A hip hang for local artists promises to inspire creativity
“It’s literally your world back here. Just respect the space, keep the noise down, and do your thing.” So says Georgia Tardy of The Artist Lounge—a brand-new surreal space for local artists.
Nestled in the backyard of the local fine artist and her musician husband Reggie’s DTR abode, the aptly named loungey space—a work of art of its own—was officially launched in June after the couple spent the past three years renovating it into a lush oasis that now plays host to regularly scheduled art-related events. Think art shows, workshops, cooking classes and more, including a tiny desk-style live music event Dec. 3. The on-trend space also serves as a rentable venue for their artistic peers.
What began as an empty lot the couple started renovating as soon as they moved into the home in 2019, The Artist Lounge could easily be mistaken for a hip Miami- or LA-based hang, what with its gorgeous landscaping, including a designated studio, pool, fire pit, cozy seating areas, koi pond (!), and variety of flora and fauna (all of which came from local nurseries, except for the palm trees, natch).
But the vibe is anything but exclusive. “As we were designing it, it just became super-inspiring to us and our friends and family members who got to watch the process,” says Georgia. “And we quickly realized other people need to be inspired too.”
The space and its function, she adds, have evolved since they first started playing around with events in April—but the Tardys’ goal has remained the same. “Our vision is to be a creative hub, a space in this community that really focuses on bringing artists together, bringing the community together…” says Georgia. “And I don’t distinguish between artists and creatives—whether you’re a fine artist, writer, photographer, whatever—it’s art. So anybody who needs a space, for anything… we don’t put restrictions on what you do.”
Through word-of-mouth and social media, The Artist Lounge has served many a local creative, with Georgia maintaining its been almost a saving grace for the art community. “The one thing we constantly hear is: ‘We needed this. I needed this,’” she says.
Adds the artist-turned-muse: “We call it The Artist Lounge because that’s what it is—we want artists to come into this space and be inspired, have their imagination rekindled and refreshed so they can then go back out and do their thing. Artists—we give and give and pour out and pour out. … We need to replenish ourselves, and so for us, that’s what this space is.” And, naturally, it’s impossible not to feel inspired in such a beautiful space as this.@theartistloungeraleigh
Down for a good trip? Look no further than Chris Evans’ Good Trip Gallery in DTR, an art gallery-meets-tattoo studio that’s shaking up the local arts scene.
“There are no rules in art”… so says local tattoo artist, painter and Good Trip Gallery owner Chris Evans—an MO that quickly becomes apparent when you walk into his colorful gallery awash wall-to-wall with his paintings spanning all styles and subjects, from people to animals to the abstract. “I just paint whatever I feel,” he says.
The same goes for his tattoos. If he had to choose a go-to style, it would be photorealism, but, says the artist, “I don’t like saying I have a style—I like to try whatever feels right.”
A born creative, Evans picked up tattooing in high school as another way to make money. “It was probably a little illegal,” he jokes. He’d always wanted an art gallery and thought that eventually he would transition out of tattooing into a full-time painter. But why choose one when you can have the best of both worlds?! And, so, Good Trip Gallery was born January 2021, peddling both his dope tattoo skills and his paintings.
“I just hadn’t seen an [all-in-one] art gallery and tattoo studio before, so I knew I wanted to try it and bring it to Downtown Raleigh,” adds Evans, who was born in Apex, but migrated to the City of Oaks two years ago to open the avant-garde art house.
In addition to offering his artworks and tattoo services at Good Trip Gallery, Evans also participates monthly in Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s First Friday—during which you’ll find him posted up outside on the sidewalk to live-paint, with another local artist live-painting in the gallery’s back room, a DJ or live musician on-site, and late hours to boot.
This month, you also can catch Good Trip Gallery repping at IBMA Bluegrass Live! (Sept. 30–Oct. 1), where, in addition to having his artwork on display, Evans will be performing a live painting. (Unfortunately, though, you can’t get a tatt out in the middle of Fayetteville Street. Womp womp.)
And as far as the virtuoso’s “goal” for the gallery… well, he doesn’t really have one. Now in his 17th year as a full-time tattoo artist, Evans emphasizes that he doesn’t want his creative outlets to turn into work. “I know that sounds crazy being in business, but I don’t have a goal or an expectation with my art,” he adds. “Whatever happens, happens.” Sounds like a good trip, indeed. goodtripgallery.com
Former bank executive-turned-artist is leaving her mark on Midtown—and propping up kids in the process.
When most people gear up to retire, they hope to focus on traveling, hobbies and family. But for local artist Chris Young, going into retirement meant spending more time on art, community involvement and philanthropy. The former regional executive of First Citizens Bank, Young was also on the board of Midtown Raleigh Alliance for several years, even serving as its chairperson for one. And as part of her community leadership and engagement work with MRA, she was on the team that spearheaded the original MRA banner contest in an attempt to facilitate more art in Midtown. Now, starting in June, it’s Young’s designs that will decorate the banners across Midtown—a full circle moment.
Following MRA’s 10th anniversary, “we thought this was a wonderful opportunity to cast light on one of the organization’s founding members, who is a talented artist with a strong connection to Midtown,” says MRA Executive Director Tara Lightner Robbins about Young.
For her own part, Young says she’s always considered herself a creative person, but she didn’t really start painting until her son went away to college. “I was like, ‘You know what, there’s a hole, and what should I fill that hole with,’” she says. It wasn’t until she saw a Monet exhibit at the NCMA, though, that she picked up a paintbrush and started doing workshops—while still working at First Citizens Bank. “I was a weekend kind of a painter,” adds Young. “It was something at that time that really balanced that business/analytics side of my life with the creative and artistic side.”
While Young’s art typically tends to be more landscape, the two different banners she created for MRA—her first public art project!—are comprised of big, bold geometric and abstract shapes that are easily visible from street level and lend a vibrant energy to the area. They also both have people in them. “I wanted the banners to convey that Midtown is a great place—day or night—in a really colorful and positive way,” says Young. “And we [Robbins] were talking about how experiencing Midtown—and Midtown as a destination of choice—is just something we wanted to celebrate in the banner.”
To boot, Young marries her passion for art and philanthropy by donating a majority of her art sales to nonprofits. The proceeds from this particular project will go toward the YMCA of the Triangle, specifically to support scholarships for kids to go to camp this summer. “I love the Y,” says Young. “Our son went to the Y; we’re individual donors; and I’ve helped with fundraising over the years. I just love how they help kids who might not otherwise have that experience. These annual campaign dollars really make that happen.” midtownraleighalliance.org
… for a “house party” at DTR’s new “interactive social museum”—aka the House of Art pop-up bar that promises to be your new fave drinks (and art + music!) destination.
There’s a new pop-up bar near Moore Square hosting an adult “house party” every weekend—and everybody’s invited. Formerly known as The Outpost, House of Art puts unity, diversity, art and music at the forefront—along with fair-priced drinks, natch, that all mix to make for a killer-good time.
“The No. 1 thing we’re trying to do is create a space where everyone’s comfortable, whether you’re Black, white, gay, straight, old, young, male, female. … it doesn’t matter,” says owner Mikhail Wright. “We just want everyone to come in and feel comfortable, so that’s why we put so much work into the interior design.”
The “interactive social museum” features incredibly ’Grammable rooms designed by interior designer Brittany Singer—think colorful neon lights, balloons, vibrant art, walls made of cloud material and even a room designed to look like an igloo (and it’s either actually colder in there or your mind is playing tricks on you…).
Dante Jones Photography
And in an effort to help bring more culture into the city, House of Art hosts a variety of local music artists every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Additionally on Sundays, they’re teaching the “art of yes” through different experiences like BYOI (bring your own instrument), local vendors and more. “We let artists do whatever they want,” says Saul Parada, who helps book entertainment for House of Art (as well as for Watts & Ward). “There are so many young, talented artists in this town… we want them to be able to have a space and give power back to the people.”
You can expect House of Art to keep it fresh—along with rotating entertainment, the spot will change up its decor and name (you might’ve known it as St. Nick’s Christmas House during the holiday season). But the one thing that won’t change is its dedication to the community. Says Wright, “We’re just trying to figure out a way to make Raleigh the ‘City of Art.’” @housofartnc
Style your home with refurbished pieces from Rail & Stile, which just opened its first showroom. The vintage store sources and professionally lacquers antique and vintage furniture to breathe new life into cherished pieces—and upgrade your interiors. @rail_and_stile
Pop Box Gallery has popped up at Boxyard RTP! Co-curators Mavis Gragg and Laura Ritchie were recipients of 2021 PopBox, a unique grant program from The RTP Foundation and NC IDEA to provide temporary residency to BIPOC- and women-owned businesses. During its three-month stint at Boxyard RTP, Pop Box Gallery will feature rotating exhibitions featuring visual art by local and regional contemporary artists. 900 Park Offices Drive
Can you kick it? Kickboxing fitness studio 9Roundopened its second Raleigh location in Moore Square, offering heart-pounding instructor-led full-body circuit training. You’ll punch. You’ll kick. You’ll sweat—and you’ll feel great afterward. 107 E. Davie St.
Get ready to treat yo’self at luxury spa franchise Woodhouse Spa, which is opening in fall 2022 at North Hills’ The Eastern Residences. A calming environment sets the stage for relaxing treatments, massages, facials and more—best enjoyed during a girls’ day out or, heck, during your lunch break. woodhousespas.com
Looking for a WFH change of scenery? Enter Common Desk, a new all-inclusive coworking space coming to East End Market that offers unlimited conference room bookings, freaky-fast Wi-Fi and bottomless coffee. 2020 Progress Court
Strike a pose. The Original Selfie Museumis coming to Fayetteville Street, offering ’Gram-worthy backdrops to rack up all the likes. @raleighselfiemuseum (Aunaya White)
Say yes to the dress at Cary’s new a&bé bridal shop, which gives back to women-focused orgs with every sale. But with its curated collection of various gorge wedding dresses, the hard part is choosing which to say yes to… 210 E. Chatham St., Cary
