Like Wharton, I lament the passing of Two Art Chicks. There wasn't much happening on this side of the tracks when I took an office on South Elm sixteen years ago, and I welcomed them when they arrived, pioneers in the revitalization of downtown. They've added a lot to this community since then, and will right up to the end -- one of their final events will be the ConvergeSouth film festival.
Not sure, though, that the appearance of a Mellow Mushroom really means "chainification of downtown has begun," or at least that it means that in a bad way. Yes, it's a chain, but it's a cool, small chain that manages to fit comfortably into a funky place like Blowing Rock. No reason it won't be at home on funky South Elm.
The reality is that this neighborhood needs more reasonably-priced places to eat. It's a shame to lose 2AC, but we need more services for residents and people who work here. And despite the charm some of those sleepy old storefronts provide for passersby, there may be better uses for the space. This area has changed, and the big projects anticipated at the intersection of Lee and Elm will bring more changes.
Yes, we will lose something in the process, that's inevitable. The trick, it seems to me, is to preserve the old buildings and the look and feel of the place without stifling the transition to the next phase of South Elm's history.
Wow, didn't know they were taking off. They had managed to concoct a 'side business' of sorts by hosting local concerts in their open space as well. I only went to one show there, sadly, but I really enjoyed it as a 'venue' for local and travelling/indie bands to play. It'll be a shame to lose the space for that purpose as well.
Posted by: J. Neas | Oct 05, 2007 at 11:24 AM
Ed, what exactly are the projects anticipated at Elm/Lee. I live downtown and haven't heard much about this yet.
Posted by: ryan | Oct 05, 2007 at 11:30 AM
If y'all need a good art gallery to go to, these two in Reidsville are worth your time.
Posted by: Jeffrey Sykes | Oct 05, 2007 at 11:36 AM
Ryan, the City's plan for a big redev project is linked here. Something is going to replace the fish store and the empty lots and vacant buildings, although I'm not sure yet what it will be...
Posted by: Ed Cone | Oct 05, 2007 at 11:51 AM
Two Art Chicks is the gracious host of ConvergeSouth's first annual Film Festival. They're a great asset to the community and although I wasn't surprised to see them announce this, it's still not a happy thought (even though we are MM fans).
Posted by: Sue | Oct 05, 2007 at 03:44 PM
Wha-a-a-a?
Guess I need to go down there and get my stuff back.
Dang.
Posted by: Laurie | Oct 05, 2007 at 04:29 PM
Absolutely MM is a good thing for south of the tracks -- even tho I had a particularly bad meal there once -- it will bring throngs to the city ctr -- I look forward to the day when I have to protest the presence of too many chain stores and restaurants downtown -- That'd be cool.
Posted by: Super-Taster | Oct 08, 2007 at 02:55 PM
Yes TwoArtChicks may be closing, but everyone knows that when one door closes another will open. And thats what is i the works right now. TwoArtChicks may close its doors forever but just down the street, in the 200 block its legacy will live on in a new space brought to you by the same gals. It will be everything that TwoArtChicks is now and even more, and with a shiny new name.......... Keep your eyes peeled Greensboro, something really exciting is about to happen!!!!!!!
~ArtChicks
Posted by: Melodi Fentess | Oct 21, 2007 at 02:40 AM