July2014 by We Are Greensboro

june/july 2014

free

We Are Keep It Local

a decade of distinction

Ambleside Gallery

Ac t ua l a n t i q u e s

jules antiques is full of surprises

V i s i t o r s m u s t e at

tavo & L oa f b a k e ry - T wo o n e l m

the man with the shades witnessing citizen shade

We Are Keep It Local

Volume: 03

ISSUE: 03

EDITORIAL Managing director /editor

Tony Bates | tbates@wearegreensboro.com

creative director

AJ Bates | abates@wearegreensboro.com Non-profit coordinator

Veronica Bates | vlb@wearegreensboro.com staff writer

Carol Bates Morris | cmore@wearegreensboro.com MUSIC EDITOR/CONtrIBUTING WRITER

Sierra Dennis | SierraD@wearegreensboro.com

ADVERTISING advertising manager

John Graham | jgraham@wearegreensboro.com

Published by: We Are Greensboro 415 Pisgah Church R.d #186 Greensboro, NC 27455 www.wearegreensboro.com 336.987.3545

titles and graphics Pryme Creative

www.prymecreative.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND FEEDBACK contact@wearegreensboro.com

All images are the property of We Are Greensboro, unless otherwise noted

ÂŠ We Are Greensboro 2012-2014 All material is strictly copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of We Are Greensboro is strictly forbidden. The greatest care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine at the time of going to press, but we accept no responsibility for omissions, errors, products, services, information or statements made by contributing editors or advertisers. We Are Greensboro reserves the right to deny advertising or any other type of submission that does not meet our standards.

An 18th century grand fortepiano...One of only three in the world, it was found at Jules Antiques and Fine Art. See page 14 to read more. Image courtesy of Jules Antiques and Fine Art

04 04

liv e!

Contents in greensboro

loaf

The Man With The Shades

Actual Antiques

A Decade of Distinction

A Decade of Distinction Join us in celebrating the first 10 years of Ambleside Gallery in Greensboro..

Look Outside the Window- Poetry

Visitors Must Eat - Tavo

9 year old Brontë Mensah-Hayden takes us along in her look outside the window

Tavo - This downtown restaurant offers fine dining with a southern flair. Find out why you and your visitors mustn’t miss this one.

Actual Antiques

Visitors Must Eat - Loaf Bakery

Antiques are those thing which are both old AND valuable... Jules Antiques and Fine Art is where you’ll find actual Antiques

There’s nothing like the smell (and taste) of fresh bread, and there’s nowhere to get loaves like Loaf.

Join contributing writer Sierra Dennis as she introduces us to “The Man With The Shades”.... Citizen Shade

23 Year Six

Live in Greensboro

Photos - Who is Greensboro?

Contributing writer Jasmine Simmons offers her insight into trelationships and whats going on in the sixth year of hers.

GREENSBORO SCIENCE CENTER

We Are Greensboro and we’ve got the pictures to prove it!

Looking for our previous issues? Visit us online at wearegreensboro.com

AQUARIUM MUSEUM ZOO

magine how shallow and dull life would be without art and culture? This simple question was one of the driving factors in Jackson Maysharkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to begin his foray into the world of visual art over 30 years ago. Pursuing a lifelong love of the arts Jackson began his career as an art dealer in Manchester, England in 1982. A dozen years later he moved with his family to Midwestern America; yet it is with his decision to move his family and art gallery to Greensboro in 2004 that we will begin to explore what can truly be described as...

A Decade of

But first, a little background: Jackson Mayshark grew up in the suburban town of Chatham, New Jersey, a twenty-five minute drive from New York. His father was an executive with Bethlehem Steel Co. and would make daily commutes into the city by train. While still in high school Jackson moved with his parents to Michigan and after graduation went back to the east coast to attend Emerson College in Boston where he studied theater and art history. His search for a purpose in life led him to India in the early 70s. For ten years he lived in an ashram and, in 1978, founded a Vedic center for the performing arts. During his final four years in India he served as both its artistic and administrative director. From India Mayshark moved to England, married, began his art business, opened a vegetarian restaurant and raised a family. Twelve

years later the Mayshark family returned to the US, settling and establishing Ambleside Gallery in the lakeside town of Grosse Pointe, Michigan. By 2002 the Maysharks were once again contemplating a change. As the economy in and around Detroit was rapidly deteriorating and as three out of four of the Mayshark children were pursuing their own destinies in various parts of the country, it appeared to be time for another move. After much deliberation and a long process of elimination, North Carolina became the top choice and the Maysharks began their journey south. With the assistance of life-long friend and Greensboro resident Jan Tucker, a home was purchased and the search for an ideal gallery location was begun.

Ambleside Gallery Tony Bates

Distinction

On June 4th, 2004 the latest incarnation of Ambleside Gallery opened its doors in the culturally rich area of downtown Greensboro known as South End (just south of the tracks on South Elm Street) and began its gradual, challenging journey that every new gallery must undergo in the hope of becoming accepted, embraced and, ultimately, supported by the community it seeks to serve. Offering a level of elegance and sophistication reminiscent of galleries in such well-known locales as Chelsea and Soho in New York or Pilsen, Oak Park and Evanston in Chicago, Ambleside Gallery quickly established itself as one of the city’s premiere fine art galleries. Currently representing more than thirty painters and sculptors of exceptional talent, Ambleside is a local gallery with global influence and appeal. A clear testament to

Jackson Mayshark’s reputation in the art world is the well-known fact that Ambleside was selected by one of China’s most renowned artists, the master watercolorist, Guan Weixing, to be the only venue in North America where his original works as well as museum quality reproductions can be viewed and purchased. Possessing the rare ability to merge his personal tastes with what years of experience have taught him his customers desire, Jackson fills the gallery with visually stunning works of such variety that an overabundance of choices may be a potential buyers biggest challenge. “Tastes in art vary as much as the people who admire and collect it” Jackson explains, adding that “while we can offer suggestions based upon many varying factors, we must always think in terms of our customer’s artistic preferences. (continued on pg. 24 ) 07

Look outside the window. Where rain falls, And herons soar— Look outside the window. There are children singing, And flowers springing— Look outside the window. Kids are playing, Horses naying— Look outside the window. Snow falling, Parents calling— Look outside the window. Night is falling, Everyone’s crying— Come inside for bed. One last look And then I say… Look outside the window.

Look Outside the Window Brontë Mensah-Hayden - Age 9

Photo courtesy of Detra Perrotti

Take a Stroll Down State Street

Did you know that Yamamoria LTD, makers of premiere custom design and retail jewelry, also offeres new and gently used Asian arts and curios that must be seen to be believed? Take a stroll down State Street today and discover another of Greensboroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hidden treasures.

a visitors must eat special

T A VO T. Bates

Tavo

212 S Elm Street Greensboro, NC 27401 336-285-7360 - www.tavonc.com

s a restaurant with a convenient and coveted location in the Kress building downtown on South Elm St and a distinguished executive chef with his own line of spices and barbeque sauces as well as a weekly segment on local CBS affiliate WFMY TV, Tavo has established itself as a prime choice in local dining. However, a few moments watching General Manager Bradford Jones in action and you will discover that a lot of work and considerable thought goes into making fine dining look this easy. When I slipped into Tavo on a Thursday night to find out for myself what all of the buzz was about, I was immediately impressed by the variety I found. Yes, the food was fantastic (we’ll get to that in a moment), but it was the way the space seemed organically divided into separate areas while still maintaining an open flow that really made me take notice. Near the tables towards the 12

front and center of the dining area, a four piece jazz ensemble played a relaxed set accompanied by a surprisingly talented singer who serenaded diners and set the mood with her melodic voice. At the same time, the bar was alive as those tending served up exotic cocktails to animated and engaged customers; while diners in the booths on either side of the main area enjoyed private conversations in a toned down, more intimate milieu. All in all it was like having three restaurants in one, yet through it all there was Bradford, almost omnipresent; pausing wait staff, checking plates to ensure the quality of the presentations and stopping by tables to introduce himself to customers, ensuring that expectations were being exceeded. It’s obvious that customer service plays a key role at Tavo and that element here is prevalent in every aspect of the experience. From the Maître D and Wait staff to the barkeeps and bus personnel, it’s obvious that everyone is on the same page when it comes to the importance of customer satisfaction. As a restaurant, all the professionalism in the world would not

make a bit of difference if the food was not on par with the service. Here again, Tavo excels. Executive Chef Barry Moody has put together a menu that solidifies the upscale offerings that the ambiance suggests, while simultaneously staying true to its North Carolina location by adding a southern twist. Having never dined here before, I decided to sneak in a meal (purely for research of course). Electing to go with one of their highly recommended signature dishes and wanting to take their “southern twist” out for a test drive, I opted for the Fried Buttermilk Chicken which I paired with locally grown collard greens, their special mac & cheese and scratch-made corn muffins. I was pleasantly surprised with the portion size compared to many of the finer restaurants I’ve eaten at; realizing perhaps a little too late that the corn muffins are addictive and should be eaten in moderation with the meal and not before. The chicken breasts were perfectly seasoned and fried to a golden brown that left them tender, juicy and not the least bit greasy. The collards were again, well-seasoned yet remained free of the saltiness or vinegary flavor collards can sometimes possess. Next to those ridiculous-

ly tantalizing corn muffins (I’m really ready for a separate trip back just for those), the mac and cheese was my biggest surprise. Baked with a trio of white cheddar, pepper jack and parmesan cheeses; the dish was similar to the home-style standby in name and texture only, possessing a unique and complimentary taste that pulled the meal together. While the essence of grand-ma’s kitchen could be recognized throughout, the flavors were more complex and the seasoning distinctive enough to make it clear that this was not the usual home-made Sunday meal. So satisfied was I after my main course that I was forced to do the unthinkable and skip desert; nevertheless, in the end I was thoroughly delighted. Chef Moody draws on his more than thirty years of experience in creating Tavo’s versatile menu. With dishes that span the gamut from Cajun Tilapia and Wild Caught Stuffed Salmon to Gumbo Pasta and a variety of vegetarian dishes, each and every palate is certain to be pleased. The end result is exciting and different yet oddly familiar while remaining, most importantly, utterly delicious. (continued on pg. 26 ) 13

Actual Antiques T Bates

here is a misunderstanding in the world of collectables. The idea that ALL things old are valuable AND collectable has taken the joy away from more than one hunter thinking they have found a hidden treasure, only to discover they were mistaken. As Gary Brame, owner of Jules Antiques and Fine Art explains,” there is a difference between Antique (with a capital “A”) which means something is old AND valuable and antique (spelled with a small “a”) indicating an item is just old”. Although people collect both and do so for various reasons; knowing the difference and STILL discovering that hidden treasure is, for many, what makes shopping for Antiques so much fun. It’s also why a trip to Jules Antiques and Fine Art is always exciting; you never know what you will find, but you do know it will be well worth the trip. For instance, in 1991 a gentleman purchased a 9’8” tall by 5’9” wide solid walnut “Wedding Armoire” in a village outside of Paris France. The armoire was shipped to his High Point,

NC warehouse and displayed in his lobby area. Although it was his intention, through unusual circumstance, the piece never made it to one of his several homes. This piece dates to the late 18th century and is a rare surviving example of the finest in wood working craftsmanship of that period. When this gentleman passed away in 2012, Jules Antiques was asked to purchase (or facilitate the sale of), the man’s collection of antiques. Knowing the history and value of this piece, it’s no wonder that it found its way to Jules’ showroom where it can be found today. Requests to lend their expertise to situations such as these is nothing new for Jules, but it does help to explain why Jules Antiques and Fine Art is where those in the know make their first stop when looking for rare authentic pieces. Once in a while even Gary can be surprised, as was the case recently when an unexpected treasure was discovered right in Jules’ front window. An antique keyboard, thought to be a harpsichord by everyone who had previously seen it, turned out to be a grand fortepiano. Built sometime around 1790, it turned out to be one of only three known to exist; making it one of the rarest pianos in the world and a truly fascinating piece of history with a great tie-in to Greensboro, (Jeri Rowe of the News & Record wrote an excellent piece detailing the story which I highly recommend you read. It is available

from the News & Record directly, at the Central library and online at http://www.news-record.com/ news/article_bca56696-d1a811e3-a700-001a4bcf6878. html?mode=jqm and http:// www.news-record.com/news/ article_bca56696-d1a8-11e3a700-001a4bcf6878.html). While items as rare as an 18th century grand fortepiano don’t become available every day, there are still many treasures to be found at Jules. In addition to aforementioned Wedding Armoire, I’ve seen many absolutely incredible pieces of history, including an antique tall case clock made in the 1790’s by Providence, RI cabinet maker and silver smith, Walter Cornel. As Gary explained, the piece is completely original and was purchased right here in Greensboro from a family whose lineage goes directly back to Providence. The beautiful burl wood on the front and the detailed inlay work mark this clock as a very special antique. The armoire, the clock, even the forte piano are all pieces of the history that have passed through or can still be found at Jules Antiques and Fine Art. Whether you’re an expert in the field or a novice, new to Antique (or antique) shopping, a trip to Jules and a few words with Gary will help you on your journey. Besides, as we’ve already seen, you never know what you will find, but you do know it will be well worth the trip.

Background image: 9”8” tall by 5’9” wide solid walnut “Wedding Armoire” Circa late 18th century & an antique tall case clock made in the 1790’s

This image courtesy of Jules Antiques and Fine Art

A few of the treasures at Jules Antiques and Fine Art 15

S ou thE nd welcome to

South Elm Street

(between the tracks and lee st.)

obert Roth is no baker; an entrepreneur with over 30 years in the human medical field and 10 years in the veterinary medical field as a partner in a successful medical lab? Yes! A farmer who raises all natural grass-fed Black Angus Beef? He certainly is! But while Robert Roth may be many things, a baker he is not. What Robert Roth is, is a businessman and a successful one at that. So with Robert’s track record, it should come as no surprise that he is taking his latest venture, Loaf Bakery, right to the top in the Triad.

a visitors must eat special

loaf

bakery

T. Bates

Robert Roth is no baker; an entrepreneur with over 30 years in the human medical field and 10 years in the veterinary medical field as a partner in a successful medical lab? Yes! A farmer who raises all natural grass-fed Black Angus Beef? He certainly is! But while Robert Roth may be many things, a baker he is not. What Robert Roth is, is a businessman and a successful one at that. So with Robert’s track record, it should come as no surprise that he is taking his latest venture, Loaf Bakery, right to the top in the Triad. At the suggestion of friends from the Greensboro Farmers Market (where you can still find the grass-fed Angus from his Rothschild Farms), Robert began looking into the feasibility of opening a bakery in the space on South Elm Street formerly occupied by another bakery, Simple Kneads. After exhaustive research and completing his due diligence; and with an outpouring of support from the local community (who sorely missed having a bakery in the area), the decision was made and the wheels were set in motion to create something special. As a good businessman Robert knows the most important thing any good businessman should know; his limitations. Realizing that without great product you cannot have a great bakery and without great chefs you cannot create great product, Robert hired the very best pastry and bread chefs he could find. As one of his first orders of business, Robert brought on board his son, Josh Roth as his assistant and Bread Chef and Sarah Farrow as his pastry chef, and a graduate of the esteemed Johnson and Wales University culinary program. Next, the team went about designing the location to maximize the space, creating a menu (using the finest local ingredients where available) and hiring a staff that understood their unparalleled focus on and commitment to service excellence. Then, right before Christmas in December 2011, Loaf

Bakery opened their doors for the very first time. An immediate hit within the local community, with bread varieties like Vermont sourdough, jalapeño cheddar baguettes, fennel raisin loaf, ciabatta, NY deli rye, sunflower roasted red pepper curry, garlic herb, and cranberry orange or very tasty lunch items like focaccia, assorted cookies, bread pudding, jumbo chocolate chunk pecan brownies and flour free almond cookies, that barely scratch the surface of their repertoire; Loaf Bakery’s reputation for unsurpassed artisan breads and pastries soon spread. It wasn’t long before that reputation reached other local eateries and Loaf became the go-to supplier of breads and pastries for many of the area’s finest restaurants including The Worx, Deep Roots, The Painted Plate, Table 16, Ruth Chris and the new GrassFed Burger Bar as well as several local groceries including Deep Roots, Whole Foods and Best Way. Seventeen months later, Robert and his team are showing no signs of slowing down. Heeding to customer requests, they have begun serving sandwiches and other savory lunchtime goodies made with their now famous breads. In addition to their assorted pies, rolls, cookies, breads, brioche, scones, etc., etc., etc., Loaf currently offers a lunch menu that includes among its unique sandwiches, brie and apple, basil pesto chicken salad and my personal favorite Reto Catering’s cranberry bacon chunky chicken salad (that Robert requested and had specially made for Loaf). In a “build it your way” style, Loaf serves the chicken salads sealed in a separate container, allowing the diner to enjoy it however they please. Whether it’s spread between two slices of bread (of the diner’s choice), eaten with a fork or dipped using torn pieces of their bread, customers are finding new and imaginative ways to enjoy their light but very fulfilling lunches. continued on pg. 26 19

! e v li in greensboro local music profiles

Sierra Dennis Contributing Writer

The Man With The Shades: Witnessing “Citizen Shade”

“Hey! How are you? Are you ready to go?”

itizen Shade. Always polite and always cool, he donned a faux leather jacket, slightly rumpled tee shirt, tight black jeans and black leather boots even when I was breaking a sweat and anxious. This would set the tone for every trip with Citizen Shade. Citizen Shade, a solo artist from Greensboro, North Carolina, is essentially a man of mystery. Hard to reach by phone and social media, he prefers to sit and talk with you for hours in person in a slightly crowded bar in the in between moments when people are being respectful and sipping their drinks while listening to an artist on stage. He’s an enigma. He’s charismatic and charming. He’s goofy. Unbelievably talented, he’s one of the best things to come out of Greensboro but he hasn’t left yet. And you probably wouldn’t see him if he walked past you in the light of day. It’s the shades, I tell you! I had the pleasure of traveling with him three times over the course of the last month and a half. The first time was his first 20

performance out as Citizen Shade at a dry fraternity party at Applachian State--Lucky for both he and I, all these gigs would be in Boone, so both of us could breathe finally. Allergies are killer this summer. One of his endearing qualities was the raspy breathing that would come out of him mere hours before singing so crisply just because he couldn’t breathe with the pollen--but you wouldn’t know that if you heard him sing. He moved slowly through the Abercrombie and flowery perfumes. He came App State to put on a performance. To put on a show. To don the shades and fedora while these college kids had their day in the sun. The setup was a little awkward. The sound guys didn’t know anything about the first artist or how they would need to set up. Citizen Shade came in, hooked up his keyboard like a pro, checked the mics, waited for his traveling guitar player (Mr. Jim Mayberry) to tune up and follow suit. The show started with Mr. Mayberry covering The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back”, lightening the mood, getting people to start tapping their feet. “Priming the pump” if you will. When Citizen Shade took to the stage with an original entitled “This Time Around”, some students were starting to turn from their games of cornhole, frisbee and football in order to hear some music. And maybe even dance.

Photos: clockwise from left 1. Citizen Shade on the keys 2. Citizen Shade

3. Jim Mayberry 4. A college student enjoys the show

The rest of that first performance at Applachian State was full of ups and downs, as is any live performance in front of a multi-tasking college crowd. There were games, refreshments of the nonalcoholic variety, food, more games, cell phones and facebook... you can’t blame them for not being all about some music. And in reality if you give any crowd games, refreshments (alcoholic or not), food, cell phones and facebook, that’s pretty much a recipe for disaster for any live artist. In that environment you have to go with volume or shock factor, but Citizen Shade kept his cool, played his set, did some meet and greets and looked ahead on the horizon as we came down the mountain. The recorded sessions were coming and that’s where he would shine. The second trip up the mountain to the recording studio in Boone was run by the one and only Mr. Jake Crenshaw and Ms. Maria. It was my first time in a recording studio, to be honest, and it did not disappoint. It was clean, well equipped and just--to use laymen’s terms here--”fancy shmancy”. It was nice. Citizen Shade had been there before though so there was no need to pick his jaw up off the floor this time. He was ready to work. He turned on his laptop and worked with the sound engineers in order to record “Thank You For Your Time”, his first single. His buddy Jared, a talented musician from UNC-Greensboro, played violin and guitar on the track and even conducted and directed a bass player on the timing and syncopation that sprung from Citizen Shade’s mind. His music is highly intuitive and organic but if you aren’t in tune with his mind or his soul, playing a bass line that Mr. Shade has created is either going to be beautiful, frustrating, liberating, or just plain terrifying. Speaking of just plain terrifying (I kid, I kid!) The last trip up the mountain was an overnight session from around 10pm to 7am. Now, mind you, I haven’t had to stay up that long since I was in college and that wasn’t even for studying. I like my

sleep. And now that I’m older, I tend to like it even more. It’s probably the only time that I get some ‘me’ time and some rest all in one go. At any rate, I thought this outing to Boone would be taxing so I brought some Orange Gatorade, a liter of water, a whole container of pizza rolls and some snacks. I come prepared when I travel. When Citizen Shade, Courtney Lakin (his accompanying vocalist) and myself stepped into the studio this time, you could see that people were trying their best to amp up and do an all nighter. On the beginning side of the session, a bassist came in and tried to lay down the bass line that Citizen Shade had so artfully contructed on the keyboard. Needless to say, he left the studio cussing, some of us laughed, and Citizen Shade took that to mean that he has one less friendly bass player in his arsenal ;) Overall the trips to Boone were very enlightening for me and gave me an insight to Citizen Shade that I hadn’t had the pleasure of witnessing prior to our travels. It was also something that I haven’t had the pleasure of witnessing again since. After the ASU show and the Boone studio sessions, there wasn’t a whole lot of work left to do other than to write this piece and make the video from the footage I shot when the finalized tracks came out. At the moment, I believe Mr. Shade is recording videos around town in Greensboro with talented photographers and videographers like John Ryan Flaherty and Griffin Davis, but they are all such enigmas that the general public probably won’t get word of these projects until it slaps them in the face. But the slap will be well warranted and very welcomed. You just don’t hear musicianship like that these days. I worked with Citizen Shade and his team for a period of time this summer and I saw and heard enough to know that when Citizen Shade comes out into the light, we will all be able to witness him. We will not be disappointed. 21

“There was that one time when I jumped out of a moving car,” I recalled, “and then that time when you launched your phone at the brick exterior of your brother’s house.”

year six

With a raised brow, Nate said, “You guys argue?” People are always so shocked. But personally, I’ve never met a couple that doesn’t argue. Flashing a bit of his million dollar gappedtooth smile, my fiancé grabbed a handful of his Pai Mei inspired beard and replied, “Sure we argue; we’re human. We’re not always going to be on the same page...and that’s okay. The key is acceptance.”

“

I am proud of how far we’ve come since our first tiff

Our most recent disagreement was considerably brief and dramatically loud. Thunder spewed from our mouths as we barked at each other about God knows what. We rarely dwell on what our arguments are about after the fact. But this particular occurrence was different. Outside of the shouting bout, it was as if there was an etiquette established from our previous arguments. We claimed responsibility for our actions, patiently let one another express their perspective without interruption, and following the episode...we took some time to cool down and evaluate the outcome. It was healthy; and it was beautiful. I am proud of how far we’ve come since our first tiff. A seasoned couple of multiple decades once shared an appreciated sliver of clichéd but valid advice with us. “To preserve the longevity of your relationship, you must never go to bed angry with one another.” Dismissing the dispute without a mutual resolution allows it to ferment and fester only to result in another spat down the road—and thus grudges are 22

formed. It all boils down to a matter of mature respect. Fiancé and I practice the challenging process of honesty with one another. We don’t attack each other’s character but we trade [sometimes brutal] truths. That bittersweet moment when your hunny bunny accomplishes a task on the infamous, never-ending “honey do list” and leaves a colossal path of destruction for you to discover. Yes...that moment. It reminds me of the quote “You can measure the happiness of a marriage by the number of scars that each partner carries on their tongues, earned from years of biting back angry words.” Those careless moments where the toilet seat is left up could either erupt into a feud of mammoth proportions or can be simply discussed with your partner. You decide. Request the other party to be more mindful. Let them know their actions get under your skin. It’s only fair.

“

n May 27, 2014, my fiancé and I, we celebrated our 6th anniversary together. We sat on our broken-in couch with Nate, our house guest, combing through the few occasions when we had had an argument. Six years and we can still count our arguments on one hand.

Jasmine Simmons Contributing Writer Heather LaShun Photography

Don’t expect habitual actions to transform overnight. Some things take time. While conversing with my married friends, they tend to share their partner’s least favorable attributes and habits—and I usually sit and listen. And as they reveal their fantasies of how they wish to change them—I interrupt that haze of insanity. I share with them advice on practicing honesty which usually concludes with an anecdote rooted from experience. But as they run through the lists of negatives or unacceptables, a heinous curl of my lips internally spreads as I feverishly rub my hands together and release a cackle increasing in volume. “Iaintgottadealwitdat.” It’s our mantra; our way of saying “I appreciate you.” We choose to avoid the elements destructive relationships are made of through honesty, respect, consideration, and most importantly, patience. With six years under our belt, I chose this piece of wisdom to share with you to utilize in your own relationships. And if our six years isn’t enough, when jolted into the most unpleasant moments within your relationship and you find yourself hollering with all of your might, remember the 13th century poet Rumi’s lyrics, “raise your words, not your voice. It is the rain that grows flowers, not thunder.”

(continued from pg. 7 )

enerally that involves the sometimes delicate practice of putting aside our personal inclinations and selecting appropriate works that will hopefully appeal to an individual client. It also means always maintaining the standards of quality and value our customers have come to expect”. Which brings us to what may very well be the key reason Ambleside has maintained its stellar reputation for these many years; Jackson has perfected the ability to select works for the gallery that express originality, quality, and beauty. Upon entering the gallery’s lobby, visitors are met with a light, open feel in a space where the various sculptures and paintings are presented in a more “candid” milieu. However, moving through the wooded archway and into the gallery proper, the tone and ambience changes to a comfortably elegant décor where the toned down space and strategic lighting serve to draw the visitors to focus directly on the artwork that fills the walls and pedestals. In stark contrast to the sterile “warehouse” feel

that many of today’s galleries prefer, Jackson has chosen to appoint Ambleside with a refined, stylishly sophisticated visage that presents every work of art, both classic and contemporary in its best possible light. When the world renowned Guan Weixing came to the United States for his first exhibition in the western world, he was hosted by Ambleside Gallery. The overwhelming response to his art and

the tremendous success of the exhibition resulted in the need to extend his visit from one to three months. Returning here two years later for another exhibition and book release as well as exhibitions in New York City and Houston, (organized by Ambleside), Guan Weixing continued to astonish his American audience with the extraordinary beauty of his work. Between 2005 and 2007 Mr. Guan was honored with signature membership in the American Watercolor and National Watercolor Societies, the two most prestigious watercolor organizations in the country. Of course the mainstay of Ambleside Gallery is art, but then art comes in many varieties; which is why Ambleside is never short on musical events, book signings, lectures and many other activities. A recent performance by classical pianist Brian Campanella is but the latest in a long list of popular happenings at the gallery. The renowned classical flautist from South India, Shashank Subramanyam, while on a world tour of performances in major concert halls, performed in the gallery to an enthralled, intimate audience. Elizabeth Hainen, solo harpist with The Philadelphia Orchestra, spent an entire day in the gallery teaching master classes and then presenting a riveting performance. Moravian folk music, period woodwinds, classical guitar, jazz ensembles, etc. have all added color, texture and class to the rich, cultural atmosphere of Ambleside. One example of an unusual and memorable event was a fascinating talk and visual presentation by painter/sculptor, mariner and adventurer Reid Stowe, world record holder for the longest, non-stop sea voyage in history (1,152 days at sea without seeing land).

Looking ahead, on First Friday this month (June 6th), in celebration of Ambleside’s tenth anniversary, popular Jamaican musician and author, Jimmy Tucker, will perform, accompanied by his wife Jan (yes, the same Jan who assisted in the opening of the gallery) with special guest singer/guitarist Joel Landau (many of you will remember Joel for his invaluable contributions to the community as the former manager of Deep Roots Market). Also in the works, Spanish born duo pianists Elena Martin and José Meliton are planning an intimate

recital at Ambleside sometime later this year. While this celebrated duo travels the world as the leading figures in the genre of Spanish two-piano music, there is no better setting in which to experience their performance than in the presence of great art inside Ambleside. In truth, Ambleside has become a South End favorite and a “must stop” every “First Friday” when they remain open late and always have something special planned. Whether it’s a local chamber music ensemble, an a cappella group, a jazz trio or any of a myriad of musical possibilities, the combination of beautiful art, great music and the special atmosphere of the gallery is always uplifting. Surviving in a business that caters to

the more subtle needs of human society can be a daunting task, especially during a severe recession. The need for patience, determination, passion and hard work is universally understood to be essential factors for any small business, especially an art gallery, to remain viable. Jackson appears to be in possession of all of those qualities. “Work becomes torture” he says “if its only objective is to images - clockwise from opposite page top • A First Friday gathering • Jackson Mayshark inside Ambleside • “A Conversation with Myself ” by Lorri Acott • A small sampling of the works of Guan Weixing • Wood Carving and Bronze Sculpture by Dicky Stone • Interesting conversations make for a fascinating evening

make money. If our occupation doesn’t help to nourish the hunger of the soul, and if it doesn’t help us to increase our relevance in the world, I think our time is being shamefully wasted.” Jackson runs his gallery with a passion that is infectious. Perhaps it is that passion; above all else, that best explains the success and continued appeal of Ambleside. After all, in a world of cookie cutter, knock-off, so-called art being mass produced for big box stores, Jackson Mayshark’s passion, commitment and respect for the unique creative expressions of a true artist is ultimately what makes Ambleside Gallery so distinctive.

TAVO- continued from pg. 13

LOAF - continued from pg. 19 Loaf is open Monday -Thursday 7am-6pm, Fri 7am-7pm and Sat 7am-5pm. We suggest you come early or use the order form from their website to ensure that the products you want are available. With the loaves loaf is baking, they tend to go quickly. With their loyal and ever growing customer base, plans for expansion in the works, and chefs who continually come up with exciting new creations like beaujolais bread and bauernbrot (German farmer’s bread); we are looking for (and expecting to taste) even bigger things from Loaf for years to come. Still, in the here and now and on a regular basis, Loaf Bakery is definitely one place where you and your VISITORS MUST EAT!

Tavo is open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Wednesday through Sunday with different features most days. “Afterworx” is Tavo’s Happy Hour every Wednesday through Friday from 4pm-7pm with 1/2 priced appetizers and $5 drink specials at the bar. Every Wednesday they have live music and various wines starting at $14.95 for a bottle. Thursday’s special is a three course meal deal and 1/2 priced wine, while every First Friday they have live entertainment until 1am. Whether hosting a bridal rehearsal dinner for forty or an intimate evening for two, Tavo has the food and spatial diversity to be an ideal location. We love the idea that Tavo supports the local community by buying and serving locally grown ingredients whenever possible; your visitors will love the idea that you thought enough of them to bring them to Tavo. Only you will know how easy a decision it really was. tavo images from top

• Scratch-made Corn Muffins - WOW! • Relaxing at the bar • Blackened Salmon & Shrimp • Smooth jazz and great food 26

TAVO

212 S Elm Street Greensboro, NC 27401 336-285-7360 www.tavonc.com

- from top • A sweet selection • Jessica & Treva, two more reasons to visit Loaf • So many choices • A Loaf customer enjoys the patio loaf images

Loaf Bakery

227 S Elm Street Greensboro, NC 27401 336-271-3344 www.loafgreensboro.com

Who is greensboro?