“Keeping the Arts Alive And On View: The Story of Associated Artists Of Winston-Salem”

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The “Arts” in Winston-Salem’s designation as the “City of Arts and Innovation” can be credited to a determined group of visionaries who believed art was essential to a community’s quality of life. These individuals founded the first Arts Council in the country, here in Winston-Salem. They also formed the organization Associated Artists of Winston-Salem in 1956 to ensure that art was not only created but shared, exhibited, and fully appreciated.

For almost 70 years, Associated Artists has supported the arts and local artists, giving art a chance to be seen by providing a place for it to be shown. The organization thrived in good years and struggled, but survived through difficult times. Today, Associated Artists is experiencing a rebirth – more determined than ever to foster the cultural enrichment, emotional well-being, and togetherness the arts bring to our community.

The History Of Associated Artists

With the idea that artists’ work must be exhibited to be truly appreciated, the small volunteer group of The Associated Artists of Winston-Salem (AAWS) planned and curated their first exhibition, which took place in 1956 on the front lawn of the First Presbyterian Church in Winston-Salem. The event generated a great deal of excitement and much interest in the fledgling organization. They continued to exhibit their work wherever they could, including churches, the front lawn of the public library, and city offices, fulfilling their commitment: “To give art a chance to be seen, by giving it a place to be shown.”

Membership of Associated Artists began to grow. At that time, they offered two different types of membership:

• Exhibiting Members: competed in juried exhibitions and were approved by the Board to join
• Associate Members: anyone who wanted to be involved with the organization

Also in 1956, AAWS was able to open a storefront gallery for exhibitions, along with office space for storing the association’s documents, which had previously been housed in the homes of volunteers. Along with the exhibitions, the association offered in-school Artist-In-Residence programs, workshops, lectures, demonstrations, and more. They also hosted a National Juried Competition each year.

In the 80s, membership in AAWS grew to 600 members. In addition to gallery shows, the Community Exhibit Program featured the works of artists in various businesses, restaurants, and facilities throughout the city. Associated Artists moved their exhibit and offices to the Sawtooth Center. They also partnered with Henley Paper of Greensboro to produce the annual Southeastern Spectrum Henley Art Show, which became one of the largest shows in the southeast at that time. It was in 1984 that AAWS became a legal nonprofit corporation, known as Associated Artists of Winston-Salem, Inc.

After soaring to great heights for years, in 2012, AAWS began to face challenges that nearly led to its demise. The 2008 recession led to a loss of sponsors, and they were also losing members. Rents were rising, and expenses eroded their capital. The association lost its exhibit and office space and could no longer afford personnel to operate the corporation. In 2018, the Associated Artists were told by its Board to shut down, but a few steadfast members refused to abandon the organization’s mission and continued to exhibit their work in businesses and restaurants to be seen. The Community Exhibit Program never stopped.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, AAWS worked diligently to make a comeback. In 2022, the organization secured exhibit space in several venues, including the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, the Masonic Center of Winston-Salem, the Benton Convention Center, Trade Street Arts, and over a dozen venues in the Community Exhibit Program.

To this day, all Board members and volunteers continue to work remotely, but Associated Artists membership is again growing, with old members returning and new artists joining. Membership, which was initially very difficult to obtain in the association’s early years, is now open to artists of all levels, from professionals to beginners, and across all mediums. Today, AAWS has 158 members, 4 permanent exhibit venues, and 14 Community Exhibition venues. Visit this page to become a member.

To see a complete detailed history of the Associated Artists of Winston-Salem, Inc., click here.

How Does AAWS Support The Arts And Why?

“Arts Must Be Kept Alive” is what AAWS states on its website, noting it is the first thing to be cut during economic hard times. The association recognizes the importance of art in our lives for numerous reasons. Here are just a few:

• It fosters creativity and innovation in individuals and communities
• It enhances cultural awareness and appreciation of diversity
• It improves mental health and emotional well-being
• It has an economic impact
• It improves academic performance
• Encourages critical thinking and reflection on societal issues
• It transforms environments and gives communities a sense of pride

Knowing how much art contributes to the health and success of the community, AAWS is committed to supporting the arts and artists with these measures:

• Providing Quarterly Grants For Artist Improvement – The money can be used for workshops that advance an artist’s practice, business, or marketing expertise
• Establishing Places In The Community For Artists To Exhibit And Sell Their Art – This beautifies spaces around Winston-Salem and benefits the artists by providing exposure in the community
• Hosts Workshops And Classes For All – Open to the public, these workshops and classes allow the community to participate in the arts, building relationships, uplifting self-esteem, and adding color to life

Associated Artists’ Exhibit Spaces

AAWS has four permanent year-round exhibit spaces, annual shows, and Community Exhibitions. All exhibits are free and open to the public, and all artwork, except for a few exceptions, is for sale.

AAWS Main Exhibition Spaces:

• Associated Artists Gallery, Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, 215 N Spruce Street, Winston-Salem
  • Located on the main floor of the center (go right once inside), a year-round exhibit rotates quarterly. At this time, showcasing 21 artists and over 50 works of unique art that are for sale
  • Current Exhibit – Altered Perspectives until November
  • Upcoming Exhibit – Mediums In Motion, November 2025 – February 2026
• Benton Convention Center, Salem Foyer, 301 W 5th Street, Winston-Salem
  • A year-round exhibit rotates every 4 months
  • Current Exhibit – Benton Spring/Summer until September
  • Upcoming Exhibit – Benton Fall, September – December 2025
• Masonic Center, Wachovia Gallery, 4537 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem
  • A year-round exhibit rotating approximately every 3 months
  • Current Exhibit – Metamorphic Realities, until October
  • Upcoming Exhibit – Layers & Dimensions, October – TBA 2026
• AAWS Gallery in North Trade Street Arts, 604 N Trade Street, Winston-Salem
  • A year-round 2-D and 3-D rotating exhibit. Hours vary seasonally, but usually open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday hours
  • Upcoming Exhibit – Newbie Showcase, September 5 – September 28, 2025
• Spine Gallery/Reynolds Gallery at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem
  • Once a year, featured exhibitors include Spine Gallery for 2D art and Reynolds Gallery for 3D art. The Spine is a long corridor that connects two major sections of the hospital
• Main Gallery, Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, 214 N Spruce Street, Winston-Salem
  • Once a year, for 6-8 weeks, the ARTIST SPOTLIGHT Exhibit features up to 13 of AAWS member artists’ 2-D and 3-D work, selected by a Jury Panel.
  • Upcoming Exhibit – Mediums In Motion, November – January 2026

To view Associated Artists’ Current Exhibits online, click here.

Community Exhibit Program

Currently, 14 businesses are exhibiting the work of member artists, with many locations showcasing multiple artists. The art is updated every quarter, and all AAWS members are invited to exhibit their artwork. See here for details.

Community Exhibit Locations:

• Bernadin’s Restaurant
• Brendle Financial Group, LLC
• Carolinas Pain Institute
• The Winston-Salem Chronicle
• The Gallery Lofts
• The Cardinal Hotel
• Footnotes
• Kilpatrick Townsend
• Novant Health Maplewood Family Practice
• Novant Health Forsyth Family Medicine
• Novant Health Clemmons
• Wake Forest University Lifelong Learning
• Westgate Dermatology
• Broad Branch Distillery

The Bill Edward’s Grant

The Bill Edwards Grant sponsors scholarships for new and established artists pursuing art lessons or advanced visual arts training. This program was established in 2022 by the Estate of Joseph William “Bill” Edwards and is administered through the AAWS. Bill was active in the Winston-Salem art scene, teaching for years with the Winston-Salem Arts Council and as the first gallery chairman for Associated Artists.

The Bill Edwards Grant is awarded to help applicants develop their artistic talents and skills. Applicants must be current members of the AAWS and meet additional qualifying conditions to be eligible for application. Requests of up to $500 are accepted, with applicants receiving full or partial funding for submitted projects, depending on the number of applicants and available funding for that period. Applicants must provide five to ten high-quality digital work samples with the application. The next quarter’s applications are due by September 20, 2025. Visit this site to see qualifications and find an application.

AAWS Workshops And Classes

In addition to exhibitions, AAWS hosts numerous other events throughout the year, including educational workshops, art demonstrations, and fun art playdays. A diverse range of workshops is offered.

Fall Workshops:

• 9/25/25 – Beyond Brush Strokes: 100 Ways to Make Your Mark – Non-conventional approaches to painting suitable for beginners to established artists. Held at the Mary Alice Warren Community Center, Lewisville, Magnolia Room, 9:30am – 12:30pm
• 10/9/25 – Finishing School – Presenting Your Artwork In A Professional Manner – This will be a combination of demonstrations and hands-on practice. Held at the Mary Alice Warren Community Center, Lewisville, Shallowford Room, 9:30am – 12:30pm
• 10/12/25 – Words As Art – A fun, playful session on how words can become a work of art. Explore a range of effects by combining ink with other mediums. Held at the Mary Alice Warren Community Center, Lewisville, Magnolia Room, 1pm – 4pm

For more information and to register for these workshops, visit the Workshop page, and check back regularly for upcoming events.

Help Keep Arts Alive And In Sight

Volunteer

AAWS is an all-volunteer-run organization, and it depends on its members to keep things running. Even if you are not an artist, but you love art and being around creative people, the association would love to have you as a community member. You can volunteer and be part of keeping the arts alive in Winston-Salem, contributing to the building of a more vibrant community. Click here for details.

Donate

To further the mission of the Associated Artists of Winston-Salem, “to support and celebrate visual artists and promote visual arts in the Triad area,” several past members have remembered AAWS with supporting endowments and bequests. Here are a few:

• Joseph William “Bill” Edwards – His estate established the Bill Edwards Grant
• Marcus and Margo Crotts – They left a bequest in 2021 that is being saved to prevent another potential financial threat
• Elaine Dowdell Designated Fund – AAWS has received a quarterly endowment for the last several years to be used for general support purposes

Other members have made substantial donations to keep AAWS alive; however, these donations have not been sufficient for the association to fully establish its recovery. It has not been able to establish a gallery space, an office, or hire an Executive Director. Tax-deductible donations, no matter how small, from those who understand the importance of keeping the arts alive in our city and ensuring they are created, shared, and exhibited, truly help. To donate to the Associated Artists of Winston-Salem, visit this page.

Experience Art And Innovation

AAWS Art Exhibits are among the spaces for you to enjoy spending time in Winston-Salem. But the city is a treasure trove of interesting and enjoyable places to experience creativity, invention, and spot unique finds. Visit any of the other galleries, explore a museum, or shop at a local vendor market.

How do you feel about the Associated Artists Community Exhibit Program? Tell us about it in the comments.