On this First Friday weekend, I had a chance to go by Litmus and see a friend's opening of her…read moreartwork exhibition with a small reception. Upon going there and finding out what they are doing for the artists in the area, I have to say I am a fan of their work and concept. Upon inspection in the inside, it is a very simple modest venue. Though it is not in an upscale category, it is a nice simple place for local artists to show their art and grow their talents. I say grow their talents because as you look around inside, you see what the "studios" part of the name is about. In the majority of the space, there are large stalls or mini-studios that are available to rent by local artists so they can have a private place to pursue their muse. Maybe their body of work has outgrown their home or they just need to be around their peers, but it offers a place for them to go and do their work in a environment dedicated for that purpose in whatever medium they work in. And when I found out these studio stalls were at a ridiculously low price per month, I was even more impressed. It appears that they are about giving a great opportunity to local up-and-coming as well as more experienced artists to make use of their talent and pursue their passion, as well as display the results when completed. Because of this, I am a fan of Litmus Gallery & Studios and wish them well in their endeavors.

Litmus is a a lovely gallery and artist co-working space on the backside of The Depot. It's easy to…read moremiss or even NEVER see, as its location doesn't bring in a lot of foot traffic. However, if you know where you look, you'll actually be surprised how convenient it is to the typical Depot activities [neighbors to Deep South and around the corner from The Junction Bar & Salon]. The space seems small from the outside and can be a little misleading, but once you're inside you have the option of starting in the small gallery space to the right, which rotates artists monthly, or walking down the narrow hallway to the back. You'll pass multiple rooms on your left and right that local artists have rented out as their studios. It's the same concept of 311 Gallery in Raleigh or The Golden Belt in Durham and they put on some stellar First Friday events [a table stocked with finger foods and LOTS of boxed and bottled wines!]. They've got all sorts of artists including someone who creates busts and clay modes that bring to mind work from the Greek and Roman period [there was also an advertisement requesting for NUDE models, so if that's your calling in life, here's your place!] Lots of photography, mixed media, pottery and paintings were in the mix and the space was welcoming although I noted that you had to begin the conversation if you want to learn about the space. Overall, a great space to add to your First Friday tour and a little hidden, which keeps the crowds down.

Bottom line: LaMantia Gallery is a nice and intimate gallery displaying art of the owner as well as…read moreothers, a great art resource for our area. The Deets: I had the pleasure of accompanying my friend Carley W. to a private event here at LaMantia Gallery recently. This location of LaMantia Gallery is located in Village District (formerly Cameron Village) near downtown Raleigh, with the first gallery being located in Northport, NY. This intimate gallery has a curated selection of not only artist/owner James LaMantia's art but other artists as well. I loved the art displayed here during the event, some of which I did take pictures of with the permission of the artist. I also got to meet Mr. LaMantia as well, and he was very welcoming and pleased in the interest in the gallery/his art. I had a great time discussing each item of art with my friend at that event, what we each saw in them and what new things we could discover together. It was a great experience, and I love this intimate gallery being available in our area.

Bev's is a jewel of a find. It touts many American artists whose original art allows the customer…read moreto find the exact style, colors and look that your design project requires. Their custom framing allows you to create the perfect piece to go above your fire place mantel or even above your master bedroom sitting area. We were very excited by the options available there and have told many friends about Bev's and look forward to using them again for future projects in our house.

Bev's Fine Arts has changed our world of art as we once knew it. Duck prints and wildlife art was…read morethe highlight of our wall decor until we stepped into Bev's world of fine art. We have learned and grown so much in our love for art which began with meeting Bev in her gallery one quiet afternoon years ago. The team at Bev's are passionate about what they do and that is reflected in the quality of service they provide to their customers. We discovered our own passion for art and Bev helped us enhance our wildlife prints by reframing them, allowing them to compliment other pieces of art we acquired over time. Bev also helped us create a nostalgic display of old, black and white, family photos which is a highlight of our home whenever family or friends visit. I can't say enough about the talent that is exemplified in the work done by Bev's Fine Art Team.

A great eclectic collection of local artists. Friendly front desk receptionist. Fun to see some…read moreartists currently working in their studios. Inspiring experience.

I drove in from Charlotte area to attend a 'First Friday' event hosted by my daughter-in-law. Her…read moreand my Son live in New Hampshire so she came into town to for the entire month of July to paint and get prepared for the 8/1/25 event. Molly is a talented and experienced artist, primarily in oil and acrylic. They had invited about a dozen or so people from around CLT Region who came into town to see her and James since they live in NH. It was an interesting evening because it started raining hard just about 7p as the event was getting in gear. I'm sure it deterred quite a few from attending. There are two floors with other 'artist in residence' so it was a lively and diverse Friday crowd. I did make it 'upstairs' to meet Caitlin Cary, a local artist who has a studio there. Some may know here as vocalist/violin player with Ryan Adams formerly of the band Whiskeytown.

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.

Although the museum was small, at least admission was free. I noticed that all of the paintings on…read moredisplay were created by artists who are from North Carolina which adds a local touch to the typical art museum.

This is a very small but charming free contemporary art museum in Raleigh. We really enjoyed the…read morelocal artists from Western NC featured during our visit. The space is intimate, which makes for a personal and unique experience. We're looking forward to their reopening and can't wait to check out the new exhibits. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area -- a true hidden gem!

Perhaps the time to stop by here is during SPARKcon when presumably everyone will have their best…read moreon display. It kills me to give this place a low rating since anyone who can do what I cannot -- create art -- deserves all the kudos she or he can get. VAE was disappointing. The venue itself is perfect, well organized, good lighting, and with the art thoughtfully displayed. With the exception of the oil paintings of birds on wood, with the corresponding feathers in jars below; the crayon bunches spelling vandal; and the clay slab with hammerheads embedded within, there was really very little else that captured attention in such a way to make you feel the emotion of what the artist was attempting to capture. Still, I freely admit what was displayed showed a talent beyond anything I could do, but I cannot give this a higher rating without minimizing the other incredible art available in other galleries in the area. Timing is everything, and maybe my timing was off. I'll try again another day and perhaps then be able to change my rating upward.

I really enjoy stopping by the VAE (Visual Art Exchange), although I admit, I usually go by during…read moreRaleigh's First Friday Art Walks. I really enjoy that VAE changes their exhibits, sometimes by extreme measures, with the different artists they bring in. The large space is divided partially by a wall and they also have an area in the back called "The Cube" that always features one exhibit. The artist that ends up in the cube is usually a little more "modern" then those in the larger space. I've seen a whole variety of works, everything from puppets to hanging pieces of brush to animated short films, the list goes on. I love that VAE rotates their galleries monthly and is always bringing in a variety of artists. I've seen a lot of photography, mixed media and oils, it's definitely always unique, beautiful and covers a spectrum of work. I truly think that each gallery change provides something for everyone, but even if you aren't a fan of the work one month, I HIGHLY encourage you to return and give it another try the next month. The works of art are usually all for sale, plus they'll sometimes have local pop-up shops in the gallery. Their website is a wonderful source too for all things happening. Plus, if you go early enough on First Friday, they'll have wine and sparkling juices, a nice treat to sip on while you enjoy the gallery. VAE also helps put on PBaRt every year, a once a year event that benefits Raleigh's SparkCON. Unfortunately, if you're reading this review and it's current, you JUST missed it (it was last weekend!) But definitely put it on your agenda for next year, it is a AWESOME event! VAE is definitely more of a "traditional" art gallery then DesignBox next door [not that the pieces are always tradition]. If you're looking for more artistic ideas and gadgets, I encourage you to check out the studio next door!

We rented the space for a cocktail hour during our wedding. While the event staff was switching…read morethe Stockroom from ceremony set-up to reception set-up, our guests enjoyed cocktail hour downstairs at the Mahler Fine Art Gallery. It was spectacular! It was also extremely convenient, being just downstairs from the Stockroom. The only con is that there are no steps between the floors, all guests must use the elevator. So it did get a little backed up when everyone was to go back upstairs for the reception. It was not very expensive to rent this space and would even be perfect for a small wedding. There was a little bit of additional cost associated with red wine and a guest list over 75 people, but all in all it was a great deal. The staff was a little difficult to get in touch with because the gallery has limited hours, but honestly we didn't need to get in touch with them hardly at all after we booked the space. Between the time we booked and the date of our wedding, the artwork did change so don't fall in love with the art they have up when you book! They have a list of rules/regulations for your vendors - but nothing crazy or restrictive. They have a sound system that our DJ was easily able to coordinate with an iPod.

Small gallery with some really beautiful art. Mahler is much smaller than I would have expected,…read morebut has a truly well-done presentation. There are some outstanding mixed media art displayed in a simple, but effective way. The mix between oil and acrylic, mixed media, and sculpture-like pieces is amazing. There seems to be a progression from the bold, in-your-face, pieces near the front to the serene, more conventional as you move to the back. Anyone looking to add some original, fine art to his or her collection and who can afford to do so, should find Mahler a good place to start or end a search. And when you go, check out the mesmerizing eyes of the Louis St Lewis "Gabriel" in the back.