On Sunday, January 16, Winston-Salem lost a driving force behind much of the cultural development that’s been enjoyed throughout the Triad and beyond over the last half century. Former textile industry executive R. Phillip Hanes Jr. died at the age of 84.
When most people think of Phil Hanes, the arts spring immediately to mind. He brought the University of NC School of the Arts to his hometown of Winston-Salem, organized the nation’s first Arts Council, and established The South Eastern Center for Contemporary Art. Less well known is that Hanes was an equally passionate environmentalist, whose conservation efforts will have a lasting impact on generations to come as they travel through northwest North Carolina and southwest Virginia.
It was there that WFDD’s David Ford set out to explore the Hanes environmental legacy with the person who knew him best.
A tribute to celebrate the life of Phil Hanes, who died last month is scheduled for Friday, February 25th—his birthday. The event is sponsored by the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. The celebration is free and open to the public, and it’ll be held in the Stevens Center.
Hear the complete interview on Thursday, February 24 at 8:50 a.m. on Triad Arts Up Close and on Friday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. during Triad arts Weekend.
