"Connecting culture to environment through art since 1994"


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EVENTS
Pocosin Arts Folk School Recovers from Hurricane Irene

Hurricane Irene    Main Street Columbia Flooded   

On August 27, 2011 Hurricane Irene passed over Pocosin Arts Folk School depositing 14 inches of rain.  The Scuppernong River flooded the town of Columbia and inundated the first floor of Pocosin Arts with 24 inches of contaminated river water.

This was a historic flood event in Columbia.  Mr. Bobby Mitchell operates the barbershop (pictured above) across the street from Pocosin Arts.  He has lived here all his 94 years and has never seen such flooding and destruction.

Flooded Pocosin Gallery    Flooded Pocosin Pottery Studio

Pocosin Arts' flood preparation plan was based on past flood levels of 3-6 inches.  Fortunately our flood insurance will cover the cost of damage to the building.

However, the insurance does not cover the loss of equipment, furnishings and supplies.

Because of the heroic efforts of staff and volunteers, we were able to clear out the first floor, creating a huge pile of flood damaged refuse.  We sorted, cleaned, oiled and stored all that could be saved.  We engaged a professional cleaning and mitigation company to clean and dry the first floor.  Using high powered extractors, fans and dehumidifiers - 390 gallons of remaining river water and an additional 380 gallons of water vapor were removed from the building.

Flooded Pocosin Metals Studio    Metals Studio

Irene Clean-up Crew    Refuse from Irene Flood

Federal disaster relief for non-profit organizations requires that the organization apply for a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan. The SBA acts as a filter for the FEMA grant program.  This process takes time with no guarantee of assistance.

Our first floor studio programming is suspended until further notice.

Recovery Efforts and How You Can Help

Pocosin Arts Folk School makes these promises:  

  • We will pursue every possible avenue to find the resources to rebuild
         our studio facility better than ever.
  • We will move through this process as quickly as possible.
  • We will host Cabin Fever Reliever XII, February 16-19, 2012.
  • We will continue to develop our campus expansion plan.
We want to say thank you for being a supporter of Pocosin Arts and helping us through this time.  We have been tested before - by nature, by the economy, by doubters.  Pocosin Arts is still here, and with your help, we will be here continuing our education mission: connecting culture to the environment through the arts.

How you can help:

If you would like to make a much needed contribution you may send it to:

Pocosin Arts Folk School

PO Box 690
Columbia, NC 27925

If you would like to volunteer you may contact us at 252-796-2787 or info@pocosinarts.org.


The Imperial Center for the Arts & Sciences in Rocky Mount, NC

presents the art exhibition
Pocosin Arts Folk School: Cabin Fever Quenched
January 28 - May 20, 2012

"Each spring Pocosin Arts Folk School offers a unique workshop series at the 4H
Center in Columbia, NC called “Cabin Fever Reliever”. A professional lineup of instructors in clay, metals, wood, photography, painting, bookmaking, fiber arts, and mixed media lead students of all skill levels in the creation of art objects and break the tension of long cold winters. As a co-sponsor of Cabin Fever Reliever, the Arts Center has invited past instructors of Cabin Fever to exhibit and increase awareness of this opportunity for learning and expression in our area."

Find out more about this exhibit and others happening at the Maria V. Howard Art Center by visiting their website at:

or call (252) 972-1266
Other Events and Happenings

Carving Club
          

The Carving Club meets at Pocosin Arts' studio every Tuesday night from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to gather with friends or make new ones, and all levels of carvers are welcome! Anyone wishing to meet with the carvers may call Pocosin Arts at 252-796-2787 or join the group at the Tuesday night meetings
.


          
Pocosin Arts Metals Guild

Pocosin Arts Metals Guild is an organization of artists interested in working in metals. The goal is to have a dynamic and vital community of artists who are interested in supporting one another while expanding our ideas and skills. Meetings are held periodically and anyone is welcome to join. Please see their blog at http://www.pocosinartsmetalsguild.blogspot.com for more information.



  • For details about our current classes and workshops, please visit The Studio page.
  • For information about our annual creative arts retreat, Cabin Fever Reliever, visit the Retreat page.

Galleries About Us Home Events Retreat

POCOSIN ARTS FOLK SCHOOL
201 Main Street
PO Box 690
Columbia, NC 27925
phone (252) 796-2787 · fax (252) 796-1685
info@pocosinarts.org · http://www.pocosinarts.org