A celebration of innovation, nature, and community…
The community is invited to to Buzzing Into the Future, a free family-friendly event taking place from 2-6 pm on Sunday, April 12, at Greensboro College, 815 W. Market Street.
This event is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and allow time to walk between event locations.
Event Schedule
- 2 pm: Public Art Dedication of “May-Bee and the Bot (in the Uncanny Valley)”
- 2:30 pm: Tech + Nature Fair
- 4 pm: Movie “The Wild Robot”
Public Art Dedication
The event begins at 2 pm with the dedication of the Downtown Greenway’s newest public art installation, “May-bee and The Bot (in the Uncanny Valley),” created by artist Pete Beeman. Made possible by The Cemala Foundation, the 28-foot-tall sculpture features a robot on bended knee, topped with an insect on its head – a stylistic hybrid of a mayfly and honey bee – representing the connection between technological innovation and environmental sustainability. The piece includes an interactive hand-crank element, which allows visitors to move the wings overhead, and reflects the Downtown Greenway’s role in bringing together seemingly different ideas: urban and natural, built and organic.
“When I approached this project, I was thinking about this idea, of two disparate elements meeting and working together,” said artist Pete Beeman. “It seemed to me that a goofy retro robot could be a great representative of technology, while a honey bee is a fantastic symbol of our wonderful natural world and the challenges it faces. I wanted to bring the two together, nature and technology, in the same way the Downtown Greenway brings the urban and residential parts of Greensboro together.”
“It is always exciting to welcome a new piece of public art to the Downtown Greenway,” said Downtown Greenway Project Manager, Dabney Sanders. “‘May-Bee and the Bot’ has already attracted so much attention and inquiry from the community – we look forward to officially celebrating this arrival.”
Technology + Nature Fair
Following the dedication, a technology and nature fair will take place from 2:30-4 pm at the Sternberger Center, located within Jones Library on Greensboro College’s Campus. Local robotics teams, beekeepers, and other environmental groups will host interactive exhibits and informational tables. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about sustainability, engage with hands-on activities, and explore how technology and nature intersect in real-world applications.
Film Screening
The afternoon concludes with a 4 pm screening of the animated feature film The Wild Robot, just a short distance across the campus quad, in Cowan Lecture Hall. The film explores the relationship between technology and the natural world – a perfect connection to the event’s central theme. Seating is available for 70 guests, and children are also encouraged to bring blankets or pillows for front-row floor seating.
Location & Parking
All activities will take place on or adjacent to the main campus of Greensboro College. Parking will be marked by signs as you enter at 815 W. Market Street. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for parking, and walking between event locations.