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.

BLUES-A-PALOOZA Sunday Oct 7th

The AFAS Group's October 2012 edition of Arts on Sunday Festivals kicks off October 7th with BLUES-A-PALOOZA.  This season's edition features performances by Twin City Buskers, Peter May and Friends, and the Charley Ward Band. 

Arts on Sunday has evolved over the years into a hugely popular and well attended series of afternoon art fairs.  The 500 and 600 blocks of Trade Street, along  with the adjacent 200 block of 6th Street, are blocked off to vehicular traffic.

The streets are lined end-to-end with festival tents and tables displaying an amazing array of art and craft by area artists, many of whom sell their creations in shops and galleries in the Arts District.  Many of the bricks-and-mortar shops and galleries hold special Sunday hours as well.  It's a perfect opportunity to get a head-start on your holiday shopping and to show your support for local shops and artists.

Complementing the visual arts scene are a fun variety of performing artists, including stilt walkers, mime and balancing acts, clowns and balloon artists, and jugglers.  A special kids' booth offers creative activities for young people.

Start your day with Sunday brunch at Finnigan's Wake, 6th & Vine or Breakfast of Course. Then stick around for a visual feast of fine art and craft, live music, and great family fun. For more information, visit www.theafasgroup.com.

Photos

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• BLUES-A-PALOOZA - Arts On Sunday Festival

BLUES-A-PALOOZA - Arts On Sunday Festival

The October 2012 series of Arts on Sunday Festivals gets cranked up on Sunday, October 7th with its kick-off event "Blues-a-Palooza."  Featured performers this time around include Twin City Buskers, Peter May and Friends, and the Charley Ward Band.

The stage will be located at the 6th and Trade St. intersection, and the 500 and 600 blocks of Trade Street, as well as the 200 block of 6th Street will be filled with artists and craftsmen displaying their wares.  Numerous shops and galleries will be open as well. One can expect to shop at The Other Half, Delurk Gallery, Unleashed Art Center, Willy Nilly, Red Dog Gallery, Retro Art Ware, Earthbound Arts, and Studios at 625.  Other galleries that may be open are Woodland Moth, Inter_Section Gallery, Bubbling Well/Golden Flower.  Shoppers and gallery patrons should encourage their sports-fan-spouses to come along--Finnigan's has several big-screen TVs tuned in to your favorite games and sports events, plus 36 draft beers to choose from for libation.  Our friendly neighborhood bike patrol public safety officers will be on hand to keep watch and ensure everyone's safety.

Come a little early and start your day with delicious Sunday brunch at Finnigan's Wake, 6th & Vine, or Breakfast of Course (in the 700 block). Then spend the afternoon enjoying a visual feast of art and craft. Bring the kids, as there are always some fun activities in store for them.  Bring your dog.  Bring a chair in case you want to sit and enjoy the music.  And bring your wallet filled with cash or debit/credit card, as this is the perfect time to begin your holiday shopping.  There is an ATM conveniently located inside Finnigan's should you need an emergency infusion of cash.

Best places to park are in parking lots with entrances along the 600 block Liberty Street. You may also get lucky and find some on-street parking in the 700 block of Trade or the 500-600 blocks of Liberty.  Then there is always the parking deck at the corner of 6th and Cherry Streets.

If you are one of those folks who keep saying they ought to check out downtown Winston-Salem again, this is THE perfect day for that outing.  It's FUN and it's all FREE.  And if you are an artist who wants to participate, visit the AFAS Group's website for information about how to sign  up.  www.theafasgroup.com

Check out the Trade Street Tracker's new Google+ page for photos of past Arts on Sunday festivals.