Sertoma Arts Center

Sertoma Arts Center is in the heart of Shelley Lake Park. It serves as a vibrant, creative destination for all ages. Sertoma is home to three exhibit spaces. These change every other month and exhibit work by local artists. Sertoma offers programming in a wide range of visual and performing arts mediums. Programs range from painting and drawing to ceramics, metalworking, printmaking, glass, and sewing. After completing a qualifying program at Sertoma, students can buy a membership. Memberships offer students access to Sertoma’s ceramic, metalworking, or painting studio.

Artists of all ages, levels, and abilities are welcome to join the artistic community at Sertoma. Sertoma is working to make the arts accessible to people with disabilities.

Sertoma Arts Center Bond Project

Contact

Sertoma Arts Center
sertomaartscenter@raleighnc.gov
919-996-2329

Julia Meder
Director
julia.meder@raleighnc.gov

Joeli Franks
Assistant Director
joeli.franks@raleighnc.gov

Darby Allison
Rental and Administrative Coordinator
darby.allison@raleighnc.gov

Address

Sertoma Arts Center

1400 Millbrook Road

Raleigh, NC 27612

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Plan Your Visit

Inclusivity in Our Facilities

The City of Raleigh and Sertoma Arts Center is committed to equal rights and the fair treatment of all residents, workers, and visitors. We aim to foster an inclusive environment where people of all backgrounds feel respected.

Sertoma Arts Center is equipped with a parking lot featuring six accessible spaces. The lower level, including the pottery and jewelry studio, can be accessed through the back entrance. There are three parking spaces, including one accessible space behind our building. To learn about accessible accommodations, visit Specialized Recreation and Inclusion Services division.

Gallery Hours

Viewing hours for exhibitions vary depending on class and rental schedules. Call ahead to guarantee access to our gallery spaces.

Hours

Monday:: 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
Tuesday:: 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
Wednesday:: 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
Thursday:: 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
Friday:: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Saturday:: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday:: 12 p.m.–5 p.m.

Shelley Lake Trail Artwork

Mural of wildlife hand-painted on a sewer device outside. — Mural by artist Sam Greene

The Shelley Lake trail is one of the most heavily used trails in Raleigh. Thousands of visitors walk the lake loop each year. The park is a well-loved area for picnics, relaxation, wildlife viewing, photography, and general enjoyment of the lake.

Raleigh Arts has been working with local artists to add artwork along the trail.

Learn more about the artwork featured at the park and around Shelley Lake.

Class & Supply Lists

Register now for art classes and programs on RecLink. You can also preview upcoming classes and programs in the Leisure Ledger.

Studios & Memberships

Raleigh residents and non-residents can participate in our studio programs by taking classes or purchasing a studio membership to work independently when classes are not in session.

Studio Membership

Participants are eligible to purchase a studio membership after they have completed a qualifying beginning-level class. If it has been over 5 years since you have held membership or taken a qualifying class, you must take a qualifying class again to be eligible. Studio memberships are available for the Jewelry, Painting, and Pottery Studios.

Jewelry Studio

Two-room work studio
Acetylene torch
Enameling kilns
Equipment and special classes for etching and niobium
Hydraulic press, roll mill, and community hand tools for jewelry making and stone setting

For information about open studio times, view the Jewelry Studio Calendar, or call 919-996-2329.

Instructor and student in painting class at Sertoma Arts Center — Image by Keenan Hairston

Painting Studio

Large open space filled with windows and natural light
Balcony access perfect for Plein air painting
Tabletop and floor easels
Reference materials for in-house use
Models, stands, lighting, and still-life props are available

For information about open studio times, view the Painting Studio Calendar, or call 919-996-2329.

Man creating pottery piece during class at Sertoma Arts Center

Pottery Studio

Spacious work studio with more than a dozen wheels
Separate work areas for glazing, hand-building, and wheel throwing
Slab roller and extruder
Regular firing of electric kilns, with Cone 6 oxidation electric firing the primary method. A Cone 10 gas kiln is fired approximately once a month. Works are fired in seven to 14 days
On-site store with a selection of tools and clay for registered students and studio cardholders. All clay must be purchased from Sertoma. Glazes must be approved.
Glaze and two firings are included in the price for studio cardholders and students

For information about open studio times, view the Pottery Studio Calendar or call 919-996-2329.

Gallery Exhibitions

Detail of mustard colored quilt with black lines and white triangles — Detail of Full Archer Quilt by Jenn Marks

Sertoma Arts Center showcases emerging artists living and/or working in and around Wake County, along with special themed exhibits such as the Sertoma Student/Instructor/Patron exhibit and Sertoma's co-sponsored artist group exhibits. Viewing hours of exhibitions may vary depending on class and rental schedules. Call ahead to guarantee access to our gallery spaces.

Sertoma exhibits work in the Raleigh Room, Hallway Gallery, and Lobby Display Cases. Learn more about Sertoma's Exhibition spaces.

To view information about Artist Calls for exhibition at a City of Raleigh Arts gallery, visit the Artist Calls page and subscribe to the Arts Flash Newsletter.

Accepting Applications!

2026 Gallery Program - Deadline: June 30, 2025

The Sertoma Arts Center is seeking artists to display their work in this unique community-based arts facility! The facility has the ability to display both 2-D and 3-D works.

Learn more about the 2026 Gallery Program.

Upcoming and Current Exhibitions

View the current and upcoming exhibitions at the Sertoma Arts Center.

Facility Rentals

Sertoma Arts Center Gallery Rental Space

Sertoma Arts Center has several spaces available to reserve for your next event. Learn more and request a rental

If you have questions, please contact Darby Allison at darby.allison@raleighnc.gov or 919-996-2329.

Sertoma Arts Center

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