Summer 2018

free

summer 2018

the art we wear

the art we wear Art born to travel

be a rightous rando

being a good person means...

Social networking a gift or a curse

Yosuke Yamamori of Yamamori Ltd. holds one of his custom made rings

/wearegreensboro online issues

issuu.com/wearegreensboro

ISSUE: 28 EDITORIAL Managing director /editor

Tony Bates | wearegreensboro@gmail.com creative director

Arthur Bates Jr. | abates@wearegreensboro.com Non-profit coordinator

Veronica Bates | vlb@wearegreensboro.com

ADVERTISING advertising manager

John Graham | jgraham@wearegreensboro.com

Published by: We Are Greensboro 415 Pisgah Church Rd. #186 Greensboro, NC 27455 www.issuu.com/wearegreensboro 336.987.3545

titles and graphics Pryme Creative Solutions www.prymecreative.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND FEEDBACK contact@wearegreensboro.com

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

Š We Are Greensboro 2012-2018 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.

02

Small Talk

A Bit Aboout This Issue

M

any believe it brings us together while still others state emphatically that it isolates and keeps us removed. The question then begs, has the advent of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and the like been a gift or have these types of connections become a curse? Read contributing editor Twi Brown’s treatise “Social Networking” on page 7 for her take and food to thought. We would love for you to contact us on our networking pages for your thoughts on this discussion.

What does it mean to be “a good person” and is it really that difficult to achieve? While the concept is easier for some than it is for others, in truth it’s really not that difficult at all. However, if we are left with any doubts, intrepid contributing writer Jasmine Nehilla asks us to consider some of her proven methods in “Be a Righteous Rando” on page 8.

The design and creation of jewelry is an art form that is far too often overlooked. We speak often about painting, sculpture and pottery which are all noble genres, yet somehow we overlook the one that quite often holds the deepest and most personal meaning for us. How many times have we heard of a sculpture that was given as a gift, worn by the recipient and never taken off? For many, jewelry is that ultimate expression of remembrance and a symbol of undying love. On page 11 in “The Art We Wear” we take a look at three local jewelry makers. Whether they consider themselves craftswomen, artists, jewelers or some combination is irrelevant; what matters are the beautiful, custom creations they make and that are done right here in Greensboro.

Yes, it’s summer, and if one thing has been true since we were all kids, it’s that life during the warmer months should be the simplest of all. In an effort to return to a summer that’s a bit more relaxed, we revisit the Bar-S Ranch in Reidsville. This clothes-free resort is a mere 15 minutes from Greensboro and allows visitors to extend their calm and the relaxing, less complicated aspects of summer much closer to home. Read “Summer Should Be Easy” on page 17 to find out more about “The Ranch”.

Last, but never least are this issue’s WAGpics. We visited local breweries (in no particular order) Gibbs Hundred, Joymongers, Preyer and Little brother, having a fantastic time at all of them while enjoying some great local beer. We saw some old friends and made some new ones… And really, what else can you you ask from your brewery?

We sincerely hope you enjoy this issue and as always, THANK YOU so very much for your support!!

Tony

invest in greensboro • keep it local 03

Lillo Bella Clothes sizes XS - XXL • Shoes Sizes 6 - 11

507 State Street • Greensboro, NC • 336.275.7645 • lillobellaboutique.com 04

11

Contents

Social Networking

B e A Rig h to u s r an do 08

07

03

The Art We Wear 11

07

wagPics

18

08

Small Talk

Social Networking

Be A Rightous Rando

What’s in this issue... You already know why you should read it.

Are our social media accounts a gift, or have they become a curse. Twi Brown gives us something to consider.

Being a good person is not hard, and Jasmine Nehilla explains just how simple it can really be.

11

17

18

The Art We Wear

Summer Should Be Easy

WAGPics - Local Breweries

We hold painting, sculpture and pottery in high espeem, but it is the art we wear that stays closest to our hearts.

Summer is the perfect time to get away, but it isn’t always easy... Unless of course you visit “The Ranch”.

Some new friends from a few of our local Breweries. Friends, fun and of course great local beer! See ya there!

GREENSBORO SCIENCE CENTER AQUARIUM MUSEUM ZOO

4301 Lawndale Dr • (336) 288-3769 greensboroscience.org

2400 16th St • 336. 373.3272 greensborosportsplex.com

05

Lillo Bella

Footwear, Apparel & Accessories

507 State Street • 336.275.7645 • lillobella.com

06

Social Networking A Gift or A Curse?

Twi Brown

Contributing Writer

You see it every day, it’s all around us and completely unavoidable. Whether it’s Tweeting your friends, FaceTime from your iPhone, updating your Facebook status, or checking in on Foursquare, social networking has had and continues to have a daily impact on our lives, even the lives of those who don’t use it. Watch any news program and you will see politicians and celebrity’s Tweets becoming increasingly more newsworthy and quoted during broadcast. “Did you see what so-and-so posted on Facebook” is common water cooler talk in any office around the world.

While social networking has allowed us to be more connected than ever before, it has also inhibited our daily interactions in the more conventional sense, in person.

Why even go through the stress of making that trek across the country to go to your cousin’s wedding when you know you can just log onto Facebook and see the videos and pictures while avoiding the hassle of trying to stuff that taffeta gown into a carry-on bag? What’s the mystery and excitement in going to your 10 year high school reunion when you’ve already been timeline stalking your high school sweet heart via Twitter for the past four years and already know every minor detail about him, down to how much his hairline has receded since winning prom king? Though social networking has many positive aspects and allows us to share ideas and connect with each other in a way never before possible, it is important for us to remember that life isn’t lived behind a screen. You can’t taste the amazing cake your Nanny made for the wedding behind a screen or smell the beautiful roses she ordered by sniffing your phone. Likewise, you can’t hug that favorite teacher who changed your life when you were an awkward ninth grader via a Tweet. Life isn’t always about convenience, sometimes it’s simply about living.

07

Be A Rightous Rando Jasmine Nehilla

When trusted with the immense responsibility of keeping a secret, you keep said secret.

It’s about showing up. Never breaking a promise. And letting your word be infallible.

Don’t dumb yourself down for anyone, anything, or any reason...ever.

Give credit, compliments, and practice civility.

Encourage instead of complain.

Understand and consider someone’s situation before spewing out congested frustrations or piercing words.

I

t’s officially summer! It’s our time to shine as bright as the sun. Let’s express our gratitude to the season by cannonballing into pools, breaking bread with friends, family and even randos (my newest synonym for strangers). We’ll catch fireflies, make something homemade, cackle and guffaw, and make new friends.

Let’s go somewhere...let’s celebrate the journey! I swear summer days and nights are medicinal. Maybe, just maybe, we’ll figure out how to bottle up some summer and put it on reserve for the winter.

While we work out the kinks of season bottling, I’ve been questioning, what does it mean to be a good person? What does being a good person entail? I’ve asked this question on social media. I’ve asked this question at work, and I’ve received a multitude of answers:

“

But my favorite response was, “being a good person means...I can get all philosophical on you and say, it’s enriching oneself because the better off you are as an individual the better off the world is around you. And then from there, taking care of your community, your fellow man...when you have it to give.”

I’m not really sure how many good deeds or the magnitude of one’s helpful actions deems one a good person— there isn’t a measuring tool or guide book to judge by. But I have realized striving to be a better neighbor, a thoughtful friend, a considerate rando...creates an improved you.

With some sun kisses, splashes of water, and a frosty refreshing beverage, the hazy lazy ease of summer is the perfect time to focus on cultivating your personal growth!

When in doubt, think about that difficult person. You know the one who is so rude and so negative they make your hair stand on end, steam blow from your ears and explicative symbols pour out of your mouth. They have shown you the person you never wish to be.

being a good person means...

It means detaching yourself from social media and engaging in genuine conversation. Call someone up and check on them. Meet up with a friend, exchange energies, or hug someone’s neck.

My personal aim is to reflect those I admire for their ceaseless generosity, their non-discriminatory open hearts and arms, and their uncanny ability to consider everyone’s feelings, friend or foe. Now let that marinate like whatever tasty is about to hit the grill.

Image of Jasmine and her family courtesy of Heather Lashun Facebook.com/pages/Heather-LaShun-Photography/257952385411

08

SENTRY SECURITY CORPORATE • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

PROTECTION YOU CAN COUNT ON GREENSBORO, NC • GOLDSBORO, NC

336.302.2421

09

10

born to travel

the art we wear

O

f the many forms of art, the various genres, diverse styles and infinite expressions of each, there are relatively few aspects virtually all art has in common. Of these, and perhaps the most apparent aspect, is their foremost raison d'être; whether for the sheer beauty or personal emotion it evokes, all art is created to be seen and admired. How unfortunate then that we must leave our art at home or the office, gallery, museum or wherever it’s being displayed whenever we are out and about; with the exception, of course, of the art we wear.

Tony Bates sculptors found in the best museums. Already an expert in the exacting business of sorting, grading and stringing pearls when he arrived in the U.S. in 1968, the following year saw Mr. Yamamori received his G.I.A. (Gemological Institute of America) diamond certification and begin studies of colored stones. New certifications in hand, he worked to expand his already successful pearl business to include diamonds, rubies, sapphires and other precious stones.

By 1979, Yosuke bolstered his already considerable reputation by expanding his business even further to into detailed and intricate “trade work” (repairs and specialty work for other jewelry stores). It was the frequent requests of his retail customers for his artistry which led him into the custom work for which he has become so renowned. Using a drawing, picture, sometimes only a verbal description provided by the customer or quite often designs of his own, Yosuke creates a hand-carved wax model of the piece. Upon the customer’s approval, the mold is cast in gold or platinum, set with stones (if applicable), and a unique, singular piece of hand-crafted jewelry is created.

Often holding a deep and personal meaning for the owner, jewelry is perhaps the single most admired form of art. It stands to reason then that exploring the entire world of hand-crafted jewelry would not only take more pages than we have here (and no doubt more time than you’d like to spend reading an article), it would be completely unnecessary for what we have in mind. Our focus is always to promote what Greensboro has to offer and in the world of hand-crafted jewelry, that means… everything; we have it all. More specifically, like every other art form, jewelry can come in infinite designs, yet, as with other art, there are some basic styles. Having spoken to a few experts and done a bit of research, it seems as though hand-crafted jewelry can fit each piece is as unique as into three basic categories; semi-precious (classic an old world masterpiece and modern), fun/alternative and of course, fine jewelry. To explore these styles we’d like to introduce three artisans, of the many who call GreensHe loves his art as much today as ever, still honing his boro home, one specializing primarily in each of the craft and applying his expertise and after many years as a above-mentioned styles. craftsman and artist, one who truly appreciates fine jewYosuke Yamamori – Fine Jewely elry. Mr. Yamamori finds the public’s ongoing interest in custom-made jewelry and his creations in particular, Yosuke Yamamori and his wife Kathie have called State quite enjoyable. There is no doubt that creating unique Street home to their custom and fine jewelry boutique works that are certain to be passed down for generations for the last 19 of their 49 years in business. Yamamori is a humbling yet rewarding endeavor. Still, when all Ltd. is a State Street staple and truly one of the destinais said and done, it is the diversity of the work and the tions that make this area shine. In addition to exquisite enthusiasm of the customer that Yosuke Yamamori finds estate pieces, hand selected retail jewelry and exotic most gratifying. collectables, can be found the works of a true artist; a master at his craft.

Yosuke Yamamori’s designs can be found at Yamamori LTD. on States Street, where in addition to their entire In a time of mass production and cookie-cutter baubles, line of handcrafted pieces, you will find exquisite retail Yosuke Yamamori is an artisan whose use of precious jewelry and Asian collectables. They truly offer somemetals and gemstones as his medium of choice result in thing for everyone and are well worth the visit for any no less a timeless masterpiece than the great painters and occasion.

Images Opposite page: An eclectic broach, created by Laura Swauger (image courtesy of Laura Swauger) On the cover: Yosuke Yamamori of Yamamori Ltd. holds one of his custom made rings

-

...

11

 

"Smoking Old Man"

Ambleside Gallery

Original Paintings • Sculpture • Custom Framing • Restoration 528 South Elm St. Greensboro, NC 27406 336.275.9844 www.amblesidearts.com 12

DOWNTOWN greensboro Ambleside Gallery

Original Paintings • Sculpture • Custom Framing

342 S Elm St. #100 • 336. 272.1800 shopdesignarchives.com

528 S. Elm St • 336.275.9844 amblesidearts.com 524 S. Elm St • 336.274.1010 triedandtruetattoocompany.com Crafted-The Art of the Taco 220 S Elm St • .336.273.0030 115 W Lewis St. 336.273.6221 Crafted-The Art of Street Food faintinggoatspirits.com 600C Battleground Ave • 336.265.8859 www.eatatcrafted.com

515 S. Elm St • 336.370.1050 areamod.com

229 South Elm St. 336.422.1879 chakrasinc.com 13

Laura Swauger – Modern/Steampunk Without knowing her and with only a cursory look at the standard floral arrangements of Laura Swauger (owner of State Street Florist) you might think she must be the conventional, socially conservative, straightforward type of person, one who sticks closely to the rulebook. After all, people who order flowers for hospital patients and funerals (the mainstays of every florist) aren’t generally looking for anything too over-the-top or dramatic. However, once you meet Laura and/or see her jewelry designs, you’d soon realize just how wrong you’d been. It doesn’t take much of a conversation with her to leave most people wondering where that tornado came from; her jewelry designs often have much the same impact.

Laura considers herself an artist, and we whole heartedly agree. And like most artists, Laura’s artistry comes from within; then again, attending art school at Kent State didn’t hurt. Her education complete, Laura was free to explore the world of art in its entirety, and that’s exactly what she’s been doing for most the last 25 years. She is at the same time, and in no particular order, a jeweler, a florist, a painter and a clothing designer, establishing herself in each area with equal ease and success.

With some of her custom ordered, more daring floral arrangements clothing and jewelry, her designs can become as flamboyant and creative as any of her customers may want. And it’s that untamed vibrancy that is the true allure her creations. A less imaginative sort may believe that her funky, modern, steampunk (defined as “vintage with a modern, sassy twist”) designs are made only as an accompaniment to a hard, edgy look. On the contrary, they work as an excellent accessory to and perhaps even better complement more conservative, simple outfits which allow the intricate jewelry designs to shine.

Laura spends much of her limited spare time at various art shows and craft fairs around the southeastern United States were her jewelry is always a hit. However, if you’d like to check out some of her work right here in Greensboro, she has a permanent spot at Vintage to Vogue Boutique on South Elm Street. Here you will find a good selection of Laura’s offerings while owner Jennifer Graf will be happy to coordinate the jewelry with any of the exceptional vintage or vogue fashions you’re sure to find there as well.

Images - This Page: Right: laura’s jewelry display at Vintage to Vogue of S. Elm St. Below: Laura creates one of her intricate designs

14

Madeleine Mullane Fraher - Natural/Bohemian (Hippie) Fate can be fortuitous; or as the saying goes “when one door closes, another opens”. Such was the case for Madeleine Mullane-Fraher. When health issues caused her to reevaluate the type of work she would be able to, and the environment in which she could do it, she decided (with help from her future husband) that what may have been a major setback for some was in fact the perfect opportunity to explore her passion for jewelry. A bunch of tools and materials from the craft store, some time studying the basics of how the jewelry she admired most was made and Madeline had the makings of a new career.

Fueled by her creative passion, this time the only limits would be those few, if any, she might impose on herself.

While conceding that jewelry makers can be both an artists and craftspeople (usually depending upon the skill level needed for a particular kind of jewelry), Madeleine considers herself an artist; although it is not based solely on her work in creating jewelry where the distinction is made. Quite the contrary, it is her dabbling in other artistic and creative mediums like painting, designing, and beautifying spaces etc. which have allowed her artistry to flourish. However, Madeleine does not consider herself a jeweler, which she would personally reserve for someone who has the skills and specific knowledge they have learned and practiced for things like metalsmithing, enameling, soldering etc.

Having started out making beaded necklaces, earrings and bracelets and using natural gemstones, which she knew from the beginning were the only materials she wanted to work with,

Madeleine’s lifelong love of crystals and gemstones have guided her path through the endless options in the world of jewelry.

Her favorites and those where she concentrates the majority of her efforts are her gold and silver gemstone jewelry pieces.

While her jewelry has more of the comfortable/laid back style so popular today, Madeleine has decided to work hard at keeping the price as affordable as possible, without sacrificing the quality. As she describes them, “the gemstones are electroplated in either 24K gold or Sterling silver with 14K gold fill or silver fill chains”.

The whole “art vs. craft” argument is really a matter for the ultimate owner of the piece; the style on the other hand, or better yet what to call said style, is another matter altogether. In her own words, Madeleine explains that “my jewelry style is probably pretty bohemian, nature inspired. My husband says I'm a hippie at heart, even though I don't realize it sometimes. So I guess bohemian/hippie/natural is a good description for the beaded jewelry and the gold and silver crystals and gemstones are still pretty bohemian”. So… Natural/Bohemian it is.

Madeleine has named her jewelry line “Miso & Cleo” and makes putting together your own collection of her pieces quite simple; She has her own “local artisan gift shop” downtown where she offers not only her own works, but handmade jewelry, clothing, accessories and collectibles from other local artist and crafters, as well as a nice selection of local coffee, craft beer and wine.

Images - This Page: Madeleine’s jewelry line “ Miso & Cleo “ displayed at her S.Elm St. boutique Meraki Handmade

17 15

Images - Above: Left: Miso& Cleo. Madeleine Mullane Fraher’s jewelry display at her South Elm street boutique, Meraki Handmade Center: Two of Laura Swauger’s designs (images courtesy of Laura Swauger Right: Jewelry and Asian collectible displays at Yamamori Ltd. on State Stree All jewelry is NOT created equal! Mass-produced jewelry that lacks both individuality and imagination can be found everywhere, from your average jewelry shop/boutique to big box/department stores and every shelf in between. However, with the advent of custom pieces of sterling silver, stainless steel, copper and other less expensive metals, combined with semi-precious stones that are more moderately priced, the need to wear off the rack, carelessly made trinkets has become completely nonexistent. Even in the world of high-end fine jewelry, many places offering “custom” work are using designs or molds that hundreds or even thousands of other people may have used.

However, there has always been a pronounced interest in true custom jewelry for obvious reasons. Often employed to signify and celebrate special occasions, unique, one-of-a-kind pieces are timeless and hold a special meaning for the giver and receiver alike; even as that “self-gift” you know you deserve. Although the styles may vary, there is certainly something to love in each.

Mass production is hard pressed to match the significance and emotion held in each individual custom-made work of art.

Every piece is as unique as an old-world masterpiece, yet these are not to be left behind. This is art born to travel.

Yosuke Yamamori creates one of his custom pieces Yamamori Ltd. (for Yosuke Yamamori) 501 State St, Greensboro, NC 27405 (336) 274-4533 Yamamoriltd.com

Vintage to Vogue (for Laura Swauger) 530 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27406 (336) 709-6181 vintagetovogue.net

Meraki Handmade (for Madeleine Mullane Fraher ) 230 S Elm St A, Greensboro, NC 27401 (336) 617-3344 merakihandmadenc.com

16

Summer Should Be Easy Tony Bates

S

ummer should be easy. Yet, when we consider even a few of our limitless options such as fun in sun vs. relaxing in the shade, exploring during day vs. reveling in the cooler, more comfortable evening or maybe even hiking through the woods vs dipping in a cool pool we find summer can be more stressful than we bargained for. How then do we find the time to balance so much of what we’d like to do before the season changes, especially when our time may be very limited. The answer is as easy as summer should be… Visit the ranch!

through the woods is nice, but where time there can be as mundane as the daily grind we long to escape. I have been to clubs and organizations over the years where everyone (well, almost everyone) was polite and cordial, but there was never that “warmth” that comes with membership at The Ranch. Engage in the revelry or not; hop in the pool for a rousing game of volleyball or, as I usually do, enjoy your down time with a good book, whatever you choose it’s up to you. No pressure, here you will find as much or as little to keep you occupied as you wish.

...a resort that’s 15 minutes from home

We could spend the money and travel time to leave Greensboro’s already 90 degree temperatures, head off to an even warmer climate for the simple pleasure of relaxing by the pool, or we could save that trip (and hard earned vacation days) for the winter months and spend summer at home, doing the same thing 15 minutes away in Reidsville at the Bar-S Ranch.

Although in existence for the better part of 28 years now, my first visit to “The Ranch” was just last summer. And while I was certainly made to feel welcome then, returning this year carried an extra, heartfelt, comfortable feeling of belonging. The atmosphere at the Bar-S is decidedly different; more like re-connecting with friends and family than individuals visiting a common location like a public pool or park. Places where dipping in the pool or a walk

The bar-S ranch is a clothing-free resort. I probably could have prefaced this treatise with this disclaimer, adding that nudism is not for everyone. After all, if you are the type of person stressed out by the simple lack of clothing, then you’d undoubtedly find it very difficult to relax. However, if you truly understand nudism or you are daring enough to try something new for the first time, this is the perfect place to “stick a toe in the water” so to speak. It’s close, safe, the people are genuinely friendly, and it’s inexpensive; not to mention the thast it comes with a great reference! A week or two out of town then back to the grind or spending your down time at a resort that’s 15 minutes from home; there’s only one choice that maximizes your time and makes summer as easy as it should be.

Bar-S Ranch • 313 Bar S Trail, Reidsville, NC 27320 • (336) 394-4722 • bar-s-ranch.com

19 17

18

wagPics local breweries

more at: wearegreensboro.tumblr.com

19

220