Greensboro’s Mural View Scape: The Artists and Their Patrons

Greensboro, North Carolina, has become a canvas for vibrant street art, with over 160 murals transforming the city’s walls into a gallery of creativity. Local and international muralists have left their mark on downtown Greensboro and beyond, supported by a mix of passionate developers, arts organizations, and community foundations. Let’s explore the artists who’ve contributed to this mural renaissance and the sponsors who’ve made their work possible.

The Muralists of Greensboro

Brian Lewis (JEKS)
Brian Lewis, known as JEKS, is one of Greensboro’s most prolific muralists, recognized for his photorealistic portraits and pop culture references. His work includes a striking Stan Lee mural at Red Cinemas, a 30-foot Wonder Woman on Battleground Avenue, and a Mac Miller tribute behind The Forge on West Lewis Street. JEKS has also painted at Pig Pounder Pavilion and other locations, often blending classic graffiti styles with modern portraiture. His contributions have made Greensboro a destination for street art enthusiasts, with his murals often highlighted in visitor guides.

Darlene McClinton
A North Carolina A&T State University graduate, Darlene McClinton has been a key figure in Greensboro’s public art scene since 2012. Her vibrant murals include “Bridging the G.A.P.” on the downtown greenway, “Representation Matters” at Hairston Middle School, and “Blooming” and “Growing” at Piedmont Triad International Airport. McClinton emphasizes community engagement in her creative process, using color as her “superpower” to inspire and educate. She often collaborates with emerging artists and students, aiming to uplift the community through her work.

Insane 51
Greek artist Insane 51 brought a controversial edge to Greensboro with the 2018 mural “No Filter” inside Pig Pounder Pavilion on Battleground Avenue. This piece features a dual-layered image of Donald Trump—visible as a pig through a blue filter and as himself through a red filter. Insane 51’s photorealistic style and bold commentary have added a provocative dimension to Greensboro’s mural scene, sparking conversations among viewers.

Adnate and Belin
International muralists Adnate and Belin, both renowned for their photorealistic portraiture, have contributed to Greensboro’s collection with murals on Battleground Avenue. Their pieces, located just feet apart, were highlighted by fellow artist JEKS as some of the best in the world. These works have elevated Greensboro’s status in the global street art community, drawing attention for their technical mastery.

Tecumseh Jones
Tecumseh Jones, a 19-year-old Lumbee and Tuscarora Indian, was featured in a mural on Battleground Avenue beside Burger Warfare, on the wall of Midtown Financial Advisors. This piece celebrates local cultural heritage, adding diversity to Greensboro’s street art narrative. Jones’ portrait reflects a commitment to showcasing underrepresented voices in the city’s public art.

BellaPhame Collective
The street-art collective BellaPhame has contributed to Greensboro’s mural scene while also hosting fine-arts pop-up galleries. In January 2023, they displayed work at a pop-up gallery in Greensboro, and their murals can be seen around the city, including at the Guilford Green Community Center on Grecade and West Bessemer. Their art extends into the parking lot, creating an immersive experience that brightens the eastern edge of Midtown.

Brad Oldham and Christy Coltrin
This husband-and-wife duo from Dallas, Texas, brought their collaborative talents to Greensboro with the “SpaceBIRD” sculpture at the Greensboro Children’s Museum. While not a traditional mural, their work reimagines the museum’s infinity shape, featuring a bird crafting a welcoming message. Their piece adds a playful, interactive element to Greensboro’s public art, encouraging visitors to decipher the message.

Ron Fondaw
Burnsville artist Ron Fondaw, with an MFA from the University of Illinois, created “Moving Ahead,” a public art project for the Greene Street Parking Deck, installed in 2009. The piece features multicolored polycarbonate wheels and a hand-made tile timeline along Greene and Washington Streets, reflecting 250 years of transportation history in Greensboro. Fondaw’s work adds a historical layer to the city’s art scene, blending functionality with artistic expression.

The Sponsors and Patrons Behind the Art

Marty Kotis and Kotis Street Art
Developer Marty Kotis has been the driving force behind Greensboro’s street art boom, funding over 250 murals through his organization, Kotis Street Art. Kotis personally finances many of these projects, covering artists’ fees, supplies, and logistics. He commissioned works by JEKS, Insane 51, Adnate, Belin, and Tecumseh Jones, often on his properties like Red Cinemas, Pig Pounder Pavilion, and Midtown Financial Advisors on Battleground Avenue. Kotis Street Art also facilitates the process for artists by identifying legal walls and connecting them with businesses seeking commissions, all while aiming to make Greensboro a top street-art destination in the U.S.

The Cemala Foundation
The Cemala Foundation has been a major supporter of public art in Greensboro, focusing on projects that engage and inspire the community. They commissioned Ron Fondaw’s “Moving Ahead” for the Greene Street Parking Deck, partnering with donors like the Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation, Mary & Bob Plybon, Anita Kay & Mark Hyman, and others. The foundation also supported Brad Oldham and Christy Coltrin’s “SpaceBIRD” at the Greensboro Children’s Museum, collaborating with a public art selection committee to bring the project to life.

Public Art GSO and the Public Art Endowment
Public Art GSO, initially created by Action Greensboro and now operated by the Public Art Endowment, has supported the city’s growing collection of over 150 public artworks, including many murals. The endowment, a permanent fund backed by private donations, ensures the long-term placement of significant artworks. While specific muralists funded by the endowment aren’t detailed, their stewardship—guided by trustees passionate about the arts—has helped maintain and expand Greensboro’s public art map, which includes many of the murals mentioned.

ArtsGreensboro and Community Collaborations
ArtsGreensboro, also known as the United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro, has played a role in supporting local artists like Darlene McClinton through grants and advocacy. McClinton, who has worked with ArtsGreensboro, often collaborates with community groups and schools for her murals, such as those at Hairston Middle School and the downtown greenway. While ArtsGreensboro doesn’t directly fund all her projects, their support for the broader arts ecosystem has enabled artists like her to thrive.

Guilford Green Community Center
The Guilford Green Community Center commissioned the BellaPhame collective to create a mural that wraps around their building and parking lot at Grecade and West Bessemer. This project, one of the latest in Greensboro, reflects the center’s commitment to enhancing the cultural vibrancy of Midtown while supporting local street artists.

Impact on Greensboro’s Art Scene

These muralists have transformed Greensboro into a visual feast, with works ranging from photorealistic portraits to abstract installations. JEKS and Insane 51 have brought international flair, while local talents like Darlene McClinton and Tecumseh Jones highlight the city’s diversity and history. The sponsorship of developers like Marty Kotis, alongside organizations like The Cemala Foundation and Public Art GSO, has been crucial in funding these projects, ensuring artists are compensated and walls are available. Greensboro’s mural scene not only beautifies the city but also fosters community engagement, as seen in McClinton’s collaborative approach and the interactive elements of Oldham and Coltrin’s work.

Conclusion

Greensboro’s muralists, backed by dedicated sponsors, have turned the city into an outdoor art gallery that rivals larger urban centers. From Marty Kotis’ ambitious vision to the community-driven efforts of The Cemala Foundation and ArtsGreensboro, the support for these artists has created a lasting impact. Whether you’re strolling down Battleground Avenue or exploring the downtown greenway, Greensboro’s murals offer a vibrant testament to the power of public art. Take a walk, snap a selfie at the Selfie Walls, and celebrate the creativity that’s making Greensboro a must-visit destination for art lovers.