The people of North Carolina have always responded to the rich  

heritage of craft and visual arts from mountains to sea. Southern  

culture is steeped in generosity and giving, and informed through  

caring about beauty and tradition. The new wing of the North Carolina  

Art Museum, just opened in April, is a testament to the contributions  

of generous North Carolinians. Many people do not realize that North  

Carolina was one of the first states to form an Arts Council, nearly  

half-century ago. For thirty years, the NC Arts Council has awarded  

fellowships to the “best of the best” contemporary artists, who are  

judged and juried by rigid standards. Fellowships are given to the  

winning artists in the form of cash to provide them with supplies,  

materials and time to create their important work. The word  

“contemporary” is used here as a moniker for art being made in and of  

the moment by living artists. In 1981, Green Hill Center presented  

the very first exhibition of the original four winners of the  

fellowships.

Beginning Friday, June fourth, 2010; the citizens of Greensboro, and  

North Carolina will once again have the opportunity of seeing the NC  

Arts Council Artist Fellowship Exhibition at the Green Hill Center  

Gallery. The show features eighteen visual media artists, including  

film, who are this year’s recipients of these prestigious  

fellowships. 1992 was the last time the NCAC Artist Fellowship  

recipients exhibition was held at Green Hill Center.

Jeff Pettis, Senior Program Director of Artists & Organizations,  

NCAC; in his foreword for the exhibition catalog, calls Green Hill  

Center, “an institution devoted to displaying the work of the best  

contemporary North Carolina artists.” Those words echo the mission of  

Green Hill Center…to educate, engage and inspire.

The opening reception will begin the Green Hill Center summer season,  

and falls on a “First Friday,” when Greensboro celebrates the fine  

arts all over town. Green Hill Center opening receptions give the  

public an opportunity to meet with the artists and discuss ideas and  

themes. The openings are not “stuffy” or particularly dressy. There  

is no fee. There are no rules, but to be comfortable, indulge  

yourself with good art, and have some fun.

Please join us downtown Friday, June fourth, from 5:30-7:30. There  

will also be artist’s talks and film showings throughout the summer  

each Wednesday. Visit www.greenhillcenter.org for the calendar and an  

image preview. The chance to see all these exciting pieces will be  

available until August 22. In summer, Green Hill Center is always a  

terrific place to hang with the kids in ArtQuest; to acquire  

collectable art, or to purchase thoughtful hand-made gifts in the  

Shop at Green Hill. Best of all, Green Hill Center is always an oasis  

of calm, cool and quiet in a busy city.

Back in 1992,  “Silence of the Lambs” was best picture, Bill Clinton  

was elected President, and Brett Favre made his first start for the  

Green Bay Packers. A generation of exhibitions have past through  

Greensboro since. No one can imagine what sort of art will be  

produced in the next eighteen years, or thirty; but we can imagine  

that through the generosity and commitment of the citizens of  

Greensboro and NC, Green Hill Center will continue to exhibit the  

very “best of the best” contemporary North Carolina art.