PARTICIPATING VENUES
Host rotating Artist Receptions, Live Music, Poetry Programming, Family-Friendly Activities, and countless opportunities to connect with community, history, and the arts every Last Friday of the year, from 6-9 PM.
Read on to learn about this month's happenings at:
TRADITIONAL GALLERIES
Hillsborough Arts Council Gallery & Gift Shop
MONTHLY HAPPENING:
On Display: Soundscape by Jason of Music Discovery Lab and Carly Judd
Learn more about the HAC Gallery here!
Demo in the Window: Bijal Shah with quilling: the art of using of strips of paper that are rolled, shaped, and glued together to create decorative designs!
ABOUT THE VENUE: Shop high-quality work by 60+ local artists in nearly every medium. Check out rotating gallery exhibitions, showcasing the talent of our community; and glean helpful tourism tips and information about HAC events and programs (like Last Fridays & the Art Walk, Solstice Lantern Walk, and Handmade Parade, hosted by HAC)!
Hillsborough Artists Coop & The Skylight Gallery
MONTHLY HAPPENING:
Opening Reception: Through Our Eyes, an annual student photography show and video screening with student work from Cedar Ridge High School Darkroom Club and Videography Program. This program teaches students the basics of film photography and darkroom printing.
The video installation Cemetery of Eternity will run from 6-9 PM in the studio adjacent to the gallery followed by a screening of student work 9-10 PM. Tickets will be available at the door.
ABOUT THE VENUE: Est. 1992, the co-op began as a group of individual artists creating art at 102 W King Street. We are currently eight artists who use a wide range of media and share a quest to expand the presence of art on the planet. We open our studios monthly sharing our latest work. Recently, we began creating Coop Special Events where we, in collaboration with guest artists, create interactive art experiences for the public.
Hillsborough Gallery of Arts
MONTHLY HAPPENING:
Opening Reception: Elemental Form by Nell Chandler, Ellie Reinhold, and Evelyn Ward
Live Music Judy McCall
ABOUT THE VENUE: Owned and operated by 21 local artists, HGA represents these established artists exhibiting contemporary fine art and fine craft. The Gallery's offerings include oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings, metal and figurative sculpture, mixed media, encaustics, enamels, pottery, fiber art, jewelry, mouth-blown and fused glass, painted gourd art and hand-crafted furniture as well as artist prints and cards.
Margaret Lane Gallery
MONTHLY HAPPENING:
Opening Reception: Group show All Dressed Up And Ready To Go, 6-9 PM
ABOUT THE VENUE: A family-owned Gallery with work from over 35 local artists working in a wide variety of mediums and styles. Monthly themed shows, special exhibits, and events that support the local community, along with art workshops for adults and youth. Family-friendly!
(919) 296-8938
Wed-Thu 11 AM-6 PM,
Fri 11 AM-8 PM
Sat 10 AM-7 PM
Sun 1-6 PM
+ OPEN to 9 PM on Last Fridays!
Thomas Stevens Gallery/Suite 42
MONTHLY HAPPENING:
Closing Reception: 4th Annual Exhibit of the Nude in Art
Nuda Veritas, 6-9 PM.
Upstairs in Suite 42:
Live Music John Stevens
Always on view: Rotating selection of distinctly local landscapes, evocative figures, and other artworks by Thomas Stevens.
ABOUT THE VENUE: The gallery features distinctly local landscapes, evocative figures, drawings, sculpture, and artworks by Thomas Stevens, plus inspiring exhibits showcasing remarkable guest artists throughout the year. Upstairs is Suite 42, the working art studio of Thomas Stevens and a unique Last Fridays venue for music and spoken word performances.
Eno River Brewing
%20-%20Stephanie%20Crowe.jpg)
MONTHLY HAPPENING:
Live Music: Local ukulele band, Big Tiny, 3 PM
ABOUT THE VENUE: Nestled along the banks of our namesake, Eno River Brewing offers our guests the option to enjoy a fresh and flavorful beverage either in our welcoming taproom or on our expansive patio. We are dedicated to making sustainable beer that uplifts our community, choosing local first whenever possible. We look forward to sharing our craft and partnering with local artists at each Last Friday Art Walk.
Whit's Frozen Custard
MONTHLY HAPPENING:
Flavor of the Day (May 30): Strawberry Lemonade
Whittie of the Month (May): Chocolate-Covered Strawberry
Whitser of the Month (May): Bing Cherry Cheesecake
ABOUT THE VENUE: Whit’s Frozen Custard of Hillsborough offers our community a taste of happiness! We proudly make our frozen custard fresh all day, every day. Whether you create your own flavor with a sundae, milkshake, float, or our famous Whitser, or enjoy a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or our weekly or daily flavor, we promise you the freshest, supreme frozen treat experience that we simply call a "smile in a cup.
LAST FRIDAYS WEST
DOWNTOWN VENUES
108 Churton Boutique
ABOUT THE VENUE: 108 Churton is a women-owned ladies’ boutique established in 2016. On Last Fridays, we will often offer a special event along with stylish ladies’ apparel, unique jewelry pieces, accessories, mommy approved baby items, curated books, and carefully chosen home décor. With a wide variety of offerings to choose from, we feel confident that you will find just the right something or the perfect gift. Feel free to stop in to browse, chat, and shop!
Anne & Arthur
MONTHLY HAPPENING:
To be announced!
ABOUT THE VENUE: Anne & Arthur is a woman-owned Fine Arts Supply retailer that offers an alternative to big box retailers—supplies you use and need, in the community where you live and create. Come by during the walk to see Live Artist Demonstrations. Interact with an artist at work, ask questions about how works are made and explore the tools they use. Featuring a new artist (and art form) each month!
Tues-Sat 10 AM-6 PM
Sun 12-6 PM
+ Open on Last Fridays for extended hours!
Bull Town Fabrics
ABOUT THE VENUE: I sell 100% cotton fabrics and sewing notions for quilters, sewists, and crafters!
Tues-Fri 11 AM-6 PM
Sat 10 AM-4 PM
+ OPEN to 9 PM on Last Fridays!
Burwell School Historic Site
ABOUT THE VENUE: First, built in 1821, the Burwell School Historic Site is a gem of historic Hillsborough, NC, located at the northern edge of the town's famed Historic District. Restored and open to the public, the early 19th century house and outbuildings bring history alive for visitors of ALL ages! Visit this site to explore the complex, multi-layered stories of freedom seeking and oppression through the lives of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly, Mary-Ann, Anna Burwell, and more.
C3 Hillsborough/East of Ordinary Studio
MONTHLY HAPPENING:
Art Reception: In Dreams I Wander by Eduardo Lapetina
ABOUT THE VENUE: A co-working space for local small businesses, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and artists.
While C3 Hillsborough hosts a satellite gallery in partnership with Hillsborough Arts Council, it also offers resident artist work space on the second floor. Windi White is excited to open her work space featuring abstract mixed media pieces to the public.
Mon-Fri 9 AM-6 PM
Open 24/7 for members
Studio: By Appointment
+ OPEN 6-9 PM on Last Fridays!
Carlisle & Linny Vintage Jewelry
ABOUT THE VENUE: Carlisle & Linny Vintage Jewelry is a finely curated vintage, antique, and estate jewelry shop carrying jewelry from the 1800s thru the 1980s. We offer fine and costume jewelry as well as repairs, custom, restringing, fair-market valuations, appraisals, and estate work. We put out over 150 new-to-the-shop pieces each week and delight in giving excellent customer service.
Cedar Grove Law
MONTHLY HAPPENING:
To be announced!
ABOUT THE VENUE: Come hang out on the front lawn of our historic Hillsborough homesite-turned law firm in the heart of downtown! We expect to have gallery art inside the space and a pop-up vendor (or two) on the lawn.
Coldwell Banker
ABOUT THE VENUE: We are the local Coldwell Banker real estate office right on Churton Street. Each month, April through October, we feature a local artist's work in our office, as well as a reception held by the artist on the Last Friday. Art lovers are welcome to stop by anytime we're open!
(919) 732-6101
Mon-Fri 9 AM-5 PM
Sat 9 AM-3 PM
Sun 1-4 PM
+ OPEN to 9 PM on Last Fridays!
Dwell Hillsborough
ABOUT THE VENUE: Dwell is a specially curated home + life shop. We are a thoughtful blend of the new, the vintage and local. We can't wait to see you on Last Fridays!
(984) 217-0035
Tues-Thurs 11 AM-5 PM
Fri 11 AM-6 PM
Sat 10 AM-6 PM
Sun 12-4 PM
+ OPEN to 9 PM on Last Fridays!
Eagle Lodge No. 19
MONTHLY HAPPENING:
Free guided tours of Hillsborough's two-hundred-year-old Masonic Hall building, 6-8:30 PM, every Last Friday from April to September!
Light refreshments and additional activities throughout the summer.
ABOUT THE VENUE: Chartered in 1791, Eagle Lodge No. 19 is one of the first Masonic lodges chartered under the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. It was likely designed by state architect William Nichols and built by local craftsmen Samuel Hancock and John Berry. Donations to our Historic Eagle Lodge Foundation are greatly appreciated and will contribute to ongoing preservation of our building.
By Appointment Only
Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday each month
+ OPEN 6-8:30 PM on Last Fridays!
Hillsborough Visitors Center
ABOUT THE VENUE: The Visitors Center is a resource for information on local attractions. There is also a gift shop, a folk art gallery, and a video on historic Hillsborough for public viewing. In addition, the Visitors Center is located in the Historic Alexander Dickson House, one of the most historically significant buildings in town.
Public restrooms are available on-site.
Hillsborough Wills & Trusts
MONTHLY HAPPENING:
To be announced!
ABOUT THE VENUE: Hillsborough Wills & Trusts features a wide array of artists and expressive mediums in their inviting office gallery space. Come by to enjoy live music on the front porch, light beverages and always a Door Prize at 7:30!
Luminous Body
ABOUT THE VENUE: Offering Customized Therapeutic Massage + Bodywork- specializing in Deep Tissue, Pre/Postnatal, Reflexology, and Traditional Thai massage *Allywillow Organic Bodycare *Childbirth Classes + Birth Support
121 N Churton Street, UPSTAIRS
By Appointment Only
+ Open 6-9 PM on Last Fridays!
Orange County Historical Museum
MONTHLY HAPPENING:
To be announced!
ABOUT THE VENUE: At the Orange County Historical Museum you can discover how local people lived -- the politics, food, technology, and fashion -- from prehistoric times through the 20th century.
Paynter Law Firm
MONTHLY HAPPENING:
Art Reception: Illustrator Kristen Solecki, jewelry from October Forever, and mosaic pieces from Glass Moxie, 6-9 PM.
Live Music Houda Idrissi Music, performing original tunes sprinkled with amazing covers in 4 different languages from 7-8:30 PM.
ABOUT THE VENUE: Paynter Law Firm hosts multiple local artists every Last Friday, from March through September. We also offer free refreshments and a view of downtown Hillsborough from our rooftop deck. Come by and visit our artists in our bright and open space! We look forward to seeing you!
Preservation Fund of Hillsborough
ABOUT THE VENUE: Tour the old Cadwallader Jones Law Office (circa 1810), located on the corner of E Margaret & Court St!
Snow Approach Foundation
MONTHLY HAPPENING:
Fundraising Friday Market 5:30-7:30 PM with Flowers, Handmade Local Items, Baked Goods, and Art For Sale, Local Businesses Representing All For A Good Cause!
Art Reception: Artwork from Pinewoods Montessori School Students. Locals are all invited to come out and view the artists of the future!
Live Music: Claytones
+ In the morning:
Friday Brain Connection Cafe 9:30 AM-12 PM
CarePartner Education Group 11 AM-12 PM
ABOUT THE VENUE: Snow Approach Foundation’s goal is to build and support a neurodiverse, inclusive community that adapts to changing brains of all kinds. We offer weekly brain connection cafes, complimentary personalized consultations, education, support, and skill building resources to benefit our community as a whole.
The Colonial Inn
MONTHLY HAPPENING:
Live Music Charlotte Morris, 6-8 PM
ABOUT THE VENUE: The Colonial Inn is proud to provide artists and concertgoers a unique setting to experience and be part of the Last Friday music scene in Hillsborough!
The Little Market @ Hillsborough Real Estate Group
MONTHLY HAPPENING:
Closing Reception: Featuring Atmospherics by Adrienne Knowles, as well as items made by NC artists, including Martha Clippinger (weaving) and Gillian Parke (ceramics). 6-9 PM
ABOUT THE VENUE: Hillsborough Real Estate Group hosts The Little Market, in collaboration with the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts, in its front reception room, offering a curated variety of locally-made and locally-sourced art and goods that celebrate home & community.
The Rookery
MONTHLY HAPPENING:
Food Truck Jolly's Sandwich Truck, 4-9 PM
Live Music Marc Brown, 7-10 PM
ABOUT THE VENUE: The Rookery is a space that supports local artists. We want to display and offer a space where artist can come share their creativity.
Yonder: Southern Cocktails and Brew
MONTHLY HAPPENING:
Live Music Kuf Knotz & Christine Elise, 8-11 PM
ABOUT THE VENUE: Hillsborough's living room & cocktail lounge, Yonder will be featuring monthlong showcases of local artists on the wall, while offering handcrafted southern cocktails, local brews, and dynamic local musicians!
For more information about Last Fridays & the Art Walk, contact us at programs@hillsboroughartscouncil.org or (919) 643-2500.