TRIANGLE EVENTS: MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND NC MUSEUM OF ART CURRENT EXHIBITS, NC SYMPHONY, AND DURHAM FOOD TRUCK RODEO
Did you know that many of the Raleigh museums have exhibits highlighting the multi-faceted contributions that North Carolinians have made throughout the years – from music to fashion to art to science to film and many others? Below are a few we’d love to check out!
North Carolina Museum of History Current Exhibits
Times: Mon.-Sat., 9am-5pm; Sun., noon-5pm
Address: 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh, NC 27601
Admission: Free
Phone:919.807.7900
- Hey America! Eastern North Carolina and the Birth of Funk: Audio and video clips help illuminate the roles of African American musicians from eastern N.C. who played prominent roles in the creation of funk-a genre of highly danceable music that helped integrate dance floors across America during the mid- to late-1960s. All of these amazing items are featured in an exhibit case in the lobby so make sure you don’t miss it! Runs through February 28, 2016.
- Made Especially for You By Willie Kay: Willie Otey Kay was an African American entrepreneur known for her exquisite dressmaking skills. For over six decades she provided beautiful gowns and dresses for brides, debutantes, and partygoers. Learn more about her unique story and see her gorgeous creations in this exhibit. Runs through September 5,2016.
- Treasures of Carolina: Stories from the State Archives: Reminisce and remember with this exhibit featuring one-of-a-kind documents, photographs, and other media from the State Archives of North Carolina. As the “state’s memory bank,” visitors will see ordinary and extraordinary public records as well as private archival materials. Runs through June 16, 2016.
North Carolina Museum of Art Current Exhibitions
Times: Tues.-Thurs., 10am-5pm; Fri., 10am-9pm; Sat.-Sun., 10am-5pm
Address: 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607
Admission: Free except for special exhibits, more info online.
Phone:919.715.5923
- Chisel and Forge: Works by Peter Oakley and Elizabeth Brim: Chisel and Forge presents two N.C. artists whose sculptures provide a fresh and humorous look at everyday objects. In a spectacular exhibit that makes you question what you’re really seeing, Peter Oakley skillfully re-creates impermanent items such as bars of soap and Styrofoam containers into solid, exquisitely-detailed permanent fixtures of marble. Elizabeth Brim, a prominent blacksmith, subtlety juxtaposes gender stereotypes through her forged steel pieces twisted and molded into soft and stereotypically feminine objects like high-heeled shoes, tutus, and aprons. Runs through March 20, 2016.
- Robin Rhode: Pause in the Main Hall Video Gallery to see video artist Robin Rhode’s digital animations. Though fantastic and playful, they often have a darker undercurrent. Runs through Jan 31, 2016.
- The Energy of Youth – Depicting Childhood: Featuring photograph’s from the NCMA’s permanent collection, this exhibit demonstrates that there is no universal experience of childhood and what forms our identity and invites us to think about “how a society might value, learn from, and support its youngest members”. Runs through April 3, 2016.
- The World’s of M.C. Escher: Nature, Science, and Imagination: This exhibit showcases the graphic artist’s entire career – from his earliest print to his final masterpiece. The most comprehensive exhibit on Escher in the US, this is a not-to-be-missed collection of woodcuts, lithographs, engravings, mezzotints, drawings, etc. Be prepared to be astounded and inspired. But hurry – it only runs through January 24, 2016!
And let’s not forget the many other aspects of the Triangle that we love – including the wonderful symphony and the many fantastic food trucks! A couple great events featuring these below:
A Rodgers & Hammerstein Celebration with The North Carolina Symphony: Jan 22 – Jan 23, 2016
Starring Oscar Andy Hammerstein III, grandson of the beloved librettist and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, this concert is a favorite for audiences of all ages! Recognize old favorites with songs from their celebrated collaborations such as South Pacific, The Sound of Music, State Fair, The King and I, Oklahoma! and Carousel.
See showtimes and get tickets here.
Food Truck Rodeo in Durham: Winter Rodeo: Sunday, January 24, 2016 – 12:00PM
Food trucks have become the latest foodie craze – so come to the event that started it all – the original food truck rodeo of Durham! Held in Durham Central Park, the Food Truck Rodeo is an all-ages event featuring dozens of the Triangle’s most popular food trucks. It’s free to attend but bring plenty of cash (or credit!) to purchase goodies from savory or sweet trucks of all kinds. Locally-brewed beer and bands will also be featured. Free parking is nearby so bring a lawn chair and blanket, gather some friends, and feast the afternoon away.