by Martha Shannon

An art exhibit sponsored by the Orange County Arts Commission will commemorate the hanging of the Regulators, the greatest revolt in the colonies before the American Revolution.

The unjuried art exhibit will be March 21-30 at University Mall in Chapel Hill and is open to all visual artists

from the obscure beginner to the recognized artist.

The Regulators were so named for their demand that local tax collectors be brought under better and more honest regulation. On May 16, 1771, more than 2,000 Piedmont farmers rose up in protest of corrupt government and were defeated by Gov. William Tryon's colonial militia after a two-hour battle.

One Regulator was hanged on the spot without a trial. A month later, another six were hanged at a wooded spot east of Cameron Street, then outside the town limits.

Modeled after an event previously sponsored by the Contemporary Art Museum in Raleigh, the exhibit will give artists of all ages and levels of experience an opportunity to exhibit their work alongside their peers.

Visual artists are invited to bring one piece of two-dimensional artwork (per artist) to the central area inside University Mall on March 21-22 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. All artwork will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Organizers expect to hang at least 250 pieces, space permitting. Parents and children are encouraged to hang up their works of art together.

Because of space limitations, no three-dimensional artwork will be accepted. All artwork must be appropriate for viewing by the general public. Artwork will be hung by the artists themselves (with some assistance by volunteers as needed) and must be ready for hanging (using wire). Artists will be also be given the option to sell their artwork.

An opening reception for all artists, their families and friends will be held at 8 p.m. on March 22 in the central area inside University Mall.

The exhibit will be on display at the mall until March 30, when artists will pick up their work. For information, contact the Orange County Arts Commission.

As a prelude to the exhibit, a symposium on the Regulators will be held on Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Orange County Historical Museum in Hillsborough ($5 admission). Marjoleine Kars and Simon and Sara Spalding will lead this symposium, titled "A Test of Wills: The Regulator Uprising in Orange County." The event is co-sponsored by the Hillsborough Historical Society and the Orange County Historical Museum.

Also on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough will sponsor "Cornwallis' Occupation of Hillsborough: A Living History Program of the Revolutionary War," an encampment re-enactment of British Gen. Charles Cornwallis' occupation of Hillsborough in 1781. Set in downtown Hillsborough, the lives of typical British soldiers and loyalist North Carolina volunteers will be demonstrated during this free living-history interpretation by The King's Own Patriots and the 33rd Regiment of Foot. Headquarters will be at the Alexander Dickson House (Orange County Visitor Center, 150 E. King St.).

The hanging of the Regulators is described in a new book, "Breaking Loose Together: The Regulator Rebellion in Pre-Revolutionary North Carolina," by Marjoleine Kars (University of North Carolina Press, 2002). Today, a bronze marker inside a wrought-iron fence between the Hughes Academy and St. Matthew's Episcopal Church commemorates the spot where the hangings occurred. The historic marker on South Churton Street in downtown Hillsborough says: "Regulators Hanged: After the Regulators were defeated at Alamance May 16, 1771, six of their number were hanged 1/4 mile east June 19, 1771."

Arts Commission art project

As a gift to Orange County during the 250th anniversary celebration, the Orange County Arts Commission will place an original work of art in the Government Services Center in Hillsborough.

A textural study is envisioned for the site. Chapel Hill artist Peg Gignoux will coordinate this public art project for the Arts Commission. Contributions will be sought to help defray the cost of this special project, including payment to multiple artists participating in this commissioned piece.

An April 1 deadline for artists' applications is anticipated.

For information on this public art project, visit the Arts Commission's Web site at www.artsorange.org.

For information on additional Orange County 250th Anniversary activities, visit the official Web site at http://www.orangecounty250.org.