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Showcasing the community

Winston-Salem artist explains how the Sprague Street Community Center mural was created

mural-of-portraits-painted-on-brick-wall

The mural is located at 1350 E. Sprague St. | Photo by WStoday

A new mural in Winston-Salem showcases the faces of 37 neighbors. City Editor Cambridge spoke to the artist about how the piece on the side of Sprague Street Community Center was created — and how it’s making people who live in the neighborhood feel seen.

The idea

Marianne DiNapoli-Mylet has worked with children to create seven murals in the city. One, in the Washington Park neighborhood, featured their self-portraits. After it was painted over in 2022, a resident of the neighborhood approached DiNapoli-Mylet about recreating the artwork and the idea for the mural was born.

She submitted a proposal outlining the project in October 2022 through the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Public Art Commission. Once the plan was approved, she began looking for participants.

Some parents of children who use the Sprague Street Community Center agreed to let them participate. Senior citizens who visit the rec center regularly also agreed to be photographed.

three-portraits-of-older-adults — Primary colors make each portrait pop.
|
Photo by WStoday

The mural

DiNapoli-Mylet started painting the portraits on fabric known as parachute paper in her studio in July. Once she was done with all 37 of them she used a gel medium to apply the portraits to the wall. She says that process took her about six weeks. The material is made to last and can withstand weather conditions.

DiNapoli-Mylet unveiled the artwork in November, with some of the people in the mural present for the debut. She says the excitement was what made the project special.

“This woman came out and said to me ‘you know, I’ve seen myself in the mirror hanging on the wall but I never thought I’d see my portrait painted on a wall,’” DiNapoli-Mylet said. “That’s the best part of doing this is the feedback — people getting excited about something in their neighborhood that they can relate to that’s artistic — it’s pretty amazing.”

Events

Wednesday, Dec. 20

Christmas Movie Trivia | Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | Incendiary Brewing Co., 486 N. Patterson Ave., Ste.105, Winston-Salem | Free | Bring a donation for Forsyth Humane Society to play.

Thursday, Dec. 21

“And on Earth Peace, Goodwill” | Thursday, Dec. 21-Friday, Dec. 22 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Highland Presbyterian Church, 2380 Cloverdale Ave., Winston-Salem | $15-$25 | Join the Winston-Salem Choral Artists for an evening of a cappella holiday favorites.
Macrame Holiday Ornaments | Thursday, Dec. 21 | 2-4 p.m. | Intergenerational Center for Arts and Wellness, 114 W. 30th St., Winston-Salem | Free | Adults ages 60 and older can learn the basics of macrame knots to make snowflakes — registration required.

Friday, Dec. 22

Technology Career Fair | Friday, Dec. 22 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Register to schedule time to speak with recruiters and explore companies with open positions.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Civic

You can help improve accessible transportation options in the city. The Bicycle/Pedestrian/Active Mobility Advisory Committee is searching for new committee members — applications can be submitted online or returned to the mayor’s office.

Shop

Walnut and Broad has rescheduled its Holiday Open House to tomorrow, Dec. 21. The all-day event at the space in West Salem will feature a holiday brunch, wreath making, a live jazz band, and opportunities to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Edu

You can weigh in on three potential academic calendar options for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools through Friday, Dec. 22. The Board of Education has launched a survey to ask families if they would prefer students take exams prior to or after winter break. (WFDD)

Listen

The Matt Kendrick Trio will perform music from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” tonight, Dec. 20 at Gas Hill Drinking Room (170 W. 9th St.). The show starts at 7 p.m. — buy your ticket online or get a discounted one by bringing a winter coat to donate at the door.

Theater

Auditions for Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance’s production of “Rock of Ages” will be held at the community theater (650 W. 6th St.) on Thursday, Dec. 28. Aspiring actors must be at least 18 years old and available for performances Feb. 9 through Feb. 18, 2024.

Sports

Golfers will notice changes to Winston Lake Golf Course next year. Work is expected to begin in early spring to redesign bunkers, renovate drainage + irrigation systems, remove almost 100 trees, replace tee boxes, and improve fairways at the public course. (Triad City Beat)

The Buy

Are you or a loved one a fan of Emmy award-winning comedian Trevor Noah? Here’s your chance to see him in person. Noah will be visiting Winston-Salem this April for the Face to Face Speaker Forum, which brings world-class speakers to our community to discuss various topics. (Hint: These tickets make a great last-minute gift.)*

Sports

🏀 Tournament time

History of the Frank Spencer Holiday Classic

black-and-white-photo-basketball-players-tip-off

Players at RJ Reynolds High School in the 1960s didn’t get to participate in the tournament. | Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Library Photograph Collection via Digital Forsyth

High school basketball players from 16 schools are hitting the hardwoods at East Forsyth and Mount Tabor High Schools. The Frank Spencer Holiday Classic is back for the 48th year.

The three-day event is named after longtime local sports editor Frank Spencer, who was a big fan of basketball. He was 20 years old when he created the Northwest North Carolina Basketball Tournament in 1926. Its popularity and his advocacy for the sport resulted in the construction of many high school gymnasiums throughout North Carolina. The tournament was played until 1951.

Spencer died in 1973. The Frank Spencer Holiday Classic began the following year to honor him and has been played nearly ever year since. Some players, like Chris Paul and Josh Howard, have gone on to play in the NBA.

You’ll need $10 in cash to watch the games. The championship will be played at Mount Tabor on Thursday, Dec. 21.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Cambridge

From the editor

Tomorrow, Dec. 21 is the first day of winter — which also means it’s the day with the least amount of sunlight. I’m excited for the days to get longer because it means more time for outdoor activities.

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