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Arts Council to Celebrate 70th Birthday and Its Newly Transformed Milton Rhodes Center Public invited to community celebration at 6:30 p.m. this Friday evening, August 9 Winston-Salem, NC (August 7, 2019) -- The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County will celebrate two major milestones -- its 70th birthday and transformation of the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts -- this Friday night, August 9. The public is invited to the community celebration at The Milton Rhodes Center at 251 North Spruce Street in downtown Winston-Salem at 6:30 p.m. “We completed the project right on schedule,” said Christine Jones, The Arts Council’s Chief Operating Officer, “and just in time for the National Black Theatre Festival. We hosted performances in two Center venues and in our adjacent Hanesbrands Theatre. The inaugural performance in the new black box theater, which is temporarily being called ‘Reynolds Place Theatre,’ came off without a hitch,” she said. “Our aim has been to create the kind of performance places that are most useful to our diverse local arts groups. We have done that, and the downtown arts scene has received a major boost with this cluster of three theaters in our complex – each with its own distinctive features.” WXII TV anchor Talitha Vickers will serve as emcee for Friday night’s celebration. Entertainment will include performances by the Winston-Salem Festival Ballet, Winston-Salem Little Theatre, and readings by poet Jacinta White. Attendees will be treated to heavy hors d'oeuvres, and there will be a cash bar. The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County, which was established 70 years ago, is the oldest arts council in the United States. “For seven decades, Winston-Salem has been viewed nationally as a leader in the community arts arena,” said Randy Eaddy, President and CEO of The Arts Council. “This anniversary is worthy of celebration, and it fortuitously aligns with completion of our transformation of the Milton Rhodes Center, so we are inviting the community to join in the fun this Friday evening, visit with friends and neighbors, and see for themselves the stunning enhancements to the Rhodes Center, including the new black box theater.” The Rhodes Center lobby has been transformed into a welcoming, architecturally dramatic, open space with the “Arboreal Gallery” to the left and a patrons service desk, gift shop featuring work by local artists, and a concession area on the right. The Center’s signature mosaic floor ties the two sections together and directs theater goers to the new 210-seat theater with retractable seats that allow maximum flexibility. The Mountcastle Forum performance space on the third floor has been soundproofed and enhanced so that it can be used simultaneously with the new theater. Winston-Salem, known as a City of Arts and Innovation, and Forsyth County have a robust arts community that enriches the lives of area residents every day and accounts in large part for the recognition they continue to receive as a great place to live, learn, work and play. Forsyth County’s nonprofit arts industry supports 5,559 full time equivalent jobs; accounts for more than $129 million in resident household income, and generates more than $14.8 million in local and state tax revenues.

We visit with Nigel Alston, executive director of the North Carolina Black Repertory Company. They produce the bi-annual National Black Theatre Festival, which begins in Winston-Salem on July 29th. He and Arts Council president Randy Eaddy discuss the upcoming event. Listen to the podcast

The Embers—Beach Music legends – to Present FREE Concert at Tanglewood Park on Sunday, July 28 Attendees encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for Second Harvest Food Bank Winston-Salem, NC (July 10, 2019) – “The Embers” helped create “Beach Music,” and they continue to be a band that can pack a house and bring an audience to its feet with its authentic sound and beat. Triad residents are guaranteed a memorable evening when the they come to Tanglewood Park Sunday afternoon, July 28, at 5:00 p.m. for an Ember’s performance that is part of the Summer Parks Concert Series presented by Forsyth County and The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County. The concert and parking are both free. PNC Bank is the corporate sponsor for this event. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for Second Harvest Food Bank, The Arts Council’s concert nonprofit partner, and receive a voucher for a free soft drink or bottle of water at The Arts Council tent. Christine Jones, Chief Operating Officer of The Arts Council, said, “The Embers, now featuring Craig Woolard, created their unique sound here in North Carolina decades ago and since then have traveled throughout the world sharing it with others. They are an institution on Southern beaches and no “shag” contest is complete without their music. Nothing says summertime and good times more than an Embers concert. We are so pleased to have these legendary musicians and showmen here with us for a Summer Parks Concert Series performance in our county’s Tanglewood Park.” Forsyth County, the nonprofit Arts Council and private sector businesses have all pitched in to make the Summer Parks Concert Series possible . David Plyler, Chair of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, pointed out that this this is the fourth year that Forsyth County and The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County have collaborated on the Summer Parks Concert Series. “The County and The Arts Council are both eager to have Forsyth County residents use our two amazing public parks – Triad Park and Tanglewood –so we forged a public/private partnership that has more than proved its worth. Forsyth County residents come and enjoy the five, family friendly free summer concerts and discover what grand resources the parks are year round for family activities.” Piedmont Paving is the 2019 Summer Parks Concert Series sponsor. PNC Bank, Publix Super Markets, Truliant Federal Credit Union, and Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Carolinas Realty are sponsoring individual concerts. Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery and R.H. Barringer Distributing Company are the beverage sponsors. Tanglewood Park, the venue for the Sunday, July 28, Embers concert, is located at 4061 Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC 27012 Gates open at 4:00 p.m. and music starts at 5:00 p.m. Picnicking is permitted and concert goers are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Food trucks, including Baconessence, Gunny Smitty’s, Bandito Burrito, and Brash Brownies, will be on site. Refreshments such as soda, water, beer and wine are available, with all proceeds supporting The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County. No outside alcohol is permitted. The event is family friendly and there are activities for children. There is one more 2019 Summer Parks Concert performance after The Embers.” “Charlie,” the Durham-based Motown, beach and funk band that can handle everything from standard jazz songs to more popular dance tunes will perform at Tanglewood on Sunday afternoon , August 25. The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County is the nation’s oldest Arts Council. Winston-Salem, known as a City of Arts and Innovation, and Forsyth County have a robust arts community that enriches the lives of area residents every day and accounts in large part for the recognition they continue to receive as a great place to live, learn, work and play. Forsyth County’s nonprofit arts industry supports 5,559 full time equivalent jobs; accounts for more than $129 million in resident household income, and generates more than $14.8 million in local and state tax revenues.

Art Starts Announces Ribbon Cutting and Reveal for 500 West Fifth Mural Project 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 19, on the 4th floor of 500 West Fifth Street Winston-Salem, NC (July 17, 2019) -- Winston Starts, the nonprofit organization that promotes entrepreneurship and startups, will have a ribbon cutting ceremony for its Art Starts project at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 19, on the 4th floor of 500 West Fifth Street in Winston-Salem. “As we were designing the interior offices and conference rooms for Winston Starts, I knew I wanted a space for local artists to display their talents,” said Betsy Brown, director of the new, low-cost, admission-based startup incubator that is the fastest growing in the area. “We decided on a project that would involve students from many of our area’s high schools and colleges working together.” The students partner with local professional artists, giving them a platform to work together and showcase their talents by transforming the concrete-lined stairways and landings of 500 West Fifth into a map showcasing the objectives and missions of some of its newly-renovated floors. Don Flow, chairman and CEO of Flow Companies who co-founded Winston Starts, said, “Our goal is to fill 500 West Fifth with vitality and young people who want to start companies, who want to take risks, and who want to imagine a different future.” The Art Starts program, now in its second year, furthers that objective. This summer, the Art Starts team is curating a mural for the building’s 3rd floor. Because this floor is occupied by various schools in the city, the theme of this year’s mural is entrepreneurship and academic collaboration. The 2019 team is composed of students from Salem College, Wake Forest University, Calvary Day School, Career Center, R. J. Reynolds High School, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and Forsyth Country Day School. Aliyah Rice, who is a rising senior at Salem and on the 2019 team as well as a current intern for Winston Starts, said, “Working with other artists in the community has been an honor. I love the notion of creating a mural that helps interpret the building and its mission.” Entering the stairwell from the 3rd floor, one is greeted by scenic images of Winston- Salem, including a realistic skyline of the city as well as sweeping mountain ranges featuring Pilot Mountain. In addition to the journey though Winston Salem depicted on the larger walls, the artists have designed images of hands coming together in academic collaboration and a lightbulb to represent entrepreneurship. Art Starts is in it for the long haul. With two years under its belt, it will transform the remaining floors of the18-story building with annual projects and expand into other spaces in Winston Salem, including buildings startup companies from 500 West Fifth move into when they leave. “With their talent and creativity, these students have turned a boring stairwell into a thing of beauty and become an example of the kind of collaboration we would like to see going forward between schools and students in Winston-Salem,” Brown said. “We hope this is just the beginning of how Winston Starts can nurture talent, support entrepreneurism and drive collaboration.” Winston Starts is the brainchild of businessman and visionary Don Flow, chairman and CEO of Flow Companies, Inc., and John Whitaker, founder and former CEO of Inmar. The nonprofit’s mission is to support the growth of local startups with unique, nationally-scalable business models and ultimately drive the future economic health of Winston-Salem and theTriad by promoting a culture of entrepreneurship, collaboration and innovation and retaining the area’s best and brightest minds. (End) For additional information please contact: Betsy Brown Director, Winston Starts betsy.brown@winstonstarts.com

Art now displayed on five billboards in the region Winston-Salem, NC (June 25, 2019) --The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County has announced the winners of its 2019 ArtPop Street Gallery competition and released photographs of the art that will appear on billboards in the region this year. ArtPop fosters collaborations between arts organizations, such as The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County, and the private sector to promote the work of local artists on available media space — on billboards, on the sides of buses, across news racks and in airport terminals. The visibility they receive boosts their careers. Lamar Outdoor Advertising is donating unused space on five billboards over a 12-county region (Forsyth, Guilford, Montgomery, Stokes, Davidson, Surry, Davie, Yadkin, Alamance, Randolph, Rockingham, and Caswell). Billboard locations can be anywhere in the region for any length of time during the year. This is the third ArtPop collaborative since 2016 between the billboard industry and The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County. Artists from the 12 counties were asked to submit billboard art for consideration. The winning artwork is now posted on billboards in the region. The five winners: Recent West Forsyth High School graduate Sarah Frisbie won with her acrylic reclining portrait titled “Kiera.” Frisbie will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall to study art and is receiving a 500 scholarship. Jurors selected digital art tiled “Flight of Fancy” by Raman Bhrdwaj of Greensboro. Bhrdwaj is a multi-disciplinary freelance artist. His website is www.artistraman.com. Winston-Salem visual storyteller, Trena McNabb, won with her acrylic titled “The Four Seasons.” Each piece McNabb creates weaves together a story. Her website is www.tmcnabb.com. High Point photographer C.S. Young, Jr., was selected for his piece, “Sunflower and Bumble Bee Composition.” Young is a photographer who explores multiple genres including natural landscapes, urban landscapes and street photography, as well as architectural abstracts and abandonment. His website is www.csyjr.wordpress.com. Artist Cara Bevan, who lives on her family’s farm and animal rescue facility in Trinity in Randolph County, has been creating art her entire life. Her piece, “Celeste the Cosmic Turtle,” was chosen, Bevan creates whimsical animals from gourds, wire, and epoxy. Her website is www.carabevan.com. “This is the third ArtPop collaborative between the billboard industry and our Arts Council,” said Randy Eaddy, President and CEO of the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. “They always create excitement. The first was in 2016, and each has prompted a lot of conversation among motorists and others in our area. We welcome an opportunity to again feature the work of five regional artists and raise their profiles in such a creative way.” All works submitted for the ArtPop competition are original works of art and fit a prescribed billboard format. There are no guarantees on billboard locations, as they could be anywhere in the 12-county region for any length of time depending upon availability in the market. It is more than $300,000 in advertising for these artists. ArtPop Street Gallery was founded in 2015. “Artist + Public Outdoor Project = ArtPOP” Street Gallery, which promotes local artists’ original works through the use of donated outdoor advertising space. For more information on ArtPop Triad, visit www.intothearts.org/artpop. See all of the ArtPop winners across the country by visiting www.ArtPopStreetGallery.com. Winston-Salem, known as a City of Arts & Innovation, and Forsyth County have a robust arts community that enriches the lives of area residents every day and accounts in large part for the recognition they continue to receive as a great place to live, learn, work and play. Forsyth County’s nonprofit arts industry supports 5,559 full time equivalent jobs; accounts for more than $129 million in resident household income, and generates more than $14.8 million in local and state tax revenues.

North Carolina Brass Band to Headline Free Independence Day Concert at Triad Park “Letters from Home,” the Winston-Salem vocal duo that performed WWII era songs at the D Day Commemoration on Omaha Beach in Normandy, will open Winston-Salem, NC (June 18, 2019) – Triad residents are in for a super Independence Day celebration at Triad Park on Sunday, June 30, when the North Carolina Brass Band presents a free patriotic pops concert. The 28-member Triad-based band is composed of many of the finest brass players and percussionists in the state. The icing on the Nation’s 2019 birthday cake for this Triad audience with be the opening act, “Letters from Home.” The Winston-Salem vocal duo has toured the world reviving patriotism through music, and recently performed WWII era songs at the D Day 75th Anniversary Commemoration on Omaha Beach in Normandy. Erinn Dearth and singer and comedian Dan Beckmann present one-of-a-kind shows featuring the music of WWII, Vietnam and beyond. The concert is a part of the Summer Parks Concert Series presented by Forsyth County and The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County. Truliant Federal Credit Union is the sponsor for this concert to be held at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, June 30, at Triad Park near Kernersville. The concert and parking are free. Attendees who bring a non-perishable food item for Second Harvest Food Bank, The Arts Council’s concert nonprofit partner, will receive a voucher for a free soft drink or bottle of water at The Arts Council tent. Christine Jones, Chief Operating Officer of The Arts Council, said, “This is an amazing way for area residents to celebrate our nation’s birthday. The North Carolina Brass Band with its patriotic pops repertoire will certainly put us in the Fourth of July spirit. Then we have “Letters from Home” opening for them, recently back from a featured performance at Omaha Beach before an audience of world leaders and millions of television viewers. All free and family friendly. Can’t do better than that! ” This is the fourth year that Forsyth County and The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County have collaborated on the Summer Parks Concert Series. David Plyler, Chair of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, described the relationship as “a public/private partnership that has more than proved its worth. I especially want to urge our veterans and their families to come out, visit the Carolina Field of Honor, and enjoy this concert that will have special meaning for them.” Forsyth County, the nonprofit Arts Council and private sector businesses have all pitched in to make the Summer Parks Concert Series possible. “Pooling our resources is a great way to make good things happen for residents of Forsyth County,” Plyler said. Piedmont Paving is the 2019 Summer Parks Concert Series sponsor. PNC Bank, Publix Super Markets, Truliant Federal Credit Union, and Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Carolinas Realty are sponsoring individual concerts. Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery and R.H. Barringer Distributing Company are the beverage sponsors. Triad Park, the venue for the Sunday, June 30, N C Brass Band concert, is located at 9652 West Market St. Kernersville, NC. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. and music starts at 5:00 p.m. Picnicking is permitted and concert goers are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Food trucks, including Baconessence, Porterhouse Burger Truck, Bandito Burrito, and Mike & Mike’s Italian Ice, will be on site. Refreshments such as soda, water, beer and wine are available, with all proceeds supporting The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County. No outside alcohol is permitted. Art Nouveau of Winston-Salem, a community of young people affiliated with The Arts Council, and Peppercorn Theatre of Kaliedium, will provide activities for kids. The two remaining Summer Parks performances are “The Embers” on Sunday, July 28, and “Charlie” on Sunday, August 25. The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County is the nation’s oldest Arts Council. Winston-Salem, known as a City of Arts and Innovation, and Forsyth County have a robust arts community that enriches the lives of area residents every day and accounts in large part for the recognition they continue to receive as a great place to live, learn, work and play. Forsyth County’s nonprofit arts industry supports 5,559 full time equivalent jobs; accounts for more than $129 million in resident household income, and generates more than $14.8 million in local and state tax revenues.

“The Plaids” to Headline First Free Tanglewood Concert of the Season 6:00 p.m., Friday, June 14, concert sponsored by The Arts Council and Forsyth County Winston-Salem, NC (May 29, 2019) – The popular Triad-based band, “The Plaids,” will headline the first Summer Parks Concert Series performance at Tanglewood Park on Friday, June 14 at 6:00 p.m. This high-energy group has developed a loyal following with a repertoire of hundreds of songs that cut across generational lines. The Summer Parks Concert Series is a partnership between Forsyth County and The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County. All concerts, as well as parking, are free and family friendly. Christine Jones, Chief Operating Officer of The Arts Council, said, “We have worked closely with county parks personnel to create a 2019 five-concert series that has broad appeal. For years, The Plaids have headlined both private and public events in the Triad and have always been a crowd pleaser. We are delighted to bring their talent and their ability to engage and entertain a diverse audience to Tanglewood Park on June 14.” This is the fourth year that Forsyth County and The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County have collaborated on the Summer Parks Concert Series. David Plyler, Chair of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, described the relationship as “a true public/private partnership made possible by Forsyth County, the nonprofit Arts Council and private sector businesses. We know we can do more working together, and we like to use our resources this way to make good things happen for residents of Forsyth County!” The 2019 Summer Parks Concert Series corporate sponsors include: PNC Bank, Publix Super Markets, Truliant Federal Credit Union, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Carolinas Realty, and Piedmont Paving, the series sponsor. Tanglewood Park, the venue for the June 14 Plaids concert, is located at 4061 Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and music starts at 6:00 p.m. Picnicking is permitted and concert goers are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Food trucks including Dough-Joe’s, PorterHouse Burger Truck and Wings-N-Fins will be on site. Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery and R.H. Barringer Distributing Company are the beverage sponsors. Refreshments such as soda, water, beer and wine are available, with all proceeds supporting the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County. No outside alcohol is permitted. Art Nouveau Winston-Salem, a community of young people affiliated with The Arts Council and committed to supporting the future of arts and artists in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, will provide activities for kids at each concert. The other remaining Summer Parks Concert performances scheduled for this year are N C Brass Band on Sunday, June 30 (Triad Park); The Embers on Sunday, July 28 (Tanglewood Park); and “Charlie” on Sunday, August 25 (Tanglewood Park). The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County is the nation’s oldest Arts Council. Winston-Salem, known as a City of Arts and Innovation, and Forsyth County have a robust arts community that enriches the lives of area residents every day and accounts in large part for the recognition they continue to receive as a great place to live, learn, work and play. Forsyth County’s nonprofit arts industry supports 5,559 full time equivalent jobs; accounts for more than $129 million in resident household income, and generates more than $14.8 million in local and state tax revenues.

Aliza’ Diggs-Bailey Named to Arts Council Position Will Serve as Director of Institutional Giving Winston-Salem, NC (May 16, 2019) -- Aliza` Diggs-Bailey has been named Director of Institutional Giving for The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County. She brings to the position a background in corporate and non-profit marketing and community engagement. Diggs-Bailey will be a member of the development team and have major duties in The Arts Council’s annual Community Fund for the Arts campaign. While her primary focus will be on institutional fundraising through workplace campaigns and engagement with corporate, municipal and foundation donors, Diggs-Bailey will spearhead initiatives to expand The Arts Council’s donor base. Randy Eaddy, President and CEO of The Arts Council, said Diggs-Bailey, who is a former Executive Director of The Delta Arts Center and a Director of Merchandising and Design for Hanesbrands, brings an unusually broad range of professional experience. “Her diverse background is going to serve us well, and she will be an outstanding representative of The Arts Council as we execute our 2019 Community Fund for the Arts campaign,” said Eaddy. “Aliza’ has great passion for the arts, individual artists, and the organizations that enable and support them, and she understands the vital role of community support.” Diggs-Bailey has a degree from North Carolina State University in Textiles and Apparel Design and Management. Most recently, she has worked for business, government and non-profit entities as a program developer, marketer and event director. The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County is the nation’s oldest Arts Council. Winston-Salem, known as a City of Arts & Innovation, and Forsyth County have a robust arts community that enriches the lives of area residents every day and accounts in large part for the recognition they continue to receive as a great place to live, learn, work and play. Forsyth County’s nonprofit arts industry supports 5,559 full time equivalent jobs; accounts for more than $129 million in resident household income, and generates more than $14.8 million in local and state tax revenues.

Arts Council Chief Marketing and Administrative Officer, Connie Quinn was joined by Merritt Vale, President and CEO of the Winston-Salem Symphony to talk about the Winston-Salem Symphony's year-long conductor search. They discussed the search process and the future of the Symphony. Join the conversation in our latest podcast to learn how the Symphony's conductor search has engaged the community. Click to Listen

Becky Buller Band to Kick Off 2019 Summer Parks Concert Series Free Concert at Triad Park on Friday, May 17 Winston-Salem, NC (May 2, 2019) – Two-time Grammy winning songwriter and eight-time IBMA Award Winner, Becky Buller, and her band will kick off the Arts Council Summer Parks Concert Series at Triad Park on Friday, May 17. The popular Walkertown-based bluegrass band, The Grassifieds, will open for Buller. The Summer Parks Concert Series is a collaboration between Forsyth County and The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County. Blue Ridge Music Center is the presenting partner for this concert. The performance, and parking as well, is free and family friendly. Randy Eaddy, President and CEO of The Arts Council, said, “We wanted to make this kick-off concert a real crowd pleaser. I think we ensured that when Becky Buller signed on. Becky was the first female to win the IBMA’s Fiddle Player Of The Year award and was also the first IBMA artist to win in both instrumental and vocal categories. She can go from singing ballads that will put tears in your eyes, to fiddling that will have you on your feet before she hits that final note!” This will be the fourth year for the Summer Parks Concert Series. David Plyler, Chair of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, said, “It really pleases all of us on the Board to see so many people taking advantage of the free summer concerts at Triad and Tanglewood parks and enjoying other amenities in our parks such as walking trails, picnic shelters, and tennis courts throughout the year. The concerts are a true public/private partnership made possible by Forsyth County, the nonprofit Arts Council and private sector businesses. That’s how we work together to make good things happen in Forsyth County!” 2019 Summer Parks Concert Series corporate sponsors include PNC Bank, Publix Super Markets, Truliant Federal Credit Union, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Carolinas Realty, and Piedmont Paving, which is the series sponsor. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Carolinas Realty is the sponsor for the May 17, Becky Buller Band concert. Picnicking is permitted and concert goers are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Food trucks will be on site and refreshments such as soda, water, beer and wine are available, with all proceeds supporting the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County. No outside alcohol is permitted. Art Nouveau Winston-Salem, a community of young people affiliated with The Arts Council and committed to supporting the future of arts and artists in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, will provide family friendly activities at each concert. There will be five Summer Parks Concert Series performances this year, including: “The Plaids,” on Friday, June 14; N C Brass Band on Sunday, June 30; The Embers on Sunday, July 28; and “Charlie” on Sunday, August 25. Triad Park, the venue for season’s first concert, is located at 9652 West Market Street, Kernersville, NC.

Free Concerts at Triad Park and Tanglewood Park Winston-Salem, NC (April 24, 2019) – The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County has announced the lineup for its 2019 Summer Parks Series that will include two events at Triad Park near Kernersville and three at Tanglewood Park. Two-time Grammy winning songwriter and acclaimed fiddler, Becky Buller, and her band will kick off the series at Triad Park on Friday, May 17. The popular Walkertown-based bluegrass band, The Grassifieds, will open. The Summer Parks Series is a collaborative effort between the County of Forsyth and The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. All events, as well as parking, are free and family friendly. Randy Eaddy, President and CEO of The Arts Council, said, “We are fortunate to live in a community where public and nonprofit entities have a cooperative spirit that allows us to maximize our resources and present this kind of top-notch entertainment for the residents of our county. It’s extraordinary, and we at The Arts Council appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the county.” “This will be the fourth year for the Summer Parks Series, and we are delighted to be able to make this extraordinary family entertainment available,” said David Plyler, Chair of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners. “Triad Park and Tanglewood Park are public-owned assets with a host of amenities, and we want people to know about them and enjoy using them.” Mike Anderson, Director of Forsyth County Parks and Recreation, described the Series as “a great opportunity to bring the arts to the citizens of Forsyth County.” Anderson said, “The quality of the events is amazing. These concerts give our citizens opportunities to enjoy talented performers at our county parks for free. The lineup for the 2019 season brings some of the best events that the Arts Council has put on in the parks to date, and I am sure the citizens will especially enjoy the concerts this year.” Event sponsors help defray expenses, and this year include PNC Bank, Publix Super Markets, and Truliant Federal Credit Union. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Picnicking is permitted and food trucks will be on site. Refreshments such as soda, water, beer and wine are available with all proceeds supporting the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. No outside alcohol is permitted. Family friendly activities are planned for each concert by Art Nouveau Winston-Salem, a community of young people affiliated with The Arts Council and committed to supporting the future of arts and artists in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. The Series opens Friday, May 17, with The Becky Buller Band and the last of the five performances features “Charlie” on Sunday, August 25 – the Motown group from last year’s lineup that had concert goers on their feet and dancing! The rousing music of the NC Brass Band will be heard across Triad Park at the Independence Day concert on Sunday, June 30, with an opening performance by “Letters from Home.” 2019 Forsyth County Summer Parks Series Schedule Friday, May 17, 2019 Triad Park The Becky Buller Band Opening act: The Grassifieds “Bluegrass” Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and concert begins at 6:00 p.m. Local food trucks https://beckybuller.com/ http://www.thegrassifieds.com/ Friday, June 14, 2019 Tanglewood Park The Plaids “From Beatles to Beach” Gates open at 5 p.m. and concert begins at 6:00 p.m. Local food trucks https://www.facebook.com/theplaids/ Sunday, June 30, 2019 Triad Park NC Brass Band “Patriotic Pops” Opening Act: Letters from Home Gates open at 5 p.m. and concert begins at 6:00 p.m. Local food trucks https//www.ncbrassband.org lettersfromhomesingers.com Friday, July 28, 2019 Tanglewood Park The Embers “Beach Music by Beach Music Legends” Gates open at 4:00 p.m. and concert begins at 5:00 p.m. Local food trucks Sponsor: PNC Bank https://theembersband.net/ https://www.facebook.com/TheEmbersMusic/ Sunday, August 25, 2019 Tanglewood Park Charlie “Mostly Motown” Gates open at 4:00 p.m. and the concert begins at 5:00 p.m. Local Food trucks Sponsor: Publix Super Markets www.samhillbands.com/bands/charlie Locations Triad Park 9652 West Market St. Kernersville, NC 27284 Tanglewood Park 4061 Clemmons Rd Clemmons, NC 27012 Winston-Salem, known as a City of Arts and Innovation, and Forsyth County have a robust arts community that enriches the lives of area residents every day and accounts in large part for the recognition they continue to receive as a great place to live, learn, work and play. Forsyth County’s nonprofit arts industry supports 5,559 full time equivalent jobs; accounts for more than $129 million in resident household income, and generates more than $14.8 million in local and state tax revenues.

Arts Council Issues Call for Artists to Participate in ArtPop Applications due by May 28 Winston-Salem, NC (April 22, 2019) -- The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County has issued a call for artists in eight Piedmont counties to participate in ArtPop, which showcases artwork on Lamar Outdoor Advertising billboards throughout the region. Works by five selected artists will be featured on billboards circulating throughout the region during the 2019 calendar year. “This is the third ArtPop collaborative between the billboard industry and our Arts Council,” said Randy Eaddy, President and CEO of the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. “The first was in 2016, and each has created a lot of conversation among motorists and others in our area. We welcome an opportunity to again feature the work of five regional artists and raise their profiles in such a creative way.” Applicants (other than high school students) must be at least 18 years of age; live in Forsyth, Guilford, Montgomery, Stokes, Davidson, Surry, Davie, Yadkin, Alamance, Randolph, Rockingham, or Caswell County; and have an active website or location at which their art is sold. High school seniors who reside in one of the listed counties and who will be attending college for visual art may also apply without meeting the other criteria. All works submitted for the ArtPop competition must be original works of art and fit a prescribed billboard format. No reproductions of copyrighted or other material will be accepted. Area artists who wish to enter the ArtPop competition should visit www.intothearts.org/artpop to apply. There is a $25 entry fee. Multiple entries may be submitted, but only one entry per person will be accepted. Selected artists will be announced on June 28. There are no guarantees on billboard locations, as they could be anywhere for any length of time. Billboard locations will rotate, and the length of display in any one place will vary depending upon availability in the market. ArtPop Street Gallery was founded in 2015. “Artist + Public Outdoor Project = ArtPOP” Street Gallery, which promotes local artists’ original works through the use of donated outdoor advertising space. For more information on ArtPop Triad, visit www.intothearts.org/artpop. See all of the ArtPop winners across the country by visiting www.ArtPopStreetGallery.com. Winston-Salem, known as a City of Arts & Innovation, and Forsyth County have a robust arts community that enriches the lives of area residents every day and accounts in large part for the recognition they continue to receive as a great place to live, learn, work and play. Forsyth County’s nonprofit arts industry supports 5,559 full time equivalent jobs; accounts for more than $129 million in resident household income, and generates more than $14.8 million in local and state tax revenues. (END) For additional information, please contact Diana Blanchard Director of Community Engagement& Communications The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County Office 336.747.3477 Cell 352. 406. 5108 dblanchard@ intothearts.org