5 Ways to Engage with Artspace this Summer

by Lauren Dotson

With its neon-green awning at the front door, and the bright orange letters covering the building, Artspace is an art and cultural destination in Downtown Raleigh that you literally cannot miss. We are a space for creativity and social practice composed of affordable studio spaces, artist residencies, exhibitions, arts education, and community programming. We believe art should be celebrated and valued as an essential part of our vibrant and healthy community. Below are five ways you can experience all that Artspace has to offer this summer! 

First Fridays

Come for the art, stay for the community and good vibes. Each First Friday Artspace opens its doors to the public to enjoy exhibitions from regional and national artists, free art activities, live music and performances, and the opportunity to engage with our studio artists. After taking in everything Artspace has to offer, be sure you explore nearby galleries, restaurants, and shops open late for your enjoyment. For more information on First Friday and other participating galleries, shops, and restaurants visit Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s First Friday info here.

Check our Artspace Studio Artists

Did you know that Artspace is the largest artist community of its kind in the state of North Carolina? At Artspace, we have an open studio environment where the public is invited to meet our 30+ studio artists and learn about their creative processes. While at Artspace, you can explore our 30,000 square foot building, chat with our studio artists, and interact with a rotation of exciting exhibitions from new voices in our community. Visit us Wednesday to Saturday from 11am-7pm and Sunday from 11am-4pm.

Have a Shopping Day in Downtown Raleigh

If you’re looking for retail therapy, Artspace and Downtown Raleigh have you covered. Start at Artspace, where you can purchase artwork, jewelry, handmade bags, and other artisan goods directly from our studio artists or buy pieces from our exhibitions and corridors. Don’t let the day end there. Artspace is within walking distance of several locally owned retail shops in the Moore Square and Fayetteville Street Districts. Here’s some of our favorite places to shop local: 

  • Black Friday Market 
  • Copperline Plants Co. 
  • Davis + Rhodes Home 
  • Read With Me
  • Unorthodox Vintage 
  • Raleigh Wine Shop 
  • Social Status 
  • Unleashed, the Dog and Cat Store 

Adult Classes + Artist Meet Ups

Artspace offers a wide range of monthly classes taught by local artists. It’s our goal to provide participants with a high quality experience by working with artists who are eager to share their knowledge and expertise while supporting participants’ creativity and growth. 

You can also visit Artspace during our monthly gatherings of working artists and creatives from around the Triangle region. These lively sessions are hosted by Artspace studio artists and are centered around creativity, networking, and collaboration. To register for an artist meet-up or adult classes, visit our classes page here.

Upcoming Adult Art Classes + Meet-Ups:  

  • Co-Create Meet-up // Saturday, August 13 from 11am-1pm 
  • Fiber Folks Meet Up // Wednesday, August 17 from 6-8pm
  • Little Sister Wallets with Fernada Bastista // Thursday, August 18 from 6-8pm 

Connect + Create

Connect + Create is your chance to express yourself through low-key art activities and meet fellow community members. Currently hosted outside of Artspace at the Chapel at Dix Park, Connect + Create workshops feature a variety of art activities led by local artists catered to families and friends to enjoy together. Register for free on Dix Park’s website.

Upcoming Connect + Create Workshops at Dix Park: 

  • Paintings + Poems Outdoors with Claire Alexandre // Tuesday, August 2 from 6pm-7:30pm 
  • Acrylic Pouring with Alanah Reid // Tuesday, August 22 from 6pm-7:30pm 

Art Pop-Ups

This summer and beyond, Artspace will be popping up around town to connect with Raleigh’s growing mosaic of communities through hands-on art experiences and intentional engagement. From libraries and community centers to markets and festivals, you can expect to see Artspace there!