Greensboro Daily Photo

MLK Bust Recast in Bronze and Installed in Ole Asheboro

Wilbur Lee Mapp's cement bust of Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., sat for years at the corner of MLK, Jr. Drive and South Elm Street (featured, here, in 2010). Over the years, it began to show wear, as cement is not durable with respect to holding up to the elements. Greensboro sculptor Jim Gallucci worked with Mr. Mapp to cast the bust in bronze. Mr. Mapp was an integral part of the process to the very end. While he saw the bust completed in Mr. Gallucci's studio, Mr. Mapp did not live to see the dedication and the work of art in its new home at the corner of MLK, Jr. Boulevard and Bragg Street.

Mr. Gallucci says that the situation is bittersweet. On the one hand, Mr. Mapp lived to see his sculpture converted to a more durable material, but he did not see it installed in the heart of the Ole Asheboro neighborhood. Fortunately, many of his family members were on hand  Monday for the dedication. They are featured above, with Mr. Gallucci who is on the left wearing a Russian-inspired hat.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Ole Asheboro

Yesterday was a busy day at the corner of MLK, Jr. Boulevard and Bragg Street, in the heart of  Ole Asheboro. The above photo features the ribbon cutting ceremony for Monday's opening of another segment of the Downtown Greenway. This part of the greenway is very special to the history of Greensboro, not  only for its significance to the revitalization efforts in Ole Asheboro, but also for the installation of three pieces of very meaningful art.

The family of Wilbur Lee Map was on hand for the installation of Mapp's 1994 bust of Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. In close collaboration with Mr. Mapp, local sculptor Jim Gallucci took Mapp's cement bust of Dr. King and recast it in bronze. Mr. Mapp lived to see the bronze bust completed, but not installed. Also installed on the southside of the greenway were two steel sculptures by Vandorn Hinnant, a Greensboro artist now living in Durham. It is so nice to see citizens, artists, and politicians coming together to celebrate Greensboro. The well-attended event was just perfect for MLK holiday.

Super Blood Wolf Lunar Eclipse Moon

The super blood wolf lunar eclipse moon was beautiful as it rose over Lake Higgins last night. The sky was clear and the breezes were cold. Near Lake Higgins, owls were communicating with each other, filling the night with interesting sounds. Hopefully this full moon be the start of a good day where the Greensboro community comes together to remember Martin Luther King, Jr.'s activism and leadership in the civil rights movement.

Equity is a key component to every community. If you want to be involved, there are plenty of options. Today from 11-1pm, you can enjoy the Martin Luther King Parade downtown. After the parade is the unveiling of the bronze bust at the corner of MLK, Jr. Drive and Bragg Street. The Four Seasons Mall will also have students performing, helping with a blood drive, and so much more. Consider spending the day in service and in support of civil rights for all. 

Lincoln Financial Building 2019

Today's featured photo is of Greensboro's iconic Lincoln Financial (Jefferson Pilot) building in all of its glory. Perhaps because winter has so many gray days, it is special on the sunny winter days with blue skies. Yesterday, the afternoon sky in Greensboro was breathtaking. 

This photo was taken from Spring Garden Street, in College Hill, just west of Fulton Street. The Jefferson Standard Building, the white "wing", peeking out on the right, dates to 1923, when it was the tallest building in North Carolina. The central part, with the pyramid on top, is the 20-story addition built in 1990. Together, the cluster is the anchor view of Greensboro's skyline. 

Have a great weekend, and, if you get a chance, participate in the many events centered around the Martin Luther King holiday weekend. 

Nathanael Greene Watching over Greensboro

Time to say goodbye to another week and hello to another weekend. Above is a photo of the commemorative Nathanael Greene statue. The 22-foot tall statue by sculptor James Barnhill has been guarding the city since 2008, the year of Greensboro's bicentennial. A Quaker himself, General Greene reminds us of our city's Quaker heritage.*

The statue in the Holliday Circle roundabout, at Greene Street, has a lot of information at the base and is well worth visiting if you are downtown this weekend. If you are visiting from elsewhere, this statue is a great place to start a tour. Happy Friday!

* reference and link to more information, here.

Strolling Along South Elm Street

It is always heartwarming to see families taking advantage of the businesses and resources in downtown Greensboro. In the above photo, a mother and her two daughters are walking along South Elm Street, near the Community Theatre of Greensboro. Each has her raincoat, boots,  and knows the "stick together and hold hands rule." They seemed so happy enjoying their afternoon together. Even if your family is grown, or far away, adventures around town are also meaningful with friends. There is so much to see and explore.

In the front, right corner of the photo, you can see a white Christmas tree that had been sent to the curb. There are still some decorations around the community. However, most of Greensboro has put the holidays behind and is bracing for possible inclement weather this weekend. Not to fear. Just hold hands and go forth with joy and determination.

2019 Polar Bear Ride

Every January 1st, for the past 21 years, the Greensboro Velo Club has sponsored the Polar Bear ride. In the above photo, they are getting briefed by Dale Brown as cyclists prepare to depart from Cycles de Oro.  There was a course for all levels of cyclists, from those who only wanted to ride 25 miles to those who wanted to ride a full 100 miles.

The talk of the day was how unseasonably warm it was this year (in the 60s) and how cold it was last year (in the teens). At least it was overcast on New Year's Day, but not raining, which meant nobody got a sunburn in January! The cycling communities are growing in Greensboro and there is a real effort to add bike lanes, greenways, and trails to ride off road. Recreational cycling is great exercise and finding a group to ride with makes the sport even more meaningful. If you are looking for a way to exercise, cycling is a popular option. Here's to a great year of riding and sharing the road!

Goodbye 2018!

We close out 2018 with a photo of a young man walking north in the 600 block of South Elm Street, just in front of the Mellow Mushroom. Everything from head to toe, including his Nike backpack, looked brand new, as if Christmas had been good to him.

The 600 block attracts a lot of young people. Some meet up at the Mellow Mushroom. As you can see from the window, it is a visually appealing space and their good pizza is the ultimate food for sharing. Across the street is Elsewhere, a unique museum that attracts young artists from all over the world- literally. The Cat Cafe and the Cafe Genèse also attract a young crowd. Then, also in the south 600 block, is the Social Scene, a place for the latest, "must have" sneaker styles. We wish we'd interviewed the young guy above, however, with street photography, sometimes the photographer doesn't realize how nice the photo is, until sitting down and reviewing the day's photos.

We hope that 2018 has been good to you and that you can walk, as determined as this young man, into the new year!

Downtown Greensboro on a Foggy Eve

Downtown Greensboro was especially beautiful yesterday afternoon as the fog rolled in. Above, you see Triad Stage, the Kress Building, and the fogged-in Lincoln Financial Group building (and more). On the right, Schiffman's Jewelers, in the background, has been a #DGSO institution since 1893. The photograph was taken during "the quiet hour", just before people come to the restaurants for dinner and before offices close. 

If you haven't been downtown on Elm Street lately, you owe it to yourself to put on your walking shoes and take a stroll. If you are able, it is highly recommended to begin near the Tanger Center where it is pretty easy to find a parking space and walk all the way to Gate City Boulevard. The entire distance is about 3/4 of a mile. So, there and back would be a mile and a half. You will see so many new businesses and get great ideas for things to do. You can stop, sip, and shop as you go. Have a great weekend. Please take a little time to explore some new corners of Greensboro- or whatever city you happen to live in!

#DGSO

Downtown Greensboro is an organized group that works to inform people about events happening downtown. Plus, the group works to bring people together and to build community. In an effort to encourage people to use the hashtag, #DGSO, a 3' tall, all-uppercase sign has been installed at Hamburger Square.

Located right across the street from Natty Greene's, the giant sign is highly visible from their pub. The letters continually change color- making it even more eye-catching. It looks like one of those signs found at ports of call at Caribbean cruises, conducive to great photo ops. As you can see, the above photo was taken at night and most everyone downtown was in a restaurant eating dinner. 

Gate City Railbenders

Greensboro is lucky to have a wide variety of acoustic music. The above photo was taken during the Festival of Lights downtown this past Friday. The Gate City Railbenders delighted the 600 block of South Elm Street with a few hours of live music. If you like old-time stringband music, you will love the sound the Railbenders.

This upcoming Friday is First Friday downtown, you will have another opportunity to hear live music. While it may not be the above group, there is sure to be a variety of music and other activities. Strolling along Elm and Davie Streets during First Friday has become quite a Greensboro tradition. Here is a list of some of this week's First Friday options. 

Festival of Lights

Last night,  Greensboro's Festival of Lights was held downtown, from LeBauer Park to Gate City Boulevard. The weather was warm and so the event was well attended. Because the date for Thanksgiving was a little early this year, there was a little more time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Therefore, this Friday was the Festival. Next Friday, First Friday will be held . That should also be well attended.

The above photo was taken at Hamburger Square where people danced to live music, artificial snow was in full force, and even the inflatables got in the act. Happy Saturday. Hopefully you will all be at the Christmas parade today. Santa needs that one extra time to see if you've been naughty or nice!

Post Election Day

Regardless of how you feel about the election results in Greensboro and beyond, almost everyone seems to be glad that this election cycle is over. The plus side is that locally and nationally, more people voted, realizing the importance of the process. However, the yard signs, billboards, memes, and less-than-kind words were stressful.

The above photo was taken this past Saturday between the Cultural Arts Center, the Church Street parking deck, and LeBauer Park. The sunlight was so beautiful, the grasses were at peak color, and leaves were starting to turn orange. It is noticeable that, while this photo was taken in an urban area, there is no signage; absolutely nothing has words on it. A lone, unidentified artist stands, deciding whether to turn right or left. In the distance, there are people enjoying each other's company in the park. The scene is calm and civil, a palate-cleansing, post-election view. 

Westerwood Chili Cook-off

Tis' the season for Brunswick stew, barbecue, and chili. Yesterday was the chili cook-off for the Westerwood neighborhood. Held in Lake Daniel Park by the tennis courts, the Westerwood chili cook-off brought neighbors together to see who could cook the best chili and to build community through eating together.

Westerwood is a downtown neighborhood of 650 homes build around the 1920s, just (you guessed it) WEST of downtown and convenient to everything. The community is full of character, partly due to its beautiful tree lined streets and partly due to the residents who work hard to keep the neighborhood a vibrant, dynamic place to live. As people were eating chili, the Westerwood String Band played old time tunes on their fiddles, banjos, and guitars. It was a perfect fall day for eating chili, listening to live music, and socializing.

If you are looking for a way to bring your own neighborhood together, consider putting on a pot of chili or stew and start inviting. Where there is good food, there will be people. Happy Monday!

Triad Pride Performing Arts

Triad Pride Performing Arts had a booth set up on Sunday at the Pride event downtown. Triad Pride got its start in 1998 as a men's chorus and has been growing steadily since then. In 2016, the Triad Pride Men's Chorus added a sister organization, the Triad Pride Women's Chorus with an initial membership of 21 women. Today, the group is more inclusive, allowing membership to anyone who can sing the alto or soprano part and, in 2017, the non-profit changed its name to Triad Pride Performing Arts, acknowledging that other groups may want to affiliate in the future. According to their website, the organization's mission is to "entertain, enlighten, and enrich, while promoting equality and social justice for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity–fostering pride, understanding, and acceptance."*

They accept new singers in January and August; so, if you are interested in singing with them start practicing now. January is only three months away! They operate out of the Greensboro Cultural Center. Try to get by a concert if you can. They are very good!

* reference and more information, here.

Replacements, LTD Pride 2018

Replacements, Ltd. of Greensboro is known for more than its dishes and crystal. Replacements, just off of I-40 & 85 east of Greensboro, is known not only for replacing that broken piece of china and selling great Christmas ornaments, they are also known for having an inclusive work environment. To the owners of Replacements, partners are partners, regardless of how one identifies and whom one loves. They also have a canine-friendly work environment.

Today, Greensboro's Pride Parade was held downtown on South Elm Street. Not only was it an opportunity to take pride to the streets, the streets were lined with businesses and resources that are inclusive, respecting the rights of all individuals and couples. In the above photo, a young man hands out Replacements' complimentary rainbow buttons, with a smile. His proud mother beams with pride watching her son interacting with everyone who walked by.

The Hampton Inn in Downtown Greensboro

Progress is underway for the Hampton Inn and Suites that is being built at the corner of Greene and McGee Streets in downtown Greensboro. The hotel will be located next to the brick building that houses the CEMALA Foundation. While this lot at 332 South Greene Street does not seem that large, when the project is complete, there will be not only a hotel, but also a 150-car parking deck and an outdoor pool.

As much as Greensboro is growing, hotel space downtown is much needed. With its proximity to the Carolina Theatre and Hamburger Square, both hubs of special events, having additional lodging nearby will make attending events downtown even more appealing. The 120-room six-story hotel will definitely change the footprint at the General Greene statue at the downtown round-about at Holliday Circle. 

The 2018 Wrangler Pop Up Store

At last night's First Friday, the buzz in downtown Greensboro was the fact that the 2018 Wrangler pop-up store had opened. While everyone in the above photo is wearing jeans ...perhaps Wrangler's... the inventory was placed in the back 2/3 of the store to make room for a little Brown Truck Brew and well as the music of the very talented Sam Frazier.* The live music featured songs, like Beetle's cover tunes, that brilliantly evoked the nostalgia of the Wrangler Jeans.

In addition to never-worn merchandise, the Wrangler pop up store featured used vintage pieces that had been repurposed into one-of-a-kind items. Also on site was a person monograming clothing, for those who were interested. At the time of this photo "BOSS" had just been monogramed on a Wrangler shirt with its sleeves cut out by hand. The monogramed shirt looked custom made for a cast member from the movie Grease. With the live music, the denim clothing for sale, the warm weather, and the cheerful crowd, the vibe at last night's Wrangler pop up was positively nostalgic. If you are interested in visiting, the store is located at the corner of Washington and Elm Streets, the building formerly occupied by Glitters, and more recently by local artists Hillary Clement and friends.

 

*If you know the name of the singer who performed with Sam, let us know and we'll include it in this post.

 

 

Native American Dancing at Davie St. Cultural Arts Center

 

The above photo was taken at First Friday in August. Many events were taking place at the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street. It was the center's open house and most groups and organizations housed in the building were open and held events that would give people an idea of all that was available at the center.

The Guilford Native American Art Gallery and Gift Shop is located in the Cultural Center. It is the first gallery in the southeast to showcase Native American items. It is also a place that attracts people who want to learn more about the Native American groups, and, Native Americans see it as a gathering place to share their history and traditions. If you are looking for something to do today, check out the Cultural Arts Center. You may not be lucky enough to happen on an indigenous dance, but you will dance with joy seeing this great Greensboro resource. 

North Elm Street Scene

 

When there are events in downtown Greensboro, pedestrian traffic definitely picks up. It is so energizing to see people out enjoying their city and walking from Point A to Point.  The above photo was taken on North Elm Street at the Bellemeade Parking Deck during the North Carolina Folk Festival. It was especially humid on Saturday afternoon/evening after the rain.

Final attendance records aren't in yet for the three day festival, but sponsors are hoping for 175,000 people, which would be a slight increase from the attendance at the National Folk Festival last year. The News and Record reported that the owner of Medley Food Truck said that their previous record day was serving 400 people and on Saturday, they served close to 500. The only sign of food and drink is the above photo is the water bottle in the hand of the man on the right. It is highly likely, however, that some of the above festival goers took advantage of some of the fabulous food options.

If you want to read more, see the News & Record article, here.

 

Great Music on WRANGLER Stage

The inaugural year of the North Carolina Folk Festival has come and gone. In spite of the rain, attendance was respectable. Greensboro's own Rhiannon Giddens was a big hit and drew large crowds. Her banjo workshop was especially popular and received rave reviews. Her performances were standing room only. The festival's lineup featured seasoned professionals like Rhiannon and up and coming artists.

The above photo features Kristyn Harris on the Wrangler Stage Saturday afternoon.  Kristyn has been getting lots of national recognition lately and is in the running for Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year. Her western swing, country sound was a hit with the audience.

Greensboro is so fortunate to be the host of this festival and we were lucky to have so many volunteers who took care of so many details for the performers. Here's to getting ready for next year's festival!

Folk Festival Preacher

This evangelist is at the North Carolina Folk Festival preaching the basic Christian redemption message.  Evoking a tradition that dates back to the first century, this man stood, for hours, sharing his message with those who were passing by. Many ignored him, like the young couple in the background. Others gave him a high five to signal their approval of the preacher's message.

The preacher was located between Greensboro two downtown parks, Center City and LeBauer on Davie street. Since he was there on Saturday night, it is highly likely that he will be in that spot on Sunday morning. Here's to a great final day to the folk festival. Let's hope, maybe even pray, for good weather. Happy Sunday; happy folk festival!

Toe Tapping Good Times

As downtown Greensboro fills with locals and out of town guests for the NC Folk Festival, festival goers are smart to look at alternate transportation sources like taxis and Uber-type services to get from Point A to B- even if not partaking in "beverages." The above photo features one option, a Tap Hopper tour mobile. For the over 21 crowd, this service helps you make the rounds to try different breweries without having to drive.

Tap Hoppers began in Greensboro in 2016, by two entrepreneurs Patrick Sanecki and Niels Larsen. For a fee, you get transportation, discounts on food and beverage, insight from experts in brewing, and more. The point is to make your experience social and to keep people under the influence away from the wheel.  The craft  brewery scene in North Carolina is burgeoning and the folk music scene is flourishing. Especially this weekend, we are all lucky to be surrounded by so much toe tapping music. And the over 21 crowd can tap their heels and ride around for a beverage. Let the show begin.

North Carolina Folk Festival Opens Today

This photo was taken a couple of years ago at the National Folk Festival, held in Greensboro for three years. However, it shows you the spirit of activities at the North Carolina Folk Festival that begins today. It will open and close with performances by Greensboro's own Rhiannon Giddens. The event can only happen because of the many volunteers who have been mobilized to ensure that performers, festival attendees, and vendors have the best experience possible.

Volunteers will work tirelessly to see that musicians get from Point A to Point B. They will also document all of the songs that each performer sings. They will help people find stages and acts. Today is First Friday and Greensboro is about to experience three days of non-stop singing and dancing. All free and open to the public. Let the show(s) begin!

North Carolina Folk Festival 2018

This photo was taken at a dance event in downtown Greensboro, earlier in the summer. However, it reminds us that today is the eve of the opening of the 1st annual North Carolina Folk Festival. Greensboro hosted the National Folk Festival for the last three years. The national event served as a way to scaffold our community's learning how to handle the complexity of hosting a multiple-stage folk festival with international talent. 

This year, the itinerant, national folk festival will be held in Salisbury, MD with the expectation that Salisbury will have the capacity to sustain such a festival. In the meantime. all eyes are on Greensboro to  host a fabulous event (information and schedule, here).  For three days, six stages and one dance pavilion will be filled with folk artists of different genres, ethnicities, and musical traditions. If you are local, you owe it to yourself to head downtown and see just how fabulous this event will be. Let the show begin and let Greensboro show you how well suited we are to host such a great festival.

... Listen closely, we think we hear a mariachi band!

Happy Labor Day 2018

Happy Labor Day! Children are out of school today, and if you are in town, consider taking them to one of Greensboro's parks. There are some wonderful options. The above photo features LeBauer Park where children can move freely from place to place, playing games like ping pong and corn hole, or simply climbing, running through water, and making up games on their own. Labor Day, a federal holiday, always the first Monday in September, honors the contributions workers have make to our country. For many, the holiday heralds the end of summer.

Downtown Greensboro may actually be a little quiet today as the city prepares to transform into one giant folk festival. The first, annual North Carolina Folk Festival begins this Friday and, Greensboro's streets and downtown parks are in the process of transforming into a giant, open-air venue. Our city will fill with some of the best folk musicians in the world. Today, let us give thanks for the labor movement, for the rights of children to be children and not have to work alongside their parents in factories. Let us plan to get as many children as possible to the folk festival, so that they can see first-hand, the magic of a community when people come together and volunteer for events like the NC Folk Festival. For Greensboro, Labor Day reminds us that the greatest music event of the year is about to begin!

Progress on the Tanger Performing Arts Center

There is a lot going on in today's post, and a lot going on in downtown Greensboro. The photo features the northeast corner of North Elm Street and East Lindsay; evidence that construction is well underway on the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts. A billboard in the front right shows what the center will look like upon completion. It shows that the limestone and glass facade with the outdoor terrace and patio. It will flow nicely into nearby LeBauer Park.

As beautiful as the facility will be, performing arts enthusiasts are equally excited about the complex electro-acoustic sound system (more, here). The projected completion date is March 2020. If you are in town this weekend, drive downtown and have a look for yourself.

Labor Day Weekend

Today is the start of Labor Day weekend, long heralded as the last hurrah of summer. In the above photo, children frolic in the wading pool at the edge of LeBauer Park. This water feature is perfect for those hot days. Children splash and giggle as parents watch diligently from the sides. So many in Greensboro will use this three day weekend to head to the beach one last time. Greensboro is less than four hours from the beach, not an unreasonable trip, as long as traffic is moving.

Today is not First Friday, however, for those who are going to enjoy a relaxing weekend in Greensboro there will still be plenty to do downtown and around the city. Tonight's Spartan Cinema in LeBauer Park is Moana. It is free and open to the public. It is the last one of the season and starts at dusk, or about 7:48. Tomorrow from 1-6pm, LeBauer Park will host an Afro-Caribbean Festival and from 6-7:30 pm on Sunday is the Sunday Jazz Picnic in the Park.

 

Perry's Exxon and a Pontiac GTO

We know we just featured a vehicle yesterday, but for those who like vintage vehicles, it is fun to look for old cars around Greensboro. We have some that are still road ready. Recently, parked behind Perry's Downtown Exxon, and near the Bellemeade Parking Deck, was this late 1960's Pontiac GTO. Fifty years is a mighty impressive life for a car. If you want to see some vehicles like this muscle car, mark your calendar for the weekend of September 21st, when the Petty Museum and Greensboro Classic Car will host a Celebration of Speed. (more about the event, here).

In 2003, Jim Schlosser wrote an article for the News & Record about gas stations downtown.* Since the 1980's Perry's has been the only station downtown. In 1953, there were 47 gas stations in downtown Greensboro. If Schlosser's article is on point, Perry should be about fifty years old and his station should be paid for. Perry says he makes the bulk of his money from repairs, and so, it is not uncommon to seeing vintage vehicles like the golden GTO behind this Exxon. How wonderful to have places like Perry's Exxon!

* read here.

Fishers Grille

Happy Birthday, Fishers Grille. This establishment has been a Fisher Park institution since 1989. It is the 29th birthday to a Greensboro version of the Boston "Cheers" bar. The building, located at 608 North Elm Street, was built in 1927 and, in its original iteration, was a grocery store. In 1940, it became an A&P Supermarket. Over the years, it has been Jay's Deli, a laboratory, a dentist's office, a furniture company, and an antique and consignment store. However, 608 North Elm has found the perfect tenant in Fishers because, in the 91 year history if the building, nothing has lasted as long in this location as Fishers; not nearly as long.

When you combine great service with good food, spirits, plenty of TVs to view sporting events, live music, and you locate yourself in a thriving neighborhood with neighbors who love to walk to an establishment, you have a recipe for success. The above photo is evidence of this success. Last night, live music was in full swing and there was a standing-room-only crowd to celebrate the grille's 29th! That is a long time. Think back to what YOU were doing twenty nine years ago. Yep, that is a long time. Here's to another twenty nine and to celebrating a warm neighborly place where everyone knows everybody's name.

Musician on Elm

Weekends downtown are always fun. Often, there are opportunities to hear live music. In the above photo, an unidentified musician is sitting near Design Archives, in front of the mural painted my Kim Kennedy. Kim, who is both a visual and performing artist, put together a Kickstarter campaign and $4,061 was pledged, helping Kim paint this mural.

We didn't get a chance to ask the young musician her name, but we sure hope she perseveres and all her performing arts dreams come true. She had a nice sound. It is almost time for the traditional schools to start back up in North Carolina. We hope you make the most of this weekend, whether performing or in search of something great to do.

Double Rainbow over Greensboro

On Sundays, we usually post something spiritual, often a photo of a church. Every religion and mythology attributes something spiritual to the rainbow. In Greco-Roman mythology is was a path made by the messenger Iris between heaven and earth. In Judaism, the rainbow symbolizes divine anger and patience. In the Bible, God's promise not to flood the world again was shown in the form of a rainbow.*

As much as it has been raining in Greensboro this past week, it is hard to believe that the earth will not flood and that an ark will not be necessary. The rains kept many people from venturing downtown on First Friday. However, the above view of Spring Garden Street, on the southwest side of downtown, shows a double rainbow, reminding all of us that, often, we have to venture through trying situations to see great beauty. May you have a glorious Sunday, with or without a visible rainbow.

The Wikipedia entry rainbows in culture has many interesting cultural facts, here.

Center for Visual Artists

The Greensboro Cultural Center held their open house last night. The above photo was taken at the Center for Visual Artists (CVA), a gallery inside the cultural center. For the month of August, artists of Greensboro were able to submit two pieces of work to show, and offer for sale.

Last night, the rain drove away many people from strolling Elm Street during First Friday. The biggest reward for those who ventured out was the double rainbow. As seen in the above photo, the CVA had a great turn out. People cycled throughout the gallery throughout the night. If you did not make it to the exhibit yesterday, you have all month to see some art by local artists. There are over 300 pieces of art available in many genres and something at a wide range of price points.

Alley at 200 Block of South Elm Street

Today is First Friday and there will be so much going on downtown, if the weather cooperates. The above photo features the little alley in the 200 block of South Elm Street- always filled with energy during First Friday. To the right is the bakery, the Table. To the left is Chakras Spa. Unfortunately, Chakras closed unexpectedly on Monday after being a downtown spa and salon for around twenty years. It would be nice to see a new spa open there as  the building is already set up for providing spa and salon services. 

Even without a Chakras event, there will be plenty to do downtown tonight. One event will be the opening exhibit at the Center for Visual Artists on Davie Street at the Cutural Arts Center. Tonight is the reception for community artists who will be displaying their artwork through August. Many Greensboro artists will have art on display, some for the first time. Stop by and get yourself a piece of original art. 

Tanger Center for the Performing Arts

If you like to watch Greensboro change and grow, today's photo should interest you. It features the Stephen Tanger Center for the Performing Arts in the early stages of construction. Before you know it, there will be a 3,000 seat facility on North Elm Street downtown, to replace the War Memorial Stadium that was torn down almost four years ago in October 2014. Barnhill Contracting Company of Raleigh is doing the work. If you look beyond the structure in the foreground, you can see the X of two cranes and evidence that work is in progress; an indication the structure will be changing daily. In the background on the right you can see the Greensboro Historical Museum.

In its current state of nothing but steel beams in place, the structure is reminiscent of artwork in the modern, abstract, Brutalist style. It would be fun to see an artist paint this scene. We'll share it with the international group, the City Daily Photo community and see if someone will take up our challenge to paint it. Today's theme for the CDP community is music (see photos, here). If you get really quiet and listen, you can almost hear the Greensboro Symphony performing here. We have Stephen Tanger, CEO of Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. and the City of Greensboro to thank for this much-needed performing arts center.

Ghassan's Food Stand at LeBauer Park

Today, we're featuring another photo from the dance event at LeBauer Park on Sunday night. as it was getting dark and beginning to rain, people were still in line determined to get some of Ghassan's great mediterranean food before heading home. About five minutes after this photo was taken, the big white umbrellas were folded up, and the rains came. 

For the downtown parks, food options are many. Of course there is Cafe Europa, the restaurant that has been an anchor in the area before the parks were built. Another option is to bring food and have a picnic. Also, there are two food stands in the park itself, Ghassan's and Porterhouse. Although only one is featured today, both stands are identical in architecture, with a crisp, sleek, modern look. At that magical time when day turns to night, the LeBauer Park area is especially beautiful.

Happy last day of July!

Dance GSO

Last night, Greensboro Downtown Parks hosted National Dance Day at LeBauer Park. To celebrate the diversity of Greensboro, a variety of dances were showcased, from swing to folkdance to bachata to hip hop and more. In many cases, the audience was invited up to participate. People danced on the central stage, under the flags of nations, just a block northeast from the Lincoln Financial Group building.

Greensboro Downtown Parks, Inc. does a tremendous job of keeping Center City and LeBauer Parks scheduled with activities that bring people from all walks of life into the heart of our great city. In the above photo, members of the Ballet Folklorico and the community at large watch the couple in the wedding dance celebrate their having successfully tied this bow with their feet. One event like this Dance Greensboro event remind us of the diversity of our city.

 

Bicycling Downtown

Cycling as a sport is becoming more popular in Greensboro and the city has worked hard to provide places to ride, from greenways and trails to bike lanes on city streets. Weekends in the summer bring out lots of cyclists. At least twenty people were riding as a group down Elm Street on Saturday. They rode together, looking out for each other. They followed the rules of the road and even used hand signals. One slight indulgence was circling around the Nathanael Green statue on McGee street... more than once.

Remember, cyclists have as much right to be on the road as cars, and drivers need to be extra careful and patient. After Sunday evening's pelting rain, it is hard to believe that Saturday morning was this bright and sunny and conducive to being on a bicycle. Finally, please have a look at just how green Greensboro is this time of year. The main street downtown is lined with trees and dotted with hanging baskets.

Happy Monday, dear readers. It is a new week!

Double Oaks Bed and Breakfast

Double Oaks is a house, built in the early 1900s, is located at the corner of Mendenhall Street and Friendly Avenue. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has a well-documented history (here). It was the former residence of Harden Thomas Martin, G. Will Armfield, Charles R. Forrester, and Win and Ann Milam. Since 2016, it has been owned by James and Amanda Keith. While Double Oaks attracts out-of-town guests, it is a great venue for locals to rent out for special occasions. The above photo features the old Chevrolet that can get you to and from the the venue and the events. The branches at the edge of the photo are part of the two, 200 year old oaks flanking the home and the source of the name, Double Oaks.

Also, the Keiths have been hosting music events. Tomorrow night, at 6pm, they will host their Wine Wednesday with not only wine and beer, but also live jazz music. This Sunday, they will host Sarah Potenza, part of Peg Parham's "Boro Sessions" music series.

Water Flight 2018

The above sculpture, Water Flight, also known as Steward of Wishes, has been in the news this summer. In June, the blue panels, weighing about 200 pounds each, were turned over as a result of two people trying to slide down it. This vandalism, intentional or unintentional, prevented the 300 gallons of water to recycle properly. The water feature, located at 219South Elm Street, was created eighteen years ago by Eric Beerbower to fill a small alleway between two buildings owned by Kern. When it was broken, Eric was called on to make repairs.

The upside of this situation is that the sculpture got a facelift. The pieces were cleaned, repainted, and the small pool of water was cleaned out.* Here is a Greensboro Daily Photo of the sculpture from 2010. As you can see, it looks basically the same, except for changes in paint color.

It would be nice if Kern would install some kind of plaque naming the artist and providing basic information about the sculpture. It would also be nice if people would stop throwing garbage in the water feature. Water Flight is a great solution to making use of a quirky pie-shaped space in the heart of the city. Since it is the weekend, perhaps you can go downtown and see it for yourself. 

* reference and more information,in Carl Wilson's Go Triad article, here.