May’s hidden gem is not so hidden location-wise as it’s in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem. But, it’s often overlooked or still unknown to those who don’t venture downtown often.
Embracing spring, I want to share this outdoor hidden gem that will quickly grow to one of your favorite spots in Winston-Salem. Artivity on the Green is a park and outdoor art exhibit all in one.
Art and Innovation Intersect & Come to Life
Artivity on the Green celebrates 10 years this May! It originated as an Art For Art’s Sake (AFAS) project that expands the Winston-Salem arts district and connects to the city’s Innovation Quarter.
No detail was too small in designing this park. It all links back to artistic expression and the city’s history.
The staggering red towers signify the different levels of the R.J. Reynolds building, which is now home to Kimpton Cardinal Hotel. Six red lines on the ground indicate different entrances to the park and all intersect at the towers. Not only are the towers visually pleasing and tie into Winston-Salem architecture, from April to October, they also mist every half hour from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
On one end of the park sits a beautiful structure that serves as a bandstand for concerts and performances. The design itself is a tribute to music since the seven steel ribbons that make it up each represent the notes of a musical octave.
While not being a host to entertainment, the bandstand is a great place to sit and relax or enjoy a meal. Plus, the ribbons at each end are whisper dashes. If two people sit at each end, they can whisper into them and still hear each other. Some of the ribbons feature seats at the bottom and others have weasels.
Another wonderful artistic landscaping component is the retaining wall that is home to multiple murals.
While you might think of visiting a park when it is sunny, this is a good rainy day destination as there are designs on the sidewalk that are only visible when wet. So, grab an umbrella and stroll there to see all these hidden pieces of art.
Finally, this is also a nighttime destination. Not only for the entertainment there but to see the bandstand and towers light up in a variety of colors, as well.
Ideas to Enjoy this Unique Space
Here are some ways to enjoy Artivity on the Green:
- Grab to-go food or pack a picnic and lounge on the park grass.
- Listen to music when there are concerts or performances.
- Stroll and sit there in the evening to catch the lights.
- Bring the kids on a hot day to play around the misting towers, roll down the grassy hill and walk across the beams.
- Look at the murals, which occasionally get changed out.
- Follow all the red trails on the sidewalks into the park.
- Have a fun conversation with the whisper dashes.
Details to Visit Artivity on the Green
Location: 630 N. Liberty Street, Winston-Salem
Hours: Monday-Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Parking: Street parking or parking garages in downtown Winston-Salem
Website: theafasgroup.com
