Ultimate Guide To Winston-Salem Art Galleries & Gallery Hop

Winston-Salem is known as the City of Arts and Innovation. The Art in our city didn’t just happen. It grew. In January 1956, Associated Artists of Winston-Salem (AAWS) was begun. They supported and encouraged local artists by providing exhibition opportunities. They also began the first Arts Council in the country.

In the late 70s, artists began opening shops and galleries on Trade and Liberty between 5th and 7th Streets. The movement picked up momentum in the 80s, and The Art District began. In 1998 the Downtown Arts District Association (DADA) was formed with artists and entrepreneurs who worked together to form an arts community. They put their efforts into presenting events and activities to gain the attention of the general public.

The interest continued to grow, more studios and galleries appeared, restaurants opened, shops too, and we now have a vibrant arts scene centralized in the Arts District of downtown, radiating from Trade Street. Enjoy the rich creative local talent and national and international artists at the variety of Winston-Salem art galleries.

DADA 1st Friday Gallery Hop

On the First Friday of each month, twelve months a year, the Downtown Arts District Association (DADA) celebrates the local Arts scene with 1st Friday Gallery Hop from 7-10 pm. During Gallery Hop, Trade Street is blocked off for a few blocks to open the way for sidewalk chalk art in the street and performers. Galleries feature new exhibits, some offering refreshments, workshops, or special events that evening. Don’t miss the fun! Special Event: Saturday, October 28, will feature Trick or Treat in the Arts District, 12 – 5 pm.

ART CRUSH – Third Fridays

There is Plenty Of Art To Love every third Friday from April through December with the Arts District of Winston-Salem ART CRUSH. Join in an evening of culture and revelry each month on Trade and 6th Streets from 7pm – 10pm. Visual artists and performers provide a night of creative expression, exploration, and celebration. You can be a part of ART CRUSH. Submit your creativity at their website for a chance to be featured in the next event, or volunteer to help. See the calendar for the upcoming ART CRUSH event on the website, too.

Downtown Arts District/ Trade Street

The Downtown Arts District includes Trade Street, Liberty, and 6th Avenue and is a collection of restaurants, galleries, studios, and shops, including the famous Mast General Store. The galleries listed below are all within that area. There is also art on the street and in public spaces to enjoy.

Artworks Gallery

564 N. Trade St.
(336) 723-5890
Website

Open since 1984, Artworks Gallery is a co-op gallery run by artists and features local artists of all media. New Exhibit every month by their member artists.

Hours

• Wednesday-Saturday 11 am-5 pm
• Sunday 1-4 pm
• *open later for First Friday Gallery Hop
• First Fridays 7-10 pm

Delta Arts Center

• 2611 New Walkertown Road
• 336722-2625
• Website

Heritage, Legacy, Vision. The Delta Arts Center is a gallery and a cultural center located in East Winston Salem. The center features soaring gallery space with soft lighting and a small gift shop. Part of their mission is to stimulate interest and increase awareness and knowledge of American Arts and Humanities, with an emphasis on the contributions of African Americans.

• Tuesday and Friday 2 pm-5 pm Closed
• Wednesday and Thursday 3 pm-6 pm
• Closed Saturday – Monday
• Free and Open to the Public

Delurk Gallery

207 W. 6^th St.
(336) 486-3444
Website

Delurk Gallery is a co-op gallery featuring several local artists. They have shows in their large gallery space that change each month featuring new work from guest artists, as well as submissions from the current Delurk Collective.

Hours

• Thursday-Saturday 12-6 pm
• Sunday 12-4 pm
• First Friday Gallery Hops 7-10 pm
• Or by appointment

Fiber Company gallery

600 N. Trade St.
(336) 725-5277
Website

Fiber Company is a working weaving studio featuring hand-woven clothing, accessories, and home goods created by owned-by exhibiting partners Dee Conner, B. Jane Doub, Kathryn Gauldin, Carolyn Glazener, and Olivia Camden Mackie, as well as jewelry, woodwork, pottery, and photography on consignment from local crafters.

Hours

• Wednesday-Friday 10 am-4 pm
• Tuesday and Saturday 11 am-3 pm
• First Fridays Gallery Hop 7-10 pm

North Trade Street Art Center

Also, the current DADA Headquarters
604 Trade St NW
Website

North Trade Street Arts Center is a collective of galleries and nonprofit organizations, including The Downtown Arts District Association, The Exhibiting Artists of The LAAC, and Associated Artists of Winston-Salem.
Studio 7 is also housed in this location

Hours

• Friday-Sunday Noon-5 pm
• !st Friday Gallery Hops 7-10 pm
• 2nd Thursdays
• By Appointment

Piedmont Craftsmen, Inc.

601 N. Trade St.
(336) 725-1516
Website

Piedmont Craftsmen, Inc., is a crafters and artists guild created in 1963. Dedicated to fine traditional and contemporary arts, Piedmont Craftsmen, Inc. represents almost 400 of the most talented artists and crafters in the Southeast. Besides the year-round gallery space, they also host the huge annual two-day Piedmont Craftsmen Fair at the Benton Convention Center in November.

Hours

• Tuesday-Saturday 11 am-4 pm
• *open later for First Friday Gallery Hop 7-10 pm

Red Dog Gallery

630 N. Liberty St.
(336) 723-4444
Website

Home of the Art for Art’s Sake non-profit group, Red Dog Gallery showcases the work of a consortium of talented local artists, photographers, and craftsmen. From paintings and raku pottery to handmade jewelry and whimsical sculpture, the items on display at the gallery are constantly changing – and there always is something new to discover for every sensibility and budget.

Hours

• Tuesday-Saturday 11-6 pm
• *First Friday Gallery Hop hours are also 7-10 pm

The Corner of 560 North Trade and 6th Street

560 N. Trade Street
336-407-4262
Facebook

560 North Trade is a unique venue of 25 art studios, galleries, and more. The 20,000-square-foot building houses storefronts on Trade and 6th, as well as various studios, galleries, and businesses on the two floors within the building.

Hours

• Hours vary for each venue

Visual Index (VI)

562 Trade Street
(336) 875-1674
visualindex.co

Visual Index (VI) is an independent gallery featuring contemporary craft and fine art with mediums spanning clay, jewelry, glass, 2D works and more. VI strives to support living artists and make art more approachable. Their focus is on representing makers from all 50 states.

Hours

• Tuesday-Saturday 11 am-5 pm

Nearby Art Galleries

Expanding out just beyond the Downtown Arts District but still within the city, you will find more venues that house galleries that should not be missed. The group that began the Art surge in our city, Associated Artists of Winston Salem, exhibits at the first gallery listed below:

Associated Artists Of Winston-Salem

Associated Artists of Winston-Salem have many exhibit spaces throughout the city, including displays at the Benton Convention Center, The Spine and Reynolds Galleries at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health Medical Center, the Masonic Center, and many offices and restaurants. They also have exhibits open to the public at the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, Associated Artists Gallery and Main Gallery, and the North Trade Street Arts Gallery. See information about these locations below.

Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts

251 N. Spruce St.
(336) 725-8916
Website

Just a few blocks away from the Arts District, the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts hosts the Associated Artists of Winston-Salem gallery of local visual artists, encouraging them to develop as professional artists in their media. The Every Corner Gallery, also known as the “horseshoe” gallery, is the home exhibition gallery for juried works by members of Associated Artists of Winston-Salem. Located on the main level, it curves around The Coffee Park Cafe from the vestibule of Reynolds Place Theatre. The Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts also houses The Main Gallery, the principal venue for art exhibitions, which are professionally curated year-round by different local artists.  It is also located on the main level of the Center.

Hours

Monday-Friday 9 am-9 pm
Saturday 9 am-9 pm
*Open until 9pm for First Friday Gallery Hop

North Trade Street Arts Gallery

604 N Trade Street
336-416-2857
Website

The Associated Artists gallery, located in the North Trade Street Arts Gallery in the downtown Arts District, is a year-round rotating exhibit of 2-D and 3-D art. 

Hours

Vary Seasonally, but usually include Friday, Saturday, and Sunday hour

Fourth Street Art & Frame (on Reynolda Rd)

847 Reynolda Rd. NW
(336) 725-0111
Website

Located on Reynolda Road on the edge of downtown Winston-Salem across from the main entrance of Hanes Park, Fourth Street Art & Frame is a custom frame shop and storefront gallery featuring original art by Winston-Salem and other North Carolina artists.

Hours

• Tuesday-Friday 11 am-4 pm

Sawtooth School For Visual Art

251 N. Spruce St
(336) 723-7395
Website

The Eleanor and Egbert Davis Gallery features six exhibitions a year of local, regional, and national fine art. They collaborate with curators and storytellers throughout the community to bring diverse and thoughtful exhibitions.
The Marta Blades Gallery Shop showcases works from Sawtooth School artists, instructors, and students.

Hours

• Monday-Friday 9 am-7 pm
• Saturday 9 am-4 pm
• Closed Sunday
• Groups of six or more should be arranged in advance with the Gallery.

Admission is FREE.

More Art To Explore In Winston-Salem

Art explodes throughout our city, including campuses and historic spaces. We are fortunate to have universities that open their doors to the public and allow us to enjoy the incredible exhibits for free. They are on the list below of More Art to Explore in Winston Salem.

Charlotte & Phillip Hanes Art Gallery at Wake Forest University

Wake Forest University
Scales Fine Arts Center
1834 Wake Forest Rd #113
(336) 758-5585
Website

The Charlotte and Philip Hanes Art Gallery is focused on presenting challenging and engaging artwork, mostly contemporary but sometimes focused on historical works or selections from the breadth of Wake Forest University’s collections. Through 6-8 exhibitions a year, the Hanes Gallery’s goal is to encourage a direct and involving experience with the artwork.

FREE and open to the public.

Hours

• Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm
• Sunday 1-4 pm
• Closed Saturday
• The Gallery is closed during Wake Forest University student holidays

The Diggs Gallery at Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem State University
601 Martin Luther King, Jr Dr
336-750-2458
Website

A gallery located on the campus of Winston-Salem State University offers one of the largest exhibition spaces dedicated to the arts of Africa and the African Diaspora in North Carolina. Exhibitions, publications, and programs address a broad range of artistic expression, with a special concentration on African-American and regional art. Distinguished by The Smithsonian as one of the nation’s best regional facilities for exploring contemporary African art.

Hours

• Tuesday-Saturday 11 am-5 pm
• FREE and open to the public

Reynolda House Museum of American Art

2250 Reynolda Rd.
336-758-5150
Website

Reynolda House was built in 1917 by Katharine Smith Reynolds and her husband, R. J. Reynolds, the founder of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. In 1975, the hose was opened to the public as an organization dedicated to American art and education. The Reynolda House Museum of American Art exhibits a premiere collection of American art from the colonial period to the present and special exhibitions in the Babcock Gallery that take place seasonally.

Hours

• Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
• Sunday 1:30-4:30 pm
• Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day
• Free for Children/Students (ID)/Military (ID)/Members/WFU staff (ID) and 1 guest/WFUBMC staff (ID)and 1 guest/EBT holders (ID) and up to 3 guests/Bank of America cardholders (first full weekend of each month)

Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA)

750 Marguerite Dr
(336) 725-1904
Website

SECCA opened as a non-profit visual arts center in 1956. The Center is part English Hunt-style mansion, willed to SECCA by industrialist James G. Hanes in 1972, and part modern gallery and auditorium space of 24,500 square feet added in 1990. SECCA is committed to showcasing the country’s major contemporary artists while still maintaining their commitment to Southern artists.

Hours

• Closed Monday & Tuesday
• Wednesday & Friday 1-5 pm
• Thursday 1-8 pm
• Saturday & Sunday 10 am-5 pm
• Free and open to the public

Map Of Winston-Salem Art Galleries

This Google map contains some of the art galleries but not all. This website is created by volunteers, so as time allows we’ll try creating a custom map with more destinations.

Plan Your Day

Plan out a day so you can enjoy stopping at a group of galleries using the map below, and be sure to include time for lunch at one of Winston-Salem’s wonderful restaurants in the area you will be visiting.

Which art galleries in Winston-Salem are your favorites and why? Let us know in the comments!