They say a community can’t have heart if it doesn’t have art. If that is the indeed the case, then Gabrielle Barber is the chief cardiologist in Oxford, North Carolina. A native of Maine, Gabrielle came to Granville County a year ago and hasn’t left.

"I came down to visit some friends and fell in love with the community," exclaims Gabrielle. "Everyone made me so welcomed – it made Oxford my hometown." As part of her journey to Granville County, she also brought her love for, and training in, the arts.

A student of ceramics ("as an artist you are always learning…always exploring" she insists), she brings years of experience in the world of pottery and beyond. She spent the better part of 6 years as an apprentice to a master potter in Maine where she honed her craft. Her pieces subsequently found their way around the world – displayed across the country, Europe, and Australia. And, as it turns out, Granville County. "When I arrived, everyone told me "you need to visit Cedar Creek Gallery in Creedmoor. It’s an internationally renowned gallery." For some reason the name rang a bell," says Barber, "Then I realized some of my work was on display."

With Cedar Creek as a foundation for established arts, Gabrielle’s focus became more community focused. "I talked to people in the community and simply asked what did we need? What do we want with respect to the arts in Granville County." She then took the initiative to facilitate and consolidate the thinking. The first step was to create the Oxford Arts Center and, subsequently, the Oxford Arts Council. The Center serves as the brick and mortar home for arts, and the council provides oversight, volunteers and vision. The Council is currently led by Gabrielle, who is the Executive Director, and Phil Dixon who is the Board Chair. Six others also serve on the Board of Directors.

Not surprising, The Hub on Main Street in Oxford has become the first home for the Arts Center. A retailer that is part wine store, part gift shop, and part coffee and beer bar, it is said The Hub is a place "where locals go just to gather and a place where everyone knows your name." Pierre Gingue is part of the ownership and when he heard about the interest in an Arts Center, the downstairs space was a natural choice. "Pierre offered the downstairs space and it’s perfect. The Hub is a central piece of the downtown community, so we get great exposure," explains Gabrielle, "but it also provides an ideal location for classes and artist studios." The space also allows for the display and purchase of art – across an array of galleries. While the intent is to find a more permanent home, The Hub has provided an ideal launching pad for the Center and the Council. Pierre also now serves on the Council Board.

Barber and other artists currently offer classes and workshops (virtually and, as able in-person) in ceramics and other arts forms. Classes are one-time events and are designed for children and adults. Workshops are a series of classes that allow for further expansion of the craft. While the current focus is on more traditional crafts such ceramics, the plan is to expand the breadth and interpretation of the arts to include music, dance, performing arts and more.

"Art is about presenting yourself," Gabrielle passionately explains. "art is not about evaluation or criticism, it is about creating something for expression and celebration." As part of this commitment to expression, the Oxford Arts is also about allowing everyone to explore their own artistic ability. "Come as you are. We want people to explore their creativity. We want beginners to find their passion and other artists to push their boundaries," exclaims Barber. While perhaps not a mission statement, these attitudes are certainly the foundation of the arts in Oxford.

This commitment to encouraging folks to explore their abilities is also expressed in the councils focus on providing arts to the under-privileged and others that may not have easy access to the arts. This includes working with local schools to connect with students, reaching out to retirees, and exploring grant opportunities that will provide support for classes and materials to those that may not have access to funding.

When asked about the vision for the future, Gabrielle’s eyes light up. She sees a community that is beginning to embrace the arts and visualizes one that becomes a partner. In a sense, she sees a blank canvass. "Our primary objective is to make the arts accessible for everyone. The Arts Center can be the facilitator," she explains. "Additionally, we want to get more businesses involved. We’d love businesses to have a portion of their community citizenship be dedicated to the arts – providing display areas, sponsoring arts classes and workshops for employees and their families, facilitating community shows and displays. Everyone always immediately thinks funding when they think businesses. Funds are critical, but we need to appreciate they are also patrons to the arts," Barber concludes.

With the passion and stewardship of Gabrielle Barber and the vision and support of the Oxford Arts Council, the future for the arts in Granville county looks bright…. And creative.

For more information on the Oxford Arts Center, the Arts Council, classes, workshops, or exhibits, you can call 207-522-6421 or email them at info@oxfordartscenter.com or visit via social media at:

Facebook — www.facebook.com/oxfordartscenter

Instgram – @oxfordartscenter

Instgram – @thestudio.onmain