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.

Fwd: March At Delurk

Hieronymus - iamhieronymus.com

Brian Kubecki (aka QUB) Travis Phillips Delurk Gallery will have an Opening Reception Friday, March 1, from 7pm-10pm. This March Delurk will be featuring new work by three visiting artists. See a one of a kind installation, by Hieronymus, of paintings on canvas and on the wall, inspired by cabinet cards. Brian Kubecki's, I Need You, is a show completely dependent on something for its success – you. Experience a jaw-shattering reexamination of visual art and be a part of something you won't soon forget. Isolation; Something To Die For, new work by Travis Phillips, deals with human intentionality and interplay by combining historical references with contemporary issues. Also featured this month will be selected works by Delurk collective members Chad Beroth, Patrick Harris, Jennifer O'Kelly, Will Safrit, Molly Simpson, Zac Trainor and Dane Walters. As well as Junior Delurkers 10 year old Emily Beroth, and 17 year old Zoe Swindell, and works from NEW Delurk collective members: Chris Powers and Shane-Brumley Ward. Welcome Chris and Shane! Event Info: Opening Reception: Friday, March 1, from 7-10PM. Facebook: March At Delurk

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.

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.

Arts District Connection to Habitat ReStore

Habitat Forsyth held a news conference on Wednesday January 9th to announce its plans to relocate its Habitat ReStore next to the Arts Council Theater on Coliseum Drive and to launch its "Reuse ReStore Renew" capital campaign.

The Camel City Dispatch, a locally-owned news service, has an excellent report of the event, in which it credits Arts District businesses Steele Group Architects and Stimmel Associates for building and site design.

Steele Group Architects created this rendering of the Habitat ReStore at its new location on Coliseum Drive next to the Arts Council Theater. The building was designed by Matthew Rodda of The Steele Group Architects; Stimmel Associates, PA is providing the civil engineering and landscape architectural design.
The Steele Group is located at 217 West 6th Street next door to 6th and Vine Restaurant; Stimmel Associates are at 601 North Trade Street, above Piedmont Craftsmen.

Habitat for Humanity held its annual BirdFest on Trade Street last year. The event had taken place for years at its somewhat obscure location on Witt Street, off Stratford Road.  The new location proved to be very successful, and the Arts District is pleased that BirdFest will return to Trade Street this year during the first weekend in May.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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:

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

Related articles

• BLUES-A-PALOOZA - Arts On Sunday Festival