As we all know, artists in Raleigh are plentiful. We have quite the booming creative class, and it’s developing into a regional identity that will only continue to grow and set Raleigh on a path to be a major haven for anyone looking for a career in creative expression. Many factors contribute to this rise – a well known design school, a revitalized downtown, a lower cost of living, a large number of galleries, and a sizable young population thanks to a large university in the city. Also, large studio spaces such as AntFarm, ArtSpace and the Bonded Llama are giving emerging and established artists places to make and show work, and develop their skills. Couple that with city funded arts centers, such as Pullen Arts Center, and Sertoma Arts Center, which provide low cost classes and workspace to residents of Raleigh, and you have much of the necessary ingredients to foster and display amazing artwork.

Two of my favorite artists here in Raleigh are husband/wife Keith Norval and Anna Podris.

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Leaning against the glass door is Paul Jr., grandson of Paul Dombalis (middle right), the proprietor and grandson of the founder of Mecca Restaurant. The elder Paul noted that “he loves to watch the buses go by”.

December has rolled in, and it brought with it cold, wet weather, a downtown ice-skating rink, really early sunsets, and most importantly, new gallery openings! Yes, Raleigh’s burgeoning creative class was out in force on Friday, despite the cold and sometimes rainy weather conditions. Couple this with the aforementioned ice skating rink as part of WinterFest ’09, and you had a great crowd out enjoying the city!

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