Tiny gallery in the Durham downtown loop that actually houses Through This Lens gallery and frame…read moreshop. The actual Arts Place is located on the second floor of the building, up a rickety and squeaky flight of that looks like it's seen better days and into the atrium of a building with multiple private off-shoot rooms. This atrium area is used as a gallery for the twenty+ artists that rent this "affordable artist studio space." Surprisingly, the space has been around since 1996, but it feels much older than that with the lack of upkeep and generally griminess of the area. What could be an artists delight could also be an interior designers nightmare. The upstairs gallery (properly named "Durham Art Place Gallery) is open to the public most Third Fridays for Durham's Art Walk and is curated by artists exhibiting the works of Durham area artists and others. Lucky for you, appointment can be scheduled to view the gallery by calling 919-491-4625, although to be honest, there's really no draw for me to return unless I grew to know one of the artists being exhibited. With so many more well rounded and welcoming exhibits in the area, Durham Arts Place doesn't need to be high up on your "to visit" list.

The hub and I happened into this space during the Third Friday Art Walk, and I was please to see so…read moremany types of art displayed on two levels of this building. Many items were really spectacular and eye-catching.

One of my favorite places in Durham! The classes are an awesome opportunity to make art as a…read morecommunity. In particular, Carol's watercolor class and Heather's intuitive painting workshop are truly invaluable creative experiences.

The building is beautiful. When you walk in you're surrounded by art of all types: ceramic, fibers,…read morewood, painting, etc. Parking is easy if you have an NCSU parking pass or it's after 5pm. Here's the reason why the Crafts Center earned this one star review. I enrolled in the beginning sewing class taught by Roberta. Roberta wasn't able to effectively teach all 8 students at once in my experience. For some students she was incredibly attentive and they (first time sewist) finished fabulous projects such as a jacket with set in sleeves. My experience was very different. Roberta could not help me read a beginner pattern (pull on Pietra shorts from Closet Core Patterns), shamed me for not using a Big 4 pattern (which I don't fit into for bust and hips so that wasn't an option) and making a muslin (which is super necessary for my body proportions to check fit), couldn't pivot to tell me how to adjust for high (15") waist/hip difference, or help me learn (in the last class) to sew a basic zigzag stitch. There were constant issues with the equipment in the room and basic supplies such as seam rippers were not provided (Roberta never told us to purchase them, so when I needed a seam ripper during class and there was none, I had to leave to go purchase one). Roberta chose not to wear a mask during the first session of the class (~January 2022) during an Omicron surge. I asked over email several times to talk to someone about this class so that no one else would have to have the atrocious experiences I did. They said that they reminded Roberta about the mask policy and suggested that I talk to someone at the front desk but for the two subsequent classes, there wasn't anyone at the front desk when I arrived to the building. Roberta apologized at the end of the class for not being able to teach me but the bigger question is why would the Crafts Center hire a teacher that can only teach some, but not all, students? The Crafts Center charged me $95 for class where I learned absolutely nothing. I could say you get what you pay for but in this case I paid for getting nothing. Future students should know that the Crafts Center has a zero refund policy once the class starts. Save yourself time and hassle by taking a beginning sewing class somewhere else that actually is invested in teaching *all* students with folks who are good teachers, not just good artisans.

Very impressive crafts center! I go here for night drawing…read moreclasses, and it's teeming with life. Every studio has some kind of class going on: clay, jewelry, photo, painting, woodwork, you name it. The classes have reasonable schedules that accommodate full-time working adults. The prices are quite low. I'm always excited to come here and learn some neat techniques despite it being Monday night. If you are considering anew hobby and looking for classes, check out this place first.

Headshots were scheduled with Richard the photographer at this studio in Wake Forest…read more Immediately I noticed the clean and comfortable environment as I set out my extra change of clothes. Richard has a calming presence which helped me relax in front of the camera. We took a range of photo options, from sitting, walking, and standing. He designed this space for photographers, creators, and small business owners to rent out for their use and I would highly recommend.

Wow, what a great setup for headshots in other photography needs. Cool idea that Anthony has…read morestarted allowing other businesses and creators to come in and create great natural light images.

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.

Woohoo first review!! I came here for a free day trial from Yelp. The loading dock is an excellent…read moreplace to work if you work remotely and need to see fellow professionals who do the same. It's a very nice space with free coffee and water and great WiFi. Desks are spacious and outlets are available throughout the building. There are multiple conference rooms that are great for work meetings or just working with some buddies. If it wasn't such a far drive for me, I'd make this my official remote work location.

Great atmosphere and space to get out and get things done. Met here for a meeting with our…read moremarketing team and was really impressed with the entire space.