DURHAM -- Sam Ezell isn't "marrying" Durham this weekend. But the 58-year-old folk artist is providing the centerpiece for the reception.
The self-taught painter has donated a three-panel streetscape for "Marry Durham," a benefit where hundreds are expected to take vows to love and respect the Bull City. Donations will benefit five nonprofit groups.
Ezell grew up in Durham and dropped out of school at 16 to help support his mother and four sisters. When organizers needed help sprucing up for the big event Saturday, Pamela Gutlon, owner of Outsider Art & Collectibles, got them in touch.
Marry Durham grew out of two friends' conversation at a food truck rodeo.
Katherine O'Brien said she loved Durham. Crystal Dreisbach said if she loved Durham so much she should marry it. Soon a group began planning a mass civic union.
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" will include promises to keep Durham's streets clean and safe, shop locally, support the arts and nonprofit groups, cherish diversity and elect responsible leaders.
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 this year. "No other community could I see people getting together for what I see as a Durham love fest."
He loves Durham
In addition to his streetscape, Ezell, who lives in Hillsborough, has painted giant flower vases to decorate the asphalt wedding site.
The longtime collector started painting only three years ago when he visited renowned folk artist Bernice Sims, now 84, and she asked him to paint a picture for her. Today, his bright, colorful flowers, animals and people with "Mr. Bill" faces are a hit. He took 150 canvases to a show in Atlanta and sold 130.
For Marry Durham, Ezell labeled his buildings for Bull City landmarks that are special to him.
The Liberty Warehouse is where tobacco he'd brought in from the fields with mules got auctioned off. The Kress Building is where he ate at the basement soda fountain.
"You'd throw darts at balloons, and the price was inside the balloon on a little piece of paper," he said. "A lot of times you'd get a banana split for like 10 cents."
A lot of people call themselves artists, said Gutlon, the gallery owner. "I find an artist is someone who uses art to tell stories.
"Sam uses his art to tell stories. He's a happy guy. He loves Durham."
