The team behind Durham’s popular CenterFest Arts Festival adds a creative spark to RTP’s largest arts-focused experience to date.
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. [September 8, 2025] – Artistic passion and innovation will take center stage at “Live at Boxyard,” an interactive exhibition hosted at Boxyard RTP, the experiential dining and retail destination in the heart of Research Triangle Park (RTP). This year marks a milestone collaboration between Boxyard RTP and the team behind Durham’s acclaimed CenterFest festival, bringing together the region’s creative energy to showcase local artists in a dynamic, hands-on setting.
Taking place on Sept. 13, 2025, “Live at Boxyard” offers guests a behind-the-scenes look at how art comes to life, with opportunities to explore texture, observe techniques and engage with creativity in all forms. Highlights include live demonstrations and workshops such as:
- Wood block printing by Amy Friend
- Digital illustrations by Joe Cordaro
- Weaving and fiber petting zoo with Sydney Sogol
- Watercolor workshop with Ryann Carey
- Printmaking with Little Dog Print Shop
- Hand-building clay workshop with Delores Farmer
“As we reflect on our upcoming 50th anniversary, it’s more important than ever that we find partners and spaces that reflect our community and share our dedication to expanding access to the arts,” said Colleen Scott, artist services manager for the Durham Arts Council. “We invite everyone to embrace their inner artist and experience the vibrancy of our local cultural scene at this unique event.”
Boxyard RTP provides Triangle residents and visitors with a welcoming indoor-outdoor space to connect and be inspired. With weekly events, live music and an impressive lineup of local favorites in food, drink and retail, Boxyard RTP is home to some of the region’s most innovative creators and entrepreneurs. The venue cultivates an electric atmosphere that sparks creativity and new ideas.
“Live at Boxyard” goes well beyond just showcasing art; it creates experiences that connect people and celebrates the creativity that makes the Triangle unique,” said Amanda Ronan, senior director of placemaking for the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina, stewards of RTP. “The Durham Arts Council is known for its long-standing commitment to nurturing local talent, and their partnership not only enriches this beloved celebration but strengthens the ties between RTP and the region’s flourishing arts community.”
Boxyard RTP is located at 900 Park Offices Drive within Hub RTP, the vibrant downtown destination for RTP. To learn more about the event and this year’s participants, visit https://boxyard.rtp.org/live-at-boxyard-2025.
About Boxyard RTP
Boxyard RTP is a retail and venue space comprised of 40 upcycled shipping containers located on the western side of Hub RTP, the Park’s 100-acre downtown district. Here, people can unwind and enjoy an experience unique to the Triangle region. Committed to social entrepreneurship, Boxyard RTP represents a diverse mix of vendors, offerings and events that are accessible to people in and out of RTP. First opened in 2021, the venue includes an indoor-outdoor gathering space, dog park and performance stage with a robust event program featuring music, fitness classes, comedy nights and more. For more information, visit https://boxyard.rtp.org.
About Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina
Since 1959, the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina (RTF) has served Research Triangle Park in its mission to facilitate collaboration among our region’s industries, universities, and workforce and create economic impact for the residents of North Carolina by attracting the world’s most innovative companies and top-tier talent to North Carolina. Comprised of 7,000 acres, its boundaries are centrally located among Duke University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. RTP is home to 55,000 employees and more than 375 companies and national labs, including Apple, BASF, Biogen, Cisco Systems, EPA, Fidelity Investments, IBM, LabCorp, Lenovo, Eli Lilly, NetApp, NIEHS, RTI International and United Therapeutics. For more information, visit https://rtp.org.
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