With a name that reflects its authentic setting, Sawtooth School for Visual Art is housed in a textile mill – the historic Shamrock Mills building downtown – that welcomes artists of all ages and talent levels to explore the beauty of creating!
The name “Sawtooth” literally reflects the structure’s unique jagged roofline and north-facing skylights which once filled the busy factories with the softest possible daylight. Recognized as central North Carolina’s creative hub since opening in 1945, Sawtooth offers hands-on visual art classes and workshops year-round. No matter your background or skill set, you can delve into ceramics, woodworking and every possible medium in between! Think digital arts, drawing and painting, glass, photography, textiles, wood and metals, to name a few.
“Sawtooth’s history is deeply intertwined with Winston-Salem’s,” says Lauren Davis, Sawtooth School for Visual Art’s executive director. “What began 80 years ago as a partnership among four local, civic-minded institutions dedicated to offering hands-on art education has evolved into a vibrant nonprofit, enabling generations in Winston-Salem and beyond to explore their creativity.”
At its founding, the Junior League, the Winston-Salem School System and the City’s Parks & Recreation Department joined forces to establish a community-based learning institution that presents programming appropriate for the entire family. While Sawtooth has evolved over the decades, the mission has remained the same – to inspire, energize and connect people of the community.
Sawtooth’s founding board members – notable names such as Mary Reynolds Babcock, Elizabeth Gray, Helen Copenhaver Hanes, May Mountcastle and Charles Norfleet – played a crucial role in its success. Many of these individuals applied what they learned at the school to establish and develop the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and other institutions. Their early contributions significantly contributed to the city’s creative revival and helped Winston-Salem earn its “City of the Arts” reputation.
In 2008, construction began on the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, a complex that integrates the century-old building into a new façade facing Spruce Street. Reopening in 2010 under its current name, Sawtooth School for Visual Art, those new facilities now include 16 studios housed within 20,000 square feet, allowing the school to happily expand its programs to better serve the community.
Get to know Sawtooth’s current offerings, and you’re sure to discover a creative outlet that’s perfect for you and your family.
“Our Taste of Art workshops offer a perfect date night idea or a unique family outing – no experience necessary!” shares Robert Grand, director of marketing. “These workshops are very approachable – regardless of your skill level – and a chance to discover your creative potential.”
During a Taste of Art workshop, you can create colorful pottery, wooden cutting boards, copper bracelets, macrame plant hangers and so, so much more – all in a few hours!
Sawtooth also has two new mixed media and ceramics studios at the Intergenerational Center for Arts and Wellness near Wake Forest University and the Fairgrounds. The school also owns and operates two wood-fired kilns on the grounds of the North Carolina Museum of Art, Winston-Salem.
Also making an impact in the community is their Art + Wellness program which supports art experiences for individuals of all ages, in collaboration with 11 healthcare organizations across Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. The goal? Breaking the monotony of long hospital stays, while bringing joy to some otherwise dark moments. Pieces from Art + Wellness participants are exhibited at the new Intergenerational Center for Arts and Wellness, and their creations are also featured in Art-O-Mat® vending machines worldwide, giving these artists an international platform.
And yes, this spring, Sawtooth will joyfully celebrate its 80th anniversary! A spirited exhibition will span each gallery, plus the Arts Council’s main gallery, and will also include a festive gala. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram @Sawtoothschool for more details on this much-anticipated celebration.
“If you’re interested in volunteering for the anniversary celebration – or maybe you have a good ‘Sawtooth Story’ that would be perfect to include during this momentous occasion, please share that with us!” says Robert, adding that meaningful Sawtooth memories can be shared by emailing [email protected].
Reserve your spot for any upcoming class or workshop online at Sawtooth.org, and follow class updates on Facebook and Instagram @Sawtoothschool. Visit Sawtooth School for Visual Art at 251 N. Spruce Street, Winston-Salem, NC, 336.723.7395. Sawtooth hours are 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.
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