Celebrate ARTS-tober in Sanford, NC

While the arts are certainly alive and well in Sanford all year round, the month of October is particularly bursting at the seams with all manner of creative expression. From murals to musicals, jam sessions to scavenger hunts, ARTS-tober is one of those special times that calls for a visit or two.

Murals

Caterpillar and Wings

On the south-facing wall of 121 S. Steele St., inside Charlie Watson Lane, you’ll find one of the most whimsical murals in downtown Sanford. Marvel at the hungry, 3-D caterpillar that appears to be munching on a plant growing straight out of the concrete. From there, wander over to a beautiful set of butterfly wings and snap a pic in front of this 15-ft. interactive piece. Your Instagram feed will thank you.

Dr. Mary Margaret McLeod

This inspiring tribute to the founder of the first pediatric medical practice in Sanford graces the south-facing wall of 530 Carthage St. Dr. Mary Margaret McLeod, born in Lee County, went on to graduate with honors from Sanford High School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After moving back to Sanford in 1946, she started her pediatric medical practice which, at its peak, served 21,290 children.

J. D. McDuffie

With 653 cup starts and 106 top-10 finishes during his career, J. D. McDuffie is a bona fide NASCAR legend. Racing as No. 70, he has raced in cities all across North Carolina and beyond. McDuffie’s mural graces the west-facing wall of 329 Carthage St. Catch a glimpse of artistic renderings of the man himself and his legendary race car.

And Even More Murals!

The murals above are just part of the Sanford Mural Arts Trail that boasts many other inspiring examples of outdoor art. Keen observers will even spot a few “ghost murals” around town – original hand-painted advertisements and signs preserved forever in time.

Visual

Sanford Brush & Palette 60 Years of Art Show

Oct 12 – 19

Visual art lovers are in for a treat at the Sanford Brush & Palette Club’s 60 Years of Art Show. This year will be the largest celebration yet, with hundreds of original pieces by local, member artists. Hosted at the Harper Center inside First Presbyterian Church, visitors can also meet and chat with some of the featured artists themselves. Mark your calendar to take advantage of this opportunity to appreciate beautiful artwork. Best of all, this event is absolutely free.

Lee County Fine Arts Artstober Gala and Auction

Oct 19

Don your best cocktail attire for this adults-only fundraising gala hosted at Oxide Gallery of Fine Art. Enjoy an evening filled with live music, champagne and wine service, and catered refreshments. Guests can participate in a live and silent auction with all proceeds going to support the mission of Lee County Fine Arts. Join the fun on October 19 from 5-8pm and make a meaningful impact on the arts community in Sanford.

Galerie Macabre Exhibition at Oxide Gallery of Fine Art

Oct 3 – 26

Get in the spooky spirit by checking out Oxide Gallery of Fine Art’s October exhibition: Galerie Macabre. From October 3-26, the Gallery will transform into a Haunted Experience for all ages, with works celebrating the dark autumn – the spooky, the sinister, and the scary. You even have a chance to show off your Halloween costume at the First Saturday public reception on October 5 from 4-7pm.

Bonus: While you’re there, try out Lee County’s only Art-o-mat! Grab a one-of-a-kind piece of art for just $5 from a revamped cigarette machine that now dispenses art.

Ceramics

DK Clay Pottery

Immerse yourself in the world of ceramics this ARTS-tober by visiting one of the largest pottery studios in North Carolina. Through the glass walls separating the gallery from the working studio, you can view skilled potters at work and witness the craftsmanship that goes into each creation.

Barefoot Clay Pottery

Whether you’re a ceramics enthusiast or just looking for unique, handcrafted items, Barefoot Clay offers a selection of handmade, wood-fired pottery. This local gem operates out of Ole Gilliam Mill, where Frank Lamberti and several other artists work on a variety of objects against a historic backdrop—the same location that “cranks up” its 19th-century equipment every year for demonstrations.

Performance

Temple Theatre

The Temple Theatre is known for hosting stellar plays and performances, and its ARTS-tober lineup doesn’t disappoint. Grab tickets now for Ring of Fire to watch more than two dozen classic Johnny Cash hits come to life in this salute to a musical legend, running from October 10-27. While you’re enjoying that show, you might as well plan your return visit this December for the theatre’s rendition of A Christmas Carol. Trust us, you won’t regret it!

Lee County Orchestra

Sanford’s hometown orchestra brings the house down with their free concerts of classical and popular music. This group of volunteer musicians has been hard at work prepping their 2024-25 concert series, “Symphonic Gallery.” The season opens October 14th with “Vision of America,” a program that features American favorites ranging from America The Beautiful to the Forrest Gump Suite. In addition, this 2024-25 season premiere sets the stage for their next amazing concert, “A Holiday Portrait.”

Local Music & Bands

There’s always a band set or two gracing small stages at several downtown spots. You can always count on Hugger Mugger Brewing, Smoke and Barrel, Camelback Brewing, and Wild Dogs Brewing to showcase local talent on the regular. Round out your trip with a few drinks, a bite to eat, and musical stylings that are sure to please.

Interactive

Train Scavenger Hunt

Get to know downtown Sanford while on an ARTS-tober hunt for 12 miniature bronze train replicas of the Number 12 Locomotive in Depot Park. This family-friendly activity begins with a stop at 115 Chatham St. to pick up a passport book to use as a guide. You can also download a passport in advance and hit the ground running when you arrive. Once completed, they can be returned for a prize!

Here’s hoping you enjoy a creative, inspiring, and fun ARTS-tober!