December 2012 by Ashley M.
Fish Market is a student-run gallery, owned by NC State's College of Design. Pieces displayed are determined by submissions from students, and themes vary from month-to-month. Gallery shows are always free and open to the public. It's open every first friday of the month (aka First Friday), from 6pm to 11pm. During First Friday, there's usually a sign in front of the stairway with an arrow pointing towards the stairs. The gallery is a bit *hidden*. It's on the corner of Hargett Street and Fayetteville Street -- with the CVS across the way. If you spot the downward stairway, you've found the right spot. On First Fridays, you'll typically see a mass of bikes lined up along the outside, and a group of college kids clustered around the entrance. The stairway is a bit narrow -- it's hard for more than two person to be going up/down in either direction, so be careful. It always gets a bit *stuffy* inside, since it's a small space. So if you're dressed warmly, be prepared to take your jacket or you'll be retreating outside for cooler air. This gallery is usually packed shoulder-to-shoulder on First Fridays since it's a hip, popular spot for college kids. There's usually a DJ playing some cool beats, snacks, and free wine/beer (must be 21+). You also can pick up a custom button (pin) or screen-printed handkerchief (Fish Market themed) for a couple bucks (NOT free). Be sure to drop in each month to check out the design work! I also highly recommend attending the Art and Design Senior Shows each year to check out the portfolios of these graduating seniors! A bit fancier than the normal shows, in terms of the amount of booze and food spread (one time there was a keg or two).
