The Colonial NC Branch of the English-Speaking Union is happy to announce that our October event will be “English-Speaking Islands of the Tropical Pacific and Caribbean – a conversation with Jan Ebbinge”. This event is being co-sponsored by the Liberal Arts Lecture Series at Craven Community College.
Perhaps you read in the Monday, August 24th, Sun Journal a front page article written by Charlie Hall entitled “No regrets” about one of our neighbors, Jan Ebbinge, known to many as a local painter who presents at the monthly ArtWalk and ARTcrawls in New Bern. Mr. Ebbinge spent over 40 years wandering over the high seas, traveling to such places as the Pacific atolls, Singapore, New Guinea, Australia and finally the Caribbean islands, living the life of a sailor/adventurer often in small sailboats of his own construction. Among many pursuits he was at one time a Peace Corps volunteer, teaching natives English. In the course of his travels he became familiar with the lives and customs of varied islanders and he has many tales to tell.
Following some years of a more settled existence in the Bahamas, he returned to his homeland, the United States, about 3 years ago and settled in New Bern with his wife and son. Though he has been an artist for many years, increasing problems with his vision have forced him to adapt a more abstract style. For the same reason, our event is planned as an essentially informal interaction with the audience whose questions should stimulate his considerable narrative talent.
The talk will be held on Saturday, October 24th, at 2:00 pm in the Community Room #115 in the Student Center of Craven Community College, New Bern. We will have signs at the college directing people to the event. Parking is available at either end of the building. The closest entrance to the room is the one opposite the Brock Building.
Admission is free, donations will be accepted
For details, please email Bob Husson.
Submitted by: Jean Albanese, Publicity Chair, English Speaking Union