District 26 Studios is a new multifaceted and creative space in Fayetteville, that will be presenting its first art exhibit titled Arte Exhibit.26. It will be taking place on Nov. 16 . from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. The exhibit will be a combination of music, art, and fashion intertwining under one roof, featuring different artists from Fayetteville and Raleigh. Exclusive clothing collaborations between local brands, live performances, and incredible art will also be on display from familiar and fresh faces to the community.

     The event is being spearheaded by Maria Tainatongo, owner of District 26, as well as James Gonzalez and Robert Foy, two local artists who have helped curate and create the studio space with Maria. These individuals have been solely responsible for keeping artist showcases alive in the city, by throwing quarterly events and creating platforms for artists to collaborate and share their artistry.

     The art scene in Fayetteville is no stranger to having local spaces that bridge the many mediums of art and self-expression together. Over the past few years, several incredible spaces that have built everlasting communities come and go. Spaces like Gallery 116 th , The Creative Space Station, and even the Drunk Horse pub have paved the way for many creative people to connect and express themselves with other like-minded individuals.

     “We built this space out of necessity for artists to have a place to call home. It is important for people to have a calming space to think and create freely,” says Tainatongo. Tainatongo has made a name for herself around the city through her brand Art and Sole, as well as TwoSix.26, a Showcase that was a collaboration between her and Gonzalez. Maria has also been working with Foy, also known as Milly Mcjaggurr (Westside Milly), with their local showcase called “The Villian’s Den.”

     District 26 studios is unique in many ways and they plan to prove that with the Arte Exhibit.26. Milly Mcjaggurr, the Artist and curator of the Villian’s Den, is urging the community to come out to this event to see all the hard work that’s been put into the studio. “I want see the people come in and enjoy what we’ve put all of our effort into, when people doubted us,” Mcjaggur said. While the doors officially open on Nov. 16, the space was acquired back in January and has already made itself a home for artists to make music, host album release parties, do photoshoots, and make merchandise. The studio is a hub for artists, and the collaborators of the space are bringing these different worlds together to create an interactive and exclusive exhibit that everyone who cares about art needs to experience.  

     To all of the art and music lovers who want to experience a new and eclectic creative space, please join in this Saturday, Nov. 16 at the Arte Exhibit.26 , from 8 p.m. to 11 pm. located at 991 Old Mcpherson Church Road.