Event Display Tag: Free
Art in the Park: Painted Egg Gourds
Overview
Design and paint your own egg gourd ornament for autumn with guidance from artist Leo Rucker
Join us for a hands-on creative session to learn basic decorative techniques, explore color theory and pattern design, and incorporate personal details to create a one-of-a-kind ornament. This Art in the Park session will be led by Winston-Salem-based artist Leo Rucker. No prior experience required.
Leo Rucker
Leo Rucker is a multidisciplinary visual artist who works with pencil, pastel, acrylics, watercolor, and oils. He is known for capturing the heartbeat of his subjects through striking photo realism and emotional depth. Rucker is an award-winning artist, educator, and community collaborator, with solo exhibitions, large-scale murals, published illustrations, and portrait commissions across North Carolina and beyond. Through his art and teaching, Rucker uses visual storytelling to celebrate culture, history, and human connection.
Art in the Park
Art in the Park is a free pop-up series presented by NCMA Winston-Salem and Winston-Salem Recreation & Parks. Designed for all ages, Art in the Park invites you to explore your creativity at scenic local parks. Drop by between 10:00 and 1:00 to enjoy a unique, hands-on tutorial led by our featured local artist. Materials are provided, and if you can’t stay to create, we’ll happily send you off with supplies to help spark your imagination later.
[CANCELLED] ART CRUSH: Kenny Wavinson & Proxevita
![[CANCELLED] ART CRUSH: Kenny Wavinson & Proxevita](https://ncmawinstonsalem.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/kenny-wavinson-3.jpg)
Overview
This event is cancelled due to weather
NCMA Winston-Salem is proud to partner with ART CRUSH to bring NC-based musicians to the Arts District’s monthly block party
Taking the stage at the corner of 6th and Trade Streets at 8:00 pm, Kendall Daniels, better known as Kenny Wavinson, is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter from Greensboro, NC. Inspired by acts such as Mac Demarco, Real Estate, and Good Morning, Kenny makes nostalgic melodic groves under his own genre he calls “Lakewater Rock”.
Taking the stage at 9:00 pm, Proxevita in an NC-based artist and activist who transcends genres of electronic dream pop, shoegaze, classical, grunge, and sound healing to champion social change, sustainability, & Indigenous ethos. Over the past four years, Proxevita has significantly contributed to various global initiatives in the arts, culture, and sustainability.
ART CRUSH is a creative block party that highlights the Arts District Businesses and local creatives that reside in Winston-Salem and surrounding areas. All are welcome to celebrate the arts at this free, community event.
Hopscotch Day Party: Southern Idiom, Expanded
Overview
NCMA Winston-Salem is teaming up with Hopscotch Music Festival to offer a day party that expands upon the Museum’s Southern Idiom concert series.
Hear bands and artists from across the Southeast and enjoy fresh Biscuitville biscuits and other treats from around the Triad at The Pour House in Raleigh during Hopscotch Music Festival.
Southern Idiom was originally launched as an exhibition series for local visual artists, and has evolved into a concert series celebrating the diverse musical artistry of Winston-Salem musicians past and present.
The Lineup
12:00 pm | Mellow Swells [Instagram] [Bandcamp]
12:45 pm | Sintead [Instagram]
1:45 pm | Saturn is Changing [Instagram] [Bandcamp]
2:45 pm | Pretty Baby [Instagram] [Bandcamp]
3:45 pm | COGS [Instagram] [Bandcamp]
4:45 pm | The Treasury [Instagram] [Bandcamp]
Vinyl Lounge
Overview
Vinyl Lounge has a new home at NCMA Winston-Salem Downtown
For both seasoned record collectors and vinyl newcomers alike, Vinyl Lounge offers a welcoming community eager to explore different genres and eras of music. Attendees are invited to bring their own records and immerse themselves in a communal listening experience like no other. Pop-up vendors will be onsite with records available to purchase.
Vinyl Lounge
Established over ten years ago as PVD (Public Vinyl Demo) by EMBER Audio + Design, Vinyl Lounge is a celebration of sound now presented in partnership with NCMA Winston-Salem. The spirit of shared discovery is at the heart of Vinyl Lounge. Enjoy the unique warmth and depth that only vinyl can provide on a hi-fi sound system courtesy of EMBER.
Park Hangs: General Purpose
Overview
Unwind and socialize at Park Hangs, an outdoor concert series at Bailey Park
Savor the end of summer with live music by General Purpose from 6:00–8:00 pm. Food truck service begins at 5:00 pm.
General Purpose is a progressive rock band based in Greensboro, NC, that utilizes classical instruments such as clarinet and violin and puts them into a rock context. Drawing influence from 70’s acts such as Jethro Tull, Yes, Genesis, and others, combined with classical and jazz influence, songwriters Xul Rutty (bass/vocals) and Uno Dos Santos (guitar) create a symphonic experience through the large instrumentation with Gabe Genopolos on drums, Grant Powers on saxophone, and Grace Leonard on violin.
Park Hangs
Join us to unwind and socialize at a new outdoor concert series with music by NC-based artists, food and drinks by local vendors, and easygoing vibes in Bailey Park (445 Patterson Ave. in Winston-Salem). Park Hangs is presented by NCMA Winston-Salem and Innovation Quarter, with additional support from Atwell Ford Real Estate.
Bring your own food or purchase from vendors in the park or from favorite restaurants in Innovation Quarter. Drinks from Incendiary Brewing will be available for purchase; outside alcohol is prohibited. Limited street parking is available, with additional paid parking in the Link Parking Deck (530 North Patterson Ave.).
Related Events
2nd Saturday: Secret Shapes
Overview
An exploration of lines and layers inspired by the processes of exhibiting artists Erin Canady and Leah Smith
Experiment with tape-masking to manipulate negative space. Use oil pastels over taped sections that, when peeled away, reveal new shapes beneath.
2nd Saturday
One of the museum’s longest-running programs, 2nd Saturday provides opportunities for all ages and skill levels to create memories through accessible, hands-on art-making. Each month’s art activity is inspired by current exhibitions or events. All materials are provided.
Related Events
2nd Saturday: Community Day at Reynolda House
Overview
Join us for a special 2nd Saturday at Reynolda House Museum of American Art
Find NCMA Winston-Salem and other local organizations at Reynolda House Museum of American Art for Community Day: Picturing Freedom. In the spirit of community, help create a collaborative mural using colorful paint markers.
2nd Saturday
One of the museum’s longest-running programs, 2nd Saturday provides opportunities for all ages and skill levels to create memories through accessible, hands-on art-making. Each month’s art activity is inspired by current exhibitions or events. All materials are provided.
Related Events
2nd Saturday: Sign Painting with Chuck Johnson
Overview
Please note: September’s 2nd Saturday will take place at the covered patio at NCMA Winston-Salem Downtown (400 W Fourth St, #130).
Practice sign making and lettering techniques with artist Chuck Johnson
Learn simple design and lettering techniques to create your own sign and bring it to life, drawing inspiration from street art, community murals, and graphic design. Greensboro-based artist Chuck Johnson will provide live sign painting demonstrations and with his guidance, attendees can try their hand at different lettering styles and craft their very own custom signs.
This event is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Chuck Johnson
Chuck Johnson is a multi-faceted artist with work ranging from sign and mural painting to photography and videography. His work is heavily influenced from his time growing up in the North Carolina punk rock and skateboarding communities, leading him to opportunities to travel the world working with bands for photography, videography, lighting design, and merchandising. Johnson has painted numerous buildings across North Carolina and the United States, with commissions ranging from environmental graphics for Wrangler to community murals.
2nd Saturday
One of the museum’s longest-running programs, 2nd Saturday provides opportunities for all ages and skill levels to create memories through accessible, hands-on art-making. Each month’s art activity is inspired by current exhibitions or events. All materials are provided.
Related Events
Art in the Park: Found Object Puppets
Overview
Create puppet characters using natural and found objects
Join us at Granville Park for a playful, hands-on workshop where imagination takes the lead. With guidance from local creative John Bowhers and using everyday natural and found objects, create unique puppet characters that transform ordinary materials into expressive works of art. Leave with a one-of-a-kind puppet and fresh inspiration for imaginative storytelling.
John Bowhers is an artist and designer whose cross-discipline work includes puppet arts, stage design, printmaking, graphic design, and custom fabrication. With a 10-year professional background in theatre production, he is at his best when exploring a wide variety of mediums and trying to solve unique creative puzzles by learning new techniques. He cares deeply about work that serves young audiences and communities.
Art in the Park
Art in the Park is a free pop-up series presented by NCMA Winston-Salem and Winston-Salem Recreation & Parks. Designed for all ages, Art in the Park invites you to explore your creativity at scenic local parks. Drop by between 10:00 and 1:00 to enjoy a unique, hands-on tutorial led by our featured local artist. Materials are provided, and if you can’t stay to create, we’ll happily send you off with supplies to help spark your imagination later.
