Photo by Kaela Belingon
By Layney Keesee
Whether it’s jamming out to up-and-coming bands or viewing what the artists of rural North Carolina have to offer, there are plenty of local ways to get in touch with your creative side this fall. Most of these activities are free, but a few require fees to cover materials, space and other aspects pivotal to the experience. But don’t worry! All costs in this article are under $60 in order to be student-budget friendly.
Artspace Raleigh — New Exhibitions, Weekly Open Studios, and More
Raleigh’s beloved Artspace is both an artist’s and art aficionado’s paradise. Offering two floors of artist studios, local artists battle to have a place to create in the heart of our state capital. Fortunately for those of us who enjoy a more low-key method of creating and appreciating local artists, Artspace Raleigh offers plenty of public programs. An upcoming exhibition, Carolina Roots, opening October 6 and closing December 31, displays a juried collection of art made by rural North Carolinian artists.
Additionally, Artspace offers free open studios every Wednesday evening from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. During these hours, guests are led through an art-making activity perfect for those of us who wish to get creative but aren’t quite sure how. Artspace is also holding a class on October 28 for upcycled Halloween costumes. The class fee is $40. However, all materials are provided, and, let’s face it, you’ll spend at least that much on a Halloween costume anyway, so why not do it in a way that’s creative and sustainable?
Lastly, Artspace Raleigh is holding a film screening for two independent films followed by a discussion centering around rural-based filmmakers on October 20.
For more information and tickets, visit the Artspace Raleigh website here.
Battle of the Broker Bands at Lincoln Theater
If music is more your speed, particularly obscure rock music, Battle of the Broker Bands, presented by Littlewood Law PLLC on October 19, is a must. Tickets in advance are $20, while day-of tickets are $25. A small price to pay to experience several local bands!
For more information, visit the Lincoln Theater website here.
Halloween Film Screening at Gregg Museum of Art and Design
Of course this list must include our very own Gregg Museum. On Thursday, October 26 at 6 p.m., the Gregg is holding a free screening of The Brain that Wouldn’t Die (1962), a campy horror film so atrocious that it’s simply a must-watch. Get in the spooky spirit and take a look around the galleries while you’re there!
For more information, visit the Gregg Museum of Art and Design website here.
Halloween Zine Class at the Pullen Arts Center
On Saturday, October 28 from 1 to 3 p.m., the Pullen Arts Center is hosting a bookmaking class focused on Halloween Zines. If bookmaking seems interesting, yet somewhat complicated, zines are the perfect place to start. And if six pages is still too many to consider, a theme helps to fill in all the empty space! A fee of $31 for Raleigh residents and $46 for non-residents is required for registration. The Pullen Arts Center is a close walking distance from NC State’s Belltower, which makes it perfect for students looking for something frighteningly creative to do with friends on a brisk October afternoon.
For more information and registration, visit the Pullen Arts Center website here.
We sincerely hope that there is something on this list for everyone, but if you’re still looking for something more in your niche, visit the Downtown Raleigh Calendar here for everything going on in the month of October.