Greensboro Daily Photo

H20 Exhibit at Cultural Arts Center

An H2O exhibit is currently being shown at Green Hill in the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street and will continue until June 25th. It is well worth a visit. The above photo features a tiny part of an art assemblage by North Carolina environmental artist Bryant Holsenbeck. This ambitious exhibit features environmental stewardship that extends almost the width of the building. Holsenbeck's piece is entitled "Where is Our Water Falling".  The cascading waterfall is made of 10,000 plastic water bottles, plastic rope and fishing line. We were really struck by Holsenbek's piece, it leaves quite an impact seeing all of those water bottles extending from the ceiling, down the wall, to the floor. But, the piece hits home about how wasteful we are and the impact plastic has on bodies of water. Holsenbeck lives in Durham and her contributions to the world of environmental art is far-reaching. As an example, she was one of the founders of the Scrap Exchange, a creative reuse store in Durham. Greensboro's Paige Cox completed an internship at the Scrap Exchange in preparation for opening Reconsidered Goods in Greensboro. 

The Green Hill show features a total of seven artists and the exhibit featuring photography, pieces made of coal ash, and three works by James Barnhill- professor of visual arts at NC A&T State University. Other artists include Caroline Rutledge Armco, Carolyn Henne, Kevin Palme, Barbara Tyroler, and Will Warasila.

Stop by and have a look! Happy Saturday!

Strawberry Celebration

Last Saturday was Strawberry Celebration Day at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market and the strawberry waffle breakfast was a big hit! The guest chef was Denzell Berry who used locally sourced products like eggs from Massey Creek Farms and Reese's sausage and bacon. While Chef Denzell was busy working the grill, working his culinary magic in the background, the servers were the ones interacting with the public. As you can see from the smiles above, they helped make the experience special and memorable. We didn't get the names of the workers as they were busy helping another customer. As you can see from the name tag though, Aliyah is on the left. Somehow all of these frontline workers managed to smile and greet the public with enthusiasm, knowing the event was for a good cause. The proceeds provided funds for the hunger relief program the farmers market uses to provide fresh food for the community. 

Even if you missed last week's event, here is a link to look for upcoming events and to sign up for the newsletter. Tomorrow is a perfect day to attend one of the three main markets (on Yanceyville, on Market Street at Kensington, and at Sandy Ridge in Colfax). Even if there aren't special events, the markets are always special. There are so many options for buying plants, produce, bakery goods, prepared foods, arts and crafts, and more. Vendors will quickly become your friends and you will find yourself having your go-to stands for your favorite items. And, just like the money raised at the Strawberry Celebration Day, money at the farmers markets helps local people bring local goodness to us.

Happy Friday!

This post goes out to loyal reader Katja Brown who saw us at the event taking photos and asked when we were planning to feature it. 

Post Tanger & Walking Around Downtown

The above photo features an unidentified couple leaving the Tanger Center on the evening that Rita Moreno spoke as part of the Guilford College Bryan series. They are walking on the southeast corner of the Tanger complex headed toward LeBauer Park. You can see the blue and pink Echelman sculpture hovering above the park. And, on that particular evening, there were still lots of people out in the park. This part of north Greensboro, around Tanger and the center city parks,  has been transformed. We predict there will be even more changes; perhaps food trucks and more late evening food options, especially for after events at Tanger. 

As for tonight, it has been said Thursday is the new Friday. If you want to get a jumpstart on the weekend, head downtown tonight for a meal or a beverage with a special person in your life. Another option will be to go hear Kendra Adachi speak about her book "The Lazy Genius Kitchen" at Scuppernong Books from 6:00- 8:00 p.m. It is kind of special having a New York Times bestselling author right here in Greensboro. If you want to get ready for the event, listen to Adachi's Lazy Genius podcast or website. Her book is available at Scuppernong and Just Be, where you can also get earrings made by Kendra's mom! Maybe we'll wear a pair tonight and see if she notices. Maybe she'll wear a pair and we will notice. 

Happy Thursday! Happy almost holiday weekend!

Revolution Mill on a Clear, Spring Night

Revolution Mill, the historic cotton mill complex on Yanceyville Road, is so beautiful at night. The above photo was taken at the entrance beside Cugino Forno Pizzeria, a pizzeria that was recently rated one of the top 100 in the world. It is the closest pizza to pizza in Italy that we have tasted in the United States. Eating pizza in the mill hall is do much fun. The long picnic tables are conducive to sharing with customers you don't know initially, but have the chance to leave as friends.

The two smoke stacks in the background tower high above the mill and the lighting at night is dramatic. In the foreground it the water tower that was formerly painted red. Now white, it stands out so much more. The textile mill, built at the beginning of the 20th century, is a multi-use complex today with everything from apartments to office space to restaurants to event space to more. Every time we go there, we see something new. The whole building takes on a different character by day and by night; both equally dramatic!

Happy Wednesday, a good day to go explore Revolution Mill.

The Many Faces of McConnell Road

Based on yesterday's post, we had questions about the exact location of Doodad Farm. It is very near the location in the above photo, about a mile west. McConnell Road is one of those areas in Guilford County undergoing great change. New meets old; industrial meets country. Front right, you see a crumbling building that has seen better days. If you look to the left, you see the giant, warehouses; the new Coca Cola Consolidated Bottling Company, Vistar Distribution Center, and O'Reilly Auto Parts Distribution Center. Doodad Farm is a cozy property with a two story country house, renovated outbuildings, and land that doesn't hint at the industrial property just beyond the trees. It is hard to belief something so idyllic is located just beyond the warehouses. Also, if it is your first time there, it is hard to believe that when you blink, you will be at a farm.

On down the road from this scene is McConnell Road Baptist Church and some very nice, small country homes. On Sunday evening, church was meeting, people were on their porches and in their yards making sure their property looked all neat and tidy. We always have to be ready for change. It will be interesting to see what becomes of the above structure.

Happy Tuesday!

Legends of NC Tribute to Benefit the New Arrivals Institute (NAI)

Doodad Farm at 4701 Land Road was hopping with music and positive energy yesterday as musicians of North Carolina played at an event to celebrate and help raise funds for the New Arrivals Institute. Doodad Farm is a 60 acre farm with a 140-year-old tobacco barn that got converted to a stage for live music. The stage area was a 50th birthday gift to a music loving dad.* The "Our Legends of NC " tribute featured songs written by North Carolina musicians- nearly fifty songs. Attendees brought their own folding chairs and picnic baskets to enjoy the afternoon. For those who didn't pack food, the Bearded BBQ was there serving up delicious BBQ plates and sandwiches. The crowd was a diverse group from immigrant families, to their ESOL teachers, to social workers, to sponsoring families, to people who work directly with new immigrant families- including those from the New Arrivals Institute (NAI).

The New Arrivals Institute of Greensboro started in the 1990s to meet the needs of the immigrant community. NAI teaches English classes and makes sure parents have childcare while they are in class. NAI is a non-profit that is quick to apply for and receive grants, and adjust their programs,  as needs arise. Relocating to a new country and leaving everything behind is overwhelming. NAI works tirelessly to help immigrants become independent and work their way to becoming citizens. At yesterday's event, it was so special seeing families relaxed, children running, smiling, and even laughing. Hula hoops were a bit hit and a way for children to enjoy being children. Even some adults took the hoops for a twirl- all to the sound of music of North Carolina. Speaking of music, that is Sam Fraizer performing on the Doodad Stage. Sam is a singer/songwriter and talented musician from Greensboro. Yesterday, he performed some songs solo yesterday and then some with Laurelyn Dossett yesterday.

 

*read the Our State Magazine tribute HERE.

Fellowship Presbyterian Church

Today, we feature Fellowship Presbyterian Church at 2005 New Garden Road. Their pastor Rev. Doctor Kathryn Campbell has been with the church since 2020; however, she is not new to Greensboro or ministry. She was the associate pastor of Starmount Presbyterian Church for ten years. This church is located just behind Brassfield and across the street from Reel Seafood Grill.

We're not sure when this beautiful building was built. The brick looks new and the building extends off to the left of the above entrance, all the way around to the west wing, which is a day school. We wanted to walk the perimeter to find a cornerstone, but there was a policeman parked in the parking lot and we didn't want to push our luck. Sometimes onlookers get very concerned when we are on a property. Do you know when this church was built? We really like its simplicity, in spite of the enormity. Look at those three wooden crosses on the door.There is very little signage on the property, but the crosses send a very clear message of the purpose of the building.

Happy Sunday! Let us know if you get out to explore Greensboro!

Dog Meetup at LeBauer Park

This weekend proves to be a hot one, as hot as 90º, with the possibilities of showers- up to 40º. It will be a great weekend for visiting one of Greensboro's parks. The above photo was taken in LeBauer Park. As you can see, a couple of leashed dogs were meeting, for the first time. The encounter was brief and civil, a win/win for a random canine meet up. There is also an enclosed bark park at LeBauer where dogs can enter, unleashed. 

The Greensboro Bound Literary Festival starts today with venues from Scuppernong Books to the History Museum, the Greensboro Cultural Center,  and more.* You owe it to yourself to attend events at this festival. It started in 2017, and continues to grow, with a little interruption thanks to COVID. The folks putting on the festival have worked very hard to bring great authors and, as feasible, make the presentations walkable. The festival will be a lot of fun, even if you have to attend without your fur baby!

Happy Saturday!

 

* See HERE.