Greensboro Daily Photo

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.

 

Joseph Stella's The Virgin

Winter days are perfect for visiting museums. The above photo features Joseph Stella's 1926 painting, The Virgin. It is part of the modern art exhibit currently showing at Reynolda Museum on the Wake Forest campus. While this is showing in Winston-Salem, it is just the next county over from Greensboro and well worth the drive. As seen above, Stella's Virgin is heavenly in its balance and form. The composition is reminiscent of early Italian Renaissance paintings, yet the floral details (see below) look like something that might be found in a contemporary folk art paintings.

Joseph Stella came to the United States in 1896, at the age of 19 to study medicine. Ironically, on Friday, 118 years later, fourth year medical students from Wake Forest University were in the museum studying these paintings for a course entitled "Narrative Medicine" which incorporates a more socially situated aspect to the study of medicine. How wonderful that our young doctors will be so well rounded and, if they are as focused on their patients as they were on the intricate details of this artwork, we will be in good hands. Beata Virgo Maria.

    

Happy Saturday, Downtown and Elsewhere...

This was a September event at Elsewhere Living Museum. It shows the creativity of their events which, with the window/stage,  make the place seem like a all is a stage. October's events at Elsewhere will be centered around dance. They are having a Dance Lab with is a youth-led movement-research investigation between Dudley High School students and artist Athena Kokoronis. Watching and participating in performing arts is a great way to spend one's time. How wonderful it is when museums and community groups pair up with public schools for preforming and visual events. Collaboration is definitely a 21st century skill. And Greensboro has plenty of examples of such collaboration.

 

Happy Saturday. We're sharing this photo with the Weekend Reflections people who like a little "reflection" in a photo.

P is for Plants

This past Saturday, an Edible Plant Sale was held in the Edible Schoolyard in the backyard of  the Greensboro Children's Museum. The Edible Schoolyard is a gem of a place that is fun for children and adults alike. As communities make more of an effort to eat local produce and to teach children how food grows from seed to plant to produce to table, events like the Edible Plant Sale bring children one giant step closer to their food source. Our regular readers know that we at GDP urge everyone to plant edible items in their yards and flower beds. Chard and lavender and rosemary make great bed fillers. Blueberry bushes are as beautiful and their non-berry producing counterparts. We hope that the Children's Museum continues to hold the plant sale every spring. They should have families come back late summer and bring their harvested vegetables to sell as a museum fundraiser. 50% to the children and 50% to the museum. The children could use their profits to purchase plants next spring. 

Today is ABC Wednesday, a favorite with many of our readers. "P" is for "plant" in our GO GREEN GREENSBORO series. May you plant many plants this spring and reap the fruits of your labor later this summer, possibly even turn some profit!  Plant, plant, plant.......

Food Truck at the Greensboro Children's Museum

Today, we're featuring the King Creole food truck. Yesterday, it was parked outside of the Greensboro Children's Museum, on Church Street, across from the Central Library. Allowing food trucks in downtown Greensboro has been controversial. People who own brick and mortar eating establishments are concerned that these meal mobiles will take away from their stationary eateries. What do you think?

Traffic was heavy all around Greensboro yesterday, perhaps because, for many, it is a three day weekend. Guilford County school students who are on a traditional calendar are celebrating spring break. People were out shopping for groceries and clothing. We hope that King Creole got enough business to make the day worth his while. It is nice to see businesses being successful, whether they are on wheels or solid foundations! The bright red truck sure does look festive in front of the already-colorful  museum.

Compton Nocturne at the Weatherspoon

Compton Nocturne (1999) by Alison Saar is a highly visible piece of sculpture at the Weatherspoon Art Gallery. This sculpture piece is representative of Saar's work. The the female figure features prominently in LA born Saar's art, relevant to her theme of  personal and cultural identity. Her work is known for its balance of strength and tenderness (reference).  In the above sculpture, the harsh coldness of glass and tin contrast with the warmth of wood, paint, and tar. The translucence of of the glass protruding from the hair warms up the image of the figure exposed to the elements. The piece looks especially cold this time of year in the harsh light of the trees-without-leaves in the background.

Teachers visiting the Weatherspoon use Saar's piece, in conjunction with Judith Shea's Urban Francis ( in the back courtyard) to help develop creative and critical thinking skills and perceptual awareness in their students*  Saar's recumbent figure contrasts sharply with Shea's standing and fully clothed sculpture (see here and closeup here). 

If you are local, we hope you remember what a wonderful resource Greensboro has in the Weatherspoon. Not only is it in our backyard, the entrance is free, as is parking. One exhibit closes this weekend and two open up. So, there is plenty to see today and there will be plenty different to see next week. Start your new year on the right path by getting out to enjoy some art. For free!

 

* see a sample lesson plan here.

LFG and Blandwood

To continue with yesterday's downtown juxtapositions, today you see a photo of the Lincoln Financial Group (The LFG) in the background and Blandwood Mansion in the foreground. Blandwood Mansion, having been built in the 1840's, is nearly  80 years older than the former Jefferson Standard Building (now LFG). But, they look beautiful together. LFG was built in 1923 by Joseph Bryan's father-in-law Julian Price. It remains Greensboro's landmark skyscraper. Blandwood is the oldest standing example of Italianate architecture, not only in Greensboro but in the United States! When walking around town, we find ourselves checking the time and temperature at the top of LFG and are so glad that LFG made all of the effort to repair it. 

Happy Friday folks. Here's to juxtaposing a little time for self with a little time for your own mother, or, if she is no longer living, with a deserving mother somewhere. Blandwood is open from 2-5 on Sunday. Perhaps mom would like a tour or a picnic on the lawn.

International Civil Rights Center and Museum

Black History Month is in full gear and what better place to stop and reflect on the past and hope for a harmonious future than the International Civil Rights Center and Museum? The museum, located in the former F.W. Woolworth Company on South Elm Street, houses permanent exhibits and sponsors events all year long. Today, story hour begins at 11am featuring, When Marian Anderson Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson. The 2012 Gala is happening today at the Koury Convention Center Imperial Ballroom and the museum's website indicates the topic is Today's Sit-in: Economic Justice (more here).

We're sharing this post with the Weekend Reflections meme; the participants will love all of the reflections on the windows. Note the iconic, seemingly ubiqutous, Jefferson Standard/Jefferson Pilot/Lincoln Financial Group building peeking out from behind the leafless tree.

High Lonesome Strings Bluegrass Association

The High Lonesome Strings Bluegrass Association is a group of local musicians that meets to play bluegrass music. The organization is open to anyone with an acoustic instrument who is interested in the bluegrass genre. People of all playing abilities are welcome to join. The group meets once a month; in fall and winter, they meet on the bottom floor of the Greensboro Cultural Arts Center at 200 N. Davie Street. Members bring a an instrument and jam, jam, jam!. In May, they sponsor Pickin' in the Park at Hagan Stone Park in Pleasant Garden, where they meet from April-September.

On Sunday, some members were playing in the hallway, in the above circle. Others were in the concert room to the right, seated and playing. Somebody was selling CD's. Great fun was had by all. Seeing everyone standing around in a near-perfect circle, it reminds us of the song, "Will the Circle Be Unbroken". Grab your fiddle, rosin up your bow, and head on down. Nothing beats hanging out with people who share your common interests. Greensboro's bluegrass community is comprised of great people who will make you feel welcome.

Masquerade Ball

The Weatherspoon Art Museum was wall-to-wall people and had so much positive energy last night at their event, Masquerade. The evening was filled with makeup artists, hair stylists, photographers, and fun. Masquerade was held in conjunction with the exhibit entitled, "Persona: A Body in Parts" that centered around the theme of multiple representations of the self. As we walked through the gallery, a docent accompanied us explaining the artistic process and thought behind each piece. The exhibit was the perfect backdrop for this Halloween weekend event where people dressed in masks, costumes, and face paint.

The Membership Committee of the Weatherspoon held the event in an effort to gain new members. We don't know how many people actually joined tonight but, surely, talk of this event will ripple through the community and bring the museum even more visibility-- maybe even members. From La Calavera Catrina to a life-sized, walking Lisa Frank trapper keeper, creativity abounded. A good time was had by all. Masks and hats off to Greensboro for another fun, FREE, event. Wouldn't it be great for the Weatherspoon to make this an annual event.

Gearing Up for Halloween at Weatherspoon Gallery

From the Claribel and Etta Cone Collection to the Dillard Collection of Art on Paper and everything in between, The Weatherspoon Art Gallery on the UNCG campus has a wealth of fabulous art. Currently, the membership committee is making a concerted effort to attract new members from a variety of diverse demographics. To this end, on Friday evening, from 7-10 pm, they are sponsoring an event entitled, "Masquerade." The evening will include: fun, food, drink, photography, and makeup. If you are so inclined, they will transform your look-- just in time for Halloween.  The event is free to the public with a cash bar. It is held in conjunction with the exhibit, "Persona: A Body in Parts." We think the above photo is from that exhibit; at any rate, the photo exemplifies the fact that in addition to the excellent permanent collections, the Weatherspoon has an outstanding exhibition program. You can vote YES tomorrow by joining the Weatherspoon. 

Perhaps the above quintet will inspire you to step out of your element and sport a unique look. Our personal favorite is the second from the right-- we're dubbing him/her the "Cousin It" look.

Elm Street's Muggle Express

Since we're muggles and not wizards, we're depending on the Elsewhere Living Museum's Muggle Express to get us from Point A to Point B on Elm Street. We caught the bicycle at Elsewhere Collaborative at 606 3/4 South Elm Street and pedaled (collaboratively) to Center City Park. Along the way, we captured some fun snaps of our beautiful city. Here we see the blue-gray Jefferson Standard/Pilot/Lincoln Financial building on the horizon, situating the photo in downtown Greensboro.

People worldwide are busy seeing the the movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2. Even though we're not wizards, we can imagine where we could find horcruxes* while strolling along Elm Street. See, even if you can't get away for a vacation, you can do great things with your imagination/stay-cation in Greensboro! Next chance you get, stop by Elsewhere and ask conductor Stephanie about the next departure of the Muggle Express! It would be great if Greensboro had an Elm Street trolley to shuttle us around town, especially during special events! Beep, beep!  Next stop..... Hogwarts!

*horcruxes: objects in which Valdemort (antagonist in Harry Potter) stashes pieces of his soul.

X is for Ten Miles

Today is ABC Wednesday and, as you may know, for this series, we've been featuring streets. Well, what to do? There is not even one street in Greensboro that begins with the letter "X." Many of you were kind enough to suggest that we feature a major crossroad of two Greensboro streets. That was our intent, when, serendipitously, we stumbled upon this street-related  X at the Greensboro Historical Museum. In the above photo, you see a stone marker with an X carved in it. The brass plaque below the X reads, "Last stagecoach marker in Guilford County. Formerly located at Sedalia, the "X" indicated that Greensboro was 10 miles away. Such markers were common on the main roads prior to 1860."

So, for ABC Wednesday, X, Roman numeral 10, marks the spot. This stagecoach marker and X in the road was located very near this diner in the eastern end of the county, 80 miles west of yesterday's post.

View our previous, ABC Wednesday ( A-W) posts here. Two more weeks until we think of a new theme for Round 9 of ABC Wednesday.

The North Carolina Museum of Art

While the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) is located in Raleigh (not in Greensboro), it is a public, state museum which means that, from Manteo to Murphy, ALL North Carolinians have a vested interested in it. In 1947, when the state first earmarked funds for an art collection, it was the first state in the U.S.A. to do so. NCMA's history dates back to 1924; however, the first permanent venue opened in 1956 in downtown Raleigh and the current Blue Ridge Road location opened in 1983. In 2010, a second building opened on the 164-acre Blue Ridge Road property. If you want something fun, educational, and recreational to do this summer, grab your family, friends, walking shoes and bicycle and head to NCMA. Unless you dine in the wonderful restaurant or go to one of the exhibitions on loan, the museum is FREE. Read more about all that NCMA has to offer HERE.

The visual art in the photo above, by Devorah Sperber, is called Mona Lisa 2. It is made from 5,184 spools of thread-- fitting for a textile state. If you look through the crystal viewing ball in front of the piece of art, not only is it right side up, you can also move the sphere around to see if Mona Lisa's smile follows you. See more of Sperber's thread spool works HERE. They range from a few hundred to 60,000 spools of thread. We are so lucky to have not only one of Sperber's installations but also this wonderful museum with exhibits ranging from Ancient Egypt to the digital age.

We decided to feature Raleigh today, ninety miles to the east, because tomorrow's post will be ten miles east of Greensboro, where, years ago, stage coaches stopped en route to town. Stop back by to view this little piece of history.

 

Gone Elsewhere?

Memorial Day Weekend is upon us and Greensboro is about as crowded as the front window of ELSEWHERE. Many people have gone to the beach or to the mountains. For sure, lots of our residents are are ELSEWHERE. North Carolina is lucky to have landforms ranging from the beach to the mountains and this weekend represents the kick-off for summer. Students are in school for a couple of more weeks; however, mentally, summer begins for us with this holiday. People who do stay in town, likely, will head to their community pool.

ELSEWHERE, photographed above, is "a living museum designing collaborative futures from old things." Basically, it is the remnants of a thrift shop where nothing has been for sale since proprietor Sylvia Gray died. Her grandson has transformed the space into a living, working museum in the 600 block of South Elm Street, across from the Mellow Mushroom. We love the dynamic nature of the storefront that changes almost weekly. If you read this before 2pm, you might want to stop by their Saturday creative workshop for children of all ages.

We're sharing this with our friends at Weekend Reflections where all the photos have some sort of reflection.

Urban Francis II

We learned recently that Urban Francis is a 21st century version of St. Francis of Assisi. This close up of the face shows the detail sculptor Judith Shea put into the art project. The cast bronze statue has been installed behind the Weatherspoon Art Museum on the UNCG campus. Yesterday, a faithful reader asked where the pigeons were. We'll Jane, today's photo shows you that they are flying nearby, overhead. The stained face adds yet another human element to this saint in a mortal's clothing. Someone asked if the sculpture is installed permanently behind the Weatherspoon or if it is temporary. It looks permanent; however, we're not sure.

Notice how the brick casts a reddish glow onto the face of Urban Statue. Also, notice the reflection in the windows behind. We're sharing the photo with Weekend Reflection.

Urban Francis

The other-worldly, cast bronze, "Urban Francis" meets in-the-flesh "Suburban Frances." Actually, the woman is an anonymous art patron. She is reading the plaque about Judith Shea's bronze cast piece installed behind the Weatherspoon Art Museum, located on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The inscription tells that the sculpture, edition 3 of 3, was made between 2000-2002 and that it was purchased through funds from the following sources: Lea Tannenbaum, the Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation, the Burlington Industries Endowment and the Weatherspoon Art Museum Acquisition Endowment. Urban Francis is a fine example of what collaborative effort can bring to a community. True to her fashion-designer roots, Shea's bronze pieces often are clothes-only (see here), leaving the human figure to the imagination. Greensboro's Shea, Urban Francis, is a human form with a hauntingly pensive look.

According to an article, by Martin Friedman, in Sculpture magazine, Urban Francis is St. Francis (of Assisi) and "he was the first of Shea's depictions of well-known saints in the guise of ordinary people" (well worth reading Friedman's article, here).  Stop by Greensboro Daily Photo tomorrow if you want to see a close-up of the statue's face-- tilting heavenward.

This is our contribution to Skywatch Friday.  If you want to see the sky over Greensboro from the past year, peruse previous posts here.

Weatherspoon Art Museum

Run, don't walk to the Weatherspoon Art Museum to see the 70-year anniversary show. From now until May 1st, the museum will feature 100 pieces from their permanent collection. The museum, located on the campus of UNCG,  is a prime example of collaboration between local businesses, benefactors, townspeople, foundations and university faculty. The 42,000 square ft. space is filled with works of art by famous artists like Alex Katz whose painting is in the background above. On Sunday, patrons were captivated by the well-assembled anniversary exhibit. Also, the reception in the downstairs lobby was an enjoyable way to kick-off the exhibit and a place for members and friends to gather and socialize.

From the News and Record, we learned the the Weatherspoon was the first art museum in the UNC system and the second in the state. This is one more thing Greensboro has to be proud of. Best of all, entrance to the Weatherspoon is free. So, even if you only have 20-30 minutes, you can walk through the gallery and have a quick look-- daily. Don't take our word for it, head on over to the museum, if not in person, then virtually. The museum's website about the exhibit is a work of art in itself (see here).

Fluorescent Rocks Fluorescing

This is a photo of the fluorescent rocks fluorescing at the Natural Science Center in Greensboro.  The photo isn't that clear but it captures the energy and educational fun that can be had at the science center. In this corner of the geology room, the rock display is almost like the Wizard of Oz: You don't experience the full magic until you go behind the curtain. Children delight in pulling the curtain shut and then sliding it open. Close the Curtain. Dark. Fluorescence. Marvel. Peel back the curtain. Light. No fluorescence. Just rocks. Giggle. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.......

If Saturday's weather is as damp and nasty like Friday night, you will be looking for something fun to do indoors! We're heading over to the Natural Science Center on Lawndale Drive today to view the "Bodies Revealed" exhibit with 14 REAL human bodies with different skeletal, muscular, nervous, reproductive, digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems revealed and coated in resin. If organs and bones make you squeamish, this is not the exhibit for you. If you want to learn more, read here.

Had I known we were sharing this with Weekend Reflection, I would have tried less hard to keep my reflection from showing on the glass while taking the photo. You can barely see my outline on the small green rock in the middle. Also, there is the reflection to the left, beyond the curtain.

Old Presbyterian Graveyard

As we close out the month with a Sacred Sunday photo, we thought we'd share a photo of one of Greensboro's most famous cemeteries, The Old Presbyterian Graveyard. It is located behind the Greensboro Historical Museum. Formerly, the museum's building was the original Presbyterian Church with the cemetery beside it. The graveyard and church were established in 1831 when Jesse H. Lindsay donated the money for the land. This confined space contains about 300 graves dating between 1834-1926. North Carolina Governor Moorehead is buried here as are soldiers from the 1) Revolutionary War; 2) Civil War; and 3) the War of 1812. Short story writer O. Henry has relatives buried here. 

Many people consider cemeteries to be "creepy" places as they remind us of DEATH. However many religions and cultures incorporate cemeteries into their holidays and rituals. In Mexico, the Day of the Dead (Nov 1 &2) is a time when you visit the graves of loved ones, remembering fondly their time on earth. In the mountains of North Carolina, Decoration Day, is especially popular. This is usually held in October when families tend to the graves of loved ones, making sure that nature doesn't reclaim the land. Alan and Karen Singer Jabbour have written a fabulous book on Decoration Day (here).

Today, we urge you to pause and remember your deceased loved ones-- even if you can't, literally, be at the gravesite.

On Greensboro Daily Photo, we featured the cemetery in March 2009 (here).

Dolley Madison Slept Here

Here we see a portrait of Dolley Payne Todd Madison (1768-1849) that is housed in the Greensboro Historical Museum. Not only did Dolley Madison, wife of 4th President James Madison, sleep in Greensboro, she was BORN here. She was born in Greensboro's New Garden Community to Quaker mother Mary Cole and soon-to-convert father, John Payne. About a year after her birth, the family moved back to their native Virginia; however, Dolley Madison's connection to Greensboro and the thriving Quaker community was strong. As we began researching Dolley Madison for GDP, we concluded that she is underrepresented in our community. We would only find information about her at the Historical Museum. To our knowledge there is no statue of this vibrant, active, First Lady. We would like to start a "Fund a Statue of Dolley Madison Campaign" right here. Perhaps a local organization could take on this effort as we don't have a way to collect money!

According to the plaque at the Greensboro Historical Museum, the above portrait is attributed to John Vanderlyn, painted around 1850.

"E" is for Entrance (& Exit)

This is a view of the entrance to Greensboro's Historical Museum, quite a feast of color and geometry. The banners that fade from red to yellow all have a different important date in Greensboro's history. The museum presents history in such a visually appealing way. We know we've featured it several times before, but not this exact view. We never tire of sharing community resources that are educational and FREE. If you haven't gone since the renovation, hop in the car and see for yourself how wonderful it is. See how quickly you can find this exact view (and this view; and this view; and this view; and this view!)

This is our contribution to ABC Wednesday "E" is for "entrance/exit" Read here to see more E's from around the world!!

 

The Isley House

Sorry we're a little late in posting but our Internet service was out during last night's thunderstorm. Technical difficulties, for sure! Most thunderstorms are usually an hour or less. In our end of the county, we saw lightning and it rained for at least four hours! Now, back to the post...... If you are local, before reading, see if you can guess where this log cabin is located.

This log house is located downtown on the property of the historical museum next to the Central Library and across from the Greensboro Children's Museum on busy Church Street. From this view, all is tranquil. The Isleys, German immigrants, moved to Greensboro from Pennsylvania in 1788. They settled in the eastern part of Guilford County on Bethel Church Road. In 1972, the log house was moved from its original location when the historical museum took it apart and reassembled it here. If you are a real history buff, Christian Isley's estate records, dating back to 1845, the time of his death, can be found here. To us, the photo is the calm after the storm. 

 

Have you Seen (Heard) the VOICES OF A CITY?

Run, don't walk, to The Greensboro Historical Museum to see the new Voices of a City exhibit. There is no entrance fee and the visit is worth every dollar of your time. The above photo was taken in the first hallway at the beginning of the exhibit. And so begins the museum's informational and visual feast, in the Ben and Eugenia Bowers Gallery. Ben was editor of the Greensboro News & Record; both were involved community members. 

Every person, place, and event on this entrance wall has contributed significantly to the fabric of life in our city. While in the room, it is fun to try to see how many people and places you recognize before referring to the laminated charts provided.

 

Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum

Charlotte Hawkins Brown was a native North Carolinian who opened the Alice Freeman Palmer Memorial Institute in 1902 in Sedalia, just east of Greensboro. After 69 years of operation, this co-educational preparatory school for African Americans closed in 1971 but is now a state historic site. Dr. Brown's educational philosophy encompassed a "Triangle of Achievement." Students in her program were mentored to be "religiously sincere, culturally secure, and academically efficient."  Teachers at the Palmer Institute were available to students 24-hours a day. Teachers ate with students, played sports with students, took them to cultural events, traveled with them, tutored them in study halls in the evening and, still, were enthusiastically prepared to teach bright and early in the morning.

The Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum is North Carolina's first state historic site honoring the contributions of its African American citizens. The visitor's center is open Monday-Saturday from 9-5. Additionally, it is possible to participate a walking tour of some of the property. However, the campus is being renovated and much of it is under construction. The work should be finished in October 2010. This is a "must see" historic site. If you visit, take time to watch the 12 minute video. It really helps you appreciate Dr. Brown's indelible mark on the education of African Americans in North Carolina at a time when segregation kept many doors closed. Dr. Brown is an inspiration to us all. 

 

"W" is for Warhol @ Weatherspoon

This is not the clearest photo but it captures the spirit of the Warhol event at the Weatherspoon Museum last weekend. More than one Warhol wig wearer was mingling in the crowd. The "Big Shot" button represents not only the title of the exhibit, "Big Shots: Andy Warhol Polaroids," but also the fact that anyone who purchases a Weatherspoon Art Museum membership during the run of the Warhol exhibit (before Sept. 19th) will be entered into a drawing for a (weekend) night's stay at the nearby Proximity Hotel, Greensboro's LEED Platinum "green" hotel.  There will be five winners in that special drawing.

We've already written about the Warhol event (here); however, for ABC Wednesday, when "W" is the letter of the week, we couldn't resist one more posting about: Warhol, Weatherspoon, wig, weekend, & winning! Serendipity prevails again. When we started this round of ABC Wednesday, we pondered the alphabet in relationship to Greensboro and wondered what on earth we would post for "W."

 

2010 Solstice Event at Weatherspoon Museum

The Seventh Annual Summer Solstice Party at UNCG's Weatherspoon Art Museum, held last Friday night, featured the Polaroid photos of Andy Warhol, a band, food, and intergenerational fun. In the above photo, guests are waiting in line to get their photos taken at the Instant Photo Booth. Thanks to many sponsors, the Weatherspoon was able to make this event free and open to the public. Kids enjoyed playing in the courtyard and eating the  bright yellow 'banana heads' candy. College students and young adults enjoyed donning 70's attire and listening to the live music of Rough Hands. Older adults enjoyed the flashback to the 70's. Many enjoyed the artwork. Surely, Warhol was decades ahead of the rest of us on social networking. His Polaroids were Warhol's version of Facebook.

This photo is dedicated to friend Jane who held the elevator while Mrs. GDP was busy snapping this photo-- which we're sharing with the red lovers over at Ruby Tuesday. 

 

Art Quest & African American Atelier

This photo, taken last weekend through the window of Art Quest, reflects the image of two women who were enjoying the African American Heritage Extravaganza at the African American Atelier, Inc. at the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street. Pfew, that's a mouthful! That sentence is as busy as the photo AND the actual event. The African American Extravaganza held the second Saturday in March was quite an event this year: art exhibits, arts and crafts for sale, music, plenty of southern food, opportunities to learn about fraternal organizations, and just plain ole time to chat with friends. 

Framing the two ladies talking is the zoetrope exhibit at Art Quest-- a small example of the visual stimulation of the venue. If you are bored in any way this weekend, please just head to town and visit the Green Hill Center for Art at the Cultural Arts Center. Follow our link and you'll recognize the building! The Weekend Reflection meme has us thinking ahead of time of what kind of great reflection we can find to post on Saturday-- our most creative day for photos!!!

 

David & Ginger Hildebrand of the Colonial Music Institute

Here we see David and Ginger Hildebrand of the Colonial Music Institute sharing their infinite knowledge about music of the American Revolutionary Period. They spoke and played at Tannenbaum Historic Park this past weekend as part of the interpretive offerings related to the Reenactment of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. Sitting in the audience, we heard not only a minuet but also the protocol for dressing and being introduced at this social dance. We heard 18th century songs with explanations of how tunes and lyrics were authenticated through primary source documents. We learned that playing a volin/fiddle would have damaged a woman's reputation; however, while violin playing was reserved for men only, its affordability made it possible for men of all financial means to play it. Conversely, the harpsichord could be played by men or women but only the wealthiest could afford them! We sat in the audience marveling at all of the great events tied to the reenactment of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. If the Hildebrands return to Greensboro next year, you won't want to miss them!

For ABC Wednesday, I is for INSTRUMENTS!

 

Reenactment of the Battle of Guilford Court House

On this day, 229 years ago, in 1781, the Battle of Guilford Courthouse was fought in Greensboro, NC. While the British won the battle under General Cornwalis, the Americans, under General Nathaniel Greene, significantly weakened the British forces. The most famous quote from the battle by Cornwalis was, "I never saw such fighting since God made me. The Americans fought like demons." Great Britain had 93 killed and 413 wounded. The United States had 79 killed and 185 wounded.

This weekend over 400 Revolutionary War reenactors came from all over the country to participate. In addition to the actual reenactments of the battle, they had many interpretive programs teaching onlookers about the ways of life in 18th century America. From cooking to music and dancing and military life, the historical presentations was lively, engaging, and accurate. Reenacters slept in small white tents in the area of Guilford Court House National Military Park. 

When we visited early Sunday morning, we expected to see people who were frustrated and wet from the downpour this weekend. On the contrary, reenacters and interpreters were dressed, sloshing around in the mud, preparing for the day with a smile on their face. Miraculously, their small white tents seemed dry. Above we see the "red coats" preparing to march. If you missed the event this year, book mark it for next year as it is well worth attending-- and free.

 

50th Anniversary of the Sit-In Movement

By the time you see this post, these seats will have been filled, and the International Civil Rights Center & Museum will be open. The museum has been 15 years in the making and is a realized dream of, among others,  North Carolinians Earl Jones and Skip Alston. If you haven't been following the story, the museum was built in the Woolworth building where, on February 1st, 1960, four 17-year-old NC A&T freshmen entered Woolworth and were denied service at the "whites only" lunch counter. This event sparked a series of sit-ins in throughout the southeast. The original lunch counter is one of many exhibits on site that bring back memories of racial segregation. Young Americans today cannot believe that people were denied service based on the color of their skin. 

We all need to be thankful for the determination of David Richmond, Franklin McCain, Jibreel Khazan (born Ezell Blair, Jr.), and Joseph McNeil. As America becomes increasingly diverse in the 21st century, we need to respect the inherent worth and dignity of each other. The opening of this museum is a step in the right direction. This photo was taken on the stage where McCain is scheduled to speak at the event today. Khazan and McNeil will not speak but will be on stage. Mr Richmond died twenty years ago. If you want to read more, we suggest Ed Cone's blog as well as this article from the New York Times.

 

International Civil Rights Museum Opening in Forty-Eight Hours

Two more days and the International Civil Rights Center & Museum will open. Greensboro, North Carolina is bursting with pride at the thought of this museum becoming a reality. We have waited for it to open for a long time. As stated on their website, "the International Civil Rights Center & Museum is an archival center, collecting museum and teaching facility devoted to the international struggle for civil and human rights. The museum celebrates the nonviolent protests of the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins that served as a catalyst in the civil rights movement."

If you ever come to Greensboro, this is a must-see museum. We're sharing this photo with Weekend Reflections in the hopes of bringing more people into our town and this new resource. Festivities centered around the grand opening are many. From Girl Scouts to local political leaders the ribbon cutting at 8am will be well attended.