Lump Gallery

I discovered Lump Gallery when trying to track down the new Flanders location during this past months First Friday events. I’m still a little unsure if Flanders and Lump have technically combined or are just renting out of the same space, either way, you really can’t go to one of the galleries without going to the other. This is due to the fact that they are literally connected to one another, go through the Lump gallery door on the left, horseshoe around the building and you’ll come out through the Flanders door.
I wouldn’t make Lump a destination gallery, even during First Friday, as it’s awkwardly out of the way (think past Lincoln theater side of Raleigh) and it’s tiny. During my visit they were showcasing two artists in Lump (I believe) and they had a balloon exhibit next door at Flanders. DO go to Lump on First Friday if you’re looking for a free drink, beer and wine is complementary, although please bring money for tips. DO go to Lump if you want to see something unusual, although you’ll probably be able to see it and process it in less then five minutes as the space restricts it to be small. DO go to Lump if it’s First Friday, during the SUMMER, and you want to enjoy the nice North Carolina weather, but please, if walking, go with someone, the neighborhood gets a little sketchy the closer you get.

For the most part Lump is one of the most interesting and enjoyable galleries in town. It is second only to Fish Market in its vibrant, interactive feel and party atmosphere.
Occasionally, though, the shows here are a little too far out for their own good. I’m all for the avant garde, and I appreciate challenging art… but I don’t think it’s good when you walk out of a gallery scratching your head and thinking «what the hell was that all about?» This is a rare occurrence, though, and I guess it’s cool that you never know what you’re going to find in there.
If you’re going on First Friday, go here first. They tend to close a little earlier than other spots.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I’ve spent at this little gallery.
Lump is run by artists, so they have the laid back feel of a place like Artspace. The focus at Lump seems to be on unknown artists, or underexposed artists, so a lot of times you’ll find work that has some very… unique features. Some of it’s good, some of it’s not so good, but that’s art.
Lump also has the occasional musical performance (well, I’ve seen at least one musical performance here; I believe they do it twice a year for fund raising). If you can, it’s well worth it to catch one of these and give money to a place like Lump.
Every time I come to Lump I feel inspired, and also awed by the works around me. Well worth checking out, just make sure you go when there’s an exhibition that looks interesting to you.