Hello Friday. April 26 2024 
Raleigh is home to the first art museum in the US to be established using state funds, drawing people from across the country to witness the NCMA’s collection. 
Downtown Raleigh in 1932 | Photo via State Archives of NC 
NC State Art Society at the Sir Walter Hotel, 1926 | Photo via State Archives of NC The NCMA began with the creation of the North Carolina State Art Society in 1924.
When the US faced the Great Depression, the society sustained itself through the Federal Art Project, though that shut down in 1943. The Art Society was forced to pivot and asked for state funding.
In 1956, the NCMA opened on Morgan Street in Downtown. The founders viewed the location as a temporary setting for the art. The 28,000 sqft location was already outgrown by the early 1960s. 
West Building under construction | Photo via NCMA The state legislature created a 15-member State Art Commission to secure a new location for the museum, and the Blue Ridge Road site that Raleigh locals are now familiar with was chosen in 1972.
A Master Plan was devised in the late 1980s, and ~10 years later the Joseph M. Bryan, Jr. Theater opened + the state legislature granted the museum a site for the development of a park and trail system.
In 2000, then director Larry Wheeler set out to construct a new building to hold the museum’s permanent collection.
Now the West Building, it was designed with environmental functionality in mind, featuring controlled storm water runoff, enhanced energy efficiency, and responsible landscaping practices.
Now under the direction of Duke University graduate Valerie Hillings, visitors can enjoy the park daily and view the free galleries Wednesday-Sunday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
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Lace up your skates, Raleigh — THE RINK is officially open | Photo provided Looking for Thanksgiving weekend plans? How about ice skating in a winter wonderland in the heart of downtown Raleigh?
Enter: THE RINK - Presented by UNC Health (Red Hat Amphitheater, 500 South McDowell St.), featuring a natural ice skating rink with stunning views of the Raleigh skyline. THE RINK presented by UNC Health officially opened for the season on Nov. 20 and can be enjoyed through Jan. 1. Here’s everything you need to know before you lace up your skates:
Hours 🕑 Through Dec. 19:
Holiday hours (Dec. 20-Jan. 1):
Admission 🎟️ Skater admission is $11, including skate rental. Don’t feel like skating? You can still enjoy the festive atmosphere for $6 — taxes + fees may apply. NEWS NOTES
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Sir Walter has a brand new look in this mural located in Five Points. Completed by Raleigh artist Matt Mahler, the mural features Raleigh’s namesake Sir Walter sporting sunglasses along with the neighborhood name.
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Editor's Pick: I enjoyed meeting up with RALtoday friend (and occasional source) Jed Byrne recently, who wears many hats but might best be known as OakCityCRE. Maple cinnamon oat lattes from The Morning Times + talking about all things Raleigh are hard to beat.
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