Did you know that one of downtown Apex’s most beautiful cultural landmarks once housed the town’s police station, complete with jail cells? Today, that same building is filled with music, theater, art, and activities that bring our community together. And according to the people who run it, there are still longtime Apex residents who have never stepped inside. That’s something worth changing!
At our October 15 meeting, the Apex Lions Club welcomed Taylor Wray, Cultural Arts Center Manager, and Marie Neal, Cultural Arts Program Specialist, from The Halle Cultural Arts Center. They shared some fascinating history, introduced us to programs and events that many residents may not know about, and gave us a glimpse of what’s coming next for public art in Apex.
The Halle, located at 237 North Salem Street, has been part of Apex for more than a century. Over the years, the building has served as the town hall, fire station, police station, farmers market, and even a butcher’s location. Taylor explained that the original police station included two jail cells, and evidence of those cells can still be seen in the building today. Imagine that the next time you attend a concert there!
One of the most interesting details is that the upstairs auditorium still has its original stage and flooring. Today, the intimate 150-seat theater hosts performances ranging from local theater productions to jazz and classical music concerts. But performances are just part of the story.
Marie shared the remarkable variety of programs offered through The Halle. Children, teens, adults, and seniors can participate in classes, camps, and workshops covering visual arts, music, theater, dance, and other creative interests.
The Halle also hosts rotating art exhibitions, which means you don’t even need a ticket to enjoy some of what it offers. Residents can simply stop by and explore the artwork on display.
The building is also available for community rentals, including celebrations, showers, meetings, and special events.
And the cultural arts staff isn’t limited to activities inside The Halle. They also help bring outdoor entertainment to Apex, including the popular Rhythm and Reels summer music and movie series.
One message came through clearly: The Halle isn’t just a place to watch a performance. It’s a place to participate in the life of our community.
One of the evening’s most interesting discussions was about public art. Taylor also oversees the town’s Culture and Arts Advisory Board, which helps guide public art projects throughout Apex. Have you noticed the sculptures along Salem Street? Or the murals tucked around town? The new Apex Public Art Guide helps residents discover these works, including pieces they may have driven past countless times without noticing. We also learned that the downtown Sculpture Walk changes each spring, bringing new artwork for residents and visitors to enjoy. And there’s more on the way!
Taylor discussed two mural projects currently in development. One is planned for the retaining walls near the parking area behind The Halle, with installation hoped for later this year. Another is being planned for the Apex Nature Park Amphitheater. Both projects offer more opportunities to make our public spaces interesting, welcoming, and distinctly Apex.
Perhaps most importantly, residents have a voice in these projects. Taylor explained that proposed mural designs go through a public review process, giving the community an opportunity to provide feedback before final approval.
One of our favorite takeaways came from Marie, who emphasized how much the staff values feedback from residents. Would you like to see more bluegrass concerts? A particular type of art workshop? Different theatrical performances? Let them know! Marie explained that the feedback people provide through post-event surveys and direct communication genuinely influences future programming.
That’s a wonderful reminder that building a strong community isn’t just about attending events. It’s also about participating, sharing ideas, and helping make things better.
That message resonated with us as Lions. Since 1937, the Apex Lions Club has been committed to serving our neighbors. Our work includes vision screenings, assistance for people with visual impairments, youth programs, and partnerships with organizations that support people throughout our community. The Halle serves Apex in a different way, but there’s an important connection.
Strong communities need places where people can connect, opportunities where they can participate, and neighbors willing to contribute their time and talents.
We were reminded of that spirit during our own club announcements. Members recently helped support Apex Night Out featuring Touch a Truck, and our first blood drive brought out 27 individuals who donated blood. We’re also looking forward to another volunteer opportunity with NeighborUp. Whether we’re helping someone see more clearly, donating blood, volunteering with a local nonprofit, or supporting arts and culture, it all contributes to making Apex a great place to live.
We sincerely thank Taylor Wray and Marie Neal for spending the evening with us and sharing their enthusiasm for The Halle and the arts throughout Apex. If you haven’t visited The Halle lately, consider stopping by, exploring an exhibit, attending a performance, or signing up for a class. You can learn more at TheHalle.org and explore the town’s Public Art Guide.
And if you enjoy discovering new things about Apex, meeting neighbors who care about our town, and making a difference through community service, we’d love to introduce you to the Apex Lions Club. Like the Halle we are another one of Apex’s Best Kept Secrets.
Visit ApexLions.org to learn more about our activities or join us at an upcoming meeting.
There’s a lot happening in Apex, and there’s always room for another neighbor who wants to be part of it.
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