Creative Greensboro welcomes Karena “Kidd” Graves to the Greensboro Residency for Original Works (GROW) as the first artist-in-residence for the 2026 season. During their 10-week residency, Graves will explore narratives from African-American neighborhoods and traditions using resources from the Greensboro History Museum and local libraries, in addition to interviewing community members.
From this research, Graves will create a series of tapestries that visually translate these stories into accessible and relatable forms. These works will function as both artwork and storytelling tools, carrying forward narratives central to Greensboro’s cultural memory. They will be in residence at the GROW studio Tuesday, January 20, through Monday, March 30.
Each Thursday and Friday during their residency, Graves invites the public into the GROW studio to learn more about their work and the stories that inspire each piece, and to participate in the creative process. Interactive activities like material swaps, knitting circles, writing sessions, and collaborative collage making will provide opportunities for the community to reflect on their own histories while expressing and preserving their stories through fiber-based practices.
The GROW residency space is located next to the Davie Street entrance of the Greensboro Cultural Center, 200 N. Davie St. To learn more about the residency, visit CreativeGreensboro.com or contact Naomi Woods at 336-373-2661.
Residency Schedule
All events are free to the public and no registration is required.
Thursdays, 11 am to 2 pm
Community members are invited to bring their own materials and make art together.
January 22 – Material Swap
January 29 – Collage Party
February 5 – Knitting Circle
February 12 – No programming
February 19 – Tufting Demonstration
February 26 – Material Swap
March 5 – Collage Party
March 12 – Writing Session / Open Mic
March 19 – Knitting Circle
March 26 – Writing Session / Open Mic
Fridays, 6-9 pm
Meet the artist. Stop by the GROW studio to learn more about Kidd’s process and their work.
January 23 – Artist Talk
January 30 – Open Studio
February 6 – First Friday
February 13 – No programming
February 20 – Artist Talk
February 27 – Open Studio
March 6 – First Friday
March 13 – Open Studio
March 20 – Open Studio
March 27 – Residency Closing Party. Open Studio from 11 am to 8 pm, artist talk at 6 pm.
About the Artist
Karena “Kidd” Graves is a multidisciplinary artist from North Carolina whose practice spans public art, sculpture, and textiles. They hold a master’s in fine arts in sculpture from East Carolina University and a bachelor’s in fine arts from UNC Greensboro. Graves’ work explores African-American folklore, symbolism, and community narratives, often incorporating found materials to connect past and present. Their projects range from large-scale public artworks to intimate fiber-based pieces, all centered on storytelling, cultural memory, and collective engagement.
