Sternberger Artists Center
Celebrating 100 years! 1926 – 2026
Sternberger Artists Center
The Sternberger Artists Center (SAC) is a vibrant hub for Greensboro’s creative community—home to professional artists and writers who bring energy, innovation, and inspiration to our city.
Owned and operated by The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro (ACGG), SAC occupies a historic 1926 Mediterranean-style villa at 712 Summit Avenue. Designed by noted architect Harry Barton and built by Sigmund Sternberger—treasurer of Revolution Mill and director of Cone Mills Corporation—the property was later gifted through the Sigmund Sternberger Foundation in 1971.
Recognized by the National Register of Historic Places in 1993, the Center continues to honor its artistic and architectural legacy. Today, SAC offers 16 affordable studios that maintain a steady 90–100% occupancy rate, providing artists a dedicated place to create, connect, and collaborate.
With generous support from the Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation, SAC extends its impact beyond its walls—hosting neighborhood events, supporting local schools and nonprofits, and welcoming musicians each June for the beloved Dunleath Porchfest.
Current Artist Tenants:
No Vacancy
The Sternberger Artists Center is currently full.
Please contact Mary Ben Roach, Property Mgr Roach Realty, at 336-373-1510 or Roachrealty@gmail.com if you have any questions.
A Note About Our Previous Tenants
At SAC, artists don’t just rent space—they join a creative community that values collaboration, history, and shared purpose.
Prestigious fellowship recipients from the National Endowment for the Arts and the North Carolina Arts Council, visual artists creating important commissions, nationally recognized novelists, and faculty members from UNCG and NC A&T have worked as studio tenants at the Sternberger Artists Center.
Prior to October 2025
- Krystal Hart – contemporary artist
- Henry Sumpter – contemporary batik painter
- Lee Zacharias – author, photographer
- Hollis Gabriel – painter, mobiles, fabric
- Molly Amsler – multi-media, paint, fiber, clay, cuisine
- Tatyana Dyakonov – oil, acrylic, watercolor
- Perry Boswell – mixed media, painting, collage
- Amy Funderburk
- Phyllis Sharpe – Oils, Watermedia
- Vicki Johnson
- Hailey Loftis
Prior to March 2023
- Joe Bauer
- Betty Cone
- Anne Daniel
- Mebane Ham
- Krystal Hart
- Denny Kelly (Chair)
- Bob Klepfer
- Nancy Radtke
- Steve LaSota
- Jeanne Tannenbaum
The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro serves as the community’s largest dedicated largest source of dedicated financial support for arts and culture through a competitive process. Committed to elevating the arts, The ACGG raises awareness, promotes the region’s vibrancy, and strengthens communities by amplifying the arts’ impact. It supports arts organizations, artists, and teachers through grants, shared services, and technical assistance.
As part of its tax-exempt mission, The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro provides studio space at the Sternberger Artists Center (SAC) for a diverse group of talented artists and writers in Greensboro. It is an honor to support the creative community through this offering.
Sternberger Artist Center Studio Application
Selection Process
The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro accepts applications for current vacancies on an ongoing basis and reviews them as space becomes available.
The SAC Building Manager reviews all applications and maintains waiting lists for up to two years. After two years, applicants must resubmit their applications if they are still interested in studio space.
If the SAC Building Manager has a conflict of interest, as outlined in the Arts Council’s conflict of interest policy, they will recuse themselves from voting or participating in the matter.
Applicants may request a review of a rejected application by the Sternberger Commission if they submit the request in writing within 30 days of receiving the rejection notice. The Sternberger Commission’s decision will be final and binding.
Selection Criteria
- The applicant’s artistic medium should contribute to maintaining a balance of disciplines at SAC, including visual art, literature, and performing arts.
- The applicant’s artistic discipline and practice should be compatible with those of others sharing the studio space.
- The applicant’s CV or resume and portfolio must demonstrate a strong commitment to artmaking.
- The applicant is encouraged to support the SAC’s public programs and neighborhood gatherings.
- The applicant must commit to using the studio space regularly. Studios cannot be used for storage only; storage is allowed only with active use of the studio.
- The applicant must provide three personal references with contact information as part of their application.
- If more than one artist qualifies for a space, preference will be given based on Greensboro residence and the date of application.
- The artist must conduct activities in alignment with the tax-exempt mission of The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro.
- Studios are to be used for original artmaking only.
- Teaching in the studio requires written approval from The ACGG.
- The artist must deposit first-month rent and a $50 security deposit at the signing of the lease.
- Studio artists are responsible for cleaning their studios and reporting any needed repairs or maintenance promptly.
- The artist must dispose of all debris, garbage, and recycling in the kitchen; SAC does not provide studio collection services.
- The buildings are heated and air-conditioned. Artists cannot use heaters or AC units requiring electricity. Artists need permission from management to add an electrical fan.
- Tenants must clean common areas such as the conference room, solarium, kitchen, bathrooms, foyers, and parking area.
- The basement, attic, and other common areas are not to be used for storage.
- SAC will process a background check before signing a lease.
- Lease terms generally run for one year.
All SAC Tenants Must:
- Consistently pay rent charges fully and on time. Rent is due on the first day of the month and late on the month’s 5th day.
- Carry Renter’s Insurance on studio contents.
All SAC Tenants are Encouraged to:
- Participate in two of The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro’s studio events per year.
- Actively work towards waste reduction and participate in our landfill diversion programs by composting and recycling materials whenever possible.
- Commit to keeping SAC clean, presentable, and quiet enough so as not to disturb other tenants.
- Promote SAC and The ACGG through social media and other business profiles.
- Participate in periodic tenant meetings.