Join us for a fun-filled afternoon at the Gregg Museum of Art & Design to celebrate the opening of Grounded by acclaimed artist Maya Freelon. 

Drawing on her signature use of delicate tissue paper, Freelon transforms the galleries into an immersive environment that honors both fragility and resilience. In Grounded, the red clay and soil of North Carolina become central materials and metaphors, asking us to consider what it means to create sanctuary in uncertain times and how the land itself holds memory, pain, and possibility.

The community celebration will include local organizations highlighting African American heritage and wellness, along with special performances by Tre. Charles, Johnny Lee Chapman III, and NC State’s Panoramic Dance Project. 

You are invited to Connect. Celebrate. Get Grounded. Please read more about the timed activities below.

Celebration Program Schedule

1 p.m. | Celebration Begins

Enjoy ongoing activities throughout the museum and grounds from 1-5 p.m., including a collaborative Tissue Paper Quilting activity inside the Grounded exhibition, community organization tables, a food truck and more. Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and light treats will be provided. 

1:15–1:45 p.m. | Panoramic Dance
Experience a special performance choreographed by Christa Oliver and featuring NC State students. The performance begins outside the museum’s main entrance, inviting visitors to follow the dancers into the galleries for a brief performance before moving together outdoors. Accessible seating will be available for visitors who need accommodations. The program is primarily designed for standing-room viewing. 

1:45–2:10 p.m. | Welcome and Opening Remarks with artist Maya Freelon
Opening remarks with artist Maya Freelon, Gregg Museum Director Sara Segerlin, and special guests, at the concert stage by the front lawn.

2:15–3:45 p.m. | Tre. Charles concert at the Museum Lawn
Enjoy an outdoor concert on the lawn featuring Tre. Charles and band.  Please feel free to bring a lawn chair or blanket.

2:45–3 p.m. and 3:30–3:45 p.m. | Spoken Word with Johnny Lee Chapman
Raleigh Poet Laureate Johnny Lee Chapman presents two intimate spoken word performances in Crafting Sanctuaries.

3:45–4:15 p.m. | Panoramic Dance
A second opportunity to experience Panoramic Dance with Christa Oliver and NC State students, beginning outside the museum entrance and moving through the galleries and outdoors. Accessible seating will be available for visitors who need accommodations. The program is primarily designed for standing-room viewing. 

5 p.m. | Celebration Concludes 

Parking: The Gregg Museum parking lot will be closed for the celebration. Visitors may park in the Ferndell public parking lot or at Pullen Arts Center, where parking is free on Saturdays. These alternate parking locations are approximately 2–4 blocks from the museum. Please visit the Gregg Museum website for additional parking information: https://gregg.arts.ncsu.edu/about/visit/alternate-parking-locations-for-the-gregg-museum/

Free and open to the public. Please register for the general event, and feel free to drop in anytime between 1 and 5 p.m.