As I’ve experienced Durham over the years it’s always fantastic when I find something that embodies everything I love about it.  And it’s encouraging that you can walk into places you’ve never been and be greeted by welcoming smiles, a handshake from the owner, and then be introduced to extremely creative people while seeing neighbors and friends...all while listening to blue grass and acoustic mandolin.  And that was just the first floor. 

Events at Outsiders Art & Collectibles are an absolute must for any Durhamite.  I’m literally ashamed I haven’t been before, but it will now be a regular fixture in my Durham experience.  I had gone last night to see Dave Alsobrooks‘ “Highway 1” exhibit and in addition to meeting him, I came across face jugs, mirrors made of gears, pop art, paintings and much more.  It was all very impressive. 

Beyond the artwork, the overall sense of community was inspiring.  So much so that it spilled out into the front yard where the food trucks parked out front began plotting ways to incorporate each other’s ingredients into a custom dish. 

Outsiders’ mission is to “offer a happy venue where children and adults can learn how to enhance their lives and community through art.”  As I left the gallery last night, I thought about how much my life has become enriched through community and how fortunate I am to be living in a place as diverse and creative as Durham. 

My sincere thanks to owner Pam Gutlon, for maintaining a place where we can all come together and enjoy life.

Links:

Outsiders Art & Collectibles

Chasing Bear - Dave Alsobrooks