Gallery Guide Tour: Out of the Box Art -- Unusual Materials

Bridge Fellowship Church is hosting a FREE Vacation Bible School for kids this summer in Southeast Raleigh! Dates: June 22–26, 2026 Times: 6:00–8:00 PM each evening Location: 3060 Hammond Business Place, Suite 121, Raleigh, NC 27610 Cost: Completely FREE and open to all families in the community Ages: Kindergarten through 6th Grade Five nights of Bible stories, worship, crafts, games, and fun built around one big idea — God is bigger than your kids can imagine, and He sees and loves every one of them. Register free (takes 2 minutes): https://bridgefellowshipraleigh.churchcenter.com/calendar/event/223010145 Questions? Call 919-679-1222 or visit bridgefellowshipchurch.com

This advanced blacksmithing course teaches participants how to forge a classic outdoor hatchet. Students will build upon intermediate skills to transform a piece of steel into a functional tool using professional techniques and equipment. Participants will use the punch and drift method to create the eye of the hatchet while working in pairs with a sledgehammer. You will shape the hatchet face using both hand forging and power hammer techniques. The process continues with precision grinding of the cutting edge and a professional heat treatment to ensure durability. You will walk away with your own handmade hatchet, and provided handles can be installed after the main session concludes. This course is designed for experienced blacksmiths who have already completed the Forging a Hammer class, which serves as a mandatory prerequisite. Because this is an intensive four-hour session involving heavy metalwork, attendees should be comfortable with fundamental techniques. Please arrive prepared for a physically demanding and rewarding experience that focuses on technical mastery. Join us to elevate your smithing capabilities and complete a significant project that will last for years to come.

Experience the artistry of master potter Mark Hewitt during his highly anticipated Summer Kiln Opening in Pittsboro, North Carolina. This unique event invites visitors to explore a working pottery studio and witness the impressive scale of massive wood kilns. Guests can tour the showroom barn and browse an extensive collection of handmade ceramics, ranging from functional mugs and bowls to elegant vases and life-sized decorative vessels. Each piece is a testament to traditional craftsmanship, marked with a specific firing number to commemorate this latest collection. Beyond the opportunity to shop for one-of-a-kind pottery, the event offers a wonderful day in the countryside. The inviting atmosphere is perfect for families, with children encouraged to attend and enjoy the outdoor swings on-site. Whether you are an avid collector or simply interested in the creative process, this open studio weekend provides an excellent glimpse into the life and work of a renowned local artisan. We invite you to join us for this celebration of clay and community. Plan your visit today to see these exquisite creations before they are gone.

Bring Your Own Craft is a recurring community gathering designed for individuals to work on their personal creative projects in a supportive social setting. This event provides a dedicated space and time for makers to focus on their progress while connecting with fellow hobbyists. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced creator, this session offers a distraction-free environment to move your projects forward. Participants bring their own materials and tools to engage in activities such as knitting, crochet, drawing, sewing, or any other portable craft. This gathering serves as an ideal opportunity to dedicate time to your creative goals without the typical interruptions of home or office life. You can troubleshoot techniques, exchange ideas, or simply enjoy the company of others while you work. This event is perfect for anyone looking to maintain consistency in their creative practice. The atmosphere is relaxed, productive, and focused on shared learning. We invite you to pack your supplies and join us for an inspiring session of collective creation. Register today to reserve your spot and make meaningful progress on your current project alongside a talented community.

Shakespeare in the Parks presents a live performance of As You Like It at the Knightdale Station Park amphitheater. This event offers an abridged version of the classic play designed to provide an accessible and engaging theatrical experience outdoors. Attendees will watch the story of Rosalind as she travels through the Forest of Arden. The performance features Shakespearean poetry, witty dialogue, and themes of mistaken identity and romance. This production focuses on the power of self discovery and the beauty of the natural world. It brings professional acting to a public park setting for an evening of arts and culture. This performance is suitable for audiences of all ages who enjoy classic literature or outdoor entertainment. The open air atmosphere makes it a great choice for families, theater enthusiasts, and community members looking for a relaxed evening activity. Please bring your own seating or blankets to ensure a comfortable viewing experience on the amphitheater lawn. Join us for this celebration of storytelling under the stars and experience one of the most beloved comedies in the Shakespearean canon.

Experience the vibrant spirit of the community at the Sunday Brunch Music series hosted at the Weaver Street Market in Carrboro. This recurring event invites residents and visitors alike to enjoy a curated selection of live outdoor music while soaking in the pleasant atmosphere of this beloved local grocery hub. It is the perfect way to spend a relaxing Sunday morning, combining local culture with talented performances in an inviting, open-air setting that embodies the heart of the Triangle area. This concert series is entirely free to attend, making it an accessible and enjoyable outing for individuals, friends, and families looking for a weekend highlight. Guests are encouraged to gather on the lawn to listen to fantastic musicians while enjoying the market offerings. Whether you are a dedicated music lover or simply seeking a welcoming environment to start your day, this event offers a wonderful connection to the local arts scene. Join us each Sunday to celebrate community spirit and support live music. We look forward to welcoming you to the Carrboro location for these exceptional morning performances.

Join the dedicated team at Quail Ridge Books every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday morning for an enchanting literary experience. Our Under the Tree Storytime invites children and families to gather around as our passionate booksellers share a curated selection of their favorite picture books. This program is designed to spark imagination by exploring faraway lands, cozy hideaways, and exciting adventures that span across time and space. Whether diving into timeless classics or discovering new contemporary tales, each session offers a wonderful opportunity to foster a lifelong love of reading in a warm and welcoming environment. Each session lasts approximately thirty minutes and provides a perfect start to your weekend or week. These gatherings are thoughtfully crafted to be engaging and fun for readers of all ages. To ensure a comfortable experience for everyone, we kindly ask that parents or guardians remain with their children throughout the reading. Please remember to park all strollers outside the store entrance to maintain ample seating space for our attendees. We look forward to seeing you there for your next great literary journey.

Join the North Carolina Museum of Art for a seminar featuring Jody Servon, a distinguished interdisciplinary artist, curator, and educator. This session provides a unique opportunity to engage with an expert who bridges the gap between academic art management and active creative practice. Servon will discuss her extensive professional background, including her influential collaborative project Saved: Objects of the Dead. Attendees will gain insights into her creative process, which has been featured in over 100 exhibitions and recognized by major publications such as The New York Times and CNN Style. She will share experiences from her international residencies and discuss her ongoing dedication to community dialogue through her work with the North Carolina Museums Council and the Center for Craft. This event is ideal for art students, curators, museum professionals, and anyone interested in the intersection of contemporary art and community engagement. The atmosphere will be informative and highly collaborative, encouraging meaningful questions and discussion. We invite you to join us for an inspiring session that highlights the vital role of the artist in society. Register today to reserve your spot and connect with a leader in the field.

Unlock your creative potential at Artspace, a vibrant visual arts center located in the heart of Raleigh. We invite individuals of all skill levels to join our ongoing Open Studio sessions, where imagination takes center stage. These self-guided art programs are designed for ages five and up, providing a welcoming environment for families, friends, and solo artists to explore new techniques each month. Whether you are a budding artist or a seasoned enthusiast, our beginner-level activities offer a perfect opportunity to engage with the local arts community. Beyond our weekly sessions, do not miss our monthly First Friday events, which feature artist showcases, live performances, and hands-on making experiences. We are proud to offer sensory-friendly hours to ensure that everyone can enjoy our facility comfortably. These programs are entirely free, making it easier than ever to integrate art into your routine. Space is limited, so please visit our website to view the full calendar and complete your required registration. Come join us at 201 East Davie Street to experience the transformative power of creativity firsthand.

Unleash your creativity at the Artspace Open Studio, a dynamic program hosted by the premier visual arts center in Downtown Raleigh. Designed for participants aged five and older, this engaging experience invites the community to explore self-guided art making activities that change every single month. Whether you are a budding young artist or an adult looking to refine your skills, our beginner-friendly projects offer the perfect opportunity to experiment with new mediums in a supportive and collaborative environment. This recurring weekly event is held every Sunday afternoon, providing a consistent space for inspiration and artistic growth. Beyond our featured activities, Artspace serves as a vibrant cultural hub where you can browse rotating exhibitions from national artists or catch a glimpse of our resident creators at work in their private studios. We are committed to making the arts accessible to everyone, which is why this program is offered completely free of charge. Please ensure you secure your spot by completing the registration process for both children and adults before attending. We look forward to seeing you at Artspace to celebrate your unique imagination and help us foster a lifelong love for the arts.