Happy Easter Monday!

There are 2 places in the world that celebrate Easter Monday: North Carolina and the U.S.Virgin Islands.
Why?? They say that a baseball game between two rival teams is the reason North Carolina made Easter Monday a holiday.  I don't know why it's a holiday in the USVI, other than the fact that, if a holiday is celebrated SOMEWHERE in the world, they celebrate it in the USVI too. Both places are home to me.
I was "bahn heah" in North Carolina; was an ex-pat in St.John for 15 years; and  returned a few years ago to my native NC--a happy accident, really. But that's another story.

As an artist with a retail shop and studio, I generally ignore such things as holidays. There is a trade-off to working for yourself as an artist as opposed to having a "real job."  If there are people who are potential customers in the neighborhood, you work. Doesn't matter what the calendar says. You don't get paid for a holiday.   But I don't have anybody breathing down my neck either when I clock in 5 minutes late. Little do they know that their obsessive-compulsive, time-clock-watching habit only had the opposite effect on me:
It only increased my stress level to the point that it only took me longer to get over the morning hee-bee-gee-bees (thanks for that one, Dan Trivelpiece!); and invariably, arrive even later than I would have otherwise.

But hey, guess what?  When we work for ourselves, WE don't have a hissy-fit if I stop to smell the roses along the way, thereby giving me and myself the gift of beauty and peace. Arriving at the shop with a smile inside is an infinitely better way of starting my workday. And it shows. And I even inhaled.

So Who's on First ????

So maybe there aren't so many sports fanatics in the Arts District, but I'll use the baseball analogy anyway since it's the opening day of Baseball Season. I've never been a huge fan of baseball--but my team lost in the earlier rounds of NCAA Basketball Tourney, and I can only chalk it up to March Madness.  Or Spring Fever. Take your choice.

But, like any other Monday in the Arts District, a lot of the shops and galleries are closed.  BUT NOT ALL OF THEM.  A few of us artsy types depend on their own hands and shops for our livelihood. So it matters not that it's a Monday, or even a Monday holiday in a couple places in the world:  WE'RE OPEN.
And it's one beautiful day of sunshine and blue sky and flowers--perfect for a stroll down Trade Street for a little shopping. And it's a good day to treat yourself to a great meal at Finnigan's on a day when they'll be perhaps a little less crowded....AND will have the outdoor cafe tables out.

Then shop and drop some $$ at Earthbound Arts; Retro Art Ware; Willy Nilly, all located in the 600 block within steps of each other; or at Lucky Strike Vintage Boutique a little further down, on the corner of 7th and Trade Streets. And maybe check out Studios at 625 where you may well find Mary Bailey Thomas in her "Art Dreams Grow" studio.

And since I got out and walked down the block to take pictures, I also noticed that Paz Boutique and Yoga Gallery are also open! 

Spring Decor at Willy Nilly

Spring Decor, a photo by DebDubya on Flickr.

• Sprig of real live rosemary in bloom, courtesy of Earthbound Arts, 610 N Trade St. Heineken beer bottle vase, courtesy of Jimmy. 

• Interesting columnar-shaped vase from thrift shop (probably the Rescue Mission Thrift Shop).

• Pinwheel and the cool stem of paper flowers, thanks to absent-minded visitors to my shop Willy Nilly, 604A N Trade St.

WS Journal editorial via Piedmont Triad Film Commission

(1) Facebook

Editorial: Film industry is a natural fit for Winston-Salem

http://www.journalnow.com/opinion/editorials/article_601efe74-8068-11e2-9810-0019bb30f31a.html

Trade Street was one of the location sites used during the 2012 filming of Hallmark Channel's "The Confession," directed by Michael Landon, Jr.

Willy Nilly is transformed into a New York jewelry store for "The Confession."

Camera equipment is set up along Trade Street for filming of "The Confession."

It's a Beautiful Day on Trade Street

It's a beautiful day on Trade Street in the Arts District. Come on down for Sunday brunch at Finnigan's Wake or Mary's Gourmet. Diner and then shop for wonderful wearable. Art at Retro Art Ware and at Willy Nilly, both in the 600 block of Trade St

Retro Art Ware (R A W) at 608 N Trade St., is easy to find....just look for the tall, colorful tie-dyed flag out front!!

Willy Nilly has its door open and the hat rack out front on pleasant, sunny days.

No Fracking Turtle Baseball Jersey > No Fracking Turtle > Deborah Willard Design

No Fracking Turtle Baseball Jersey > No Fracking Turtle > Deborah Willard Design

Work in Progress...

Work in progress at Willy Nilly.....hand painted octopus hooded sweatshirt.

Deborah Willard/Willy Nilly open Sundays!!

Deborah is in the shop today painting little girls dresses with matching zip front hoodies. (@ Willy Nilly) http://4sq.com/UPzBmW

You Gotta LOVE February!

The annual CashBash.....at The Garage 

110 West 7th St., Winston-Salem NC 27101
Friday and Saturday February 22 at 7:00pm until February 24 at 2:00am

hosted by Richard Boyd of the Bo-Stevens.

14 bands all coming together for two nights to pay tribute and honor Johnny Cash the man in black...Rockabilly honky-tonk at its finest.

First Friday Gallery Hop

When the first Friday falls on the first of the month, it means the First Friday Gallery Hop takes place on the 1st of the month.  So it goes in February 2013.

So January is over, and you've paid all those xmas bills, right?! Time to get something special for someone special for Valentine's Day.  And what is more special than a one-of-a-kind gift or handmade card? You'll find such treasures all over the place around 6th and Trade Streets. Go ahead, treat yourself to a day in the Arts District, plan a Valentine's Day dinner at one of the terrific restaurants in the area, and get that special gift that will keep you out of the doghouse for awhile.......

 

Black and White Lace Hearts from Earthbound Arts, 610 N. Trade St.

Ron Philbeck Pottery;

available at The Other Half,
560 N. Trade Street.

 

Quilted Card by Sandy Mooney,
available at the Fiber Company,
600 N. Trade Street

 

  Bedroom with Porch Dollhouse, 

an assemblage by Linda Willard, 

The Dollhouse Lady. One-of-a-kind, available at Willy Nilly, 

604-A N. Trade Street.

 

 

 

 

 

Unleash Some Love!

The first of a series of free community events being offered at the Unleashed Art Center for first Friday Gallery Hops.

Unleash your creative spirit! Make a special Valentine for yourself or someone you love...All the materials will be provided, including ready-to-paint wooden hearts, paints and lots of dazzling embellishments, everything you'll need to create a spectacular, one of a kind heart, to be worn as a pin/pendant or made into a magnet for a special decoration!
Facebook event

Unleashed Arts Center, located at 204 West 6th Street,  is a special initiative by The Afas Group whose purpose is to foster an appreciation of art and to encourage the development of emerging artists. The center provides a venue for art shows, seminars, artist demonstrations and includes working artists studios.

Sale On!

Got Xmas Cash?  January is a great time to go shopping in the Arts District.  Many shops and galleries hold their best sales of the year in January.

The view so far:

Woven Soul

631 N. Trade St.

336-748-1114 Sale starts January 3rd.
50% off clothing and
25% off Kantha Blankets.
They will be closing January 10 for the winter.
Open Thursday-Saturday from 11-4pm. For more info call 448-0258.

Woodland Moth Visual & Performing Artists

 619 N. Trade St.
January Sale-a-Bration sale. Select merchandise is priced up to 50% off.  And it's not too late to see the Wachovia Watercolors by Rick Jones exhibit in the main gallery. Beautiful watercolors of Old Salem sites are framed and ready to be hung on your walls.
woodlandmothstudio@gmail.com
facebook.com/woodlandmothstudio

Paz Boutique 

633 N. Trade St.
Blow-out Clearance Sale on select merchandise throughout the shop during the month of January! 
Take an additional 25% off already marked down items.
facebook

WILLY NILLY/Deborah Willard Design,

 604-A N. Trade St.
"Sale" into 2013
10-50% off everything--hand painted clothing, dollhouses, wooden toys!
336-306-4050
Open 8 days a week, 12noon till 6pm
facebook/willynillyonline

Other News of Note

Kindred Spirits

537 N Trade Street, (336) 794-6919
has a new owner. The store underwent some renovation Jan. 1-2 and reopens Jan 3.
http://www.kindredspirits.ws/index.html

Studios @ 625

625 N. Trade St. 336-724-3000
Center City Frame Gallery has moved from the AOL building at 521 N. Liberty, into the front two spaces at Studios @ 625. (704) 617-1243  or (336) 829-6903. Owner Ed Koos has more than 25 years of experience in the framing industry, and takes great pride in the custom frames and framed art work he sells.
http://www.centercityframegallery.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Studios625-Trade-Street/122167638688

Piedmont Craftsmen 

celebrates its 50th birthday this year!
Special events planned throughout 2013.
Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery 601 N.Trade Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 Tuesday- Friday : 10:30-5:00 Saturdays : 11-4
336.725.1516

http://piedmontcraftsmen.org/

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.