Designbox

If you’re a lover of gadgets, inventive and new ideas, co-​working spaces, 3-​D printers and the unexpected, I highly recommend paying a visit to DesignBox. It’s a much smaller space then some of its «competing» galleries along the Martin St. strip, but it won’t leave you disappointed. I never know what to expect when walking in there, whether they’re show casing a new show invention, re-​useable water bottles, the latest in sustainable jewelry or their awesome 3-​D printer, DesignBox gives a new twist to your art expectations. I always love hitting up this gallery during FirstFriday, they also usually offer wine and occasionally even beer (although it’s gone quickly, so arrive early in the evening if you’re looking for a glass!) DesignBox fulfills anyone’s designer/​inventor artist search.

Cool Gallery and Design Firm! Repurposed Materials Made into some of the Coolest Bags I have seen! Bicycle Tires, Delta Airlines Seat Covering Material made into Bags with pockets and Shoulder straps one of the shoulder strap was made from a repurposed Seat-​belt strap!
It was a great experience visiting this Gallery and hearing the sharing of ideas going on!

311, Visual Art Exchange (VAE), and Designbox are an impressive First Friday Triforce in the Warehouse District.
307 West Martin is Designbox’s 3^rd location, and probably its best yet (but I never went to the 1^st location). The space is more open, and a little bit larger. You can still walk around and meet the artists. When West Martin is blocked off for First Friday’s, it makes for a pretty cool spot to hang out.
Inside Designbox, you’ll find a lot of work by local creatives. Paul Friedrich’s nerdy illustrations are always fun to look at. I also really like Michelle Lyon’s R-​rated stuffed cats. If you go to the store every month, not much will change around. They will always have a rotating main exhibit, but the merchandise will look similar. Still, I enjoy stopping by every month or two. I always find myself buying a gift for someone here.

One of my faves for First Friday! Always a good variety in the gallery from art-​art to practical pieces like stationery. And though I guess the label for some of this is «low-​brow» art, the truth is that it’s affordable, attainable, and often fun. Strikes me as a great option for local gifts!

Why so small, Designbox? I visited on the November First Friday event. I really enjoyed the art that was there. It was quirky and funny with a variety of local artists exactly the kind of thing I like to see. I do feel as if they could have opened up more space for display because it felt limiting to me. But it is priced to buy which is nice. I think it is worth a stop in. It is very close to 311 so pop in while visiting.

The DesignBox gallery is always a nice diversion during a First Friday stroll about the city. They call it a gallery, but really it’s more of a store with lots of cool little pieces priced to sell. Lots of great local artists, designers, and creators of every kind collaborate in this space to make stuff that you want, and to help others make stuff that you want, and to make you want the stuff that they and others make.
The stuff for sale is, perhaps, not as refined as other stops along the gallery circuit downtown, but no other place in Raleigh has the same spark of intelligent creativity that DesignBox has. It’s clear things are happening here. Also — if you’re into being seen — here you will be seen by one of the hipper audiences in town.
In addition to the «gallery”/store, they open their studios during First Fridays. It’s fun to go and take a look around the workspaces and see what everyone’s up to.