April Director’s Message
Dear Friends,
This is one of my favorite times of year. The air is hazy with the warmth and promise of new life. Everything is in bloom. Nature seems to be absolutely exploding around us. There is a real energy to the season that is almost audible. As I think about what is energizing me in this season of color and rebirth, I wanted to share two recent excursions related to art and the Eno.
In late January, ERA Store & Event Manager Heather McEntire joined me for a visit to Cassilhaus, located between Durham and Chapel Hill and overlooking beautiful New Hope Creek in Duke Forest. Frank Konhaus graciously hosted us to share more about his passion for the arts and the artist in residence program before personally leading a tour of the house and his current exhibition. While snow and ice was still covering the ground for our trip, Frank’s passion and generosity of spirit was heartwarming and Heather and I left that morning with a head full of ideas, excited about the possibilities.
In early March, thanks to the careful scheming of local businesswoman Jennings Brody and the hospitality of Trevor Schoonmaker, the Director of the Nasher Museum, I was joined by Arthur Rogers of Eno Ventures, Heather McEntire, and ERA Development Manager Eve Salzwedel for a tour of the Silvia Heyden tapestry exhibit.
Heather Pondering One of Silvia’s Eno Tapestries by Eve Salzwedel
Discussing Silvia’s Favorite Eno River Spots by Eve Salzwedel
Ryan, Heather, and Trevor Chat in Dyani White Hawk’s LISTEN Exhibit by Eve Salzwedel
Silvia was a long-time resident of the Eno River Valley and the Eno inspired some of her later works. I can’t tell you how much I loved spending a Friday afternoon with this tremendous group of people, observing world class art, and getting the ultimate insider’s tour from Trevor. It was a thrilling reminder that we have it pretty good here in the Triangle.
Over the last year at ERA, I’ve spent time with plant people and animal people. Historians and astronomers. Hikers and fishermen. It has been lovely to get to meet more of the community of artists that lives near and is inspired by the Eno. A special “thank you” to Frank Konhaus and Trevor Schoonmaker for sharing their time and talents with me and the ERA staff.
Whether your interest in the Eno is narrow or all encompassing, this month we share our 2025 annual report which documents the many ways that ERA is conserving and protecting the natural, cultural and historical resources of the Eno River Basin. Supporters like you are the backbone of the Eno River Association. Please take a moment to renew your membership support today to help ensure the ongoing success of our environmental education, advocacy, and land conservation efforts. We couldn’t do this work without you!
In thanks,
