Note: Authored by David Menconi, this piece has been produced in partnership with Raleigh Arts. Menconi's latest book, "Oh, Didn't They Ramble: Rounder Records and the Transformation of American Roots Music," was published by University of North Carolina Press. His podcast, Carolina Calling, explores the history of the Tar Heel State through music.

On the First Friday of every month, a key epicenter of downtown Raleigh’s regular art walk is Artspace. First Friday is when the building’s new exhibitions roll out, and its 30-plus studio artists draw crowds with open houses in their studio spaces.

But Artspace’s second annual Arts on the Block is like a bigger, better, supercharged First Friday. It happens on Sat., April 18—a free all-ages block party billed as “celebrating the power of community and visual art.”

^{Arts on the Block 2025; photo by Sanjé James}

“It’s our second year so it’s still a new event, and a new way for us to engage with the community and support local artists,” says Georgia Tardy, community programs coordinator for Artspace. “Arts on the Block has a broader focus than First Friday. We bring in other local artists and community partners beyond what we have here. In time, we hope to be a permanent fixture on everyone’s calendar of events alongside things like Artsplosure (May 16-17) or the African American Cultural Festival (Sept. 5-6).”

Inside Artspace during Arts on the Block, artists with exhibitions on display include Tyler Starr, quilter Ellen Lindner, Gabriele DiTota and Melissa Huang. The event will also have outdoor components nearby at City Market and on Davie Street—an array of exhibitions, artist-led demonstrations and interactive make-and-take activities.

You can screen-print an Arts on the Block T-shirt with Zaire Miles-Moultrie, listen to deejay sets or watch visual artist Sarahlaine Calva live-paint a mural on the Artspace building. There are also numerous shopping opportunities with the event’s juried vendor market featuring the wares of more than 50 artists, not to mention further shopping and dining around the City Market district.

^{Arts on the Block 2025; photo by Sanjé James}

“Arts on the Block has a lot of artist demonstrations and activities, so it will be more of an engaging event as opposed to a festival where you might just come and purchase things,” says Tardy. “We do want that aspect, too, but also a lot of interaction and engagement. There’s a lot to do.”

Arts on the Block is a key event in festivities surrounding Artspace’s 40-year anniversary. The organization started up in 1986, taking up residence in the 30,000-square-foot building at Davie and Blount streets (which used to house everything from a car dealership to the City of Raleigh’s horse stables). The illustration that muralist Calva paints on the building’s exterior is to be a visual representation related to the anniversary.

“We’re celebrating our 40th anniversary this entire year,” says Tardy. “It marks a special time for Artspace itself and arts in North Carolina. We’ve witnessed several prominent arts organizations unfortunately close their doors. So it’s extremely important for Artspace and other organizations like it to stay open. Forty years is an anniversary with a lot of special meaning. I’m still new here, but I’ve been a fan and follower the last 10 years and I’m a visual artist myself. So I’ve seen what Artspace has done for local artists in the community.”

 

 

 

 

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Artspace’s second annual Arts on the Block will take place from noon to 5pm on Sat., April 18 at Artspace, 201 E. Davie St., Raleigh 27601. Free to attend. For details, see artspacenc.org.