Small Scale Sandcasting

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!

Forging II is an advanced blacksmithing workshop designed to help participants refine their metalworking techniques and improve control over hot steel. This session builds directly on foundational knowledge to help you master heat management and hammer precision. You will explore essential intermediate techniques including bending, upsetting, and forging decorative elements like leaves. The curriculum introduces specialized shop equipment such as bending forks, swage blocks, and cone mandrels to expand your shaping capabilities. Each project is structured to increase your technical proficiency and overall confidence when working at the anvil. This class is intended for individuals who have already completed the Forging Intro course. The environment is collaborative and focused on hands-on practice, making it ideal for those looking to take their craft to the next level. If you are ready to advance your blacksmithing skills and learn how to use professional tools more effectively, secure your spot today to continue your development in this rewarding trade.

This orientation class provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental operation of the CNC router. Participants will learn how to safely use this powerful tool to cut and carve intricate designs for various creative projects. The session is designed to give you the practical skills needed to operate the machine independently. Throughout the workshop, you will learn the entire workflow from start to finish. We will cover powering on the equipment, preparing your material, and creating designs using Easel software. You will also learn how to program toolpaths to execute your cuts accurately. As a hands-on highlight, every participant will create a personalized wooden coaster featuring their own initials to gain direct experience with the machine. This course is perfect for makers, hobbyists, and artists eager to add CNC fabrication to their skill set. The environment is supportive and focused on technical proficiency. Whether you want to build custom signs or intricate art pieces, this session provides the essential foundation for your future projects. Space is limited, so register today to secure your spot and start bringing your digital designs into the physical world.

This hands-on workshop guides participants through the process of crafting a functional small hammer from scratch. You will work with one-inch square 4140 steel to build a durable tool using traditional blacksmithing techniques. The primary purpose is to provide a comprehensive experience in metalworking while giving you a finished implement you can use for years. During the session, you will learn to punch and shape the hammer eye before forging the specific head ends. We will move through the essential heat treatment phase, where we analyze various methods for hardening and tempering steel. The process concludes by securely attaching a wooden handle to your finished hammer head. You will leave the class with a custom tool ready for immediate use in your own workshop projects. This course is designed for individuals who have already completed the Forging Intro class. While Forging II is recommended for further skill development, it is not required for participation. If you value craftsmanship and want to experience the rewarding process of tool fabrication, this class is an ideal fit. Register now to secure your spot and start building your own gear.

Lump is hosting a surprise pop up group exhibition this weekend to celebrate our final First Friday event. This show serves as a celebratory transition period before our official move to plum, offering a unique opportunity to experience our space one last time in its current form. Attendees can expect a diverse showcase of artistic works featuring various contributors from our local community. The exhibition highlights the creative spirit that has defined Lump throughout its tenure. Visitors will have the chance to engage with the art, explore the gallery space, and connect with fellow art enthusiasts during this casual open house. This event is open to all members of the public who enjoy contemporary art and community gatherings. The atmosphere will be lively and welcoming, making it an ideal destination for your weekend plans. Whether you are a longtime supporter or a first time visitor, this is a significant moment to join us for a final farewell. We encourage everyone to drop by during our operating hours to share in this experience. We look forward to seeing you there for this special milestone.

Lump is hosting a surprise pop up group exhibition this weekend to celebrate our final First Friday event. This show serves as a celebratory transition period before our official move to plum, offering a unique opportunity to experience our space one last time in its current form. Attendees can expect a diverse showcase of artistic works featuring various contributors from our local community. The exhibition highlights the creative spirit that has defined Lump throughout its tenure. Visitors will have the chance to engage with the art, explore the gallery space, and connect with fellow art enthusiasts during this casual open house. This event is open to all members of the public who enjoy contemporary art and community gatherings. The atmosphere will be lively and welcoming, making it an ideal destination for your weekend plans. Whether you are a longtime supporter or a first time visitor, this is a significant moment to join us for a final farewell. We encourage everyone to drop by during our operating hours to share in this experience. We look forward to seeing you there for this special milestone.

Experience the vibrant intersection of art and community at The Market at NCMA. Held on the first Saturday of each month at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, this recurring event features a curated selection of offerings from Triangle Pop-Up. Guests are invited to explore a diverse array of unique, handcrafted goods created by talented local artists and artisans. Whether you are searching for a special gift or simply seeking inspiration, the market provides an exceptional atmosphere for discovery and connection. Beyond the shopping experience, attendees can enjoy live music performances that set a lively tone for the afternoon. Take full advantage of the beautiful museum park and explore the galleries, as admission to both the market and the museum is completely free. This is a wonderful opportunity to support local creators while enjoying the cultural richness of our community in a stunning outdoor setting. Please join us for this recurring celebration of creativity. We encourage you to visit our website for additional details and to plan your visit to this delightful monthly gathering.

Join the community for the Sharewear event hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1524 Jenkins Road, Wake Forest, on August 8, 2026. This wonderful initiative provides individuals and families with free access to clothing, bedding, and essential school supplies to help prepare for the upcoming academic year. Everyone is welcome to participate in this shopping experience, where all items are provided completely free of charge to those in need. Beyond providing support, the event serves as a platform for neighbors to help neighbors. If you have gently used items you wish to donate, please drop them off on Friday, August 7, 2026, between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. or from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Your generous contributions make this event possible and ensure that everyone starts their season with dignity and necessary resources. We encourage you to invite your friends and family to join us for a day of giving and community spirit. Mark your calendars and be part of this impactful gathering designed to strengthen our local neighborhood.

The Triangle Native American Film Festival is a showcase of cinema created by Native actors and directors. Hosted by the Triangle Native American Society for its second year, this event celebrates authentic storytelling and indigenous perspectives through film. Attendees can expect a diverse selection of programming throughout the day. The schedule includes fun animated shorts, compelling documentaries presented by PBS, and full length feature films ranging from romantic dramas to thrillers. The day begins at 11am with the screening of Pow and continues with A Sacred Thread, Borders, Seeds, and Sweet Summer Pow Wow, with additional slots scheduled for the afternoon. This festival is open to all members of the public who wish to experience rich cultural narratives on screen. The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, providing a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary indigenous film in a community setting. Whether you are a film enthusiast or simply interested in discovering new stories, this event offers a valuable window into the artistic achievements of Native creators. Please join us for this day of screening and cultural exchange.

Science Today: Intro to Bacteria is an educational presentation focused on the fundamental role of bacteria in our ecosystem and human biology. This session explores the origins, functions, and health impacts of these ancient organisms. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how bacteria interact with the world and our own bodies. The event features Melody Xiao, a PhD candidate in Ecology at Duke University, who will lead a live demonstration and presentation. Held in the SECU Daily Planet Theater, the session includes interactive components designed to bring complex scientific concepts to life. Participants can expect to witness live demonstrations, learn about current research, and participate in a question and answer session with the speaker. This event is designed for students, science enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the microbial world. The atmosphere is professional, interactive, and fast paced, ensuring a productive learning experience for all guests. If you are interested in deepening your knowledge of ecology and human health, join us at the theater to engage directly with working scientists and explore the latest research in the field.