🌼 The Story Behind The Dandelions
By now, you’ve probably heard all about the new dandelion sculptures along Salem Parkway. We're breaking down everything you need to know about the project!
Photo courtesy of Caroline Turner
Background: This installation was funded through the City of Winston-Salem's 2018 Bond Package — a $122 million referendum covering 5 bond issues (including "Street and Sidewalk”) approved by voters on November 6, 2018.
The package was financed through a 4-cent increase in the property tax rate, separate from the city's annual operating budget.
Did voters specifically approve this project? Not directly — but according to Principal Planner Kelly Bennett, that's standard practice. Bond referenda typically appear on the ballot as broad project categories, with detailed breakdowns of each project made available to the public beforehand.
The 2018 Bond Package included 5 broad categories, including "Street and Sidewalk Bond," under which more than 9 projects were listed — including Business 40 Corridor Enhancements.
Those materials outlined approximately $3.5 million for the enhancements, covering clear noise walls, public art foundations and installations on 7 bridges, pedestrian-scale lighting, and enhanced landscaping.
Voters approved the overall categories, which covered all projects within each. View a 2018 sample ballot here.
The Sculptures: After a national art call, a local artist group was selected to create the installation along Salem Parkway, from the Peters Creek Parkway exit to the Church Street bridge. They chose dandelions to symbolize resilience and hope within the Winston-Salem community. The team included:
Chad Cheek (former owner of Elephant in the Room)
Adam Sebastian (Stitch Design Shop)
Drew Gerstmyer (Architect)
Andrew Viator (Viator Design & Construction)
Fun Facts:
Each seed stands 5 feet tall and weighs 5.6 lbs
The main dandelion puff features 86 seeds, with nearly 40 scattered on the ground near the off-ramp
The primary sculpture weighs 4,347 lbs
Up Next: The ribbon-cutting ceremony is June 9.
🏠 Real stories, real homes! See how Piedmont Federal Bank helped these locals on their home-buying journey.
Susan turned to Piedmont Federal Bank after challenges with another lender and found more than a mortgage. "They helped me through the highs and lows and made me feel supported every step of the way."
The Coopers needed a personalized solution their previous bank couldn't offer. A HELOC gave them the flexibility to buy before selling — and close during the holidays, avoiding a major tax penalty.
Banking should feel personal. At Piedmont Federal Bank it is. See what's possible.*
🗓 Events
Thursday, June 4
Baseball - The Dash faces the Hub City Spartanburgers, featuring theme nights like the Hooch Pooches rebrand and K-pop Night! Daily games through Sunday.
Outdoor Yoga - Unwind with a free yoga class led by Lotus Yoga Academy at Bailey Park. 6 PM
Clothing Swap - Bring gently used clothing to Art SHAC and (sustainably) refresh your wardrobe! 2-5 PM
Friday, June 5
Nerd Nite - Feed your curiosity with rapid-fire talks covering everything from regenerative medicine to classic movie monsters at Kaleideum. 6 PM
Summer Party - Celebrate summer with live music, food trucks, a custom hat bar, cornhole, and giant Jenga at Wise Man Brewing! Runs through Saturday.
Opening Reception - Meet the artists behind Delta Art Center’s “Black by Design” exhibit, featuring the work of Black graphic designers. 6-8:30 PM
Whodunit Musical - You decide how it ends! Experience “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” at Hanesbrands Theatre. No two performances are exactly alike! Runs through June 21.
Comedy Show - Enjoy a night of laughter at Simply Sonya’s! Performances at 7 and 9:30 PM.
Summer Reading Kickoff - Get the kids excited about reading with face painting, lawn games, and a fossil dig at Central Library! 6 PM
Saturday, June 6
Book Binding - Create your own journal or sketchbook using 18th-century techniques at Old Salem. 1:30 PM
Anime Fest - Cosplay, panels, screenings, and merch from your favorite shows — all at The Hawthorne Inn. 10 AM - 5 PM
Summer Shindig - Welcome in summer with food trucks, live music, a mobile arcade, and foam cannons at the Jerry Long Family YMCA! 5-8 PM
💻 It’s summer break, and suddenly your home office is overrun with snack requests and sibling negotiations. Flywheel Coworking is here to help with:
Wi-Fi that isn’t competing with cartoons and gaming
Coffee you didn’t have to reheat three times
A productivity-focused environment so you can get things done, then get back home
Book a tour with Community Manager Becca.*
🗞 Other News
🎨 Opening: New gallery alert! The Art Room celebrates its grand opening Friday at 204 W. 6th Street. Created by local artists Amanda and Kelly, the space will also host workshops like the recent Critique Night!
💰 Civic: The city officially adopted the $700.9 million budget for 2026-27, which goes into effect on July 1. The budget was reduced by $2 million since its original proposal, changing the average citizen’s property tax increase from $5.42/month to $4.51/month.
🎭 Save the Dates: The International Black Theatre Festival returns July 27 to August 1! The biennial event features professional theater shows, films, poetry, and workshops at various venues. Tickets for the 20+ mainstage shows are already on sale!
💙 Nonprofit: Support Samaritan Ministries’ “45 Items for 45 Years” campaign! Purchase high-priority items off their Amazon wish list to help them continue providing food and shelter to our neighbors in need. They could also use volunteers in their soup kitchen!
👕 Now Open: Looking for vintage clothing? Lucky Dog just opened at 633 N. Trade Street! Owned by Trevor Shue and Sarah Caudle, the shop carries 1,200+ vintage essentials, including shoes, accessories, bags, home goods, and decor.
👟 Races: Runners have options this Saturday! Choose from the 1-mile Brunch Run (pancake breakfast included), Fleet Feet's Big Run, or Chase the Dream's glow-in-the-dark race.
🗳 I Voted
When you go to the polls this November, you’ll get an “I Voted” sticker designed by a local 11-year-old!
Paloma’s winning design
What: Paloma K. won the Forsyth County Board of Elections’ “I Voted” Sticker Contest! Her design spells out the word “Vote” in sign language.
Background: Paloma’s design faced off against 44 other submissions from K-12 students. The Board of Elections narrowed down the submissions to 12 finalists, and then the public voted for the winner!
Participate: Get your sticker when you vote in person on November 3! In-person voter registration closes October 9. Whether you love it or hate it, the dandelion project is proof that your vote matters.
☀️ Which do you consider the start of summer?
👀 Poll results: What do you think of the new dandelion sculptures on Salem Parkway?
Love them - 66%
They’re okay - 16%
Not a fan - 18%
Grace T. shared, “They are cute, but we could have spent the money on something better,” and Becky C. wrote, “Nice to see creative, positive, one-of-a-kind art in WS!”
SPONSORED
Upcoming Events
Kaleideum After Dark - Experience Kaleideum without the kids! Grab your friends and enjoy an after-hours, 21+ event with live music, henna, and glitter face painting on June 13.
🌀 The Wrap
🍓 Looking for a taste of summer? Team member Jacob recommends the strawberry iced tea at Sayso Coffee!
🚎 Guide of the Week: Unique Ways to Explore Winston-Salem
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
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