Goodnight Raleigh | a look at the art, architecture, history, and people of the city at night

First Friday – May 2011

This past First Friday marked several interesting developments in the growth of arts and culture in Downtown Raleigh. Notably, the new Contemporary Art Museum had its inaugural First Friday opening, DesignBox revisited the extremely popular PBaRt show, Centerline Studios had a Tornado Fundraising art auction, Flanders Art Gallery had an opening, and it was announced that the Visual Art Exchange would be moving from its current location in City Market to a new location in the Warehouse District. Coupled with the Raleigh Institute of Contemporary Art, 311 Martin Street studios, Raleigh Denim’s recently opened store/production center and a very convenient R-Line stop, the Warehouse district seems fully poised to take over as the central cultural and artistic sector of Downtown Raleigh.

Bike First Friday – March 2010

by John Morris
4 Comments

I usually don’t ride with the crowd on Raleigh’s First Fridays. It isn’t because of any particular reason, but it’s usually tough for me to make it to the Bell Tower by 7. This past Friday I was able to make it, and am glad I did.

First Friday – September 2009

by Devin McKim
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What has long been one of my favorite traditions in downtown Raleigh, First Friday, has come and gone again. Every month, galleries downtown open up their new exhibits and Raleigh’s budding creative class, as well as other visiting artists, get to display their new work for everyone to see. This month had all the conditions to make it an exceptional showing, both for Bike First Friday, and for First Friday in general. Friday night had everything – great weather, enthusiastic people, and bikes. And more bikes. And then about 20 more on top of that – 114 total, and to my knowledge that’s the most we’ve ever had. Now, don’t get me wrong, this is NOT about sheer volume, it’s about a group of people getting together to promote art, alternative transportation, and community in a way that anyone of any age can appreciate. It’s great to have the numbers, but it’s the people that make this event rock. I’m digressing, so, here are some images of cool people, places and things encountered on First Friday: