Here is a preview of a story running in Sunday's Durham and Chapel Hill News. Look for part 2 this afternoon.
Sam Ezell isn't "marrying" Durham this weekend. But the 58-year-old folk artist is providing the centerpiece for the reception.
Ezell, a self-taught painter, has donated a three-panel streetscape for “Marry Durham,” a benefit in which hundreds are expected to take vows to love and respect the Bull City. Donations will go to five nonprofits.
Ezell grew up in Durham but dropped out of school at 16 to help support his mother and four sisters. When organizers needed help sprucing up for Saturday’s big event, a gallery owner got them in touch.
Pamela Gutlon runs Outsider Art & Collectibles. One day Ezell pulled up to the Iredell Street gallery, got out of his truck and said: “My name is Sam Ezell. I’m friends with [renowned folk artist] Bernice Sims, and I paint.”
“Sam is the kind of guy you call and say, ‘Can you – ?’ and he says yes before you can finish the sentence,” she said.
The Durham City Council has proclaimed Saturday "Marry Durham Day."
All who adore Durham are invited to the family-friendly event “to affirm their dedication and devotion to the Bull City," according to organizers. "Vows" include promises to keep Durham’s streets clean and safe, shop locally, support the arts and nonprofits, cherish diversity, and elect responsible leaders.
Marry Durham grew out of a conversation between friends at a food truck rodeo. Katherine O’Brien said how much she loved Durham. Crystal Dreisbach told her if she loved Durham so much she should marry it.
Soon a group began planning a mass civic union.
Along with a chance to dance in the street, Marry Durham will raise money for the Eno River Association, Genesis Home, Latino Community Development Center, Scrap Exchange and Walltown Children’s Theatre.
"I thought, ’That is so Durham,’" Mary McGuigan, Genesis Home’s director of development, said earlier this year. "No other community could I see people getting together for what I see as a Durham love fest."
Coming in part 2: A trip to Alabama starts Sam Ezell's folk art career
