When Lisa Willis left a good job finding work for others with the North Carolina Employment Security Commission to start a business in the economic desert that was downtown Burlington in 1996, even she couldn't believe it. "Talk about jumping into the deep end. I left a good job with good benefits to open a … Continue reading Downtown business reaches important milestone
Art
Count murals among new things to see in downtown Burlington this spring
The one-year anniversary of national shutdowns caused by the Covid-19 pandemic passed earlier this month. There were dire predictions about the survival of restaurants, retail stores and entertainment venues when the shutdowns began and the case counts and fatalities grew. Many of those fears were realized. A lot of businesses couldn’t make takeout or delivery … Continue reading Count murals among new things to see in downtown Burlington this spring
Out of STEAM in downtown Burlington
When I saw the note via Facebook on June 1 I was not surprised. Deeply saddened, but not surprised. To our members, supporters, friends, family, and the community here in Alamance County: It is with a sad heart that I must report to you that as of 5pm Sunday May 31st we have ceased our … Continue reading Out of STEAM in downtown Burlington
Creating a healthy heartbeat in downtown Burlington
The heart of any city beats in its downtown. It’s the central point that historically ties all parts of a city to local government, commerce, churches, libraries, public services, transportation and information. So a strong heartbeat downtown is essential to the lifeblood of a thriving city. Ensuring a healthy heartbeat in downtown Burlington is the … Continue reading Creating a healthy heartbeat in downtown Burlington
Murals can visually define a downtown. Denver is one example (photo galleries)
As artist Mauricio Ramirez wraps up his mural in downtown Burlington today -- and let's just say it's a dynamic and stunning achievement visible behind Bella's House on display for Webb Avenue traffic -- I thought it might be a good idea to look at how a mural can help define a downtown area as … Continue reading Murals can visually define a downtown. Denver is one example (photo galleries)
An emerging symbol for transformation in downtown Burlington
Mauricio Ramirez got his first taste of good ol' North Carolina humidity on Thursday. It was just about the hottest September day I can remember -- 97 degrees with humidity registering at about the same number. It was the very definition of "sweltering." For Ramirez, the Chicago-born and based artist selected to create the first … Continue reading An emerging symbol for transformation in downtown Burlington
Public displays of art coming to downtown Burlington
People driving on Webb Avenue past downtown Burlington next week will likely notice something different. Along the back of Bella's House, a consignment furniture store that faces Front Street, an artist will begin crafting a new piece of public art that will the beginning of a three-mural project for downtown. Chicago artist Mauricio Ramirez was … Continue reading Public displays of art coming to downtown Burlington
Bringing home a piece of Charleston
We visited Charleston, South Carolina for the first time five or six years ago. That's when we met W. Hampton Brand, an artist who offers pieces of that historic and beautiful waterfront city that folks can take home if they want to, you know, pay a few dollars. So we did. Last week Roselee and … Continue reading Bringing home a piece of Charleston
Making things happen at Elon
When I talk to people at Elon University about the intersection of business, science, engineering and the arts the expression I hear most is cross-disciplinary. It's about meeting the growing demand by students for multiple fields of study often in wide-ranging disciplines. By extension there is also a demand by employers for students with a … Continue reading Making things happen at Elon
Making the most of . . . making
To say that Ben Harris is interested in creating things would be a massive understatement, like saying the Grand Canyon is just a hole in the ground or that "Game of Thrones" developed something of a following. He's truly passionate about creating, innovating, tinkering, educating and, well, making. It's his life's work. It led him … Continue reading Making the most of . . . making
Madison's Avenue 