Supporting the work Arts Council does is easy: Simply attend an event to keep artists employed, human creativity thriving + Winston-Salem a place you can brag about living. | Photos provided by Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County
It all started Aug. 9, 1949 — $7,200 of seed money in hand and a big vision to support and grow the arts in Winston-Salem.
Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County (ICYMI: they’re the first arts council in the US) turns 75 today — and to celebrate, we’re taking a look back + a look forward at the organization that is the leading advocate, instigator, and promoter of art and culture experiences in the region.
A look back
While our arts heritage began in the 1700s with Moravian craft (think: pottery, cabinetry, music, tin wares, and more), the modern-day earning of the nickname “The City of the Arts” is thanks in big part to the work Arts Council has been doing for 75 years.
In the early 20th century, the Junior League of Winston-Salem was instrumental in opening new channels for local arts — and it was the same league that worked with city leaders and provided the seed money to establish the first arts council in the US in 1949.
From the beginning, the mission of Arts Council was to regionally “plan, coordinate, promote, and sponsor the opportunity for, and the appreciation of, cultural activities.”
Last year, the council promoted thousands of activities and held 670 events on their campus, encompassing Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, Hanesbrands Theatre, Sawtooth School for Visual Art + more.
Arts Council’s core tenets are to:
Champion creativity as an essential community asset (Creativity)
Engage authentically in all corners of the community (Community)
Celebrate fresh perspectives and diverse voices (Diversity)
Break down barriers to expand human connection (Access)
Embrace risk-taking to advance collective goals (Innovation)
Create a culture of belonging for creatives and all residents (Inclusivity)
Set an ambition to outperform expectation (Excellence)
A year-long celebration
Arts Council is marking the occasion by hosting 75th anniversary events all year long. See what’s coming — or attend any other council-supported arts events happening throughout the region.
Editor’s note: Some events may be canceled, changed, or postponed due to inclement weather.
Friday, Aug. 9
Winston-Salem Dash vs. Greenville Drive | Friday, Aug. 9 | 7 p.m. | Truist Stadium | $13-$53 | End your week with a bang stick around after the game for a fireworks show.*
Saturday, Aug. 10
Kaleideum After Dark: Beerology | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Kaleideum | $20-$25 | Discover the science of beer and make your own bottle opener in the Try It! studio.
“Monochromatic Creations” | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | NC Museum of Art, Winston-Salem | $5 | Take part in hands-on art making and explore single-color artworks using paper, fabric, paint, and found objects.
Siamese Dream ft. Nameless | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 6 p.m. | Coalpit Live | Free | The Smashing Pumpkins Tribute band return with the Nirvana Tribute to the stage — for all ages.
Winston-Salem Dash vs. Greenville Drive | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 7 p.m. | Truist Stadium | $13-$53 | The Dash will sport their new black + gold Golden Age jerseys exclusively on Saturdays when they are at home as part of Golden Age Saturday.*
Sunday, Aug. 11
Bachata and Brunch | Sunday, Aug. 11 | 1-4 p.m. | La Pink Moon Cafe | $10-$22 | Indulge in tasty breakfast dishes followed by bachata dancing and meet new people.
Winston-Salem Dash vs. Greenville Drive | Sunday, Aug. 11 | 7 p.m. | Truist Stadium | $13-$53 | It’s Sunday Funday. Purchase this special ticket package (includes a game ticket + drink voucher to any of the bars at Truist Stadium) for only $20.*
Monday, Aug. 12
Latina Book Club: “Tell it to me Singing” | Monday, Aug. 12 | 6 p.m. | Bookmarks | Free | Book Author Tita Ramírez will discuss her new book that follows a Cuban American family that uncovers shocking secrets.
The flood threat will continue today but more stable weather is on the horizon. You can expect the weekend to be mostly dry with cloudy skies and temperatures in the lower to upper 80s. (FOX8 WGHP)
Traffic
Starting today, Aug. 9, you may notice a new traffic pattern near Clemmons Elementary School. As students head back to school, drivers can expect one-way traffic flow on portions of James Street and Bingham Avenue.
Opening
Celebrate the opening of Jamaican restaurant Ah Fiwi at 858 NE 25th St. in Winston-Salem. The ribbon cutting starts at 12 p.m. where you can taste samples of Jamaican cuisine and meet the owner of the restaurant.
Biz
HanesBrands Inc. sold its Hanes and Maidenform outlet stores to strengthen cash flow. The company says the Thruway shopping center location will remain open under its ownership. (Winston-Salem Journal)
Coming Soon
Pure Sweat Sauna is coming to Winston-Salem. The wellness studio will offer infrared sauna and cold plunging — we’ll keep you updated about the location and an opening date when it’s announced.
Pets
Celebrate National Spoil Your Dog Day at Howlin’ at the Moon Bakery tomorrow, Aug. 10. Bring your pup to cool off in the mini pools on site and join the ice cream social from 4 to 7 p.m. — receive 10% off of your purchase when you bring a donation.
Olympics
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris wrap up this weekend. Charlotte native Anna Crockwell came in second place in women’s 400 hurdles relay and earned a silver medal. Tune in for the closing ceremony on Sunday, Aug 11.
Health
You quickly learn how important your health is when facing an unexpected injury, have a sick child, or find yourself googling mysterious symptoms. See what Novant Health’s top rankings + top tech treatments mean for you — and how they can help you get back to living your best life.*
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Finance
We’re beyond the halfway point of 2024 — aka a good time to make sure you’re maximizing your money. Personal finance experts have reviewed hundreds of credit cards to present you with the four very best bonus cards of the year.*
Try This
🤝 Paris meets Winston-Salem
Spend a day like a Parisian in Winston-Salem
A stroll around Reynolda Village will make you feel as if you’re walking the streets of South France. | Photo by Lauren Olinger, Red Cardinal Studio via Reynolda
Hey, Winstonians. City Editor Kellina here. If the Olympics in Paris has you feeling like you’re missing out, fear not. After my time in Paris this year, I realized the City of Love shares some similarities to the Twin City. I’ll spare you the need to book a flight and share some tips on how to spend a day like a Parisian in Winston-Salem.
Start your day with a twice-baked almond croissant with chocolate and a baguette from Bobby Boy bakeshop. The French place a huge emphasis on savoring quality time, so make sure to put your phone away and enjoy every bite.
Head over to Reynolda House Museum of American Art. Paris isn’t called the City of Art and Culture for no reason. History is an essential part of the French culture, so be sure to take a glance at the exhibits on display. Then, head over to the gardens and the village shops for an afternoon stroll.
The summer’s trending + No. 1 bestselling ice cream maker — the Ninja Creami. Snag it and turn almost anything into frozen, scoopable ice cream (hello, healthy protein treats).
I love the French culture and I have such an appreciation for the joy French people take in the simple pleasures of life. I’m so glad that the Twin City reflects some similarities in that. I hope you’ll take this as a sign to spend a day like a Parisian in our city
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