DESIGNWORKS 2021

Arboreal Gallery – Artis Tree

Winston Salem, NC

STITCH Design Shop

Housed within a downtown arts center, the project goals were to provide additional opportunities for public engagement with the arts and create a multi-faceted performance venue within a bourgeoning downtown. The space includes the conversion of a series of segmented galleries and an underutilized event space into a new unified gallery, entrance lobby, gift shop, and connecting theater.

The dynamic ArtisTree wooden sculpture in the gallery is meant to symbolize the artistic roots and connections throughout the community. It gracefully wraps a historic column, juxtaposing the old with the new. Careful attention was paid to preserving and displaying the historic elements of the building including early 20th century timber beams, concrete mushroom columns, and timber trusses.