Welcome Center at NCMA Park

About the Park
NCMA Park Map
Our first Meetup of 2026! Join the Raleigh Outdoor Painting Group for a day of plein air painting at the picturesque North Carolina Museum of Art Park.

We will meet at the Welcome Center 8am to 12pm
The Welcome Center is located adjacent to the upper Museum parking lots along Blue Ridge Road, near the smokestack. Restrooms, water fountains, food are available. Restrooms are open daily dawn to dusk; Current hours are Saturday through Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. For more information about the park and a map click on the links above.

If you are new to painting outdoors and want to know what to bring see my list of suggestions below:
camp chair, water, sunscreen, bug spray, hat, snacks/drinks
Watercolors are the easiest to start with and have great portability. I recommend pan watercolors, a water brush and a multimedia sketchbook. Also, a rag or paper towels. A music stand makes for a very inexpensive and portable easel.

Tips

• Wear comfortable clothing for the weather and supportive shoes for walking on uneven terrain.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen, and bug spray.
• Bring water and any other beverages or snacks you may want.
• If you don't have an easel or don't prefer standing, bring a folding chair/stool or picnic blanket.
• Make sure you're able to carry your supplies for short to medium distances, depending on your preferred painting location.
• Be aware of your surroundings and the weather. Watch out for uneven terrain and signs of heat exhaustion. Hike at your own risk. Stay hydrated.
• Leave the area as you found it or better. Bring any trash out with you.

We have a Facebook group too: Raleigh Outdoor Painting Group.
Please feel free to join us there.
Looking forward to seeing you,
Jaylene