Historically, the Arts Council of Wayne County’s programming and events unconsciously served just Goldsboro residents. As stated in its name, The Arts Council of Wayne County is a nonprofit organization that serves its county, not just Goldsboro. 2022 brought a fresh perspective from new board members that a buildingless Arts Council cannot effectively serve its community.
The Board of Directors and Staff members were planning to extend it’s services past the rim of Goldsboro to surrounding towns, but did not know where to start. Mt. Olive answered the call to aid. First Baptist Church of Mt. Olive is a community church “with deep roots grounded in our history and tradition…We have continued a commitment to tradition for over 156 years while embracing a new spirit of innovation in the 2020’s.”
First Baptist Church’s Senior Pastor, Dennis Atwood, embodied this philosophy when reaching out to the Arts Council to inquire if this partnership was feasible to be a benefit and resource to the community of Mt. Olive.
Fast forwarding to Summer 2023, the Arts Council signed a lease for permanent headquarters and studios in Downtown Goldsboro and signed a lease agreement for additional studios and classroom space in the educational building of First Baptist Church of Mt. Olive. Although the studios are still in progress, Summer Art Camp was still a possibility to be scheduled soon. With the leadership of two Mt. Olive local artists, two sessions of Summer Art Camp have been scheduled to be available to the community in July. During the Mother’s Day Maker’s Market at The Warehouse, Becca Scott Reynolds and Marybeth Taylor put their creative minds together and produced a plan for Summer Art Camp– Fashion Camp. Why Fashion Camp? It was only natural for the artistic duo to play to their strengths; tie-dye and jewelry.
Becca is a multi talented artist such as photography, digital art, and jewelry but one of her specialized mediums is tie-dye. Before the pandemic, Becca’s following flocked to the Arts Council to purchase her tie-dyed wearables. Like many small and large businesses, products and materials were hard to come by in 2020. Becca decided to pause on her tie-dye creations and venture into photography and digital watercolor. Becca is excited to bring the process and technique of tie-dye to the youth of Mt. Olive in forms of dying beach totes.
Marybeth, of Taylor Creek Designs, is the jewelry instructor for the fashion camps. Marybeth creates colorful jewelry that reflects her faith and love for God and nature. Her creations can be found all over Eastern North Carolina. Marybeth is among the eight finalists of LaunchGOLDSBORO– a branch from LaunchMyCity family of programs, modeled after LaunchDETROIT and LaunchRALEIGH.
“We strive to develop successful local entrepreneurs by expanding access to comprehensive business training, and financial and business resources.”
Marybeth is excited to share her love for jewelry with the youth of Mt. Olive by teaching the design and technique behind beading bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.
Becca and Marybeth both spearheaded Summer Art Camp, but none of this was made possible without the Board of Directors of First Baptist Church of Mt. Olive. Not only are they housing the camps, but funds from their Gratitude Project will provide financial assistance to the youths of the community. ‘We look for ways to reach into our community and honor the commandment, “Love your neighbor as Yourself”.’
The mission of The Gratitude Project is to aid the fight against poverty in Mt. Olive. “We believe God is calling First Baptist Mount Olive to live out its mission by investing in people who can live out their faith and make positive social change. The Gratitude Fund provides resources to enable more people to be the presence of Christ in our community.” [Quoted by Dennis Atwood, FBMO Pastor]
Although the partnership between The Arts Council of Wayne County and First Baptist Church of Mt. Olive is new, with the unity of tradition and innovation, both entities are fully committed to enhancing the lives of the Mt. Olive community for future generations.
Summer Art Camp Details
Week 1
Date: July 18th-20th
Time: 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Ages: 5-8
Location: First Baptist Mount Olive NC ‘s Education Building
(Look for the Hippie Pig on Center St.)
Cost: $120 per camper.
Campers will learn and utilize the color schemes, warm and
cool to create wearable art!
Week 2
Date: July 25th-27th
Time: 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Ages: 9-12
Location: First Baptist Mount Olive NC ‘s Education Building
(Look for the Hippie Pig on Center St.)
Cost: $120 per camper.
Campers will learn and utilize designs principles to create
beach themed wearable art!
Sibling Discounts available. Scholarships available for those in financial need!
Visit www.artsinwayne.org to register or email Programs Director, Anna Hinson, at
Anna Hinson is with the Arts Council of Wayne County.
