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.

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

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!

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.

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!

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.

I am so happy we have a place like this in our community! I…read morehave been tremendously impressed with the owner, who goes the extra mile for her clientele. It has a totally relaxed feel and offers all kinds of different art classes. Small kids, high school kids and senior citizen kids all. If you are an art lover or want to try out your skills on the pottery wheel or painting canvas, try it out.

Great atmosphere, nice artwork and gifts. Saw an art show here and it went well for the artistread more

Beautiful space with awesome and unique art from local and perhaps some guest artists. The gallery…read moremanager Natalie is a lovely and knowledgeable person. Well worth a visit!

We were in Carrboro and had kind of forgotten that FRANK Gallery had moved into a space near the…read moreHampton Inn where the cool Cameron's gift store used to be. The staff said they rotate the art frequently, though most of the offerings appear to be more modern. We saw some cool little items but the large paintings on display didn't really do it for us on this visit. Still a cool place to look around in, though.

I am always on the hunt for alternative sources to art supplies found in big box concrete buildings…read morethat offer up half of their space to kitchey already made dumpster filling junk. So when I am in a new area of a town, I google "art supplies" and pray for some relief from the tyranny of plastic and cake decorating, scrapbook paper and seasonal driftwood. So I found ArtPost in an unexpected place. A small dwelling type storefront with funky painted blue building and two doors... take the left. Inside you will find traditional and some on trend art supplies packed inside the small space like a european counterpart. If you are an artist or craftsperson, I don't believe you will be able to leave without something. p.s. they have some of the coolest japanese brush tip pens.

I did not realize this until I came here, but Art Post is one of the only few local art supply…read morestores (and I believe the only one downtown). I have used them twice now for private classes/team building projects and both time they were phenomenal. For far less money than what other chain art-creation-team-building-events asked, Art Post created a custom activity for our group and created a laid-back atmosphere that encouraged creativity but also socializing. I also observed a class with younger children and the teacher was patient and also encouraging of creativity with the kids. Overall, I was very impressed with their community outreach and artistic philosophy. They also host some really great outdoor markets on the weekend where you can find lots of great local art and music!