Midsummer Flower Crowns

FREE Family Fest in Raleigh — Saturday, September 12! Looking for a full day of family fun, creativity, connection, and outdoor adventure? Join us for the 3rd Annual Family Fest at Lakeside Retreats! Optional overnight Camping 📅 Saturday, September 12, 2026 ⏰ 8:00 AM–9:00 PM 📍 4521 Mial Plantation Road, Raleigh, NC 27610 🎟️ FREE admission Enjoy a day filled with: 🔥 Fire show 🎨 Art activities 🥋 Martial arts class 🫧 Bubbles 🧘 Yoga and sound bath 🌲 Forest bathing 🏕️ S’mores and optional overnight camping 🍴 Food trucks and vendors 💛 Sensory yurt 🎤 Guest speakers 🏆 Tug of war …and so much more!

Toddler Tuesday: Jr. Notemakers is an interactive music program designed to introduce young children to the fundamentals of musical language. This session provides a structured environment where toddlers explore sound, rhythm, and melody through active participation and guided play. It serves as an engaging introduction to early childhood musical education. Participants will engage in a variety of musical activities, including rhythmic chants and group sing-alongs that blend classic songs with original compositions. Children will gain hands-on experience by exploring a wide selection of instruments such as drums, bells, boom whackers, and ukuleles. These activities focus on developing basic beat recognition and sensory awareness through movement and active listening exercises. This program is specifically designed for toddlers who are ready to discover music in a supportive, social setting. The atmosphere is energetic and encourages creative expression while fostering foundational listening and coordination skills. It is an excellent opportunity for children to socialize with peers while building confidence through performance and play. We invite you to join us this Tuesday to experience the joy of making music together and to see your child connect with the world of sound.

Mixed Media Pets is a creative art workshop focused on drawing or painting animals using your preferred medium. This session invites participants to craft adorable renderings of their favorite pets in a relaxed and supportive environment. Attendees can choose from a variety of professional art supplies including oil pastels, colored pencils, and watercolors. You are welcome to use whichever tools make you feel most comfortable as you capture the personality of your furry friends. The class provides all necessary materials, so you only need to bring your enthusiasm and your favorite pet photos for inspiration. This event is perfect for pet lovers and art enthusiasts of all skill levels who want to explore their creativity. The atmosphere is casual, stress-free, and designed to help you produce a unique piece of art you will be proud to display. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, you will receive the guidance needed to enjoy the creative process. Register today to secure your spot and join a community of creators dedicated to celebrating the pets that bring joy to our lives.

Join instructor Ami Patel for a creative workshop focused on making custom seashell trinket dishes and handmade beaded wire ring jewelry. This hands-on session provides all necessary supplies and guided instruction for attendees to design unique craft pieces. Participants will learn techniques to decoupage patterns onto shells and apply metallic rims for a polished finish. The class also covers wire wrapping and bead selection to construct custom rings. This event is designed for craft enthusiasts who enjoy creating personalized home decor and wearable accessories. It offers a structured environment to learn new skills and complete two distinct projects within a single session. Attendees can expect a productive and collaborative atmosphere where all material preparation is handled for them. Whether you are a beginner or a regular crafter, this workshop provides a practical introduction to decorative arts. Space is limited to ensure personal guidance for every participant throughout the creative process. Register today to secure your materials and join us for this engaging afternoon of artistic expression and skill building. You will leave the workshop with finished goods ready for personal use or gifting.

This two-session workshop teaches woodworking fundamentals through the creation of a custom cutting board. Students will apply essential milling and cutting techniques to build a unique, functional piece for their kitchen while gaining hands-on experience with core shop machinery. During the first session, you will mill lumber, cut your pieces to size, and complete the initial glue-up. In the second session, you will refine your design using various shaping and profiling tools to achieve a finished, professional look. This project serves as an excellent intermediate step for those interested in advancing toward furniture projects like box-making. This class is designed for individuals who have already completed a woodshop introduction or possess a strong familiarity with the jointer, planer, and table saw. The environment is focused and collaborative, making it ideal for makers looking to sharpen their precision and confidence. If you meet the safety prerequisites and want to take your woodworking skills to the next level, sign up now to secure your spot in this intensive, two-day training course.

Mindful Museum is a guided wellness program that connects art observation with mindfulness practices. This seasonal event invites participants to explore themes found within our permanent collection to encourage deeper self reflection and mental clarity during the busy summer months. Each session begins with a focused look at a selected piece of art. Facilitators will lead attendees through a structured observation process designed to sharpen awareness and aesthetic appreciation. Following this exploration, you will participate in a guided meditation session tailored to the mood and narrative of the featured artwork. These activities help foster a sense of calm and provide practical tools for integrating mindfulness into your daily life. This event is open to everyone regardless of prior experience with meditation or art history. Whether you are seeking a quiet break from your routine or a unique way to engage with our gallery, you will find a supportive and tranquil atmosphere here. We encourage you to join us to reconnect with yourself and your surroundings. Please reserve your spot online to ensure your place in this restorative experience.

Fiber Art: Through the Ages is a curated exhibition and reception celebrating the evolution of textile crafts. This event showcases a diverse collection of vintage items spanning from the 1860s to the present day, highlighting the history and artistry behind various needlework traditions. Attendees will view a rare assortment of historical pieces including an 1860s Penny rug, 1890s Crazy Quilts, and a 1936 feed sack quilt. The collection also features crochet, needlepoint, rag rugs, and handmade clothing sourced from estate sales and thrift shops. A special feature of the display includes handmade contributions from On The Mend, a group based at the local senior center that supports hospital patients through craft. This reception is designed for history enthusiasts, textile artists, and anyone interested in the preservation of traditional crafts. The atmosphere is educational and welcoming, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the stories behind these vintage treasures. Join us to appreciate the dedication of collectors like Joy Masepoli and support the community efforts of the On The Mend project. We look forward to seeing you at this celebration of fiber arts heritage.

The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University proudly presents the Monthly Reflections Tour, a specialized program crafted for individuals living with dementia and their care partners. This inclusive initiative provides a welcoming space to engage with art through a guided ninety-minute experience held on the second Tuesday of each month. Each session features a rotating theme designed specifically to support those with memory loss while ensuring full physical accessibility within our beautiful gallery setting. Participants are invited to explore the collection through meaningful conversation and creative activities that prioritize connection and discovery in a comfortable environment. Whether you are a regular visitor or joining us for the first time, this program offers a supportive community atmosphere where art becomes a bridge for shared experiences. We strive to make cultural enrichment accessible to everyone regardless of their health journey. Please note that while these tours are free, registration is required to ensure an optimal experience for all guests. To secure your spot or learn more about our upcoming monthly themes, please reach out to our team at reflections at duke dot edu. We look forward to welcoming you to the Nasher.

This seminar provides essential strategies for maintaining personal safety while enjoying Raleigh entertainment districts. The session equips participants with actionable knowledge to navigate downtown nightlife responsibly and confidently. Attendees will explore practical safety measures including protecting beverages against tampering, effective bystander intervention techniques, and safe rideshare practices. The curriculum also covers secure parking habits, late night transportation options, and the use of personal safety applications. You will learn to recognize potential risks early and identify clear steps to take during emergencies, such as utilizing safe word signals for quick assistance. This class is designed for anyone who frequents social districts and wants to prioritize their well-being. Whether you are out with friends or exploring the city, this session offers a supportive atmosphere focused on awareness and preparedness. Register today to gain the tools necessary for a safer nightlife experience. By participating, you contribute to a culture of collective safety and responsible fun. Join us to ensure you are fully prepared for your next night out in Raleigh.

This two-session workshop teaches woodworking fundamentals through the creation of a custom cutting board. Students will apply essential milling and cutting techniques to build a unique, functional piece for their kitchen while gaining hands-on experience with core shop machinery. During the first session, you will mill lumber, cut your pieces to size, and complete the initial glue-up. In the second session, you will refine your design using various shaping and profiling tools to achieve a finished, professional look. This project serves as an excellent intermediate step for those interested in advancing toward furniture projects like box-making. This class is designed for individuals who have already completed a woodshop introduction or possess a strong familiarity with the jointer, planer, and table saw. The environment is focused and collaborative, making it ideal for makers looking to sharpen their precision and confidence. If you meet the safety prerequisites and want to take your woodworking skills to the next level, sign up now to secure your spot in this intensive, two-day training course.