When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Artspace
Why Artspace is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Artspace is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing, creating, fostering, and preserving affordable spaces for artists and arts organizations. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Artspace serves as a vibrant meeting place that supports creativity and community among diverse groups of artists. What makes Artspace a great place to meet up with friends and fellow creatives is its mission to make art accessible and its focus on creating welcoming environments for artistic expression. The organization has been in business since 1998 and is led by CEO Kelley Lindquist, ensuring a strong commitment to its values. Visitors and members appreciate the inclusive culture that embraces diversity in age and background, enriching conversations and collaborations. Artspace also hosts various exhibitions and art classes that provide ample opportunities for social engagement and creative learning. The accessible location and well-maintained facilities make it an inviting hub where both casual visitors and dedicated artists feel at home.
Here's what people think of Artspace
As of recent, Artspace holds a 4.7-star rating based on 296 reviews.
User reviews portray Artspace as a place with a vibrant and diverse work culture, appreciated for its inclusivity and community vibe. Positive reviews highlight the enjoyable work environment, a variety of races and ages among staff, and flexible work schedules. Employees have valued the opportunity to learn and grow, especially in critiquing their work and contributing to art-related programs. Management receives mixed feedback; some praise the on-site management and culture, while others point out limitations such as poor compensation and lack of transparency from corporate management. Negative reviews often mention issues like low pay, job security concerns, and stressful corporate oversight that conflicts with Artspace’s mission. However, many reviewers still find the work personally rewarding and appreciate the creative and social aspects of the organization. Overall, despite some organizational challenges, Artspace maintains a positive reputation for fostering a supportive and culturally rich environment.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Leslie Pruneau
A great place to visit in downtown Raleigh! A diverse group of artist studios + multiple gallery shows in their open-feel building. The First Friday events, 6-10p, of every month is a fun and engaging evening, with art, light refreshments, and visitors of all ages. Very welcoming, too.
S A A Legacy Prints & Paper
One of my favorite art spaces in the Raleigh area. Always a moving experience and intriguing exhibitions. First Friday art nights are amazing to see and visit with the studio artists.
MJ Worldwide
ArtSpace is an extremely well thought out and executed space for artists of all kinds. There’s something to look at everywhere. Even the building is beautiful and historic. They rotate the exhibits and artist, so you really get an immersive experience every time you visit. The team is extremely welcoming and friendly, and made up of mostly creatives themselves. This is one of the most inspiring places in Raleigh North Carolina.
Lori Bauer
Beautiful art space with a wonderful range of artists! We were Downtown and wandered in after lunch and found this amazing gem....A Must See when in Raleigh!
Spyridon Scott
Out looking for a good time meeting Artists and seeing their hand-made Art? This is a great space with two floors filled with Artist Galleries and smiling faces! Enjoy!
How to reach Artspace
None
Website: None
Why Artspace may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Artspace with your friends?
Gathering your friends at Artspace offers an unmatched opportunity to immerse yourselves in creativity and culture together, making it a particularly appealing venue for group meetups. Artspace, with its impressive 4.7 rating and nearly 300 reviews, has earned a reputation as a welcoming and vibrant community hub where art lovers and novices alike can connect over shared interests. Unlike typical meet-and-greet spots, this place invites you to explore diverse artwork created by local artists, engage in interactive workshops, and enjoy an inspiring atmosphere that sparks conversation and creative thinking. Whether your group includes family, long-time friends, or new acquaintances, Artspace’s warm and inclusive environment makes it easy to socialize and deepen bonds while experiencing fresh artistic perspectives. The changing exhibitions and artist talks ensure that every visit offers something new, making Artspace not just a venue but an ongoing journey you can embark on with your friends. This thoughtful combination of cultural stimulation, social interaction, and relaxed ambiance is why Artspace stands out as the perfect destination to rally with a group.
What types of activities can you and your group enjoy at Artspace?
Artspace hosts a wide variety of activities tailored for groups, from exploring rotating contemporary art exhibits to participating in hands-on workshops. Exhibitions at Artspace change approximately every six weeks, showcasing diverse styles and mediums that keep the experience fresh and engaging for returning visitors. Your group can peruse galleries offering everything from paintings and sculptures to multimedia installations, many accompanied by artist talks that provide deeper insight into the creative process. One of the most appealing features for groups is the interactive workshops led by local artists—these encourage participants to try their hand at different art forms, fostering collaboration and creativity among friends or family in a supportive setting. Beyond viewing and participating, Artspace also offers a charming gift shop filled with unique handmade items like jewelry, ceramics, and birdhouses crafted by local artisans, perfect for group members seeking thoughtful souvenirs or gifts. With welcoming staff and an environment that promotes artistic dialogue, every activity at Artspace is designed to make your group feel included and inspired.
Why is Artspace an ideal setting for a group meetup?
Artspace excels as a group meetup location because it combines cultural enrichment with a friendly, accessible atmosphere that appeals to all ages and interests. Unlike crowded bars or noisy restaurants, it provides a calm yet stimulating space where conversation flows naturally around shared art experiences. The gallery’s layout encourages exploration and discovery at a pace that suits the group, offering quiet corners for intimate chats and open communal spaces for lively discussion. What’s more, Artspace’s commitment to spotlighting local artists creates a unique sense of connection to the community, enriching your gathering with meaningful stories behind each piece. For groups looking to celebrate special events or simply enjoy a culturally rich day out, Artspace’s regular artist talks and community-oriented events add an extra dimension of engagement. Accessibility is also a plus—located in downtown areas like Raleigh, NC, and Chatham, Ontario, the venue is easy to reach and surrounded by other shops and eateries, making it convenient for groups to extend their outing. Friendly staff and volunteers further enhance the welcoming vibe, ensuring your group receives attentive service without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
How does Artspace support and feature local artists?
One of Artspace’s core missions is to promote and develop local artists, giving your group the chance to experience a truly community-centered art scene. The gallery frequently features works by more than 50 local artists and artisans, representing a rich spectrum of contemporary visual arts. This dedication to local talent means your group supports the arts economy directly, with many pieces available for purchase at reasonable prices, allowing you to take a piece of your visit home. Furthermore, artist talks and exhibition openings offer intimate opportunities to meet and engage with the creators themselves, adding a layer of personal connection to the viewing experience. This focus on local artists ensures that each visit is both dynamic and deeply rooted in the culture and creativity of the region. The gift shop extends this support by offering handmade goods crafted by these artists, from fashion items to ceramics, ideal for those wanting to support local craftsmanship through unique, artisan products.
What community events and educational programs can groups participate in at Artspace?
Artspace is not only a gallery but also an educational and cultural hub that hosts community events designed to engage and inspire all ages. Regularly scheduled artist talks give groups a chance to hear firsthand from creators about their work and artistic journeys, transforming passive viewing into active learning. Workshops provide practical, hands-on experiences where groups can create art together, making for memorable and interactive visits customized to various skill levels and interests. Seasonal programs, summer camps, and special themed events also draw in a wide range of participants from children to adults, with opportunities to learn new techniques or explore different artistic media. Artspace’s role in outreach and education highlights its commitment to fostering creativity within the community, making it an excellent venue for groups who want to combine social time with meaningful cultural enrichment. The availability of these programs contributes significantly to why Artspace is frequently chosen as a gathering place, as it offers much more than just visual art—a full, engaging experience that brings people together in creative ways.