Artist Thomas Sayre has been selected to create the West Woods Project on Phase 4 along the railtrail on the Downtown Greenway. Thomas is a Raleigh-based artist and architect and has constructed works of art all over the world. To create his art, he uses earth and soil from the ground where his sculptures will eventually stand to form earth casts. On-line public meeting will be planned for May to give the public the opportunity to view his proposal for the West Woods Project and to provide feedback. Click here to watch a segment from UNC-TV on the process that Thomas uses to create his art.
Corey Hillman shares ideas for making Greensboro a walkable city. What can you do to help make this dream into a reality? Click here to his read article.
Corey Hillman is a graduate of Baylor University holding a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He is a Greensboro native and a member of the Communications Committee for the Downtown Greenway. You can follow him at @GboroPhysio.
We are excited to announce that Artist RADCLIFFE BAILEY has been selected to design and fabricate the Freedom Cornerstone on the Downtown Greenway.
Radcliffe is a painter, sculptor, and mixed media artist from Atlanta, Georgia who brings an international reputation to the project and a history of telling stories of African American history and culture.
A series of Public Meetings with Radcliffe will be planned this spring to give him the opportunity to learn about Greensboro's culture and history. We anticipate design and fabrication of the Freedom Cornerstone this summer and fall, with an installation in early 2021.
Click here for samples of Radcliffe's work.
Click here to read the entire press release.
The Downtown Greenway will be a catalyst to significant economic development in East Greensboro. We can expect to see additional commercial and residential development surrounding the Greenway. Several developers have already expressed an interest in the area. East Greensboro Now has been a supporter of the initiative since its inception. A game changer for East Greensboro is now in place
Mac Sims is the president of East Greensboro NOW, a Community Development Corporation. EGN leads the economic development initiative in east Greensboro, provides a variety of support to east Greensboro neighborhoods, and conducts programs for new and existing entrepreneurs. Since East Greensboro NOW’s inception, the community has seen significant economic development totaling over $250 million in a variety of ventures, such as: shopping centers, apartments, new businesses, streetscapes, and community centers.
Click here for more information and here for the article about the announcement in the News & Record. Read the Opinion piece in the News & Record on 11.12.19 here.
The Downtown Greenway is commissioning the last of the 4 cornerstones called the Freedom Cornerstone to be located at the corner of Murrow Blvd and Gate City Blvd. The theme of “Freedom” was inspired by the City’s role in the Civil Rights Movement, especially the non-violent protests of the pivotal 1960 Greensboro lunch-counter sit-ins that served as a catalyst to the larger movement. Racial justice and equity have played an important role in shaping our city and defining its identity. The selected artist will be asked to explore this history in depth as they conceive of a vision for the artwork. Over 65 artists from around the country submitted artist proposals for the cornerstone. Four artists have been selected to come to Greensboro to share their vision for the cornerstone artwork with the public.
Public meeting will be held for each of the 4 artist(s) to give presentations on their work and their vision for designing the Freedom Cornerstone if selected. The public meetings below are free and open to the public. All public meetings will be held at the Historic Magnolia House, 442 Gorrell Street in Greensboro.
October 22 from 5:30-6:30 pm for artist Radcliffe Bailey from Atlanta, Georgia.
November 6 from 5:30-6:30 pm for artists David Wilson and Stephen Hayes from Durham, North Carolina.
November 12 from 5:30-6:30 pm for artists Norman Lee and Shane Albritton from Houston, Texas.
November 21 from 5:30-6:30 pm for artists Ayokunle Odeley from Stone Mountain, Georgia and Walt Havener from Durham, North Carolina.
Click here to read the press release on the artists visits and here to read recent article in News & Record by Dawn Kane.
Have you been along Murrow Blvd lately? Don't blink because you will be surprised at how construction on the Downtown Greenway is moving along on Murrow Boulevard. Weather dependent, the eastern section of the Downtown Greenway from Gate City Blvd. to Fisher Ave. along Murrow Blvd. will be complete in October 2020. Click here to read the article in the News & Record on 9.16.19 about construction.
We are seeking artists from across the country to submit a proposal for the Freedom Cornerstone, which is the last of the 4 cornerstones to be built on the Downtown Greenway.
The theme of "Freedom" was inspired by the City's role in the Civil Rights Movement, especially the non-violent protests of the pivotal 1960 Greensboro lunch-counter sit-ins that served as a catalyst to the larger movement. Racial justice and equity have played an important role in shaping our city and defining its identity. The selected artist will be asked to explore this history in depth as they conceive of a vision for the artwork.
The deadline for submissions is August 21, 2019 at 5:00 pm. Click here for submission guidelines and more information. Questions? Contact Public Art Consultant, Barbara Peck at jbpeck@mac.com
Construction started last week on the two remaining blocks on Smith Street from Prescott to Spring which will complete the northern section. Anticipated completion of construction will be in April. Then construction will begin on the largest section of the Downtown Greenway-- the eastern section along Murrow Blvd from Gate City Blvd to Fisher and Greene.
Click here to watch the segment on Spectrum News about the current construction. Beth Boulton, owner of Boulton Creative, talks about how construction on Smith Street and the Downtown Greenway are affecting her business-- in a good way!
Over 100 people came out on Monday, January 21 after the MLK Jr. Parade to celebrate the opening of the southern section of the Downtown Greenway along Bragg Street and the relocation and dedication of the MLK Jr. Bust first fabricated by local resident Wilbur Mapp and refurbished by artist Jim Gallucci. Click here to see all the photos from the event.
