Starting this First Friday (April Fool’s Day), a new art gallery will be open to the public: the Roundabout Art Collective. Featuring the works of 25 artists, the new project is headed by the First Lady of NC State, Susan Woodson.

Woodson, wife of NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson, is a painter and has a background in graphic design. Her work will be featured along with the other artists from a varied palette of mediums, including: jewelry, sculpture, painting, photography, glass, metal work, among others.

Inside view of the gallery, with the Bell Tower visible in the background

Woodson was a recent arrival to the area when Hillsborough Street was undergoing renovation, and she thought that it was important to cite that development when naming the new collective.

Although the collective now features 25 artists, she hopes to dramatically expand the ranks, as well as real estate for the gallery.

The gallery stays true to its roots and location with a few NCSU-related items

The Roundabout Art Collective is an important development for Hillsborough Street. Although the revitalization has been touted as a success by Mayor Meeker in his most recent State of the City speech, it has also suffered a few setbacks: GoPaks Bazaar, Laziz Biryani Corner, Sylvia’s Pizza, Time-Out, and the Farmhouse all shut their doors for good within the span of a couple of months.

The loss of those businesses appear to be the lower ebb of area change though, as new businesses such as Chipotle and Jet Pizza will soon be setting up shop. Beyond the food service businesses though, the area really needs a casual destination. The Roundabout Art Collective is just that.

Here’s hoping the new gallery serves as a conduit of transformation for this axial artery of Raleigh.

rear area of the gallery

Located just past the western edge of Downtown Raleigh across from the Bell Tower, the new gallery is situated in the same area as Sadlack’s, Buddha’s Belly, and Schoolkids Records. Be sure to give it a visit when going out and about this First Friday.

More Information:

• Roundabout Art Collective on Facebook