Fusion Gallery is a semi-hidden gem in downtown Durham. If you are in the market for a wide array…read moreof locally-made pieces of art, then Fusion is for you. Clothes, sculpture, jewelry, pottery- they have it all, and even classes to boot. This is an ideal place for your holiday shopping.

I went in a few days back just to check out the artwork (just moved to Durham and looking to add…read morelocal pieces to my new home) and I immediately felt out of place. There was a woman working in there who barely acknowledged my presence and every time I would move to look at different art, she would oddly stare at me. A couple (white woman and man) came in after me and she greeted them and even offered to show them around which made me, a black man, feel very uncomfortable. I eventually approached her to ask about pricing on a particular piece and her tone was very short and very different than the tone she had with other guests. I knew that moving to the south would be different, but I read that Durham was very liberal so I was shocked to be treated in such a manner. I left without buying anything because I refuse to spend money in a place where I feel I am unwanted. This was a horrid experience. If you're not white, I highly recommend NOT coming here!

Great service from start to finish! Emily helped us pick out mats and frames. She really listened…read moreto what we wanted and guided us to wonderful combinations for 3 pieces. When we picked up the works Caelum walked us through the mechanics of hanging the art. We definitely recommend this business to anyone looking for framing.

I have had plenty of things framed but mostly used the big box services like Michael's in the past…read more I was framing a special gift with autographed memorabilia and wanted to be sure it was perfect, so I decided to try BCAF. They have knowledgeable staff and take time to go through all the options with you. They made a point of rushing my job so I was able to get it in time for Christmas and sent text updates along the way. Lew (owner) walked me through hanging and care before dispatching me with their beautiful work. The pricing was reasonable and Duke employees get a discount, so it was a win-win. Highly recommend!

I visited the Ginger Young Gallery with a few of my coworkers last summer, as helping select and…read morebuy art is part of my job. Ginger runs the gallery out of her home in Chapel Hill, which itself is very artsy and creative. What an incredible collection of self-taught art she has. We ended up settling on paintings by Jimmy Lee Sudduth and Sybil Gibson, but there are also pieces from Howard Finster, Nellie Mae Rowe, and tons of other Southern outsider artists. Ginger is very friendly and possesses an incredible knowledge of folk art. You can haggle if you like, but don't expect it to get you very far - prices are already reasonable and therefore fairly firm. Also note that you have to call to schedule an appointment to check out her collection, although she does take orders on her website, as well.

We've been coming to this gallery for years (even when it operated under a different name) and have…read morebought several small pieces of art from the artists. Come on every third Friday of the month for an open house, meet some of the artists, and have some small refreshments. The list of participating artists have changed over the years, but they always offer nice pieces from local artists.

Great and unique gift shop! I went searching for post cards and found some delightful ones as well…read moreas other items I found quite wonderful. Would highly recommend!

What a beautiful boutique tucked away into Brightleaf square. Friendly, welcoming, and so many…read moretreasures. Can't wait to come back.

Local gallery that has a frame shop and serves beer and wine.read more

I have had several pieces of artwork framed. Each was done beautifully and with great care and…read moreattention to detail. The owner has a great eye and is very thoughtful, and cost conscious. I just brought in three more pieces to frame. I highly recommend this shop...and while you're waiting you can have a drink! Great atmosphere, and friendly staff, and in the newer food lion shopping center. Do check it out!

I was looking for a craft place and found the cutest place in Chapel Hill. The staff was so nice…read moreand helpful and took their time to explain all the options of crafts to do. They walked us through the process and checked on our progress often. I really appreciated the set up, directions and room placement for us to complete the project. The price is reasonable for the supplies and the activity was a lot of fun. We made a super cute keepsake and will go back during the summer to work on a bigger project.

can't say enough great things about this place . i love the place is decorated with artwork of…read morepassed guests . came here on a sunday afternoon to complete a fluid bear . we were greeted by amy as soon as we walked in . she gave us instructions and showed us how to create our bear . at the end we were offered a package that contained a complimentary animal figure and stickers . we were from out of state , and unaware it took our bear one day to dry . we were staying close by , so amy offered to drop our bears off to us . she also included a personalized note wishing us safe travels back . amazing customer service . i highly recommend giving them a visit . the activities they offer are amazing and the customer service is just as great ! i wish this business the absolute best and i hope they continue to thrive

The hub & I ventured out to the Third Friday Art Walk in Downtown Durham and loved the energy of…read morethe event. We strolled from hotels to galleries to art stores and boutiques. It is time well spent. There are great restaurants and bars in that area as well.

Raleigh's First Friday Yelp page in addition to encouragement from Rod O. led me to represent…read moreDurham and create our own THIRD Friday page! Not that I'm contributor to Durham's art walk, which takes place from about 6-9pm every third Friday, but I'm definitely a beneficiary. I will admit, after living in Durham for three years now, I've only just started to attend these open gallery nights, but I'm loving them! I've discovered so many hidden gems and realized that Durham's legacy is so much more then the "dirty" (hipster) vibe. We have some truly talented people that you might not hear about unless you go searching, so do me a favor and search (or rather just use my search efforts to make it easier for you!) I recommend either starting downtown at the Durham Arts Council OR on the East side of downtown at Golden Belt. You need to start your walk knowing that you just can't see it all in one night! So if you're a tourist, make your list of the places you MUST hit, if you're a local, just go back! Also, every Friday is different, some studios might be open one week and closed the next, so make sure you check the website before planning your trip. Bull City Arts Collaborative / Horse & Buggy Press: Very small photography gallery north of downtown. I personally would skip over this one; lack of beverages and with one person manning the studio, just lacked pazaz. Mercury Studio: Great stop to purchase anything local! Another co-working space for artists with a shop inside. Located in the DIY district, so you've got lots of food/drink choices. Plus, hit Nomadic Trading Company while you're over there for more art! Through This Lens: Another photography studio closer to 21C Hotel (which includes a small 24 hour museum). Durham Arts Council & Guild: Large combined artist gallery. The Carolina Theatre of Durham: If there's a snow going on, this is a place to stop. Beautiful restored theater! Trust Building (aka 21C Hotel): Grab a drink next door at The Counting House next door and see the 24 hour museum! Golden Belt: In my opinion, a MUST! A huge co-working space for artists of all different medias! Dogstar Tattoo Company: Not often do I venture into tattoo parlors, but I love that Dogstar participates during Third Friday. Visit when at the Golden Belt! SPECTAR Arts: Awesome small gallery next to the Golden Belt. Museum of Durham History | History Hub: Not necessarily a must during the art walk, I would recommend a visit during the day if you're in Durham though. Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University: Again, not a must during the art walk, but definitely a gem in Durham and so convenient to Duke Gardens! Vega Metals Gallery: gorgeous metal work, although rarely open during the art walk. The Carrack Modern Art: Mixed feelings. Worth a visit but go early. I tried to go again at 8:45p this past week (after visiting at 10:00pm last month) and they were already closed! Make sure you know what the exhibit is beforehand. Pleiades Gallery: Beautiful gallery! Small but still bigger then some. Definitely worth a visit. Full Frame Theater at the Power Plant: Try to catch a show, it's an awesome theater and takes you into American Tobacco Campus which is lovely at night! Alizarin Gallery: Love the space, gallery AND the artist. This is on my must list of Third Friday! There are SO, so, So many more galleries that I haven't visited yet (or places that also offer special exhibits during Third Friday). Hopefully one day I'll visit them all. But for now, here's my opinion on a few. Definitely take some time for a visit & view my "Third Friday List" for details on each gallery!