Winston-Salem

American Visions, April-May, 1995 by Michael L. Pina

But to get a real taste of black art, especially the work of North Carolina artists, you have to stop by Delta Fine Arts Inc. in the East Winston neighborhood of the city. This gallery was founded by local members of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, who wanted to donate black artworks to Winston-Salem State University, a local black institution. But their vision soon expanded, and before long the group was holding art exhibits at hotels and on college campuses. Beginning in 1982, the group moved into a house, where they now offer community-based arts and cultural programs, as well as exhibit the works of local artists of color.

One other great opportunity awaits those interested in black art: Winston-Salem State University. On the campus of this historically black college, you will find a sculpture garden with the works of Mel Edwards, Beverly Buchanan and other artists, two murals by the North Carolina-born John Biggers, whose art focuses on the Southern roots and rural traditions of African Americans, and the Diggs Gallery. The gallery features temporary exhibitions by both established and emerging artists of color from around the globe; it also has a permanent collection that prominently includes works by African-American North Carolinians. Want an example of what you might see there? Check out the cover of the August/September 1994 issue of American Visions!

Whether your craving is for art, history or even tobacco, Winston-Salem satisfies. For more information about planning a vacation to Winston-Salem, call (800) 331-7018.

Michael L. Pina is associate editor of Travel Weekly in Washington, D.C. His last story for American Visions, "Belize: Small Wonder," appeared in the December/January 1994 issue.