Winston-Salem Mural Installation Has Commenced
The city has begun installing a large-scale bird-themed mural on the 6th-Cherry-Trade Parking Deck.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Bird Watching
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The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Public Art Commission has launched an installation project for a new mural at the 6th-Cherry-Trade Parking Deck. The design features birds in flight and patterns inspired by local textile traditions.
Why it matters
The project serves as a celebration of the history of Winston-Salem while aiming to revitalize the parking deck as a gateway to the local Arts District. It was designed to enhance the urban environment through public art.
The mural was chosen from over 200 project applications submitted by artists across the United States. Designs were selected through a process involving online community voting and in-person voting at the Trade Street Farmers Market.
The players
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Public Art Commission
This local government body oversees the selection and installation of public art projects within the community.
Gabriel Eng-Goetz
An artist based in Durham who was selected through a competitive process to create the mural.
Taylor White
A Raleigh-based artist who serves as a co-creator for the parking deck mural project.
The details
Artists Gabriel Eng-Goetz and Taylor White were selected to transform the 6th Street and North Cherry Street sides of the structure. During the installation, the 6th Street entrances to the parking deck will remain closed to the public.
Timeline
In-person artist voting took place in February 2026.
The project was officially announced on September 21, 2026.
Installation began on September 28, 2026.
The installation is expected to conclude on October 9, 2026, weather permitting.
Culture Shift
The installation of this mural reflects a growing trend of using functional municipal infrastructure to anchor cultural identity in urban centers. This project aligns with the city's ongoing initiative to develop the Arts District by transforming standard parking facilities into community landmarks.
Residents and daily commuters should anticipate limited access to the 6th Street entrances of the parking deck during the installation process. The finished mural will provide a new visual landmark for those navigating the area surrounding the Arts District.
The takeaway
Large-scale public art projects often require temporary disruption to daily infrastructure for successful completion. Commuters should remain aware of potential parking deck access changes through October 9.
Further reading
For more on how local art highlights the natural beauty of the region, visit the Bird Watching section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WXII.
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