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The City of Arts and Innovation

Why Winston-Salem is called the City of Arts and Innovation

WStoday: Winston-Salem arts district on Cherry Street downtown

Do we even need an excuse to brag about our city? | Photo by WStoday

If you’re wondering why Winston-Salem is called the City of Arts and Innovation, we’ve done a little digging for you. The city got its slogan after a vote from residents in 2014 and is now on display in various parts of the area, including on highway signs leading into the city. We talked to some citizens who have witnessed the motto in action over the years.

Gayle Anderson, the former head of the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce, was involved in the decision to add “innovation” to the city’s slogan. She explained how the decision was made.

As the city was expanding its economic base beyond textiles and tobacco, a group of citizen leaders was wrestling with what our brand should be. We already were known as the City of the Arts. We debated various industries and business categories — including manufacturing, finance, and education — but nothing was broad enough and descriptive enough. At some point, someone threw out “innovation,” thinking back to how inventive the Moravians had been, as well as various businesses over the decades. We felt that Winston-Salem had been and would continue to be innovative. Look at how we’ve grown our medical segment, our technology segment, our small business segment.

WStoday_Symphony band — The Winston-Salem Symphony is one of the oldest arts organizations in the Piedmont Triad, performing 35 to 40 concerts per year.
|
J Farley Photography via Winston-Salem Symphony

Jeff Smith, known to many as “Smitty,” has informed the community for 25 years.

Winston-Salem is where the first arts council in the United States was founded. The only arts conservatory in the state — The North Carolina School of the Arts, now known as UNC School of the Arts, was started here by the philanthropy and support of the Winston-Salem community. From Richard J. Reynolds founding RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company; the Hanes family in textiles founding the Hanes Underwear Brand; Wachovia Bank, and Trust and what continues to come out of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in the medical world to name a few, were entrepreneurs at heart during their founding.

How history is made

Events

Monday, Jan. 8

Aging Well: Living Healthy with Diabetes Series | Monday, Jan. 8 | 1 p.m. | Lewisville Branch Library, 6490 Shallowford Rd., Winston-Salem | Free | Learn techniques for managing symptoms of fatigue, pain, hyper/hypoglycemia, and frustration related to diabetes — for adults ages 60 and older.

Tuesday, Jan. 9

Black Walnut Bottoms Outing | Tuesday, Jan. 9 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Black Walnut Bottoms Trail, 5393 Ham Horton Ln., Bethania | Free | See what the 1.4-mile loop has to offer while learning about winter plants during the outing.

Wednesday, Jan. 10

Foothills Brewing: Foot Soldier Run Club | Wednesday, Jan. 10 | 6 p.m. | Foothills Brewing Tasting Room, 3800 Kimwell Dr., Winston-Salem | Free | Join the group every Wednesday to run a few miles and enjoy a few pints — a reward is offered for every 50 miles logged.
Tarot Card Reading | Wednesday, Jan. 10 | 7 p.m. | Joyner’s Bar, 854 W. 4th St., Winston-Salem | Free entry | Enjoy craft cocktails and readings with a tarot card reader.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Arts

President and CEO of the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, Chase Law has resigned to take a new position in New Jersey. Law joined the organization in December 2020 — her last day will be Feb. 16.

Announced

Tax season is almost upon us. The Forsyth Free Tax Program, through Experiment in Self-Reliance, will offer free tax preparation for residents who make less than $60,000. Starting Monday, Jan. 29, those who qualify can schedule an appointment with a tax preparer.

Active

Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks is looking for USA softball umpires. Classes begin on Monday, Jan. 22 at Hanes Hosiery Community Center (501 Reynolds Blvd.) — no experience is necessary.

Community

There will only be one pass through to collect live Christmas trees in the town of Lewisville today, Jan. 8. Residents are asked to place their trees on the curb by 6 a.m. to ensure pickup. Winston-Salem residents have multiple options when it comes to disposing of their live trees.

Plan Ahead

Dive into the “Murder at the Grand Gatsby Speakeasy” murder mystery event at Real World Ballroom (690 Jonestown Rd.) on Saturday, Jan. 27. Dress to impress in your chosen era attire during the immersive experience from 6 to 8 p.m. — tickets cost $30 and must be purchased in advance.

Answered

Earlier this week, we asked how Winston-Salem got its nickname and 97% of WStoday readers answered correctly. Winston-Salem is named Camel City after an R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. cigarette brand. Not bad Winstonians.

Learn

You better bee-lieve it

How to register for beekeeping class in Forsyth County

WStoday: Beekeeping class launches in Forsyth County

What do you call a bee that needs a drink? Bee-hydrated. | Photo by Forsyth County Beekeepers Association via Forsyth County

If you wanna bee a beekeeper or learn about the essentials to be successful at beekeeping, we’ve got the buzz for you.

The Forsyth County Beekeepers Association’s 2024 Bee School is launching Saturday, Jan. 20. The self-directed program will provide practical hands-on experience and demonstrations from experts. Here’s what you should know:

Participants who register and enroll in the program will take part in in-person and online coursework.
In-person sessions will take place the following Saturdays: Jan. 20, Feb. 3, Feb. 24, and March 2.
All in-person classes will be held at the Forsyth County office of the NC Cooperative Extension located at 1450 Fairchild Rd. in Winston-Salem.

The North Carolina State Beekeepers Association (NCSBA) will hold a certification exam on April 6 for students interested in being certified. The cost of the program is $75, plus $15 for the beekeeping certification.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Kellina

From the editor

I will be on an extended break to visit some family members abroad. I will truly miss the Twin City during my time away, but you will be in great hands with Cambridge and our wonderful National Content Team.

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