Beyond The Bluebird

The beloved Bluebird of Happiness for which Terra Studios is best known is the proverbial tip of the iceberg for the nonprofit art park near Durham.

"Every single week I open my email or Facebook Messenger, and somebody will tell you a story about someone giving them a bluebird for every anniversary or every birthday or something. I love the sentiment behind them," says Val Gonzalez, executive director of the nonprofit organization. "But we are also all about promoting all kinds of art at every level and inspiring people to be creative. The art out here is wacky; you're never going to see it in Crystal Bridges. But it's cool, it's fun, and you can come out here and enjoy it."

This Sunday, in addition to the gallery, the glass blowing that creates the bluebirds and the sculptures, murals, art installations, fountains and labyrinth that can be seen every day, the eighth annual Fall Music & Art Festival brings 80-plus musicians to the grounds to play in 18 different "song circles." Music will range from bluegrass, folk and international to rock, country and even hip-hop.

"The musicians would come anyway, because they get to jam with their friends -- it's not a stage show," Gonzalez says. "It's very, very fun."

Fifteen regional artists not represented in the gallery will also be exhibiting on the grounds, there will be food trucks, and an Art Lab will let kids of all ages try their hand at creation. A donation of $5 per person is requested at the gate.

"We have really made an effort to maintain the grounds as free, but please donate to keep the art park happening," Gonzalez says. "A lot of times, I'm out there weeding the flower beds so it gets done. There are no deep pockets. We survive on the gallery, which has 122 different artists, and the sale of the bluebirds -- which we keep doing because people love to watch that heritage art happening right in front of them -- and donations, which are hugely important."

-- Becca Martin-Brown

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NAN What's Up on 09/09/2016