Summary: 4.0 - Free and art go hand-in-hand here. If you like both, NC MoA is worth your time…read more Free admission to the NCMA to see art and history is a gift. If one doesn't mind the West Building (although new, it felt old to me), the different galleries containing historical art pieces (new and old, and very old) organized by continents are educational and surprisingly full of variety. The East Building (original one) hosts both permanent and limited-time collections. I've enjoyed a car exhibit, but my favorite limited-time exhibit featured Academy Award winner Ruth E. Carter's costumes for the movies "Black Panther", "Selma", "Amistad", and others. Her showcase exhibit was well worth the price of admission. A huge museum park provides miles of trails and places for picnics. If one plans accordingly, a series of trails connects all the way from the museum to downtown Raleigh! MISC Opened in 1956. Has pieces that originate from about 5,000 years ago (but thankfully it doesn't take that long to go through the museum). The museum is accessibility-friendly. A museum store and café are onsite. Tours are available. Outdoor concerts are on hiatus at the time of this review for "facility improvements." Be sure to check the museum's website for updates.

The North Carolina Museum of Art is free to visit, although special exhibits may have a fee. The…read moremuseum is divided into two buildings. The East Building is the original museum, and the West Building is the newer building. There are galleries in both that you can view. The East Building is on multiple levels and there is a glass elevator available with views to the letters outside that spell a message. I like that the museum has a variety of artwork to view, so you can see your favorites or explore and discover new pieces. With the redesigned building, some of the exhibits were made more interactive. I am still learning where my favorite pieces were moved, but I do enjoy finding new favorites as they try to showcase more of the collection.

I took both the short, one day, class and the 5 day class here and both were really great. Bending…read moreglass tubes is way harder than I expected but it's super fun! In the one day class I was making a sleeping cat and I did some of the bigger curves (which are easier) and the professionals did the smaller bits after the class was over. I could not be any happier with the results. I learned a bunch and I love the results. Definitely worth the money because it will make you way cooler than all your friends who don't even have any neon signs in their house.

Ifalade with Paint the Town hosted our department for a team building event. This was such a fun…read moreexperience and she was so kind, funny, and knowledgeable. She even drove almost 3 hours just to make this a wonderful experience for our team! We had the best time with her! Thank you so much to Paint the Town for the fun and lesson in painting!!

From the owner: From large corporate retreats to casual social nights, we thrive in serving occasions and guests of…read moreall backgrounds. As the only truly full-service paint party company, we handle all the hard work for our clients - booking, scheduling, venues, instruction, supplies, support, and more. Our paint parties are perfect for any occasion. Gather your group in-person to paint and sip at home, at the office, or a venue of your choosing. All you need is the date for your event!

This place is a literal gem…read more If you're looking for art events and art decor for your home, this is a great place. I attended a DJ synthesizer workshop and I was blown away by Greta Bone's art. IG @dearlucyandfriends

I discovered Lump Gallery when trying to track down the new Flanders location during this past…read moremonths First Friday events. I'm still a little unsure if Flanders and Lump have technically combined or are just renting out of the same space, either way, you really can't go to one of the galleries without going to the other. This is due to the fact that they are literally connected to one another, go through the Lump gallery door on the left, horseshoe around the building and you'll come out through the Flanders door. I wouldn't make Lump a destination gallery, even during First Friday, as it's awkwardly out of the way (think past Lincoln theater side of Raleigh) and it's tiny. During my visit they were showcasing two artists in Lump (I believe) and they had a balloon exhibit next door at Flanders. DO go to Lump on First Friday if you're looking for a free drink, beer and wine is complementary, although please bring money for tips. DO go to Lump if you want to see something unusual, although you'll probably be able to see it and process it in less then five minutes as the space restricts it to be small. DO go to Lump if it's First Friday, during the SUMMER, and you want to enjoy the nice North Carolina weather, but please, if walking, go with someone, the neighborhood gets a little sketchy the closer you get.

I love the Pullen Arts Center! I've taken two different classes here and have thoroughly enjoyed…read morethem both. The prices are super reasonable and there are tons of classes to choose from! A little bit of something for everyone. The facility is a newer build so the studio spaces are also very nice. With the completion of select classes you get the opportunity to become a member. I'm planning on getting my yearly membership so I can keep creating and honing my skills.

Remarkable drawing class with the incredibly talented Traci Fracasso. She is the real deal both as…read morean artist and a teacher. She is rigorous but kind, informative and motivating. I learned a lot in the class and want to keep learning. The Pullen Arts Center is also an amazing work space and gallery. Just a great experience all around.

This is the cutest store! Everything is beautifully curated and just aesthetically gorgeous. I…read morepopped in to pick up some polymer clay earrings from Lauren of Lauren Makes. The ladies in the shop are super sweet and very friendly! I'm hoping to take some classes here soon. I noticed some conflicting reviews regarding location. At the time of this review, the shop is at 417 Kildaire Farm Rd in downtown Cary near the new park. Parking is a bit tricky when it's busy but the big parking garage is just across the street.

I love the products that Gather Goods has in their space. Very curated and thoughtful in what they…read moresell. All high quality products with unique beginnings. The perfect place for a gift or item for your home.

Ryan is extremely professional and hard working. He has a vision for each and every picture he…read moreshoots, and he's committed to getting the job done correctly, whatever it takes. My husband and I hired him for our June wedding. From the beginning he proved to be extremely easy to work with, laid back, and always had excellent suggestions for us to consider. His contract is carbon copy, so you have a copy on the spot, which is something I've come to realize is a good asset from an experience with another vendor. Not only did Ryan take every shot we wanted, he showed up early and excited to work. His prices are very reasonable compared to other photographers from around the triangle. I can't wait to work with him again and will recommend him to every person I possibly can.

From the owner: Fine art paintings and art reproductions of local and foreign destinations…read more Ryan is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society as well as 6 state and regional societies- Northeast, Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and North Carolina (NEWS, GWS, IWS, PWS, MOWS, WSNC). Ryan has won awards in The American Watercolor Society (AWS), Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors, Missouri Watercolor Society, Georgia Watercolor Society (GWS), and Watercolor Society of North Carolina juried shows. His work has been featured in Watercolor Artist Magazine, Art of Watercolour, and Splash 15, 16, 19 & 20 hardcover books published by F+W Media. His instructional DVDs are marketed by Creative Catalyst Productions. You can view more of his work online at: rfoxphoto.com.