Greensboro Daily Photo

Weatherspoon: Great Art; Great Coffee

The Weatherspoon Art Gallery seems to be changing before our eyes.  The new director, Juliette Bianco, is working hard to make the Weatherspoon "a core learning resource for the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the community" (WAM website, visited 1/24/23).  There are spaces set up specifically for community engagement with self-guided activities and themes coordinated with UNCG courses. As an example, Dr. Richard Hronek (UNCG lecturer of German), holds one meeting a week in the museum where pieces of art are brought into the Dillard Room, specifically related to his classroom assignments.

When we were there yesterday, we noticed the Borough Coffee Cart was inside the museum. You can see it below. Unfortunately, we arrived after the barrista had closed for the day. Now, there are places inside the museum where beverages are allowed. You can see from this second floor view, looking down on the first, a  seating in a space has been created; previously, where only special events were set up. At 4:00 pm on a Tuesday afternoon, the museum was busier than we have seen it in a long time. Also, a new exhibit just opened up "To Serve the People: Prints from Mexico's Taller de Gráfica Popular." That exhibit has generated much interest and is a must to see if you are interested in Mexican culture, printmaking, or the labor movement in North America. Yesterday's crowd was very young. How encouraging to see 20-something students working and enjoying the Weatherspoon. The well-thought-out commitment for community engagement seems to be paying off. Stop by and see for yourself. There is parking in the rear.

Happy Wednesday! It is the last one in January.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Today is a federal holiday in recognition of the Martin Luther King Jr.   Dr. King was a spokesperson for nonviolent activism, and his work for the Civil Rights Movement in the United States is given special recognition on the third Monday of January every year. Today is meant to be a day of community service and civic engagement, and in Greensboro there are many opportunities to make it one. There is a (sold out) breakfast at the Khoury Convention Center; the parade starts downtown at 11:00 am. Another event, hosted from 2:30- 4:00 pm at the International Civil Rights Center & Museum at 134 South Elm Street today, is a program by Dr. Will Harris entitled "Beyond, and Better Than, "DEMOCRACY." 

The above photo was taken during an event at the museum during the Festival of Lights in downtown Greensboro on December 2nd, 2022. LaShon Hill was singing in front of a mural of the Greensboro Four: David Richmond, Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair Jr. (Jibreel Khazan), Joe McNeil. Her performance was well received. The museum, in collaboration with NC A & T, UNCG, Bennett College, and Guilford College,  is hosting a speaker series this February and the lineup is fabulous: Al Sharpton, Andrew Young, Johnnetta Cole, and James Lawson. Between this speaker series and the Bryan Series, Greensboro is getting many memorable speakers this year. Having five institutions of higher education in our city is truly special. 

Happy Monday! How will you be spending the day?

Miriam P. Brenner Children's Museum

If you want to help the children in your life burn some energy and excitement, now that they are out of school on break, consider taking them to the Brenner Children's Museum downtown on Church Street. It is located directly across from the downtown branch of the public library. The museum will be closed from December 24th- 26 so, today and tomorrow are perfect days. Earlier this year, it was announced that the museum would be named in honor of Myriam P. Brenner, given the $1.25 million dollar donation to the museum from Frank and Nancy Brenner. The name change was effective July 1922. Mrs. Brenner, from Charleston, SC, moved to Winston Salem when she married Abe Brenner in 1947. During her lifetime, Mrs. Brenner was generous volunteering her time and donating money to worthy causes.* She would be honored to know her family donated to the children's museum on her behalf. Modeling philanthropy for the younger generations was important to her.

The above photo, taken at night, does not capture the vibrancy of the museum. However, it does show you the signage with the name change out front. It also shows and the extent to which the exterior has been added to and upgraded. Children have so much fun climbing around outside, weather permitting. When we see a photo like the one above, it reminds of an Edward Hopper painting. He was known for creating  "subdued drama out of commonplace subjects 'layered with a poetic meaning', inviting narrative interpretations" (Wikipedia, Hopper, visited 21 Dec. 2022). Seeing the museum at night evokes that mood for us. It also reminds us that, in Greensboro, the winter solstice is behind us and the hours and minutes of darkness have begun to wane.

Happy day-after-winter-solstice! How will you spend your extra second of daylight?

* read more on Mrs. Brenner  here.

Weatherspoon Art Museum: In Person Events Resume!

Friday, September 9th, the Weatherspoon Art Museum held a gathering open to the public, the first since the pandemic. It was a kick-off event for the exhibit, entitled, "Gilded: Contemporary Artists Explore Value and Worth." The works in this exhibit guild things that don't tend to get gold leaf put on them, case in point the above door. Guilding evokes wealth and we tend to guild things we value most. This exhibit plays with that notion.* The door is just plain white on the back. The title is "Third Ward" (2013) by Radcliffe Bailey (USA, 1968) and was reclaimed from a neighborhood of row houses in Houston's Third Ward predominately occupied by freed slaves.

The weather was lovely the night of the Weatherspoon event. It was wonderful to see people in the courtyard and all throughout the museum. Attendees were giddy, absolutely exuberant about being together in public, something we will never take for granted again. People dressed up with many college students in black dresses. The exhibit attracted a lot of attention, but the opportunity to people watch and to chat with other art lovers was the most special aspect of the evening. The Weatherspoon now has a coffee cart in the courtyard, something we have been encouraging for years. How nice to be able to sit and discuss art, and life, over a cup of coffee and not have to leave the courtyard to do so. 

If you get a chance, head to the "Gilded" exhibit. It will be up until April 8th. Happy Wednesday!

 

*read more here.

Weatherspoon Art Museum: Big Gal Faith

Today's 8 ft. x 26 ft. dress is a piece of sculpture from the exhibit entitled "Ostensibly So"at the Weatherspoon Art Museum at the corner of Tate and Spring Garden Street on the UNCG campus.  The artist, Leslie Dill, fashioned it out of a mannequin, oil paint, oil pastel, fabric, paper, wood, silver and gold leaf. The words and images relate to Dill's concerns: Cruelty and violence, lust, forgiveness, reflection, and transcendence.

Today from 12 noon to 1pm. there will be a free talk at the Weatherspoon about the three dimensional objects in the gallery. The presenters at these events do such a good job at helping even the novice art critic, and sometimes skeptic, understand the artists' goals and intended message. One time, we went into a session asking "Is this art" and by the end, with the explanation, actually fell in love with the piece. If you are looking for something fun, FREE, and a way to stay cool, head over to the Weatherspoon, see the exhibit and hang around for the talk. This is another example of one of Greensboro's great opportunities in the arts. Thursday hours are from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. So, even if you can't make the talk, you can stop by and see the exhibit on your own. The security guards at the Weatherspoon are so great, they can probably answer some of your questions. When we were there yesterday, Angela actually remembered us from a previous visit and she even took a (Facebook moment, not intended for GDP) picture for us with the above piece of art.

Happy Juneteenth

This is the second year that Juneteenth is celebrated as a federal holiday. Many events were held this past weekend; the actual date is June 19th; however, the federal holiday is today.  Also today, UNCG, NCA&T, and Guilford College will hold Juneteenth events at the Weatherspoon Art Museum on the campus of UNCG. Today's event will feature speakers from all there institutions as well as poetry by Josephus Thompson and music. The 9:30- 11:30 am event is free and open to the public. See here for details.

The above photo is of the courtyard at the Weatherspoon, back at the beginning of April. However, this is the back entrance closest to the parking lot and the view that you will more than likely notice if you come in from the rear of the building. How wonderful that the three campuses are working together and creating a joint celebration open to the community. Hopefully, the event will be well attended. The art museum is not usually open on Mondays so we are extra appreciative that they are making it available for the community.

Greensboro Children's Museum

Have you been to the Greensboro Children's Museum lately? It is such a special community resource and a perfect option for planning activities for children on these sweltering, summer days. The educational museum boasts twenty, permanent, hands-on exhibits and a 1/2 acre, outdoor learning garden. At the museum, children learn through fun play. There is so much to do and learn here. They are offering eight summer camps and, when we checked yesterday, one still had spots available.

The Children's Museum opened in 1999, twenty four years ago and just keeps getting better and better. See HERE if you want to learn more about the museum. If you want to visit, go to church street, across from the Central Branch of the Greensboro City Library, look east and just to the right of the "LOVE makes a family" banner.

Happy Wednesday! Happy finding great ways to help the children if your life spend their summer! 

First Presbyterian Church & Greensboro History Museum

Today's photo is of the Greensboro History Museum, located between Davie and Church Streets at Summit Avenue. The above view is a photo taken from the parking lot of Tanger Center. If you are ever walking around downtown as the sun is getting ready to set, notice how beautiful the buildings are- especially on a sunny day. We took several on the same day. The sky was blue, the clouds dramatic, and, as you can see from the flags furling and their shadows, the wind was blowing.

Formerly, this building was the First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro, built in 1892, on the site of what had been a Confederate hospital. The church cemetery is still located on site. The new First Presbyterian Church is about a block northwest, in the 600 block of North Elm Street. It has been open since 1929. Both buildings are so beautiful and hold so much of Greensboro's history. If you have time this summer, head downtown and tour both. The museum is always open to the public. The church regularly holds events in which the public is invited.

If you are looking for a Memorial Day event to attend, today at the Guilford County Veterans Memorial in Country Park, the Steve Millikin Black Cap Veterans Group will host a ceremony from 2:00- 4:00 pm. Former Mayor of Greensboro and U.S. Coast Guard Veteran Bill Knight will speak. There are several other events taking place today and tomorrow. The News & Record has published a list (HERE). (We hope you are able to access it. We subscribe and are able to see articles).

Happy Sunday!

Elsewhere Living Museum: Featuring Matthew T. Giddings & Krystal Mack

First Friday is always such an opportunity to meet people in downtown Greensboro and this past Friday we were fortunate to have met Matthew Giddings (left), executive director of Elsewhere Living Living Museum,  and artist-in-residence Krystal Mack.  Matthew hails from South Bend, Indiana; however, most immediately, he was working in a cultural incubator on the south side of Chicago. He has many visionary goals for Elsewhere, the former thrift shop turned museum on South Elm Street. Matthew has collaborative projects in the works with Guilford County Schools. Also, he is working to establish an in- residency program for entire families to live at Elsewhere where all members of the family will be artists in residence- even if the family has young children. Matthew is working diligently to ensure that access to programs at the museum is equitable and for resident artists to be paid, as opposed to their paying for opportunities to create at the museum. 

As we spoke at length with Matthew on the third floor of the museum, he introduced us to Krystal who was sitting just outside the "ghost room", creating one of her great brooms. Krystal is from Baltimore, MD. Making brooms was one of the ways she coped with the pandemic. In the above photo, you can see some of the smaller brooms she created. The booms are part of a mixed media piece is called "Broom Closet". Based on the artist's statement beside Mack's piece, the whisk brooms represent restoration and meditation. Mack explains the making of brooms requires a meditative focus that helped her cope with the pandemic. In addition to making brooms, Krystal is a writer, an award winning, self-taught baker, and a creative consultant. We were delighted to have had the opportunity to meet her.

Elsewhere Living Museum is transforming before our eyes and is finding its stride as a place with something for everybody. We encourage you to consider joining. On their website,  they offer some great food for thought, "When we invest in Elsewhere, we bring collaborative futures to life."  Collaboration is connection, something we all seem to be craving, post-pandemic.

Happy Monday!

The Edible Schoolyard

The above photo features the Edible Schoolyard in the back of the Greensboro Children's Museum. The view is from the Mary Lynn Richardson Park at the Greensboro History Museum. The photo was taken on a quiet, Saturday afternoon. The Edible Schoolyard and Kitchen Classrooms opened in 2010. They are situated on a half-acre lot behind the Children's Museum. Food activist and restauranteur, Alice Waters, started the project.*

The museum also has a play plaza in the front. In the play plaza, children can soar to new heights, climbing up, up, and away.  Between the museum proper with its 20-hands on exhibits, the Edible Schoolyard, and the play plaza, this complex is one of Greensboro's finest for children of all ages. 

Can you believe it is Thursday already? 

 

*reference and more information HERE.

The Selfie Spot

A new business to sweep the nation is the selfie salon or selfie museum as they are sometimes known. In 2020, the Rich Girls Museum opened at 4000 Spring Garden Street. It has been well received and is widely popular. Today's photo features the selfie museum, The Selfie Spot,  at 320B South Elm Street. It is a place where you can go to take polished photos in a highly stylized room. You may recall that Old Photo Specialists used to be in this space. They did some creative things with photos- from restoring old photos to taking new photos and making them look old. Old Photo Specialists did all the work. In this new model, the venues (The Selfie Spot, Rich Girls Museum, and Selfie Fanatic) stage the room, but it is up to the client to dress for the occasion and shoot the creative shots. The Selfie Spot had a soft opening this past Wednesday. If you like to take photos or put together Tok Tok videos, he colorful vignettes of The Selfie Spot will be a lot of fun for you.

These selfie places reflect the growing trend to have creative "third places". Unlike home (first place) and work (second place), third places are places where you have no obligation to be. Third places are spaces where you can have meaningful experiences with family, friends, or alone. What are your favorite third places in Greensboro? The library, your house of worship? a coffee house? a bowling alley? There are so many third places in downtown Greensboro. The Selfie Spot may be the new kid on the block, but we're betting it will become an old friend to many very, very soon.

By the way, if you are looking for Old Photo Specialists, they are now located at 7713 Summerfield Road in Summerfield. Happy Tuesday and do take care of yourself-ie!

In Search of a Perfect View

Where can you go in Greensboro to take a fabulous sunrise, sunset, or panoramic view photo? We've been going around town, in search of the perfect view. So far, we haven't found a spot that absolutely showcases the beauty of our city. Today's effort was taken at the Church Street Parking Deck, beside the Central Library and behind the Cultural Arts Center. As seen on the sign, in the lime green block in the top left of the photo, this bright building is the Children's Museum. It has been a Greensboro treasure since it opened on May 15, 1999. While this view of the Children's Museum is a nice one and you can see the tree-lined Dunleath Neighborhood off in the distance, we are still hoping to find a nice panoramic view.

The Children's Museum is temporarily closed due to Covid. When open, it is a place that inspires hands-on learning and according to their website, they have more than 20 exhibits and a 30-foot tall climber. The museum has continued to grow over the years, having added an edible garden and an outdoor play plaza. The cost of admission is $10. If you want to help them through the COVID times, you can donate, here. While the streets look empty, if you look closely you can see a few people walking on the sidewalk in front of the museum.

The Movement Continues

Today is February 1, it is the 60th anniversary of the Sit-in That took place at the above Woolworths department store on Elm Street in Greensboro. Mini special that took place at the above Woolworths department store on Elm Street in Greensboro. Every year, special events are held to commemorate this important point in the civil rights movement. 

A really important event will be held this evening. It is the Annual Fundraising Gala and will take place in the Special Events Center at the Greensboro Coliseum. The event will include many notable guests who have contributed significantly to enhancing civil rights in the United States. Award winners include President Barack Obama, Reverend Al Sharpton, Mr. Danny Glover, Ms. Clayola Brown, Reverend Dr. Cardes H Brown Junior, Dr. Linda B. Brown, And Mrs. Emma Washington. To be sure, it will be a night to remember.

Körner's Folly

If you are local to Greensboro and celebrate Christmas, you will want to visit Körner's Folly at 413 S. Main Street in Kernersville. The intriguingly quirky brick house is full of surprises in every room. Plus, local decorators have been called in to compete for "best of show" since a different design team has decorated each room.

Julie Gilmer Körner built the house in 1880 and some rooms in Körner's Folly look more typical of Victorian homes. Other rooms are long and narrow with 5 1/2 ft. ceilings. Many paths to the next level in this 3 1/2-story home consist of two and a half ft. wide stairways. The grand finale is an in-home theatre on the top level, believed to have been the first in America. While you are there, don't forget to vote for the room with the best decorations. And remember, the foyer and the theatre are breathing, but there are other spectacular views, like the one above, sandwiched in between the first and last rooms. Even children have a good time as they look down in the stairwell, participate in the scavenger hunt, and take a spin on the stage! 

Paper Furniture

Can you guess what this is? It is a to-scale sculptural installation of a room full of furniture made out of heavyweight drawing paper. North Carolina artist, Sara Farrington, who lives in Creedmoor, made it in 2018. Called "Model Home, " it is part of a the 45th annual Art-on-Paper exhibit at the Weatherspoon Art Museum.

The Weatherspoon, located at the corner of Tate and Spring Garden streets on UNCGs campus, brings so much thought-provoking art to Greensboro. Sara's furniture is tied in to the notion of domestic perfection and what society expects of adults, goals Sara sees as unattainable. If you want to see this piece and more fantastic artwork, head to the Weatherspoon. Since the entrance is free, as is parking if you get a hang-tag from the museum entrance, there is every reason to give the museum a try. Please note that they are currently redesigning the lighting in the first-floor galleries and so only the upstairs galleries are open. As comfortable as it looks, just don't try to sit out the furniture.

Tish Hinojosa at the Nasher Museum

Last night, the ever-talented, singer-songwriter Tish Hinojosa sang and spoke at the Nasher Museum on the Duke University campus. Tish performed as part of an event to promote the fall Music and Protest issue of Southern Cultures. This quarterly is published by the UNC Press with the Center for the Studies of the American South. Guest editor, Brendan Greaves introduced Tish and asked questions that lead to her telling stories about her creative process, which lead to stories about her family, life experiences, and activism through music.

While the Nasher is in Durham and not Grensboro, the current volume of Southern Cultures mentions Greensboro and events relevant to our city (the 1979 Greensboro Massacre, and the music of Rhiannon Giddens as two examples). The evening was free and open to the public, and what a treat, well worth the 45 minute drive. 

Since today is Day of the Dead, you may want to listen to Tish singing "Hasta los muertos salen a bailar". If you want to hear music that tells of the journey of Tish's parents to the United States, listen here. Finally, if you want a song about a mother's love for her child, listen, here.

Let's hope we can get Tish to return to North Carolina, and lure her to Greensboro next time. Happy Friday, dear readers!

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. 

Greensboro Astronomy Club

One of the best ways to hook students on science is to expose them to it early. In the above photo, members of the Greensboro Astronomy Club are showing the curious, young and old alike, about a world that is not always visible with the naked eye. They were set up in Price Park at Kathleen Clay Edwards Branch Public Library during Greensboro's recent Earth Day event.

The Greensboro Astronomy Club meets at the Greensboro Science Center. Monthly, a group of kindred spirits gathers to observe and discuss astronomical events. Members are very generous in sharing equipment and expertise. Their next meeting will be Friday, May 18th at 7:30pm at the Greensboro Science Center on Lawndale. If life from the earth to infinity and beyond, this may well be the perfect group for you.

Weatherspoon Exhibit: Isichapuitu

If you like Mexican and South American art, this exhibit at the Weatherspoon Art Museum on UNCG's campus will be perfect for you. The ceramic figures are the work of Kukuli Velarde who has been selected as part of the Falk Visiting Artist Program. Velardi, while Peruvian, designed the exhibit based on a photo of a piece of Mexican art. The centuries-old vessel that inspired the above art was pottery from the indigenous Huastec people. The title of the exhibit, Isichapuitu, represents the female vessel of death, known to evoke spirits of the past. Each is a different iteration of the same vessel.

If you visit the exhibit, be sure to read the card that explains the meaning behind every figure. The represent emotions, fears, desires, and stories related to the artist's life, as well as her effort to make peace with her memores. Velarde will speak about her art next week, 2:30- 3:30 on November 15th and at 6pm on November 16th. The Weatherspoon Museum is a local treasure; six galleries of art, free and open to the public.

Greensboro Childrens Museum

If you haven't been to the Greensboro Children's Museum lately, you owe it to yourself to find some special children in your life and take them there. The space has had quite a facelift. The museum first opened on May 15, 1999, over 18 years ago. The space has evolved beautifully to keep up with the times. While it has always had educational, interactive, and hands-on exhibits indoors, the have greatly expanded their outdoor offerings. They now have a half-acre learning garden, teaching children about growing vegetables and sustainability through the Edible Schoolyard. The museum has incorporated interactive STEM activities, and now has an outdoor playground- partially visible on the right. If you notice, the climbing structure is almost as tall as the building. Children navigate around flexible rope and most don't hesitate to climb to the top. The view must be amazing.

The 37,000 square foot facility is an award-winning museum, recognized for providing children with opportunities for creative exploration of the natural and material world. With the time change and the gray evenings of winter approaching, we especially cherish days like last Friday, when the sky was bright, warm, and glorious. To appreciate the change in aesthetic, here is the GCM post we wrote in 2009. 

Georgia O'Keefe Art Exhibit

The Reynolda House Museum of American Art is only about a 30- 40 minute drive from Greensboro. It is a lovely, well-appointed house built in 1917 by Katharine Smith Reynolds and R.J.Reynolds, founder of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. The estate was originally their home- over 1,000 acres in Winston. In the 1960's, their house became a museum, dedicated to American art. 

The current exhibit features American artist, Georgia O'Keefe and offers an array of her paintings, her clothing, and photographs of and by her. Additionally there are two, short video clips about her visual inspiration in New Mexico, one of her sculptures, and a brooch, that she wore often, designed for her by Alexander Calder. The above photo, Manhattan, is O'Keefe's rendition of New York City. If you like American art and want to plan out a nice day trip for yourself, consider spending it at Reynolda House in Winston. You get not only a chance to come to know Georgia O'Keefe, her life and her art, you will also tour a lovely home, owned by a prominent Winston family.

Happy Tuesday, that feels like a Monday!

D is for Downtown on February First

February 1st is a big day for Greensboro. February 1, 1960 at 4:30 p.m., four African-American college students attending NC A&T University, sat down at the above Woolworth Store at the "whites-only" lunch counter insisting on being served a cup of coffee. The students remained at the lunch counter, a form of non-violent protest, until the store closed that evening. These sit-ins continued and grew in participation, building momentum for the Civil Rights Movement.

The above photo was taken on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday at "ground zero" for the Greensboro Sit-Ins. These children were downtown with their father spending the day learning about Civil Rights and skipping along West February 1.  The building is no longer Woolworth Co, but the International Civil Rights Center and Museum (IRCM).

The February theme for the City Daily Photo Community is "Loving Life". We will share this photo with the CDP Community because these three, happy children exemplify "Loving Life." Today also happens to be ABC Wednesday and "D" is for "Downtown", a fabulous place for teaching children about our city and its history. If you are interested in helping to support Greensboro civil rights history, the ICRM is holding a fundraiser today to help fund field trips for children 336-274-9199. For the price of a designer cup of coffee, you can help a child learn about civil rights.

Revolution Mill Meets WAM!

The repurposing of the 520,000 sq. ft. Revolution Mill is transforming the 19-acre property from a 20th century textile mill to a 21st century cultural hub of apartments, restaurants, gallery space, offices, and more. The above photo is 123 Gallery 1250 is located downstairs in Revolution Mill. The gallery walls, by artist James Marshall, represent the first of many collaborative endeavors between UNCG's Weatherspoon Art Gallery (WAM) and Revolution Mill. 

The three square photos below provide additional examples of the beauty of the space. The red spiral staircase near the gallery is reminiscent of a Mondrian painting and are a prelude to the geometry of the gallery.

Construction and design elements are being done with great consideration to honor the original features of the building. It is obvious that investors care about aesthetics and are willing to purchase materials that are durable. The cool palate in Marshall's geometric walls accentuate the signature red used throughout the building. Good design is making a difference. We encourage you to take one of the free, Monday evening tours. 

Chihuly Glass Exhibit

If you are local and looking for something to do this summer, consider heading to Graham to see the exhibit of Chihuly glass. Dale Chihuly is an American sculptor of hand blown glass. This west coast artist takes a lot of his inspiration from the Italian glass blowing tradition. In the above photo, you see one of several pieces that originally formed a giant chandelier. It takes two rooms and an entrance hallway to display the entire piece. The exhibit, on display at Alamance Arts (213 South Main Street) in Graham, is free and open to the public. 

In the Graham exhibit, the Chihuly glass is arranged by size. The giant pieces with the curling, glass tentacles- that seem to stretch out to greet you- are located in the front room. The medium sized pieces are grouped together in another space. In the back room, all of the smaller, vase-size pieces can be seen. We've featured a few of the smaller pieces, below. If you go, be sure to be on the lookout for putti (cherubs) throughout the pieces. Some are hanging out in the mouths of dragons. One visitor interpreted the scene as the small, winged children being eaten; another saw them as playfully holding open the dragon's mouth. Take a ride over and let us know what you think. The exhibit is a very manageable size and the price is unbeatable (free)! Usually there is more distance between Chihuly's pieces and the viewing public; so, be careful.

John Craven's Lamps

John Craven lived in Eastern Guilford County and must have been close to 80 when he died in about 2014. Mr. Craven was passionate about collecting oil lamps. He attend the monthly glass collection meetings at Replacements LTD, just down the road from his house. Regardless of the theme of the glass meetings (cut glass, mid-century modern, Blenko, decanters, vases, salt and pepper shakers, etc.), Mr. Craven brought oil lamps for the "show and tell" portion of the event. He would listen patiently as we went around the room, describing our treasures. When it was his turn, he told the story of how he acquired his lamps and what they represented. Mr. Craven loved collecting oil lamps, loved knowing and learning about them, and loved sharing them with others. His wife, slightly less interested in lamps, diligently attended the glass club meetings with him. Dean Six, the glass expert who drove down from West Virginia to facilitate the meetings, shared his knowledge with Mr. Craven and learned from him, too.

When Mr. Craven died, his lamps were donated to the Museum of American Glass (MAG) in Weston West Virginia. Thanks to the Cravens and Dean, who facilitated the acquisition, people with a love of oil lamps, American glass, and Americana in general, can see many of the lamps on display. The above photo, MAG's current window display, features but a few examples of the oil lamps. The Cravens donated over 4,000 oil lamps to the museum, and upwards of 7,000 pieces of glass when you consider chimneys and other lamp parts. How wonderful that the lamps ended up where they will be appreciated.

We thought it would be appropriate to share this post with a Greensboro/West Virginia connection today as today is West Virginia's 153rd birthday. If you are ever driving on I-79 and are at exit 99, we suggest you stop and visit this museum* and ask them to point you in the direction of Mr. Craven's lamps! As of the last census, the population of Weston was 4,110, at least a lamp apiece for each resident! 

*more information, here.

Q is for Quest, Art Quest

Finding good places for children to have fun making art, without the worry of making messes, can be a challenge. In Greensboro, one need only look as far as Art Quest at the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street. ArtQuest allows children, young and old, the opportunity to experiment with materials and make their own decisions about how they want their art to take shape. This venue is also a fun place to hold birthday parties.

A quest is a search for something and can be long and arduous. While you cannot be guaranteed that you will reach the end of your artistic journey at ArtQuest, for sure, you will have fun along the way. The above photo shows display shelves at the ArtQuest studio. The photo below shows the chairs stacked on tables, at closing time when all budding artists had gone home for the day.

Today is ABC Wednesday and Q, for our A-Z Urban Finds Series, is for Quest!

Music at the International Civil Rights Museum

Saturday at 1:00 pm. many people in Greensboro (and elsewhere) were out playing music and, in some places, singing along in protest to North Carolina's HB2. The original idea of playing music as a form of protest was sparked by Steve Haines who teaches music at UNCG. Another group, organized by Mark Dillon, also a music instructor at UNCG, sang and played in front of Scuppernong Books on Elm Street. Since the group in front of Suppernong Books, the one at Gibbs Hundred, and the one at Mack and Mack were featured in the News and Record yesterday, we thought we would share the group in front of the International Civil Rights Museum, Greensboro's "ground zero" for peaceful protests. What appeared to be a a high school or college group was playing jazz music. To the delight of the instrumentalists and onlookers, the woman on the right came out of the museum and began singing in her pitch-perfect voice.  What a treat. Greensboro has so many talented musicians and that above group was no exception. The above group was protesting on the very spot where the Greensboro Sit Ins took place in 1960.

In spite of the rain, many people came out to have their voice be heard. Indeed, the event was peaceful, and impactful. 

Greensboro Children's Museum

The Greensboro Children's Museum is beautiful inside and out. The above photo was taken from the top floor of the parking deck on Church Street. The museum has been open since 1999, that's seventeen years. The museum works hard to bring families together and to promote and active lifestyles. They now have an edible schoolyard on the north side of the museum. 

Tomorrow from 10- 3pm, the museum has invited in food trucks and they will have several hands-on activities to help their half-acre edible schoolyard. If you are local, we hope you can fit that into your weekend schedule. The event is free. In 2004, it was one of the top 50 children's museum in the united states. Tomorrow would be a great day to stop by and see why everyone loves it so much. 

Full Stop at the Weatherspoon

Since FULL STOP by Tom Burckhardt, at the Weatherspoon Museum, is in its last couple of weeks of being shown, we wanted to remind you to stop and have a look. The artist built an entire artist's studio out of cardboard and it is brilliant. As you can see from the photos, everything from the front doors to the toilet to the stove, the books, floor, paint brushes radiator, you name it, is out of cardboard. There is so much creativity in the idea of taking a weak material- cardboard- and making look like something strong. You are allowed into the life-size, paper studio and you are allowed to take photos. Just don't touch anything. The oil in your hands is bad for the paper. We took a group of high school students this week and their assignment was to write a review about it. In the mini-writers' workshop, it was fun to hear them say that the exhibit would not be recommended for little children, unless with parents; because, they would want to touch everything. We wanted to, too.

Today, we'll feature more photos than words because, sometimes, with art, pictures are worth a thousand words! Every time we go, we see something different, like the names of the books the artist owns, plus the portraits on the wall!

  

September 11

Today's photo has multiple meanings. First, today is September 11th, a sad day of remembrance for Americans due to the multiple attacks on our country on this day in 2001. The American flag flying above the other two reminds us of the importance of honoring one's country. Also, the above fence, located in front of the historical museum, reminds us that LeBauer Park will soon be constructed on this site. Finally, today is the start of the National Folk Festival, held in Greensboro this weekend. 

For more information about the folk festival, read more here. The lineup is tremendous with many of the performers already living in North Carolina yet with national fame. You will not be disappointed about the festival, especially if you ride the free bus into town and avoid driving in the vicinity. When we photograph downtown today, it will be brimming with spectators and performers. Greensboro is ready!

 

Greensboro's Chagall

Did you know that Greensboro has an etching by Marc Chagall? Actually, it belongs to UNCG's Weatherspoon Art Gallery and is part of their Dillard Collection. The above etching and drypoint on paper is entitled Dispute between Pliouchkine and Mavra. It was an illustration for Nikolai Gogol's "Dead Souls." The characters represent duplicitous and cloudy thinking. According to the plate beside the work of art, Chagall took 25 years to complete the above piece (1923-1948).

Today is First Friday so there will be a lot to do in Greensboro. If you get a chance head out and enjoy our city. Include a trip to the Weatherspoon on your to-do-for-fun list. It is free and open to the public. They have off street parking in the rear. Be sure to see the Burckhardt exhibit. He constructed an entire artist's studio (from tubes of paint to a toilet) out of cardboard.* Children LOVE it.  Finally, remember Fun Fourth tomorrow, a Greensboro tradition for forty years!

*see a photo of that exhibit, here.

First Presbyterian/Greensboro Historical Museum

The former First Presbyterian Church is not the Greensboro Historical Museum. We know we've featured it recently. However, this unobstructed view from North Elm Street is just so beautiful, we thought you should see it, before construction on the performing arts center begins. This romanesque revival brick structure was the First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro from 1824- 1927. This expansive view shows the building in all of its glory. If you are local, and out and about today, go have a look for yourself.

We would love for the entire congregation of the First Presbyterian Church to have their picture taken in front of this building. There is plenty of room! This would also be a great backdrop for a wedding party! Happy last Sunday in June! It is officially summer!

First, First Presbyterian

The construction equipment in the above photo provides an indication of the construction taking place in Downtown Greensboro. On North Elm Street, near Lindsay, Davie, and Summit Avenue, the Greensboro Inn has long been torn down and soon, construction will be underway for the Tanger Center for the Performing Arts. The Greensboro City Council bought the land, and, to date, more than 35 million dollars has been pledged for the center.* 

We're featuring this photo because it shows the Greensboro Historical Museum, which was originally the First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro. This Romanesque Revival brick structure, featured above, was the First Presbyterian church from 1824- 1927, when the Gothic Revival cathedral in Fisher Park was built. 

We're hoping this post will encourage someone to do a photo shoot of the original First Presbyterian Church, before new construction again blocks the view. Downtown Greensboro, especially from North Elm to North Eugene, is changing before our eyes.

Happy Sunday!

* Read more about the history of the project, here.

A Magical Time of Year in Old Salem

Winter can be dark and gray in North Carolina. If you want something to do with family and friends to make the winter-solstice-week special, consider driving the next county over to Old Salem. The Moravian village is so beautiful this time of year. Historically, the Moravians come from the eastern part of the Czech Republic. Moravian missionaries have been in North Carolina since the mid 1700's and  they founded (Old) Salem in 1766.* Old Salem feels like a small, European village- pretty magical, especially in winter.

If you just want to walk around admiring the architecture, the cobblestone streets, and the simplicity of a bygone era, you don't even need to purchase a ticket. The gift shop has fabulous, seasonal gifts and the bakery (featured above) sells goods made from centuries-old recipes in wood-fired ovens. The man in the photo above told us that when he goes home, his grandchildren tell him he smells like a bakery. What a great memory for them, and for you, if you have a chance to stop by for a visit. Way too many people who live in Greensboro have never visited Old Salem...........

*(read more, here).

Black Friday at the Greensboro Children's Museum

If you are out and about on Black Friday, stroll past the Children's Museum and check out the cow on the roof. It is part of the Cow Parade art event staged in 79 cities. The above cow, called Night-N-Day, was designed by Helen Seebold.*  We love the cow and the name of the artist Seebold. Not only does she "see" "bold" but she paints "bold."  Indeed, the complimentary colors, Howard Johnson orange and blue, make the contrast as evident as night and day.

There is a  lot going on at the Children's Museum next week. First Friday is December 5th and the 5-8pm admission is only $2 per person. Then, December 6th is Polar Express Day. Many children get their picture taken with Santa, wearing their PJ's. It is such a fun place to bring out the inner child in all of us. Photographing that cow, trying to fit the word "Greensboro" into the frame was fun. Have a great Black Friday, and create some traditions, even if they don't involve shopping!

 * reference and more information in this News & Record article, here.

Happy150 Birthday Claribel Cone

Yesterday, the Weatherspoon Art Museum celebrated the 150th birthday of Claribel Cone with a mini birthday party.  Elaine Gustafson, Curator of Collections, spoke about the art collection bequest to the Weatherspoon by the Cones. Claribel and younger sister Etta had quite an art collection and many of these pieces are now owned by the Weatherspoon. 

The Weatherspoon, located at the corner of Spring Garden and Tate Streets on UNCG's campus, holds many open-to-the-public events like yesterday's birthday party. Great fun was had by all that attended. Thank you, Weatherspoon and staff. And, above all, thank you philanthropists like the Cone sisters who do things for reasons greater than themselves. We didn't get the name of the actress, featured in the above photo, but want to thank her now as she was masterful at staying in character.

Today is Weekend Reflections Day and that floor, so shiny you can see your reflection in it, qualifies us to participate in the meme.

D is for Dentistry

 According to the website of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, "(t)ooth decay is the most common chronic infectious disease of childhood." It is even more common than asthma. The North Carolina Oral Health Section even has a motto, "North Carolina children- cavity free forever" and the Division of Public Health, even has a strategic plan (see here). Unfortunately, North Carolina ranks in the bottom five states with respect to school-based dental sealant treatment programs (reference). Let's hope our state can do something about that situation.

Dentistry is changing before our eyes. Dentists can now make crowns with 3-D printers. The process is fast and accurate. There are so many innovations that have come along in the past few years. If you are looking for a new dentist, ask about equipment that they have in-house. With all the institutions of higher education in Greensboro, none has a school of dentistry. The only two in the state are at the Universityof North Carolina in Chapel Hill and in Greenville at East Carolina University. 

The above photo was taken at the Greensboro Science Center to remind us of dental health and dentistry. These teeth could use some cleaning and floss! Today is ABC Wednesday and D is for our Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math Round, D is for Dentistry.

"We're Visiting Greensboro"

The top of the poster in the window reads, "We're visiting Greensboro."  The poster is from an exhibit at the Weatherspoon Art Museum, entilted Fallen Fruit by David Burns and Austin Young. The lemon-themed art, as photographed for the poster, represents a project called lemonade stand. Patrons of the Weatherspoon had the opportunity to drink lemonade with the artists and to draw faces on lemons. They were to create a self-portrait with black marker, representing either the best or worst day of their life. The artist selected some of these lemons to display at the Weatherspoon. Through this project, the hope is that, people will learn that there is more than one response to "When life gives you lemons....."*

Those who attended the Solstice Event last night got to see the real, decorated lemons. The Food for Thought exhibit will continue until August 24th and is well worth the visit. The women to the right are walking along South Elm Street, visiting downtown Greensboro. Had we been quicker, we would have asked them, "What do you do when life gives you lemons?".  

For our friends at Weekend Reflections, pucker up! This lemony photo's for you! And, albeit understated, the reflection is present!

*reference.

W is for Weatherspoon and Whitfield

 The above sculpture, entitled Ed Whitfield at the Caldcleugh Community Center, was created in 1996 by American Artist John Ahearn. Both artist and subject attended Cornell University; however, they first met during Ahern's residency at the Weatherspoon Art Museum. According to the description of the piece, the hands on Whitefield's chest are the protective hands of children. Not seen, are framed photocopies of newspaper clippings documenting significant events in Whitefield's life. This sculpture is one of many pieces in an exhibit related to social justice.

Currently, the Weatherspoon is gearing up for their 10th annual Solstice Event this Friday night (from 6:30- 9:30). The Weatherspoon is also delighting in the international visibility they have gained as a result of being listed in BuzzFeed's list of "18 Hidden Gems Around the World that you Need Visit."* Indeed, Greensboro is lucky to have such an amazing resource available- and it is free and open to the public. If you have time, consider visiting the Weatherspoon.

For ABC Wednesday, "W" if for "Westherspoon" AND "Whitfield."

See News and Record article, here.

 

Shoeshine Anyone?

Looking for a little summertime fun? Head to one of Greensboro's museums. They all offer something artistic and creative and are all free or nearly free. In the above photo, we are in the 600 block of South Elm Street at Elsewhere, The Living Museum. The photo was taken on the First Friday event in June, when they had a shoeshine stand set up. When we were there, the shoeshine person was not in. However, there was still plenty to do between the visual and performing arts at Elsewhere and in the street.

When is the last time you've had a pair of shoes professionally cleaned and polished? Would you even know where to go? There is something fun for your summer "to do" list. Go out and get a shoeshine. If you have some bored tweenagers, encourage them to set up a little shoe shining business. Hello, summer fun in Greensboro; hello, positive cash flow in your household.