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!

Tiny gallery in the Durham downtown loop that actually houses Through This Lens gallery and frame…read moreshop. The actual Arts Place is located on the second floor of the building, up a rickety and squeaky flight of that looks like it's seen better days and into the atrium of a building with multiple private off-shoot rooms. This atrium area is used as a gallery for the twenty+ artists that rent this "affordable artist studio space." Surprisingly, the space has been around since 1996, but it feels much older than that with the lack of upkeep and generally griminess of the area. What could be an artists delight could also be an interior designers nightmare. The upstairs gallery (properly named "Durham Art Place Gallery) is open to the public most Third Fridays for Durham's Art Walk and is curated by artists exhibiting the works of Durham area artists and others. Lucky for you, appointment can be scheduled to view the gallery by calling 919-491-4625, although to be honest, there's really no draw for me to return unless I grew to know one of the artists being exhibited. With so many more well rounded and welcoming exhibits in the area, Durham Arts Place doesn't need to be high up on your "to visit" list.

A great spot to support local artists, with a wide range of mediums on display: painting, pottery,…read morejewelry, photography, and more. Prices vary by medium and artist, but there are plenty of affordable pieces. I loved browsing all the beautiful and unique work! I also appreciated that one of the artists was there running the store.

Jane, one of the featured artists at this gallery, was very welcoming and friendly when I stopped…read morein briefly. The art is very high quality, and I'll be back to check out their holiday popups and such. It's amazing to see a place with so many local artists. The selection was varied--jewelry, paintings, sketches, 2D/3D art, and more. Truly impressive, pricey but for good reason.

This is a very talented, multimedia artist with a range of impressive work. Technically savvy and…read morewell presented. Charming little shop as well.

Trudy Thomson is the creative artist behind her Ferns and Fancy gallery. She is an expert weaver…read moreand all-around fabric artist. Check out her amazing marbled scarves and wall panels as well as her weavings. Most of her weaving projects are sized to be wall hangings. Her work is priced to be affordable. The prices are amazing for the quality and the variety is sure to please most tastes and color palates. Her on-line gallery is: https://fernsandfancy.gallery/ and she has a physical location as well.

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

My Mom's wedding photo/portrait was damaged by painters who renovated their house a few years ago…read more I took it to the Boyle Art Studio & Gallery after getting multiple referrals to them from other art studios in the area. They were not only able to fix it and get it back to pristine condition, but they did so in less than 24 hours. Truly the best experience I've ever had with anything like this.

I brought a 150 year old still life to these guys. The frame was quite damaged and there was a lot…read moreof water damage to the painting. I was expecting a longer wait but was called 2 days later saying it was done. Amazing! Al was a great guy and let me know just what to expect as far as pricing. If you have a damaged frame or need a touch up do not hesitate to look at this small business. I am glad i supported a small business instead of running to the big shops.

I have several pieces of art from Wilder. Very cool, modern, fun, imaginative and colorful. Love…read moreher work.

The building is beautiful. When you walk in you're surrounded by art of all types: ceramic, fibers,…read morewood, painting, etc. Parking is easy if you have an NCSU parking pass or it's after 5pm. Here's the reason why the Crafts Center earned this one star review. I enrolled in the beginning sewing class taught by Roberta. Roberta wasn't able to effectively teach all 8 students at once in my experience. For some students she was incredibly attentive and they (first time sewist) finished fabulous projects such as a jacket with set in sleeves. My experience was very different. Roberta could not help me read a beginner pattern (pull on Pietra shorts from Closet Core Patterns), shamed me for not using a Big 4 pattern (which I don't fit into for bust and hips so that wasn't an option) and making a muslin (which is super necessary for my body proportions to check fit), couldn't pivot to tell me how to adjust for high (15") waist/hip difference, or help me learn (in the last class) to sew a basic zigzag stitch. There were constant issues with the equipment in the room and basic supplies such as seam rippers were not provided (Roberta never told us to purchase them, so when I needed a seam ripper during class and there was none, I had to leave to go purchase one). Roberta chose not to wear a mask during the first session of the class (~January 2022) during an Omicron surge. I asked over email several times to talk to someone about this class so that no one else would have to have the atrocious experiences I did. They said that they reminded Roberta about the mask policy and suggested that I talk to someone at the front desk but for the two subsequent classes, there wasn't anyone at the front desk when I arrived to the building. Roberta apologized at the end of the class for not being able to teach me but the bigger question is why would the Crafts Center hire a teacher that can only teach some, but not all, students? The Crafts Center charged me $95 for class where I learned absolutely nothing. I could say you get what you pay for but in this case I paid for getting nothing. Future students should know that the Crafts Center has a zero refund policy once the class starts. Save yourself time and hassle by taking a beginning sewing class somewhere else that actually is invested in teaching *all* students with folks who are good teachers, not just good artisans.

Very impressive crafts center! I go here for night drawing…read moreclasses, and it's teeming with life. Every studio has some kind of class going on: clay, jewelry, photo, painting, woodwork, you name it. The classes have reasonable schedules that accommodate full-time working adults. The prices are quite low. I'm always excited to come here and learn some neat techniques despite it being Monday night. If you are considering anew hobby and looking for classes, check out this place first.