was steadfast in their commitment to sustainable practices as they began their journey. “We feel that what’s best for the earth and healthiest for humans and wildlife can also be beautiful,” says Sandman. For her and Andy, that meant staying away from pesticides, using Neem oil, soap spray and hand removal for pest control instead, and inspecting their plants weekly to keep on top of things before they became a problem.

They worked to offer undisturbed habitats within their yard and added shallow water features to provide drinking water for wildlife and preening for birds. “We hoped to provide birds, animals and insects with a safe place to live,” she says.

If she found that rabbits, squirrels or birds were eating her harvest, she’d plant extra to make sure there was plenty for everyone. She used arborist wood chips for mulch, which serves as an excellent weed barrier and reduces the need for watering as it also improves soil compaction. It also increases aeration and replaces nutrients in the soil. Stonecrop and creeping phlox served as living mulches and composted food scraps to enrich the vegetable beds.

They learned as they went along, including making mistakes. “I do my research and try things out. It’s not the end of the world if we have some plant losses,” Sandman says.

“As long as you are planting with soil, water and light requirements in mind, it’s worth a shot.”

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Over time, Sandman earned the title of Master Gardener, and the garden expanded with their brood. “We raised three boys and maintained a menagerie of dogs, cats, chickens, turtles and fish,” Sandman says. Their garden also included a greenhouse and vegetable garden.

When their children grew up and moved out of the house, the couple was ready to downsize. “It was time to step toward a smaller, more manageable location,” Sandman says. Since they loved their neighborhood, they looked for a lot to build a home and garden. They moved into this home in December 2021 and started a new garden, building on their decades of experience and continuing their well-honed sustainable practices.

As they began planning the garden, they understood that the sun axis was different from where they sited their garden in their former lot. There, the best sunlight for growing vegetables was in the back yard, but here, the best sun was in the southwest-facing front yard.

They were hesitant to put their vegetable garden front and center, but they met with landscape designer Margot DeBarmore of Miramonte Studios to work up a plan. “Margot convinced us that a front yard vegetable garden could be both functional and beautiful,” says Sandman. “Our goal was to create a garden that would be a just-right fit for us and give back to our neighborhood and all its creatures.”

The overall design of the garden is inspired by Sandman’s grandparents’ New England-style gardens, as well as the historic gardens of Colonial Williamsburg. “A picket fence surrounding a working, organic vegetable garden was essential for me,” says Sandman. With no front lawn, “we hoped to show our neighbors they can grow food instead and still have it look beautiful,” Sandman says.

Emphasizing native plants, their design includes various plants that flower or provide visual interest throughout the year, sharing the joy of the garden with those who walk by.

Some of the pollinator-friendly plants include verbena, bee balm, Short’s aster, Carolina phlox and the native azaleas. “We tried to grow purple coneflower, but the rabbits devoured it overnight,” Sandman says. They’re also mindful of growing host plants like willow oak, black gum, redbud, dogwood and Carolina silverbell to provide food, shelter or a breeding site for animals. “We’ve tried to offer an entire season of nectar for our pollinators and lots of berries and seeds for wildlife,” says Sandman. The neighbors also benefit from more than the aesthetic of the year-round garden. “We grow more vegetables than we can eat, so we constantly share food with both our human neighbors and wildlife,” Sandman says.

To harken back to her grandmother’s garden, the yard incorporates various water features. Lawn is minimized on the property, and the grass is seeded with mini clover to give nitrogen back to the soil and feed pollinators. “The small area of grass and clover in our backyard usually looks like a Disney movie — at any point, you’ll find several bunnies munching and countless birds foraging for insects and worms,” she says. At night, they often see a family of possums troll by on their game 50 | WALTER

One of the first projects in the yard was to install a Little Lending Library. “We wanted to create a welcoming vibe where walkers could grab a book and enjoy some flowers, and their furry friends could have a good sniff and grab a drink at the dog water bowl,” says Sandman.

THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 51

Sandman’s mother grew marigolds every summer. “To this day, the scent of marigolds brings back vivid images of how they looked and smelled lined up alongside our 1970s red brick ranch in North Hills,” Sandman says.

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As their garden is only three years old, Sandman says, “we look forward to the trees, shrubs and flowering perennials filling in and becoming even more lush.” Sandman uses hand-painted garden markers made of upcycled, salvaged wood to note what vegetables are growing. Many are from California maker The Birdhouse Of Orange, whom she found on Etsy.

cam. “I like to think of them as the nighttime cleanup crew because they are foragers for ticks, kill and eat snakes, and vacuum up dropped vegetables,” laughs Sandman.

Once hesitant about gardening out front — “I’m an introvert who was used to hiding in my yard out back” — Sandman has now embraced working on her high-foot-traffic street. “I will talk to anyone about plants!” she says. “Whenever we’re working in the garden, I get to chat with passersby about growing techniques or what’s in season.”

Sandman grows all sorts of vegetables in her beds. “Fall is the best time to garden. I tend to favor cold-hardy plants, as I like to overwinter vegetables, providing fresh food throughout the winter,” she says. These include many varieties of kale, collards and Swiss chard. “I love their gorgeously vibrant color,” she says.

While her fall garden vegetables are usually selected for longevity instead of visual appeal, “they still look beautiful,” says Sandman. The garden includes cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbages and Brussels sprouts, which can thrive until temperatures dip low into the 20s, as well as beets and turnips, which are similarly hardy. “Carrots are winter rockstars since they are root vegetables, and I swear my spinach is happier when it has a layer of snow on it!” says Sandman. Some of her winter lettuces can handle tempera-

tures in the teens or even high single digits, and her chives, onions and garlic overwinter to single digits easily.

For all of her fall vegetables, Sandman uses several seasonextending methods to carry into winter and spring with daily harvests, including using frost cloth to cover the more cold-sensitive plants and adding cedar cold frames to protect more tender fall and winter varieties, like delicate lettuces.

“With our climate, my cold frames spend the fall and most of the winter propped open. We just use them for random freezes,” says Sandman. Additionally, most of their bulbs can overwinter in the ground with little effort or risk.

In just three years, their garden has grown enough vegetables and fruits to be generous with their neighbors, human and wild, and attracted a diversity of wildlife. “We recognize whole families of animals, as they all have their territories and habits, including green anoles, Southern leopard frogs, crows and towhee fledges,” says Sandman. “We also have swallowtails, skippers, fritillaries, buckeyes, dragonflies, bees, wasps, plus raccoons, coyotes and deer.”

For Sandman, it’s been validating to see how their garden has become part of the larger story of their environment. “It really is easy to make intentional choices and increase the quality of life for everything we share this land with,” says Sandman.

THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 53

An unexpected fresh start allowed this family to create their dream home in Budleigh

TRANQUIL

BEAUTY

by AYN-MONIQUE KLAHRE photography by AURA MARZOUK

C

elia and Aaron Holler’s home is elegant and calm. It’s done in blues and greens on top of a bright-white palette, punctuated by brass tones and rich wood. Designer Tula Summerford worked with the couple to create this vision, offering them a beautifully decorated haven to raise their young boys, Solly and Levi. “We wanted everything in the home to feel classic and last a long time,” Celia says.

The home offered the family a fresh start after a fire destroyed their previous home in May 2021. “We were told it would be a complete rebuild,” says Celia. “We wanted to salvage what we could, but with so many people putting money into their homes after the pandemic, we had trouble finding contrac-

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tors to help us redo our old house.” The back-and-forth with their insurance company — while finding places to live with their preschoolers — made the project particularly overwhelming. “We crashed with my in-laws, we stayed with my parents, we went to the beach and lived in various long-term rentals and Airbnbs — we did a lot of moving!” says Celia. “Fortunately, our kids were so young, it was kind of an adventure for them.”

When they learned through friends that this Budleigh home was coming up for sale, they jumped on it. “It was a terrible time to buy a house — the market was so crazy, interest rates were so high — but we’d always loved the neighborhood,” says Celia. “We’re so happy we’re here now, we love that it’s so quiet, and we can walk to friends’ houses, to the park and to school.”

PRETTY COMFY The floral Designers Guild fabric on the curtains, which are trimmed in green velvet tape, was the starting point for the color palette in Celia and Aaron Holler’s family-friendly living room. “Aaron wanted to be able to have two sofas and two chairs, so that everyone could easily face the TV,” says Celia. The two gliders are a performance velvet.

“It’s really durable and feels so good,” says Celia. They also ripped out an older, larger fireplace to lower the mantel, which would make for a better television viewing height.

THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 55

Once they’d bought the home, they enlisted Summerford, who’d been helping them consult with contractors before they’d given up on the old home, to make it their own. The house was in good shape but outdated, so Summerford worked with Bryan Wooten of G.R. Wooten Construction to redesign a few rooms to fit their lifestyle.

The biggest change, construction-wise, was in the open kitchen and living area, where they removed columns and reconfigured the storage areas. Celia and Aaron love to entertain, so they wanted plenty of space to spread out and store their gear. “My husband used to work in fine dining, so when he cooks he really cooks — we have all the big pots and pans, the giant slab cutting board, everything,” Celia says. Now, the kitchen includes double ovens, a side-by-side refrigerator and freezer, and two sinks. “There are always little kids and dogs underfoot, so it’s good to have plenty of room to move around,” says Celia. “And with the second sink, I can pop over to wash produce for the boys’ snack even if Aaron is in the middle of making something.”

In terms of furnishings, the Holler family didn’t have much to start with, since all of their previous pieces had been damaged in the fire — just one antique china cabinet that had belonged to Aaron’s grandmother, along with some of the kids’ stuffed animals and a few accessories. So the home offered an opportunity to start from scratch.

“Celia likes more classic, traditional furnishings, but she was open to contemporary pieces, too,” says Summerford. To start decorating, Summerford presented the family with a few color palettes, homing in on soft, neutral colors and ocean hues.

In many of the rooms, a fabric or wallpaper was the starting point. In the dining room, the hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper set the tone. “We weren’t sure if we’d do it, but I loved it so much,” says Celia. “Then Summerford took that color palette and ran with it.”

For the ceilings and trim in the dining room, Summerford matched the paint 56 | WALTER

FUN & FUNCTION “When I saw those, I knew they were a rare find that would be perfect for somebody,” says designer Tula Summerford of the chairs at the breakfast table.

They’re paired with a faux leather bench for the kids. “It’s easy to clean off when the children spill on it,” Celia says. They wanted a really long table here — this one easily fits eight to 10 — because they often host family and friends for meals.

Opposite page: A few sentimental items inside the shelves include paintings from trips they’ve taken, a porcelain elephant Celia was given as a child and a sculpture of hummingbirds from Aaron’s parents. The tile in the laundry room was a bit of a stretch, design-wise, for Celia, but now she loves it. “I was worried it was a little much or might look tacky, but it’s probably my favorite thing now,” she says. Summerford ran it all the way to the ceiling: “It makes a bigger impact, but it’s also really easy to clean.”

THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 57

ROOM FOR ENTERTAINING “Anytime we go to a restaurant or see something on TV, Aaron thinks, I could make that,” laughs Celia. The couple loves to cook, and Aaron will make anything from homemade pasta to brisket to saltencrusted fish. Summerford designed the kitchen to be easy to use, with a large farm sink and stain-resistant quartzite on the countertops and up the walls. Summerford included a mix of metals in the fixtures and appliances, using the custom Thomas Schrader hood to work them all together. “It’s a masterpiece, just gorgeous,” she says.

“I love the whole concept of the kitchen.”

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exactly to the wallpaper. “I think color washing gives a space a real finished, balanced look,” Summerford says. She had a rug custom-made to pick up the colors in the wallpaper and chose white chairs to brighten the room. “They add a nice pop, I didn’t want it to be too dark in here,” says Summerford.

In the family room, the soft floral curtain fabric set the tone. “The pattern draws inspiration from art movements of the 1900s; it has a Paris vibe and pulls in the greenery from outside,” says Summerford. “I like the spirited brushstrokes, it looks like art.” Summerford matched the fabric with the upholstery for the accent chairs there, as well as the bench in the adjoining breakfast area.

Throughout the home, there’s a mix of new pieces and antiques. “Because everything else is brand new, I worried about it feeling like a showroom or hotel, so we asked to include a few antiques in the house,” Celia says. In the breakfast area, the contemporary tulip-style table and channel back bench are paired with a set of Art Deco-era dining chairs. “I’d found them a while ago, and they were just waiting for the right clients,” Summerford says. For the dining room, Celia suggested the antique Venetian glass chandelier to go with the new table and chairs.

Throughout, everything had to be childproof and pet resistant to stand up to the wear of the young family. The couple enjoys cooking and entertaining, and now that they’re situated, often find themselves hosting friends and family in the open-plan kitchen and living area. “We love that these spaces are so connected, it’s easy to just sit and be comfortable, so we can hang out all together while we’re cooking or watching a game,” says Celia.

With Summerford’s help, their new home offers a tranquil, beautiful space to start fresh — with plenty of room to fill in with new pieces they’ll treasure.

THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 59

INTIMATE SPACES For Aaron, who works from home, Summerford built in shelves to show off his bourbon collection, as well as a silver bowl that his grandfather won in a farm contest decades ago. “It was one of the few things we saved from the house,” says Celia. She commissioned the dog painting for her husband. “That’s Annie, she’s the love of his life,” she laughs.

The room is finished with a Phillip Jeffries cork wallpaper, an antique reproduction desk and an old-world style pendant. For the couple’s bedroom, below, Summerford found a turquoise grasscloth wallpaper. “It’s both bright and serene,” she says. It’s paired with a white-andgold bed and burled wood nightstands.

Summerford topped the bed with a mix of Designers Guild floral pillows, which remind Celia of a trip she and Aaron took to Italy.

“We stayed in this castle where all the decorations had been collected over years of travel. It was eclectic but so tastefully done,” she says.

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“When you have a wallpaper like this, it’s art in itself — you don’t need anything else on the walls.”

— TULA SUMMERFORD

THE SHOWSTOPPER The hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper has a 19th-century French look and was the starting point for the dining room.

“When you have a wallpaper like this, it’s art in itself — you don’t need anything else on the walls,” says Summerford. “It brings a dreamy aspect to the room and makes it feel elegant.”

Celia particularly loves how this room, which opens to the living room, sets a beautiful design tone for the home. “With two little boys, it seems like every other part of the house is filled with toys or fingerprint smudges. It’s nice to have just one room that always looks good,” says Celia.

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Siren Song Holly Fischer embraces and expands dualities in sculptural form

by COLONY LITTLE photography by JOSHUA STEADMAN

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H

olly Fischer creates sculptures that are alluring and confounding — celebrations of beauty that challenge aesthetic norms. They delight in their duality. Under her hands, white clay is shaped into smooth, curved forms that contain unexpected twists, like an accent of red glaze or spiny texture. They attract the viewer like insects lured into a Venus flytrap: beguiling yet deadly. “Carnivorous plants have become a metaphor in my work over the last 10 years,” she says.

“They seduce through beauty and devour their prey. They’re femme fatales.”

Combining familiar feminine shapes with abstraction, Fischer articulates ideas that lie beyond the constraints of a figurative sculpture. Thighs tumble into waves and clavicles give way to amorphous spirals and scrolls. “I love ambiguity,” says Fischer. “I don’t want to tell anybody what it means. I just want to create enough space for them to read it.” Within that space, Fischer interrogates the viewer’s own relationship with the female form; her works are sculptural Rorschach tests, eliciting feelings of attraction, repulsion or fear that reveal their own comfort with the body.

When Fischer was a teenager growing up in Boone, she turned to painting as a catharsis when she was struggling with body image, insecurity and dysmorphia.

“I used art fairly early as a way to process some of those things I wasn’t comfortable verbalizing,” she says. “I visually worked through my issues with being in a female body and the trauma of puberty and adolescence.” By her senior year of high school, art became a reliable form of therapy. “I chose self-portraiture, creating a series of 20 portraits that I put those anxieties into, distorting them,” she says.

“Some of them are surrealistic; there’s morphing and odd color palettes, and I started to realize that an artist can use art as a journal.”

Fischer attended Meredith College, where she discovered a love for ceramics, and in clay she found even more freedom to express her relationship with her own body. She began hand-coiling forms,

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Ruminate

“Carnivorous plants have become a metaphor in my work over the last 10 years. They seduce through beauty and devour their prey. They’re femme fatales.”

— HOLLY FISCHER rolling the clay into snakelike tubes that she would layer on top of one another to sculpt feminine shapes while preserving rough texture and indentations. The material and process continued to guide her journey into self-discovery and acceptance in a new way by creating vessels that she could pour her insecurities into.

In her Mordecai home, which doubles as a studio and gallery space, an early figurative work rests on the floor. Seated in a yoga pose called Gomukhasana (Fischer is also a yoga instructor in the area), two legs are crossed and folded together with knees stacked on one another. The pose is both protective and embracing, conjuring feelings of vulnerability and self-acceptance. The tawny tones of the piece highlight the laminations in the intricately coiled clay, a texture that suggests the crepey, weathered skin caused by aging or

rapid weight loss.

As I examined the imperfections on the surface, I found myself projecting my own struggles with aging onto it. I learned that this was an example of the type of reaction Fischer seeks to elicit. “Working with clay created an opening that enabled me to start talking and sharing with others,” she says. “I realize other people around me can empathize in some way and are also getting something from this, even if their read of it is different from mine.”

After graduating from Meredith in 1999, Fischer headed to Austin to earn her MFA at the University of Texas, where she deepened her practice by attaching feminist theory to her work. Her influences include Judith Butler, whose scholarship interrogates and rejects notions of the binary; Susan Bordo, who examines how culture influences women’s rela-

THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 65

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Opposite page, clockwise from top: Sculptures Aphrodite, Serpentine, Compulsion, Karma. This page: Fischer in her studio.

tionships with their bodies; and Laura Mulvey, who popularized the idea of the “male gaze” in her 1975 essay Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema. “I love the way Mulvey writes,” says Fischer. “She’s challenging what that viewership means, and as somebody who creates artwork dealing with the gaze as a sculptor, there is an inherent objectification. What is the male gaze and what does it mean to be a female having viewership?” These theorists added a layer of context about agency and bodily autonomy that supports Fischer’s work.

While in Texas, Fischer started scaling her sculptures larger, using a low-fire white clay, smoothing out the rough textures created earlier through coiling and molding. This new surface became a foil for the contrasting elements that she adds to her sculptures, like colorful spiky thorns, round beads of clay, dots or sinewy threads of red yarn that she intricately weaves through her fragile

works. From one angle, a piece will reveal shapely bodily contours, but when viewed from another it takes on an entirely new form and feeling.

These juxtapositions between hard and soft elements further signify the dualities within her work. “Through feminist theory and understanding the male gaze, I’m trying to figure out how to create an object that is female and vulnerable to a voyeuristic gaze, yet give it enough presence that it can push back and control the way it’s perceived,” Fischer says. Scale also played a role in this body of work: “Making them so much larger takes them out of being diminutive objects.

They have a presence.”

While in Texas, Fischer made another discovery — her love of teaching. At UT, she served as a teaching assistant and adjunct instructor in two-dimensional and three-dimensional design and ceramics.

In 2007, she moved back to Raleigh and soon began teaching at her alma mater,

Meredith College, where she is currently a faculty member in the art department teaching ceramics, sculpture, figure drawing, and gender and image courses.

Through her teaching, Fischer recreates the safe spaces she found as a student herself, helping her own students develop narratives in their work that challenge perceptions and encourage growth. She also created a mentorship and emerging artist-in-residency program that provides space for graduates to build their portfolios, hone skills and prepare for professional careers in art. It’s work that is both fulfilling and complementary to her own artistic practice. “I’m surrounded by these really bright students who are coming of age and discovering themselves,” Fischer says. “We spend a tremendous amount of time talking about concepts, personal meaning and finding your voice. If I’m helping them do that, I can’t help but also help myself at the same time.”

THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 67

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THE WHIRL WALTER’s roundup of gatherings, celebrations, fundraisers and more around Raleigh.

A NIGHT IN PARIS

Laura Wall & Liz Rossilli

On Sept. 6, guests joined The Carying Place for A Night In Paris... Lighting the Way Home, a gala to benefit homeless working families in Cary and across the Triangle. TCP supports individuals by teaching them life skills and financial literacy, as well as providing short-term housing and support services to prepare them for independent living. Since its inception, TCP has served over 545 families with 1,500 children, changing the course of generations.

Liz Rossilli, Bob Rossilli

Steven Wall, Laura Wall

Christine Campbell, Robert Campbell

Chris Monge, Becci Monge

Kaitlin Heikes, Laura Keefer

André Anthony, Maya Anthony

Sue Hutchison, Ralph Ashworth

Liz Rossili, André Anthony, Lauren Chappell, Becky Corbin

To have your event considered for The Whirl, submit images and information at waltermagazine.com/submit-photos

THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 69

THE WHIRL STATE OF DOWNTOWN 2024

Veritas Digital Photography

On Aug. 28, the Downtown Raleigh Alliance hosted State of Downtown, an annual event celebrating Raleigh’s vibrant city center. A highlight of this year's gathering was the release of the Economic Development Strategy for Downtown Raleigh, completed in partnership with the City of Raleigh, Interface Studio and significant community feedback. At the event, attendees got a first look at big ideas for enhancing downtown Raleigh as well as key findings from the annual State of Downtown Report.

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Join us for the 18th annual IMPACT Luncheon to celebrate past WGN grant recipients and welcome new nonprofit partners who are making a difference in the lives of women and children in Wake County.

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THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 71

THE WHIRL PRESERVATION RALEIGH PORCH PARTY

Anne Permar, Tolulope Omokaiye, Janet Cowell, Esther Hall

Jenny Harper, Kathy Hansley, Esther Hall, Dana Deaton, Stephanie Hansley

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Edna Rich-Ballentine, Matthew Brown

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On Sept. 8, Preservation Raleigh held its inaugural fundraiser with a Porch Party at historic Lamar Hall. Preservation Raleigh is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and elevation of Raleigh’s historic, cultural and architectural assets. The evening included drinks, snacks and fellowship.

THE WHIRL FÊTE BLEUE DE FIN D'ETÉ On Aug. 24, art lovers celebrated the end of the summer with a sophisticated soirée at Ella West Gallery in Durham. The party marked the one year anniversary of the gallery with a night filled with delectable food, live music by Shana Tucker and culinary creations by Queen Precious-Jewel.

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On Sept. 6, La Parfumerie, Raleigh’s premier boutique for European niche fragrances, hosted master perfumer Olivier Cresp, giving fragrance enthusiasts a unique opportunity to meet the legendary perfumer.

For one night only, Cresp was in Raleigh to present his new creation, Akro perfumes, a family brand cofounded with his daughter, Anaïs Cresp, and her partner, Jack Miskelly.

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THE WHIRL AMERICAN SELF-TAUGHT RECEPTION On Aug. 2, Gallery C hosted an opening reception for its new folk art exhibition, American Self-Taught: Paintings and Carvings by Outsider Artists, with special guest Roger Manley, the former director of the Gregg Museum.

courtesy Gallery C

Cynthia Jurgensen, Taylor King, Marlene Sanford, Marc Edwards

TOM AND LINDA PLATT TRUNK SHOW Thursday, October 3 - Saturday, October 5

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CRAPE MYRTLE FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER

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Jake Parrott and Parker Davis hosted a fundraiser for the Crape Myrtle Festival at their Oakwood home. The Crape Myrtle Festival is a North Carolina-based nonprofit that raises funds to encourage and promote the development of services for persons living with HIV/AIDS, as well as provide financial assistance, outreach and education to realized needs within the local LGBTQ+ community.

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RESCUE BREW LAUNCH PARTY On Aug. 17, Fullsteam Brewery held its Rescue Brew Launch Party at Boxyard RTP, where DJ Marrs set the vibe while guests sampled Fullsteam’s limitededition Rescue Brew, made pet toys with Dog Moms of Durham and got professional pet sketches by Echo and custom poems from The Poetry Fox. Proceeds supported the mission of Beautiful Together Animal Sanctuary.

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THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 79

END NOTE

Esmerelda A mysterious visitor appears on Halloween

by LAURA PETRIDES WALL

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courtesy Laura Wall

O

ne year, when I was about 6, my dad took my two older siblings and me around the block for trick-or-treating while my mom stayed home to hand out candy.

About halfway through the evening, we stopped by our own house and rang the doorbell. The door slowly creaked open. Standing before me was a woman with long, dark hair peppered with gray. She had a pale, wrinkled complexion and a wart on her nose. She was wearing a black dress covered in soot, with a cape wrapped around her shoulders, and an old witch’s hat.

I was stunned. “Mom?” I asked. She responded “Hello, I am Esmerelda.”

Her voice was deep and unfamiliar.

She didn’t seem to recognize me at all. “Mom, it’s ME!” I said. My sister and brother chimed in, “Mom? You know us!” She was unphased. “What do you want?” she asked, eerily. The three of us screamed “trick or treat!” in unison. After handing us candy and wishing us a happy Halloween, she slowly closed the door.

About an hour later, we arrived at home to find everything the same as before. Esmerelda was gone. No evidence of her whatsoever. Mom seemed completely normal.

It was so strange.

This happened year after year until I stopped trick or treating. It was always the same: the brief, mysterious appearance of Esmerelda; no acknowledgement of her existence from my mom.

Fast forward 30-plus years, when my mom moved to the Raleigh area

She was wearing a black dress covered in soot, with a cape wrapped around her shoulders, and an old witch’s hat. from Atlanta. That Halloween, our house was full of teenagers and neighbors when we heard a knock on the door. I opened it up and there she was, in all her spooky glory: “Hello,” she said, “I am Esmerelda.”

Esmerelda walked right into the

house, sat down at the kitchen island and requested a Bloody Mary, heavy on the tomato juice. Everyone was stunned. Mom was new to town, and the only people who knew her were my kids. (Confused and embarrassed, they made a quick exit.) My neighbor Tom introduced himself and was alarmed by her unwavering commitment to the character. After a few minutes, he pulled me aside and asked, “Who is that?”

Esmerelda chatted a bit in her low, monotone voice, before she left as mysteriously as she appeared.

Haven’t seen her since.

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