If summer was a work of art, it would be Cassie Adams’ playful and colorful masterpieces. Founder of Cassie Adams Designs, the Raleigh-based artist and interior designer draws her creative inspiration from her time spent growing up in NC and venturing to the beach each summer, along with her 13-year stint in NYC, where she attended Parsons School of Design post-Duke University.
Photo by Anna Routh Barzin, courtesy of Cassie Adams Designs
Photo by Anna Routh Barzin, courtesy of Cassie Adams Designs
Photo by Cat Nguyen, courtesy of Cassie Adams Designs
“Summer is my favorite season,” shares Adams. “Everything about the whole vibe of the season—the nostalgic feeling of it, the bright colors—it’s like being on vacation all year long.” So, with a palette that’s at once vibrant and soothing, Adams transports you to that warm, inviting happy place with soft pinks, bold blues and seafoam greens evoking the ocean across striking paintings, interiors, collages and more.
Further helping curate that joyful aesthetic and make any room sing are Adams’ textiles, grass cloth wallpaper and gorgeous pillows, each of which are designed using imagery from her artwork.
Some of her favorites include the Wavy Medallion pillow, influenced by an Oriental rug pattern she found in an old library book at The Cooper Union in New York; the Tulip Stripe; and the Arbor Gingham, boasting imperfections in the stripes that mirror wood splinters from a vineyard trellis in an original photograph that served as the design’s main inspo.
Photo by Katie Kauss, courtesy of Cassie Adams Designs
“I try to keep the patterns rooted in tradition, even though there’s definitely a modern twist,” says Adams. “But I like classic sensibility at the root of things.”
Come early summer, the mixed-media maven will be showcasing her work IRL in her new studio dubbed Little Mayview, nestled in a two-story tiny house she designed in her backyard. In addition to open studio days, the spot will serve as a resource for other designers via textile and wallpaper samples and pillows on display.
Ultimately, what Adams hopes people get from her art is joy—period. “Because that’s what you see when you see one of my pieces on a wall—it’s supposed to immediately make you smile,” she says, adding: “Same with the pillows; it’s a lovely pop on your bed or sofa that’s supposed to bring joy to where you live.” And, really, how could they not bring you happiness? cassieadamsdesigns.com
Find fiber artist/print maker extraordinaire Claire Kiester debuting her solo art exhibition, Tasty, at the Sertoma Art Center—with a reception taking place May 27. Let’s get this party arted! clairekiester.com
5/1–31 “Exploring Color: Introducing New Vibrant Works of Cassie Adams
Well, color us intrigued. Experience the aura of Cassie Adams’ artwork—consisting of a one-of-a-kind combo of detailed photographs and digital handmade drawings made with a lineup of mediums: pencil, marker, pastel and oil crayon. We’re totally blended by the light. galleryc.net
5/3, weekly Wellness Wednesdays
Put “Fitness” by Lizzo in the queue. Work up a sweat via a slew of fitness classes catering to different interests, ages and body types for just $5 a class. Let’s cardi-go! visitnorthhills.com
5/4 Grateful Dub
Merging the music of The Grateful Dead with reggae is this tribute band shredding the stage for a night of rock, soul and beats. lincolntheatre.com
5/4–6 Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Hey, jedis! Space out to the symphonic sounds of Star Wars—just stay away from the dark side. And may the force be with you… ncsymphony.org
5/4, 18 LIVE@Lake Raleigh
All about that lake life? NC State’s free outdoor concert series returns to Lake Raleigh once again, serving up all the singin’ and swayin’ vibes. See you by the water! live.arts.ncsu.edu
5/4, Thursdays Midtown Beach Music Series
“Wasted away again in Margaritaville”—er, North Hills! Answering the call of summertime is this highly anticipated annual beach music concert series feat. the likes of Liquid Pleasure, Spare Change and The Embers—taking place at Coastal Credit Union Midtown Park every Thursday evening through June. BYO beach chair. visitnorthhills.com
Opens 5/5 ‘Pour Me Another’ Exhibit
Drunk history is the best kind of history. … Grab a gulp of the good stuff and sip your way through the story of our state as told through the beer, wine and spirit industries’ evolution over the years. Ale yeah for education! cityofraleighmuseum.org
5/5 Nirvani: A Nirvana Tribute Experience
“Come as you are” for this alternative Raleigh-based band’s show that’s sure to slay. thepourhousemusichall.com
5/6 2023 Team Raleigh Memorial Bicycle Ride
Ready to ride? Send off over 50 law enforcement officers representing agencies from around NC, Texas and Virginia before they roll out to DC in honor of all officers that have perished in the line of duty. bike2dc.com
5/6 Fest in the West
Howdy, partner! Take a blast to the past with food trucks, drinks from local breweries, live tunes, activities for the tots and a pie-eating contest. Empty plates, full bellies, can’t lose (!). festinthewest.com
5/6 Free Comic Book Day 2023
Let’s get graphic! Find local comic book biz Capitol Comics celebrating free comic books all day (!) and tons of other items on sale for this annual effort to bring new readers into the fold. Happy reading! capitolcomicsnc.com
5/5–7 Herbfest 2023
Chive, laugh, love via a homegrown fest feat. live music, painting and all the herbs your heart desires. C’mon… cumin and stay awhile. herbfest.net
5/5–7 Spring Garden Party
Are you a succa for spring? Celebrate the fab fair weather with a stroll in the garden feat. amazing art displays, walks and talks with the experts—and bring home a plant baby or two from the greenhouse. Here comes the sun… flowers! jlbg.org
5/5–7 Vietri Spring Warehouse Sale
Ciao, bella! Nab handcrafted Italian tableware and home decor (dinnerware, flatware, glassware, garden products) via this semi-annual sale touting exclusively imported Italian treasures that are slightly flawed or discontinued. Sale, yeah! vietri.com
5/5–21 My Wonderful Birthday Suit
Rainbows, moonbeams and magic—oh, my! Unwrap this wholesome story of friendships in question with the lesson of “it’s what’s on the inside that truly makes us special.” Aw! raleighlittletheatre.org
5/6 Get Your Rear in Gear
It’s time to kick colon cancer to the curb. Put your running shoes on for a 5K jaunt through a giant inflatable colon—yes, really—and help support colon cancer screenings. Ready to run? donate.coloncancercoalition.org
5/6 Hands-on History: Sew a Stitch
We’re in stitches. Fine tune your sewing skills with tailor Andy Sterlen and explore examples of historic clothes after completing your masterpiece. Sew far, sew good. ncmuseumofhistory.org
5/6 Spring Movie on the Lawn
Mental health awareness and movies? Say no more. Stream Inside Out and have a ball with fam-friendly activities for an evening sure to amp up those endorphins. dixpark.org
I pink I can! Lace up to save the tatas and raise funds for Susan G. Komen—the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer org… and help punch cancer in the mouth. komen.org
5/6, Saturdays Midtown Farmers’ Market
How spud-tacular! Find this proud-to-be “producers-only” farmers market touting local, sustainable and family-farmed foods. So fresh. visitnorthhills.com
5/6–7 MineVention
Do you even build? Make your way to this Minecraft convention filled with build battles, costume contests, meet and greets, and more. Go ahead… get your game on. minevention.com
5/7 Indoor Yoga at the Chapel
What better way to spend self-care Sunday than an inside stretch sesh centered on community and connection. Let’s lean into being our best selves! dixpark.org
5/7 Kevin James
“Safety never takes a holiday.” … Don’t miss this comedy king (of queens!) making his way to Raleigh for a night of funnies. Grown-ups, only.livenation.com
5/7 Maria Bamford
“Weakness” is this revered experimental comedian’s brand—and she owns it. The voiceover star—known for roles in Big Mouth, BoJack Horseman and Bob’s Burgers—is sure to make you weak in the knees with laughter during her one-night stint in Raleigh. goodnightscomedy.com
5/7 Olivia Jean
Chew on this musician’s “bubblegum garage” sounds sprinkled with experimentation and creativity. Ready to rock out?thepourhousemusichall.com
5/10 Champagne & Friends
Life is the bubbles! School yourself on the background and prestige of Champagne and a slew of other sparkling wines with your buds and chef Doreen Colondres. Plus, learn the correct way to open, pour and pair your bubbly bevs. Cheers! vitishouse.com
5/10 DTR Plant Week: Paint a Pot
Care for a craft-ernoon? Celebrate #DTRPlantWeek by painting your own planter—and bring home a new plant baby to boot (!). We give it two green thumbs up. copperlineplants.com
5/10 Lizzo
Are you ready to be loved? Don’t know… but we’re ready to show some love to our flute playin’, self-love singin’ queen. “It’s About Damn Time,” indeed. pncarena.com
5/10 Triangle Businesses for Good Summit: The Future Workforce
Dolla make ya holla? Connect with community and learn about corporate social responsibility and what they’re looking for in future employers. Yay learning! invitedclubs.com
5/10, bi-monthly Whitaker & Atlantic Live Music Lounge
Ya like jazz? Join in on this recurring jazz series for sultry sounds, cocktails and eats complements of Hummingbird. Give us some sax.whitakerandatlantic.com
Get baked via the tunes of this chill American stoner metal band formed in the ’90s. Stay mellow. thepourhousemusichall.com
4/27—30 Orpheus and Eurydice
Don’t greek out… or do! Observe this ancient legend exploring attraction, love and ancient mythology in the form of a full-length ballet performance and moving music. It’s sure to raise the barre. carolinaballet.com
4/27, monthly Music on the Lawn
Suns out, sounds outside (!). Sprawl out for live music on the lawn and enjoy drinks, food trucks and lawn games at Heights House. Summertime and the livin’ is easy… heightshousenc.com
4/28 National Superhero Day
“Hey, we’re superheroes. What can happen?” Channel your inner Incredible via Boxcar’s National Superhero Day soiree feat. a costume contest, themed cocktails, comic books, beats and more. How super! facebook.com
4/28–30 Chicago Raleigh Improv Festival
Prepare to LOL. Back and better than ever are improv comedy teams hailing from Raleigh and the Windy City to keep the sillies going all weekend long. comedyworx.com
4/28–30 Spring Garden Party
Are you a succa for spring? Celebrate the fab fair weather with a stroll in the garden feat. amazing art displays, walks and talks with the experts—and bring home a plant baby or two from the greenhouse. Here comes the sun… flowers! jlbg.org
4/29 Climate Change Event
There’s no planet B. … View PBS NC’s Planting Piedmont Grasslands Helps Fight Climate Change and learn about ecosystems native to NC. Ready to show some love to your mother (Earth)? dorotheadixpark.org
4/29 Hayley Kiyoko: The Panorama Tour
Nab your spot to see this acclaimed pop star singin’ her sophomore album. #GirlPower. @ritzraleigh
4/29 Raulston Blooms! And Plant Sale
If you’re a big bloomer, here’s the dirt: Grow on over to this event feat. outdoor activities, plant sales (find over 250 types!), vendors, speakers and more. It’ll be a nature play day all the way. jcra.ncsu.edu
4/29 Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken
We’re absolutely Aiken for this concert collab of two powerhouse vocalists bringing their voices together for an epic night for all. … Thanks again, American Idol (!). boothamphitheatre.com
4/29 Tobacco Road Relay
If you have a case of the runs, slip on your sneakers and take a light 26.2 foray into the forest. See ya at the finish line?!tobaccoroadrelay.com
4/29–5/7 Lawn Art With Neighbors
Can we get three cheers for community creativity?! Join some neighbors and display any kind of art on your lawn for the ultimate grassroots experience. lawnraleigh.com
4/30 Hops vs. Grapes
For a grape time, belly up for this multicourse dinner with each plate served with a beer and wine pairing (!). After you down your fare and the good libations, votes will be collected to determine the best pairing. Hop to it! plateskitchen.com
4/30 Oakwood & Friends
Guest chefs Josh Finger and Maggie McConnel are teaming up for a seven-course meal of contemporary American eats with a wine pairing for each patron. Dig in! crawfordandsonrestaurant.com
4/30–5/6 Triangle Small Business Week
Show some big love by shopping small and celebrating the slew of businesses that add personality, growth and strength to our community. #ShopLocal trianglesmallbusinessweek.com
5/1 Kenny Gilbert x Ricky Moore Cookbook Dinner
What’s cookin’, good lookin’? Get hooked on this event at Saltbox Seafood Joint feat. Ricky Moore and chef Kenny Gilbert to celebrate the chef’s new cookbook, Southern Cooking, Global Flavors. Bon appetit! eventbrite.com
5/1–5 Eat the World Week
Calling all adventurous eaters! Travel the world via your taste buds and nosh down on some of the fab international fare found in Downtown Raleigh’s diverse food scene. downtownraleigh.org
5/1–31 “Exploring Color: Introducing New Vibrant Works of Cassie Adams
Well, color us intrigued. Experience the aura of Cassie Adams’ artwork—consisting of a one-of-a-kind combo of detailed photographs and digital handmade drawings made with a lineup of mediums: pencil, marker, pastel and oil crayon. We’re totally blended by the light. galleryc.net
5/3, weekly Wellness Wednesdays
Put “Fitness” by Lizzo in the queue. Work up a sweat via a slew of fitness classes catering to different interests, ages and body types for just $5 a class. Let’s cardi-go! visitnorthhills.com
