ARTivity On The Green

A Splash of Color in Downtown

Tucked between 6th and 7th Streets on Liberty Street in downtown Winston-Salem sits ARTivity On The Green, a half-acre haven where art meets urban landscape. Opening in May 2015, this creative space transformed what was once a quieter corner of the city. The brainchild of Art For Art's Sake (AFAS), the park cleverly bridges the vibrant Arts District with Wake Forest University's Innovation Quarter.

With the Art Museum right next door, you're essentially standing in the cultural heart of Winston-Salem. It's where urban landscape meets artistic expression - a space for anyone who appreciates creativity in unexpected places.

Eye-Catching Design Elements

You can't miss the park's centerpiece - the "Tower Cloud" - featuring 13 striking red steel towers that reach between 35 and 50 feet toward the sky. These towers aren't randomly designed; they cleverly mirror the iconic silhouette of the historic R.J. Reynolds Building (now the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel), giving a nod to the city's industrial roots.

During warmer months, every half hour these towers release gentle clouds of water vapor, creating an interesting visual effect. Across the park, six red pathways stretch out from this central cloud, extending beyond the park boundaries onto sidewalks and nearby buildings - a subtle reminder of how art flows into everyday life.

Spaces That Inspire

The bandstand might catch your eye with its seven flowing steel ribbons, designed to represent musical notes. More than just visually interesting, this structure serves a practical purpose as a performance venue, complete with built-in seating and easels for artists.

Around the park, gentle grassy hills (inspired by the region's natural foothills) offer perfect spots to sit and soak in the surroundings. Art lovers will appreciate the 124-foot-long mural wall, which is an ever-changing canvas for local talent. Each year during the "Concrete Canvas" festival, this wall transforms with fresh creations.

Art in Motion

One of the most refreshing aspects of ARTivity is that it's never quite the same place twice. The mural wall regularly features new artwork, ensuring repeat visitors often discover something they haven't seen before.

The park sometimes takes inspiration directly from community suggestions for new paintings, making this truly a space shaped by local voices. This rotating gallery approach keeps the park feeling fresh with each visit.

Where Community Happens

Beyond its visual appeal, ARTivity On The Green hosts concerts, art festivals, and various gatherings throughout the year. After sunset, the park takes on a different personality as lights illuminate the towers and bandstand, cycling through a spectrum of colors that reflect off the surrounding architecture.

The surrounding Arts District is dotted with restaurants, making it easy to pair your park visit with a meal. Over the years, ARTivity has become a popular spot for families and art enthusiasts alike.

Good to Know Before You Go

The park welcomes visitors daily from 8AM to 11PM. If you're bringing your four-legged friend, you can certainly have them on a leash, but you should know there aren't many specific amenities for dogs.

If you're driving, pay attention to the parking rules in the adjacent lot to avoid any unwelcome surprises when you return. Also worth noting - some areas near the curbs can get a bit slippery during rainy weather, so watch your step on those damper days.