Crafting Sanctuaries: Black Spaces of the Great Depression South

Crafting Sanctuaries: Black Spaces of the Great Depression South is a traveling photography exhibition that showcases how rural Black Southerners created safe, expressive domestic and communal spaces during a time of intense economic hardship and racial violence. The collection features works by seven Farm Security Administration photographers across six states, supplemented by North Carolina stories from the museum's own collection. This exhibit is best suited for middle schoolers, high schoolers, and parents who can appreciate historical photography and engage in conversations about American history. Admission to the Gregg Museum of Art & Design is entirely free, and you can find free visitor parking in the lot directly outside the museum off Hillsborough Street. Plan for about an hour to walk through the galleries, and note that large bags must be checked at the front desk. It makes an excellent weekend stop because it offers a quiet, reflective educational opportunity right on the edge of NC State's campus. You can easily pair a visit here with a walk around the nearby rose garden or a lunch spot on Hillsborough Street for a thoughtful, budget-friendly afternoon.

Last updated September 20, 2026