Tours
Artspace offers Field Trips and Guided Tours that are adaptable for groups of all ages and abilities. On our tours, participants learn about the history of Artspace, explore our rotating exhibitions, and interact with our resident Studio Artists to expand their understanding of the creative process. Artspace tour guides and staff are focused on creating inclusive, collaborative discussions and providing participants the opportunity to engage with our exhibitions through sensory elements and gallery interactives. After the tour, participants have the opportunity to form deeper connections with what they learned through a hands-on art activity that explores cross curricular projects and diverse media with professional artists.
Groups we Accommodate
- School Groups
- Groups with Sensory Friendly Needs
- Afterschool Programs
- Homeschool Groups
- Senior Living Groups
Group Requirements
We require a minimum number of 10 participants for our field trips and guided tours and will accommodate up to a maximum of 60 participants. Please note, we do require 1 chaperone per every 10 children. Groups larger than 20 will be split into two groups and alternate between the tour and art activity.
Scheduling
Field Trips and guided tours are scheduled Wednesdays-Fridays during the months of September-May between 11am-12:30pm.* Field trips are not scheduled on the first week of each month due to our First Friday schedule. During this time, our exhibitions are in transition and unavailable.
*We do not schedule tours on weekends or the week of our First Friday events.
The entire program runs for 1.5 hours, which consists of a 45 minute guided tour and 45 minute art making activity. We ask that groups arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of their tour to maximize their time at Artspace! School groups with 60 people or less are welcome to have lunch after the guided tour and art activity conclude. Each school group will need to supply their own lunches. Field trips must be scheduled at least 3 weeks prior to your visit.
Cost
Pricing
- Self Guided Tour: Free
- Guided Tour (10 people or less, including educators/chaperones): Free
- Guided Tour (11-60 people max.): $5/person
- Guided Tour + Art Activity (5 people min. and 60 people max.): $8/person
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to Wake County Title I Public school groups. If you need financial assistance for your group, please contact Danny Peña to discuss options.
*Transportation costs are not covered in our scholarships.
Location + Parking
Artspace is located in downtown Raleigh at 201 E Davie St. Free street parking, with a strict two-hour limit until 5pm, is available on Davie Street. Metered parking is available on adjacent streets. There are also several pay lots/decks nearby: City Market parking lot, Blount Street parking deck, and several Secure P lots for night + weekend parking (314 E Davie St, 415 S Person St, 417 S Person St).
Buses may park in the bus parking lot at the corner of Polk and Blount Streets.
Accessibility
Artspace is committed to increasing accessibility and broadening access to the arts; we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the creative process. Everyone is welcome at Artspace.
Our public areas, studios, galleries and classrooms are accessible.
If you have questions or an accommodation request, please contact Danny Peña, Director of Education + Community Programs at dpena@artspacenc.org or 919-821-2787.
Art Activities
Each activity we offer can easily be adapted to your group’s interests and needs! Let us know your learning goals or access needs in the application and we will do our best to make reasonable accommodations! We also offer connections to North Carolina State Art Essential Standards for each grade level.
Painting
Still Life Painting from Observation
Learn how artists “look” at real life subjects and translate them onto their surface. Learn to capture proportions and colors the best you can and walk away with a painting entirely from your perspective. Ages 6+
Fibers
Exploring Texture Through Weaving
Learn the basics of weaving in this textile art making activity! While you’re here you’ll acquire the tools and techniques to begin your own weaving art piece using yarn and traditional weaving techniques. Ages 8+
Printmaking
Block Printmaking
Learn how to create a design that can be printed multiple times! This hands-on printmaking activity will teach basic printmaking techniques and participants will walk away with a better understanding of the printmaking process and a unique print! Ages 6+
Paper Art
Paper Marbling
Our paper marbling activity is a fun and messy way to learn how to make your own decorative and colorful paper that can be used as the basis for an artwork or a note card to give away. Participants will use dyes and non-traditional methods to create their unique decorative marbled paper. All Ages
Sculpture
Exploring Texture Through Clay
Become familiar with a variety of different textures through our hands-on and interactive clay activity! Each participant will receive some Model Magic that can be formed, shaped and pressed using a variety of unique found objects. Create a textured landscape by playing with all the objects and the clay to leave neat patterns, impressions and indentations. All Ages
Ink
Ink'd String Surrealist Drawing
Tune into your subconscious thoughts and create a strange and otherworldly surrealist drawing using ink and pastels. Participants will dip some string into ink and use the element of chance to create a unique and random line pattern, then use the surrealist technique of “seeing into” to create an awesome drawing that builds upon those random lines. Ages 10+
Ready to schedule a tour?
Fill out the Field Trip + Guided Tour Scheduling Form and a member of our team will follow up with you within 3-5 business days to schedule your tour!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Danny Peña, Director of Education + Community Programs, at dpena@artspacenc.org.
Self Guided Tours
Visitors can also take a self-guided tour, using free resources available at our front desk. Visitors may take a self-guided tour any time during our open hours. Our Visitor Experience + Accessibility Team can assist you with accessing materials and answering any questions!