Like another reviewer wrote, there is a difference between the Durham Art Guild and the Durham Arts…read moreCouncil, although both seem to operate in the same building. We usually come on the third Friday art walks in Durham and check out the art they have on display. Sometimes there is free food but perhaps COVID put a stop to it. If you like to view art, stop by and wander their galleries.

I will admit, I got my wires a little twisted at first between the Durham Art Guild and the Durham…read moreArt Council. I like to just think of them as the same thing and am still a little unsure of what the main differences are between the two. Both reside at the same physical location, although they have separate websites and galleries within the building. If anyone can spread light on this conundrum I will take it gladly, but simply put I THINK the DAC is the building at 120 Morris St and the DAG is an organization residing there; but let me tell you what I DO know about the DAG [Durham Art Guild]. The DAG is a nonprofit member-driven visual arts organization that was established back in 1948 (making it one of the oldest community visual arts organizations in NC, and one of the five oldest in the nation). Their mission is to enrich and connect communities by creating opportunities for and providing leadership and future visual artists and art enthusiasts. Membership levels range from $30 (full-time student) to $1,000 (director's circle). The DAG operates two public galleries: the SunTrust Gallery (in the Durham Arts Council Building and open 5-7pm during the Third Friday art walk) and Room 100 at The Golden Belt (open 6-9pm on Durham's Third Friday art walk). Both galleries are free and open to the public as well as hosts a public reception for the artists exhibiting in this space on Third Friday's with a lovely reception with wine and finger snacks.

Wow. As if the available traditional-medium art in the Triangle is not enough, there's also a…read moregallery dedicated to electronic-medium art of the camera. I thought having books of pictures would be a reasonable facsimile of the seeing the actual photograph. It's like any art form really, I thought. Through This Lens proved me wrong. Where a book can group places and concepts, a gallery has to be a bit more selective, I think. It has limited space and time to capture and keep your interest as it competes with other medium and distractions. And in downtown Durham, during a weekend festival no less, TTL managed to do it. TTL has photos from all over the world. All are visually stunning in their own way. Each with a message, sometimes subtle, sometimes not so much. One can see snippets of objects, colors, movement -- all moments in time captured by the photographer-artist. In this one small gallery you can travel the world from the reservations in Arizona to the deserts in Africa. It's a mini-vacation. The owner, Roylee was very helpful in answering my questions and explaining the technique used by a photographer of one particular picture that captured my attention. There was a color photo of a dried well, the tan walls a sharp contrast to the two women in bright saris, there at the bottom of the drying well. The description by the photographer added another layer of awesome. Another photograph, a black and white photo taken at an abandoned church in Georgia, was stunning. I probably spent fifteen minutes staring at it from every angle. It hadn't yet been hung on the wall so I was able to look at it from all angles as I walked around the table. The lines and shadows just drew me in. There was such an unexpected symmetry in that picture, it was hard to believe it wasn't computer-drawn. And so it went for my entire visit. .

Lovely but small photography art gallery and framing shop. I've only visited the shop for the…read moregallery portion and have yet get to get something framed, but it's a nice stop during any of Durham's Spring/Winter Art Walks or on Third Friday. They usually have several bottles of red and wine wines along with a complimentary cheese/bread plate for gallery guests during their special events, which is quite nice. The photography is from all over the world, many prints I'd recognize as South East Asia but there are also some lovely local Triangle photos and those for the nature enthusiast. I'd recommend putting Through This Lens on your gallery hopping list if it's convenient, but it isn't large enough and, after a handful of visits, I've never received a personal greeting to draw me back if it's out of the way. Through This Lens rents their space from Durham Arts Place, around to the right if you're facing the entrance and up the stairs.

I was exploring downtown today and stumbled upon the cutest little artist shop. This place is…read morefilled with candles, clothing, nicknecks, jewelry and so much more. I was in awe checking out everything! Although they have a lot of unique things customer service was lacking. I wasn't greeted or spoken to the entire time I was there.

This is a little open-air arts market on Foster Street in Durham. I don't know what their regular…read morehours are but we know they are definitely open during the Durham Farmers Market nearby on Saturday mornings. They feature several artists and craftspersons, a woodworker, some CBD products, and a haberdasher who sells original bowties. This time of year, they have various Christmas-related items. On our last trip, we did peruse some of the holiday items and purchased a very nice handmade card. I will definitely support local artists and crafstspeople ahead of the mall or places that sell mass-produced items made cheaply overseas.

We happened into this store during the Third Friday Art Walk, and I'm so glad we did. There is a…read moregreat selection of African art, jewelry, home decor, clothing and other items. We purchased some African shea butter, which feels divine on my skin. I was also struck by some if the artwork. The staff member was friendly and helpful. I see myself stopping in whenever I'm in the area.

The kids hoodie from Kenya was exactly what my son needed. It fit well and was made with quality…read morecotton.

Cedar Creek Gallery is located in Creedmoor, NC. It is a co-op of artists; some create their work…read moreon the grounds, and others have their items available for sale. It is locally owned and was founded in 1968, when Sid and Pat Oakley converted a former tobacco field into the site. It started small with one building and has since grown over time to many more. Two studios are used for glassblowing, and five studios are for pottery, including a kiln. The gallery is 4,000 Square feet, so there is a lot to see! When you come here, you will pick up on the creative vibe and community that develops as artists support each other. The location is pretty great too as you are away from the hustle and bustle and can just relax in nature whether you are strolling through the garden or just walking to the front door of the gallery. Sometimes when you visit, you can watch the artists work as they create their masterpieces of pottery or glass. The studios allow the public to watch at a safe distance. I like the variety of genres here, as you will find glass, wood, pottery, metal, jewelry, felt and more. Many events and festivals happen throughout the year. The National Tea Pot Show is currently going on through the summer, and it happens once every three years, so it is worth checking out. Pottery and Glass Festivals happen at other times of the year. The Cupful Exhibit is another favorite, featuring creatively designed homemade mugs. The Glass Egg Festival is unique in that the 55 blown-glass, unique eggs are auctioned each year for charity. The employees are always friendly when I've been here to browse or shop, and they help you find what you are looking for. They have a rewards program where, after you spend a certain amount, you get a discount and 20% off an item in your birthday month. I highly recommend making a trip to explore this gallery, as you never know what will catch your eye.

I love all three . This is by far the best gallery around! It has a little bit of everything. I…read morecould spend hours there.

CONTENT, CONTENT, content! The galleries exhibited here will not only capture your artistic eye,…read morebut they will provoke deed insight. The exhibits usually looks pretty sparse at first glance. Visual photography/video art installations with no markings next to pieces. FIND the gallery guide! This is where ALL the content is! Phone Home Durham, the latest gallery, was a compilation of community submitted cellphone shots. What's next, you say? An exhibit I'm VERY much looking forward to-- BRIDGE QUESTION: Black Males {Sept. 8-Nov. 21} This will be a documentary-styled video art installation!! It will provide a "safe setting for necessary, honest expression and HEALING dialogue on themes that divide, unite and puzzle black males today..." If just the discussion of this gallery has gotten your gears going, check out Power Plant Gallery! Every individual exhibit is drastically different, yet there are few galleries in the area that truly incorporate visually and intellectually stimulating works. This small gallery neighbors Full Frame Theater, and consists of one large, white walled room. I couldn't say it better than the gallery says it itself: a laboratory for documentary & experimental art practices at Duke U. The Gallery provides ongoing opportunities for Duke students, faculty & staff as well as Durham communities to consider the essential role and transformative capacity of the arts in society. Logistics: Gallery can make for a long or short stop. Small space, but full of content! Conveniently located at American Tobacco Campus, open Tuesdays-Saturdays {check the website, summer hours differ from winter hours}, easy to walk in and out and usually fairly quiet. Free two hour parking in two parking garages [and the gallery is free as well!]. TWO entrances, enter through the Full Frame Theater building (take a right in the boiler room and go through glass door) or enter through door to left of POWER PLANT graphic (see photo!) Gallery rotate every three months and is always open late during Durham's Third Friday Art Walk. {The www.powerplantgallery.org is VERY useful!}

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.

This specific visit was for a Creative Mornings event. Local artist, Eliza Redmann, told her story…read moreand it was inspiring! After the talk we were able to walk around the galleries! It's just a beautiful space overall! They have a paid parking lot dedicated for the building.

I love the Nasha. I've never really wanted to eat there, but I love all of their art exhibits…read moreindoor and out. This is a perfect place to take kids to know how to keep their hands to themselves... They like to have events keep your eyes peeled for them. Those are fun too!