Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art | Winston Salem

The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA), now affiliated as part of the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) Winston-Salem, is a premier institution dedicated to the exhibition and promotion of contemporary art. Located at 750 Marguerite Drive in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, SECCA serves as a significant cultural hub within the region, committed to fostering an active dialogue between artists, audiences, and the community through innovative and thought-provoking art experiences.

History and Background

SECCA was originally founded in 1956 as the Winston-Salem Gallery of Fine Arts with a mission to provide exhibition opportunities for local artists and promote visual arts within the community. Over time, its scope expanded to embrace contemporary artists from the southeastern United States and beyond, reflecting the evolving art landscape and the region’s growing cultural aspirations.

In 2007, SECCA became formally affiliated with the North Carolina Museum of Art, based in Raleigh, allowing it to benefit from greater institutional resources, expanded programming, and a wider audience reach. This affiliation has strengthened SECCA’s position as a vital contemporary arts venue and has enabled collaborative projects that connect Winston-Salem’s arts community with broader national and international art movements.

Architectural Setting

SECCA is uniquely housed within the historic James G. Hanes House, a stately estate constructed in 1929 and bequeathed to the center in 1972. The building itself is a distinctive element of SECCA’s identity, combining early 20th-century architectural elegance with the cutting-edge functions required by a contemporary art museum.

To meet the demands of preserving and presenting modern artworks, the estate underwent significant renovations. These improvements included state-of-the-art climate control and lighting systems, expanded and flexible gallery spaces, and exterior restoration that preserved the estate’s historic character. The thoughtful integration of contemporary museum technology within a historic setting creates an inspiring environment for both visitors and artists.

Exhibitions and Artistic Focus

SECCA specializes in rotating exhibitions rather than maintaining a permanent collection. This approach allows the museum to present fresh, cutting-edge art on a regular basis, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of contemporary creative practices. Exhibitions often showcase a wide variety of media, including painting, sculpture, installation, video, performance, and new media art.

The museum’s curatorial program emphasizes artists whose work engages with social, cultural, and political themes relevant to the southeastern United States and the broader contemporary art world. Past exhibitions have featured notable artists such as Beverly McIver, whose paintings explore identity and family; Will Wilson, known for photographic portraits addressing Native American history; Kara Walker, acclaimed for her powerful silhouettes and explorations of race and history; and Lonnie Holley, a self-taught artist whose assemblages and performances challenge traditional art boundaries.

In addition to solo and group exhibitions, SECCA regularly offers artist talks, panel discussions, and educational workshops that deepen visitors’ understanding and engagement with contemporary art.

Educational and Community Programs

SECCA actively engages with the Winston-Salem community through educational initiatives designed to increase accessibility to contemporary art and encourage creative expression across all ages and backgrounds. These programs include:

School Partnerships: Collaborative projects and field trips that integrate contemporary art into educational curricula, providing students with hands-on learning experiences.

Workshops and Classes: Opportunities for community members to explore artistic techniques, conceptual frameworks, and creative practices led by professional artists and educators.

Public Events: Lectures, performances, and social gatherings that foster dialogue between artists, audiences, and cultural leaders, enriching the local arts ecosystem.

Outreach Programs: Initiatives targeting underserved populations to ensure that contemporary art and creative education are accessible to diverse communities within Winston-Salem.

Visitor Information

SECCA is open to the public with free admission, making it an accessible cultural destination for residents and tourists alike. Its regular hours of operation are:

Wednesday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Friday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

The museum is situated in a peaceful neighborhood with nearby parking options, making it convenient for visitors exploring the cultural offerings of Winston-Salem.

Cultural Impact

As a leading institution for contemporary art in the southeastern United States, SECCA plays a crucial role in enriching Winston-Salem’s cultural landscape. Its commitment to presenting challenging, innovative art and fostering meaningful community engagement helps position the city as a vibrant arts destination.

The center’s dynamic exhibitions, combined with educational and outreach programs, contribute to cultivating an informed and inspired audience while supporting artists who push the boundaries of creative expression. By balancing historical preservation with contemporary relevance, SECCA embodies a bridge between the past and present cultural narratives, reflecting the evolving identity of the region and its people.