On Saturday, Art It Up! will return with an array of free, creative and recreational activities at 13 different locations, all within walking distance of each other. More than 70 artists can be explored between Pullen Arts Center and Roundabout Art Collective, but attendees will have the opportunity to also experience much more.
“We have a long list of local playwrights, potters, painters and practitioners of a healthy and creative lifestyle taking part in Art It Up! 2016,” said David Dean, director of programs for Live it Up! Hillsborough Street.
This is the third annual event and the first year that all of the pieces will be in walking distance of each other. Although the event does highlight many local artists, it also provides outlets for other creative and recreational events such as an outdoor Zumba class, an improv workshop and a backstage tour of “Dracula.” The event strives to connect its attendees with art in all forms and to clearly exhibit how much art Raleigh has to offer.
“My favorite memory of these events is when I hear the light bulb go off in someone’s head,” Dean said. “I’ll hear someone say ‘I didn’t realize Raleigh has so many wonderful assets this close together. I need to start checking event calendars for more stuff happening around here.’”
Even Eliza Kiser, the Pullen Arts Center director, discovers something new with every year because of Art It Up!
“I love Art It Up because, without fail, I learn about something really awesome that’s happening next door that totally surprises me,” Kiser said.
In addition to providing free activities and opportunities for all attendees, the event also connects people to local artists and fosters a sense of community.
Live it Up! Hillsborough Street, the Krispy Kreme Challenge, the Alexander Family YMCA, Aloft Raleigh and the Pullen Arts Center assist in the sponsoring of the event, which aligns with NC State’s open house.
“We feel a student who is engaged from day one on campus will have a richer college experience and help build a strong community,” Dean said.
With NC State’s proximity to Raleigh and the Pullen Arts Center, students have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of both visual and performing arts. This art showcases the rich diversity and culture available in Raleigh and the surrounding areas that most students rarely take advantage of.
“Art It Up! is an awesome opportunity to show the richness of the Hillsborough Street Culture,” said Matt Lilley, the healthy lifestyles director at the Alexander YMCA. “This is an opportunity to connect that culture and celebrate all that we have to offer as a community.”
The event will take place on Saturday with separate pieces running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A version of this article appeared in print on Oct. 10, 2016, on page 9 with the headline: Art It Up! returns to Hillsborough, and the subheadline: Art festival brings a large variety of creators.
