New Year's Eve Eve Eve

• •  December 21st came and went, the world didn't end, and there are no more shopping days till Xmas 2012.  And just a few more days till 2012's last gasp.

    
    

    Once upon a time, "what-are-you-doing-New-Year's" demanded a definitive answer.  But it's not so important anymore. No plans are necessary; we'll find out when we get there.

    
    

    So I don't know where I'm going to ring in the New Year, but I DO know where this middle-aged rocker is going to be on the last Saturday night of 2012---and that's at Ziggy's for Mike Bennett and the "B" String All Stars annual Xmas jam.

    
    

    Saturday
  • 8:00pm
• 
  

• MIKE BENNETT AND THE "B" STRING ALL STARS BELOW THE LINE Mike B (owner of local guitar friendly rock store, THE "B" STRING) is back to do his annual Xmas jam. ALWAYS A FANTASTIC SHOW! Doors:8pm | Show:9pm | $5

Ziggy's

170 W. 9th St., Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101

View Map · Get Directions

Michael Bennett and the "B" String All Stars delivered a stellar show at the Summer On Trade Music Series, August 25, 2012.

Xmas Eve-Eve

12/21 has now passed
Earth lived through the blast
Of apocalypse scares
That gave us nightmares.

Now, get off your bum
The time is now come;
No more time to delay--
Must go shopping today.

The malls are chaotic,
Trade Street is hypnotic;
By night or by day
Away from the fray.

You pledged to shop small
Now give it your all;
Show the world that you're smart--
Buy some wonderful art.

Get some holiday cheer--
Go have a beer
Or a glass of wine
Before you dine.

Gifts to buy still,
Shopping bags must you fill,
With jewelry and bling
and that pretty glass thing.

A handwoven shawl
scented soaps that enthrall,
Color-glazed pots
and wooden what-nots.

A framed photograph,
A ceramic carafe,
A tie-dyed dress,
Yogawear to impress.

Hand painted hats,
Paintings of cats,
Creative cards,
Wrought iron for yards.

Unique gifts galore,
At every gallery and store
Near 6th and Trade
Where it's all handmade.

Cool Stuff to Buy on Trade Street

Exquisite beaded embroidery pendants by Julie Knabb
who creates her works in Studio 2, in the alley next to 6th and Vine Restaurant

Clever little copper scarf pins by Julie Knabb, at Studio 2 and Red Dog Gallery

 

Willy Nilly offers Collegiate Kids Interactive Storybooks, 

handcrafted wooden toys, and a new line of Christmas cards designed
by Deborah Willard in collaboration with Dan Trivelpiece of Wilmington NC.

Beautiful handcrafted items by multi-media artist Kim Pegram
whose works can be found at Red Dog Gallery.

Jolly Holiday Shopping

It's December 15th--yikes!  only 10 days left for you to complete your Christmas shopping!!

Do yourself a favor and don't subject yourself to traffic snarls, rude people at the shopping malls, and the same merchandise everywhere you look.  Avoid all that stress and treat yourself to an afternoon shopping trip in the Downtown Arts District.

Many of the shops and galleries have extended their open hours, especially on weekend days, and several are even open on Sundays in December.  The atmosphere is festive and pleasant, shop people are friendly and helpful, the selection of unique items is unmatched and fall into all price ranges--from very affordable to big-splurge. Whether you're looking to spend $5 or $50 or $500 for people on your gift list, you'll go home happy.

Be sure to check out our Facebook page where you'll find plenty of photos and info on sales, specials, extended hours, holiday menus at the restaurants, and more.  www.facebook.com/tradestreettracker

December in the Arts District

It's December 2012.  If the Mayan Calendar is to be believed, something seriously cataclysmic is supposed to happen on December 21st.  The Doomsday Preppers seem to be pretty well prepped.  Gloom and Doom have settled in for the Believers.  Some of the Believers believe it may not happen after all.  Some people think it's already happening, what with such events as Hurricane Sandy unleashing itself upon New York, New Jersey, and neighboring states.

What does it all mean?   We'll find out when we get there.  In the meantime, maybe you'd better get your Christmas shopping done early.  And the upcoming First Friday Gallery Hop is the perfect opportunity to head down to the Downtown Arts District and do some major shopping!!

The Arts District is certainly beautiful this time of year.  The traditional city decorations of Moravian Stars and greenery grace the street lights.  Shops and galleries have spruced up their window displays with all manner of Xmas lights and trees and new works by local artists.  If there ever was a time to Shop Local,
NOW is the time.  Your gift dollars are appreciated on several levels by supporting the local economy; the Downtown Arts District; your favorite art galleries and shops; and some talented local artists.

Many shops and galleries hold extended hours during the month of December. And they're all stocked with a wonderful array of art and craft in all price ranges.
Of course, for Gallery Hop, everyone will be open from 7 until 10 pm, many with opening receptions for artists being featured in their December shows.

Forget Must-See TV.  You've Gotta See These at the First Friday Gallery Hop on December 7th, 7-10 pm, in Winston-Salem's Lively Downtown Arts District!!

Christmas Party Necklace 
by Jillian Slate Gatewood 
whose studiois at Studios @ 625.

At Studios at 625 N.  Trade St., 

and Umoja African Craft, 535 N.  Trade. 

Jillian says, "This is so much fun to do!!"

Christmas in December Unleashed Unleashed Art Center, 204 W 6th Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Join us for an exciting holiday group art exhibit at Unleashed Art Center. From paintings, pottery and wearable fiber art to jewelry and mixed media pieces, you're sure to find that special gift for everyone on your list. Meet the artists: David Kessler, Gene Grimaldi, Julie Knabb, Kim Pegram and Sharon Stike during Gallery Hop, Friday, December 7th, 7-10pm. Saturday, December 8th, we will be open from 11am-4pm.

UNICORN SUNBEAM featuring new works by the fantastical trifecta of Liz Simmons-Gaby Cardall-Millicent Greason

Friday, December 7th, 7-10 pm

Dye Pretty Salon & Art Gallery

621 North Trade Street 

in Winston-Salem's 

Downtown Arts District

Three of Winston-Salem's most celebrated arteests come together to bring you lighthearted visual magic for the holidaze... Come join Gaby, Millicent & Liz for the best gallery hop of the season & the unveiling of a whirlwind of whimsy!

"Pagoda" a new bead embroidery pendant was recently completed by Julie Huneycutt Knabb.  The inspiration was a handcrafted glass cabachon made by Diane Cain. Other new works can be found at Art & Artifacts in Blowing Rock, NC, as well as at Red Dog Gallery and The Fiber Company in the Downtown Arts District of Winston-Salem, NC.

Delurk Gallery presents the Delurk Family Circle Jerkle All Member Group Show. Meet the artists at the opening Friday December 7th during Gallery Hop, and view the Art of Chad Beroth, Dane Walters, Clark Whittington, Mary Crockett, The Patrick Harris, Shanthony Exum, Molly Grace, Will Safrit, Zac Trainor and 

(airborne....) Jennifer O'Kelly.  The show will continue through January 26th.

I love Delurk Gallery.  Creative energy and inspiration radiates from it. Whenever I need a break from cute turtles, I go into Delurk and inhale deeply.

SHOP SMALL on Small Business Saturday.

Deals too numerous to describe here. Visit our companion Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/TradeStreetTracker

Attn SPORTS FANS in the Arts District!

Hey Sports Fans--or should I say "Fanatics" ?
I know there are a few of you out there! 
Just published are these wonderful, interactive storybooks for kids. It's the perfect holiday gift for young kids whom you want to bring up rooting for the right team, at least the one that won't result in a family feud.....
Grandparents will want to keep one around for when the grandkids come to visit, and you won't find these on an e-reader.  Apologies to Duke and Wake fans; yours haven't been published yet.  If you're a UNC Tar Heel fan, there is one for you, although I understand the author is a die-hard Wolfpack fan. If you're an ABC-er (Anybody But Carolina), then you'll want to get one of each of the others: NCState Wolfpack, Virginia Tech Hokies, East Carolina Pirates, and Appalachian State Mountaineers. $19.95 each, available only at Willy Nilly, 604A North Trade Street, Winston-Salem NC 27101. 336-306-4050. Email to willynilly.ws@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Piedmont Craftsmen's Fair: November 17-18 2012 at Benton Convention Center

I grew up with Piedmont Craftsmen. My mother, Linda Willard, is a former exhibiting member for her stitchery. She wasn't one of the founding members, but she was admitted with the 2nd group of artists. Every year in November, we devoted an entire weekend to the fair. She had her booth which she set up to look like a comfy sitting room or den, the perfect environment to show off her embroidered works--decorative pillows, mostly, and the occasional wall hanging. She sat in her chair with the big, oval, stand-up embroidery hoop in front of her, where she basically painted beautiful pictures with woolly yarn and thread. Variegated colors of yarn created shading in flowers and leaves; different kinds of stitches added texture to various design elements. And it all came together to create a softly beautiful picture of graceful flowers, leaves, insects,and birds.

I was old enough to come along as a helper--it meant I could get free admission to the fair using one of her allotted volunteer passes. I don't recall how much I really helped, other than to watch the booth whenever she wanted to take a break.
But I loved roaming around looking at all the fine, imaginative crafts on display, and buying something every year to add to my own collection of fine, handcrafted items-- colorful pottery, clay animal-shaped pins, stuffed animals, and the occasional "splurge" for a hand-woven pillow or wearable. And I guess I inhaled enough creative energy from it all, storing it up inside me until I was ready to unleash it in my adult life.

My mother's craft was a labor of love--tedious and time-consuming. As time went on, it became more important for her to engage in more profitable activities which included selling real estate. And with arthritis settling into her hands and thus interfering with her ability to manipulate a needle and thread, stitchery has been relegated to the archives of her life.

With her 80th birthday barely 3 weeks away, she now channels her creative energy into making and refurbishing dollhouses. But that's another story entirely.

In the meantime, it's well worth your time to visit the upcoming49th Annual Piedmont Craftsmen's Fair

The Fair, which was recently named one of the 10 best fine craft shows in the country by American Style magazine, presents a broad sampling of the finest work available in artist-designed handmade home goods, wearables, jewelry, furniture and decorative items.

It is the keystone event in "6 Days in November," a week-long celebration of art and culture in Winston-Salem, known as The City of Arts and Innovation.

The Fair is at the Benton Convention Center, which is just a hop, skip and a jump from Trade Street, occupying the block from 5th to 6th street, bounded by Cherry and Marshall Streets.

www.piedmontcraftsmen.org

Authoring Action! at Delurk Gallery

First Friday Gallery Hop came and went, but the arts never stop in the Arts District.

Delurk Gallery schedules events and gatherings a couple times a month in conjunction with their current shows.   On Thursday November 8th, Delurk is hosting an Authoring Action event  in honor of the Art-o-mat 15 year anniversary Celebration!

Inviting young adults...20's and 30's for a unique evening out where you are invited to become the artists/authors in an array of participatory art forms...and to get to know how you might support a powerful group of teen authors!

Thursday, November 8 (7pm-10pm*)
Delurk Gallery (207 W 6th Street)
$10 admission includes all of the evening's performances, activities, and appetizers/drinks (must be at least 21yrs old)

*Interactive performances @ 8pm & 9pm
Benefiting the teen authors of Authoring Action!

More info about the event is posted on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/events/453483531369815/ 

Authoring Action is a terrific program that offers young people an opportunity to channel their energy into creative expression rather than into more destructive activity.  Their involvement in other arts community activities gives these kids a chance to be exposed to other forms of artistic expression as well as to perform and be recognized for their own individual talents.

Last month Authoring Action presented a program during Arts on Sunday's "Forever Young" festival, which featured performances by students in R.J.Reynolds High School's visual and performing arts groups.

Below are a few photos of Authoring Action!  in action....Go to their website for more info about the organization and upcoming programs. www.authoringaction.org

Planting Art in the Community

image courtesy of Inter_Section Gallery

Inter_Section Gallery and Art Space is excited to announce the opening of

STILL "Planting Art in the Community"...the SEED collective has re-grouped yet again!

Please join local artists Woodie Anderson, Peter Spivak, Dave Urena, Millicent Greason, Laurie Russell, Nicole Uzzell, Mike Duggins & Clark Whittington for a group show at the fabulous INTER_SECTION Gallery. A diverse representation of cutting edge artistic styles, this group never ceases to amaze.

SEED began in 1998 as an artist collective with the goal of "planting art into the community." The original members' vision was to create an open, free-thought space where the presentation of art and expression is the primary objective. The members named the group after they discovered that
the building had originally been a seed warehouse.

The diverse mission and the organic format of SEED programming is a direct extension of the personalities of our eight members, who conspired to present this show. Please visit www.seedgallery.org for more information.

Inter_Section Gallery and Art Space is located at 629 N. Trade Street, Winston-Salem NC.

Exhibit Opening:
Friday, November 2nd, 2012 7 - 9 pm
Exhibition Dates:
November 2nd - 30th, 2012
Gallery Hours: Tues- Sat 12:00 pm - 5:00 am
Phone: (336) 817-1248
Website: www.intersectiongallery.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inter_Section-Gallery-and-Art-Space/139280279456356

First Friday Gallery Hop is November 2nd....

First Friday Gallery Hop is coming up....Gallery Hop is a monthly event organized by the Downtown Art District Association (DADA).  The November Hop often promises wonderful shows and exhibitions, not to mention a vast array of very giftable art and craft in the various shops and galleries all around the Art District.  This month's edition will no doubt live up to the hype. November Gallery Hop E-Newsletter

 

Unleashed Art Center is an AFAS group event, teaching and exhibition space. AFAS also has a beautiful gallery at 606 N. Trade Street, the Red Dog Gallery. Plus, AFAS is the driving force behind the Arts on Sunday Festivals, which just completed another successful series. AFAS = Art For Art's Sake. They have a newly redesigned website that you may want to check out for more information about the organization and its other programs. www.theafasgroup.com.

 The Delurk Gallery will have an opening November 2 from 7pm-10pm. Our Featured Artist this month will be our own Clark Whittington celebrating fifteen years of his famed international art project Art-o-mat. The Art-o-mat project, based here in Winston Salem, NC, has reclaimed the old cigarette vending machines of yore and repurposed them to bring international art and artists to people all over the world. The Art-o-mat project brings together Whittington's brilliant creative design, inspired artwork and love of both the arts and artists to a perfect union. This is a celebration of both him and his glorious project. The show will include machines, memorabilia and artwork from artists who have contributed to the project over the last 15 years. The show runs through December 4th. www.delurkgallery.com

images courtesy of Art-o-mat and Delurk Gallery

Masquerade on Trade

There are Halloween costumes, and then there are Halloween costumes in the Arts District ! The final Arts on Sunday Festival for October 2012 is coming up; and, as is customary, will feature a Halloween Costume contest. D.J. Ralph Shaw will spin the tunes.....and I wouldn't be too surprised if he kicks off the afternoon with MONSTER MASH.  Well, why not ?  It's a Graveyard Smash.  And for me, IT'S NOT BEACH MUSIC.  Although his song selection will inevitably include a beach music set, I'll keep singing the Monster Mash in my head in an effort to obliterate that tired old stuff. (Musical opinions expressed here are, of course, merely the opinion of this blogger, who means no disrespect toward the event, the D.J., or the people who like the stuff....I just gotta be me-e-e-e-e.)

As always, the Festival runs 1-5pm on Sunday afternoon.  The 500-600 blocks of Trade Street will be lined with tents and tables displaying an awesome variety of art and craft.  Our favorite mime act will be there as well, maybe even his stilt-walking sidekick. And many of the shops and galleries will be open as well, including Earthbound Arts, Retro Art Ware, Studios at 625, Woodland Moth, Red Dog Gallery, Willy Nilly,Lucky Strike Boutique, The Other Half, Delurk Gallery, and Unleashed Art Center. Sunday Brunch is served at Finnigan's Wake and 6th and Vine restaurants.

Bring yourself, your family, your dog (in costume, of course), and your evil twin.  Masquerade on Trade will be fun for all and all for fun.  Spooktacularly Booo-tiful.

For more info about this AFAS group event and numerous other programs, go to their website at www.theafasgroup.com.
Here are some of my favorite costumes from previous incarnations of Masquerade on Trade:

RJR Students Perform at Arts on Sunday Festival

Every Sunday in October

Arts on Sunday Festivals are held every Sunday in October and again in May of each year.  The RJ Reynolds High School Visual and Performing Arts groups take the stage during one of the Sundays in each series. Their October engagement is THIS WEEKEND, Sunday October 21st, 1-5 pm. They will treat the crowd to what amounts to a variety show all afternoon.  We get to hear the orchestra and the jazz band perform. Past performances have also included dance routines from the famous Dancing Boots and excerpts from the school's theatrical production of Alice in Wonderland.

How It All Started

 Arts on Sunday Festivals have evolved into one of the premier events series in the Arts District.  The event was conceived a few years ago as a collaborative effort to promote Sunday Brunch at Finnigan's Wake and 6th and Vine restaurants and to provide artists with an opportunity to display and sell their creations.  That handful of tables and some acoustical music in the area between Finnigan's and 619-625 Trade Street has blossomed into a lively Sunday afternoon arts festival that spans the 500 and 600 blocks of Trade Street as well as the 200 block of 6th Street.  Each Sunday features a different theme, with a terrific array of live musical performances.

Music and Artists and Fun, Oh MY!

Other street performers provide additional entertainment. A mime wanders around interacting with kids and adults. Sometimes we get a balancing act demonstration.  Balloon artists, clowns, hula hoops, chalk drawing in the street--guaranteed fun for everyone.  There is always a kid's booth set up where kids get to create something special to take home with them.  Dozens of artists' booths and tables line both sides of the street, and many of the retail shops and galleries are open too.  Meet and greet the artists and watch as some of them create works of art before your very eyes.

Eat, Drink, Shop, Watch Football, Enjoy

The weather forecast for the upcoming weekend is for an absolutely delightful, sunny, mild autumn afternoon.  There is plenty of parking one block away in lots with entrances off Liberty Street, as well as the parking deck at the corner of Cherry and 6th Street.  Our friendly neighborhood bike patrol is there to look out for everyone's safety.  Restaurants and pubs abound. In addition to Finnigan's and 6th & Vine, there is Chelsee's Coffee Shop in the 500 block; and Mary's Too/Breakfast of Course and the District Restaurant in the 700 block of Trade, all of which serve scrumptious meals, cold beverages, and NFL football on wide-screen TVs.

GIT UP OFFA DAT THANG !

If you are one of those who haven't been to Downtown Winston-Salem lately, this is an ideal time to treat yourself to a trip to town!!

The AFAS Group
Trade Street Tracker on Facebook