Dyer says she plans to reach to new audiences and create programs to cultivate younger filmmakers. | Photo courtesy of Dylan Blackburn (left) +Leigh Dyer (right)
The show will go on. a/perture cinema is sticking around. After a call for help to the community, Winstonians stepped up to save the day. City Editor Kellina sat down with Leigh Dyer, the new executive director of the arthouse cinema for a preview of what’s ahead in 2025.
Roll back the tape
In mid-September, a/perture’s board of directors announced it was at risk of closing, asking the community to contribute to its $100,000 goal by the end of 2024. The theater surpassed its goal by a landslide. Let’s break down how much the nonprofit received:
$70,000 in grants
$181,000+ from individual donations
594 individual donors stepped up to contribute
1,000+ more moviegoers walked through the doors in the fourth quarter in 2024 than the same time the previous year
All the efforts amounted to a grand total of $251,775 raised through the #saveaperture campaign.
Editor’s note: Some of these events might get canceled due to inclement weather.
Saturday, Jan. 11
Winston Salem Tennis Info Session | 2-4 p.m. | Ski & Tennis Station | Free | Come ready to discuss league play, learn about the Spring Ace n’ Ale + how to get involved, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pro.
Staghorn Fern and Pressed Flower Crafting | 2-4 p.m. | My Garden Blooms, Kernersville | $93 | Learn the ropes of creating a staghorn fern art display you can grow or mount on a wall — light refreshments are included.
Live Music: Pure Fiyah Reggae Band | 7-10 p.m. | Wise Man Brewing | Cost of purchase | Jam out to the live band playing roots, rock, and high-energy reggae music that’ll keep you dancing all night long.
Sunday, Jan. 12
Tyler Dodson and Kyle Caudle | 3 p.m. | Muddy Creek Cafe Listening Room | $15 | Listen to the two NC natives perform soul-stirring melodies and music ranging from folk to country and rock.
Monday, Jan. 13
Personal Finance: Financial Preparation & Recovery | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lewisville Branch Library | Free, RSVP | Learn strategies for managing your finances effectively + gather tools to understand insurance, government aid, and personal budgeting.
Tuesday, Jan. 14
“Moms Unhinged” Standup Comedy Show | 7 p.m. | Hanesbrands Theatre | $32 | Join a night of laughter as three comedians explore everything from motherhood, midlife crises, marriage, divorce, and online dating.
Goodbye, peppermint mocha and hello, cortado. Starbucks added a new espresso option to its menu. But can it compete with Ardmore Coffee‘s crème brûlée latte?
Eat
Do you smell shortbread? Girl Scout Cookie season is almost here. Use this zip code finder to get a countdown to cookies — and support our local Girl Scout troops.
Outdoors
Four planets in one view. Every night this month, look for Venus, Saturn, and Mars all in alignment. Pull out a telescope, and you’ll also be able to spot Uranus and Neptune. (NASA)
Where will you find your flow? | Photo by Neil Craver via Lotus Yoga Academy
Whether you’re a novice on the mat or an experienced yogi, the City of Arts and Innovation has plenty of places to practice. Find your zen at these 12 yoga studios and classes around Winston-Salem.
If you’re just getting started
Yoga Path, 120 S. Main St., Ste. B, Kernersville With a focus on helping adults stay active as they age, instructors teach classes like chair yoga, balance, and slow flow. The “men on mats” class on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. give men a comfortable place to increase their skills. Book a free consultation to determine which classes will best suit your needs.
Lewisville Wellness Collective, 6275 Shallowford Rd., Ste. 200, Lewisville Try the yoga for beginners class if you’re looking to build a strong foundation. Runners, cyclists, and people recovering from injuries can also find specialized classes aimed at promoting circulation, relieving tension, and healing muscles. The studio is launching yoga memberships in early 2025.
New car insurance. Real talk — car insurance prices are expected to jump 22% by end of year, according to a recent study. It’s worth shopping around and comparing rates on Money’s Best Car Insurance list to make sure you’re getting the best price.