Gallery
The African American Cultural Center art gallery hosts nationally and internationally recognized artists known for capturing various historical and contemporary happenings related to African American and African diaspora cultures. This semester’s lineup of exhibitions are about how we commune to meet ourselves and others at the intersections of our lives. Each exhibit is intended to cultivate and inspire joy. The African American Cultural Center Art Gallery is located in Witherspoon Student Center Rm 218.
Before We Knew Better
Exhibition – August 17, 2026 – September 25, 2026
Artist Talk Event – September 2, 2026
This exhibit brings together the work of Lamar Whidbee and Chris Facey to reflect on joy, memory, and the experiences that shape us early in life. Through their artwork, the exhibition looks to childhood as a place of imagination, play, and connection. Rather than seeing nostalgia as a way to escape the present, these works consider how memories of joy can remind us of what still matters. They ask what we carry with us from those early years and how those experiences continue to influence our well-being, our relationships, and our sense of self.
At a time when conversations around mental health are increasingly important, ” Before We Knew Better” offers space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the moments that first taught us about joy.
You Are Here: Geolocating the Self through the Familiar in the Midst of the Unfamiliar
Exhibition – October 28, 2026 – February 26, 2027
Artist Talk Event – November 11, 2026
Join us to experience the works on display by ariana Farquharson. “You Are Here” is a speculative, immersive world-building study that invites guests to explore (geo)locating self and home amid a rapidly and frequently changing post-pandemic “new” world.
Elemental Harmony
Exhibition – March 8, 2027 – March 31, 2027
Artist Talk Event – To Be Announced (Spring 2027)
Elemental Harmony is an immersive collection of landscapes inspired by the four elements of Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire. Each painting by San B. Creative explores the quiet connection between the natural world and the human experience, inviting viewers to slow down, reflect, and rediscover the rhythms we share with nature. As the exhibition unfolds, it asks a simple question: What if we are not merely a reflection of nature, but nature itself?
Plan a Visit
The African American Cultural Center Art Gallery is located at 2810 Cates Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606 and is open Monday – Friday from 10am – 5 p.m.
All programs and exhibitions are open to all. If you need accommodations to attend the event, please contact us at 919.515.5210.
Public Tours
We are excited to offer guests and visitors the opportunity to explore all of the wonderful features at the African American Cultural Center. We offer both guided and self-guided opportunities to members of our community. All children should be accompanied by a parent or guardian for public tours.
Private Tours and Field Trips
If you’re planning to visit with a large group, we’d be delighted to welcome you to the African American Cultural Center. We offer private group tours that allow you to experience the Center at a time that’s most convenient for your group. To request a private tour, please email us at [email protected].
For campus parking information, see the Witherspoon Student Center on the NC State Campus Map.
Our first art exhibition for Fall 2026 is here! We are excited to feature the work of Lamar Whidbee & Chris Facey. Make plans to visit this amazing exhibit starting August 17th.
Jul 21
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Come LOCK IN on your finals and goals with the African American Cultural Center for extended hours April 29, 30, and May 1st until 10pm!
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The library and gallery, and 3rd floor spaces will remain open until 10pm so bring your study groups, friends or come solo to join us for a warm and supportive environment as you lock in on your goals!
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We will have study break activity, study care bags, goal completion prizes (4 chances to win a gift card), food and snacks.
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Breakfast on Wednesday night at 6pm. Dinner on Friday night at 6pm. And snacks and light food on Thursday night.
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Make sure to register via our linktree or the QR code.
Apr 28
You`re invited to visit our National Library Week VizGallery Exhibit!📚🖼️✨
This three-day digital exhibit will be on view in the Cyma Rubin Visualization Gallery with a closing reception on April 10, 2026 at 12pm-2pm. All are welcome to attend.💝
This exhibit brings together collections from Triangle area libraries and special collections that highlight the richness of African American and Afro-diasporic life and expression. From rare books and archival records to photographs, oral histories, creative works, and community ephemera, these materials open pathways to learning about the ideas, creativity, scholarship, and everyday experiences that shape our broader society. 📚✨
Visitors from all backgrounds are invited to explore how libraries and archives increase access to knowledge, encourage curiosity, and support cultural understanding. 🌍✨
Contributors include:
NC State African American Cultural Center Library
The James E. Cheek Learning Resources Center, Shaw University
Friends of Oberlin Village
Melanin Library
Richard B. Harrison Community Library
James E. Shepard Memorial Library, North Carolina Central University
#aacclibrary
Apr 1
Feed your curiosity and your stomach this Thursday, March 5, from 5-7 pm in the AACC Gallery✨. Register via the link in our bio!
Join us for a fun evening of great books and even better food🍽️📚! Every table tells a story, and don’t forget the treats to match! Explore each genre-inspired table to discover your reading niche, complete bingo to win prizes, and enjoy snacks along the way.
Mar 3
Feed your curiosity and your stomach this Thursday, March 5, from 5-7 pm in the AACC Gallery✨. Register via the link in our bio!
Join us for a fun evening of great books and even better food 🍽️📚! Every table tells a story, and don’t forget the treats to match! Explore each genre-inspired table to discover your reading niche, complete bingo to win prizes, and enjoy snacks along the way.
Mar 2
Join us for a fun evening of great books and
even better food 📚✨! Every table tells a story, and don’t
forget the treats to match! Explore each genre-inspired table to discover your reading niche, complete bingo to win prizes, and enjoy snacks along the way.
Feed your curiosity and your stomach on March 5 from 5-7pm in the AACC Gallery. Scan the QR code to register or visit the link in our bio!
Feb 24
Our 3rd exhibit is OPEN! Stop by to see amazing art designs from Erica J. Funderburk entitled By Design. This exhibit explores the powerful idea that nothing in life is accidental and every moment, encounter, and transformation unfolds with purpose.
Feb 5
Kwanzaa Table Talk
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Witherspoon 218 – AACC Art Gallery | 6pm – 7:30pm
Join us for an intimate and engaging conversation where students explore the principles of Kwanzaa through real-world experiences and diverse perspectives. This discussion offers a space for reflection, connection, and meaningful dialogue inspired by the values of the season. (meal provided) (Registration Required) visit our website to register.
The Spirit of Sankofa: Pre-Feast Celebration
Friday, November 21, 2025
AACC Room 356 | 4pm – 5:45pm
Experience the vibrant rhythms and soulful voices of Indigo’s Cultural Arts Center, where culture, community, and connection take center stage! (No registration required.)
Kwanzaa Feast of Faith
Friday, November 21, 2025
Witherspoon 126 – Washington Sankofa Room | 6pm – 7:30pm
An epic finale to close out the Fall 2025 semester! The Feast of Faith is a vibrant celebration of joy, creativity, faith, purpose, and community care. Join us for an evening filled with delicious food, and inspiring performances. (Full dinner) (Registration Required) visit our website to register
Nov 7
The WORDS=POWER exhibit at the Gregg Museum has been nothing short of breathtaking; a true celebration of creativity, collaboration, and community. 💫
Huge thanks to our incredible partners who made this possible: the amazing Gregg Museum team, the Crafts Center, co-curator Carol Nix, and the CHASS Creative Writing Program with Meg Day. We’re also deeply grateful for our donors, sponsors, Taylor Ofori with Accessibility, and Arts NC State for their invaluable support.
Your collective passion and artistry truly brought this powerful exhibit to life. ✨
Don’t miss your chance to experience WORDS=POWER in person at the Gregg Museum — it’s an exhibit you won’t want to miss! 🎨🖋️
#ArtsNCState #GreggMuseum #WordsArePower #CollaborationInArt
@ncstatelive
@ncstategreggmuseum
@ncstatechass
@thecraftscenter
Nov 5
Come check out our latest artist exhibit!
In Witherspoon 218 take some time to let the daily academic stress fade and enjoy some beautiful art work. 🎨🦋
Make sure you come check out Melissa Campbell’s workshop October 22nd, 6:30-8:30pm! We can’t wait to see you there 🖌️🖼️
Oct 16
Take a break, get inspired, and join us at the AACC Gallery for our next art exhibition featuring the incredible work of Melissa Campbell. 🌿
Let her stunning pieces reignite your creativity and motivation to power through the rest of the semester!
🗓 Meet the Artist: October 22nd
🎭 Artist Workshop with Melissa Campbell — an inspiring opportunity to learn directly from the artist herself!
Oct 6
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Spring Study Nights at the AACC Library – April 24 & 25!
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Join us for extended hours until 10 PM in the AACC Library and Gallery (2nd floor, Witherspoon). Bring your study group and lock in on your goals in a warm, supportive space! Register in bio!
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✨ Wellness Station: Paint mini pots, make bracelets, and more
🎉 Giveaways & prize drawing
💻 Study Tools: Laptops, monitors, calculators, headphones (with student ID)
🍽️ Community Dinners at 6 PM — Register to receive dinner
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Study Hall AACC Third Floor | April 24 - 30 (excluding weekends)
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Join us on the third floor from 9am - 5pm for study hall. Snacks and refreshments provided.
Apr 18
