Shelley Smith Art Opening + Valentine’s Day Chocolate + Smut Psalm Erotic Poetry Celebration + Rising Thistle

Shelley Smith’s Give Me Something Endless is a series of limited-edition metal prints that explore the connection between inner and outer sacred spaces. By blending original photographs of earth and sky into ethereal, dreamlike compositions, Smith invites viewers to reflect on the quiet, everyday moments that, when cherished, reveal profound meaning. These liminal landscapes serve as meditative spaces, asking us to reconsider what we hold most dear. The series will be on view at Rebus Works throughout the month of February.

A North Carolina native, Shelley Smith is a contemporary artist and curator whose photo-based works transform the overlooked into the extraordinary. Printing on aluminum, paper, and textiles, she crafts otherworldly compositions that elevate fleeting moments in nature. As the Founding Director of Anchorlight, she has championed the local art scene since 2016. Smith holds a Master of Art and Design from North Carolina State University and has exhibited widely, including her acclaimed 2024 solo show Time Isn’t After Us at Ortega y Gasset Projects in Brooklyn, named a “Must See” by ArtForum.

For more information on Shelley Smith, see our gallery page here.

Opening Saturday 2/8, 6-8pm

Long before chocolate became the sweet treat we crave today, the Mayans and Aztecs were sipping it like liquid gold—literally. The Mayans saw it as a divine gift, worthy of ceremonies, while the Aztecs took it a step further, using cacao beans as actual currency (imagine buying your groceries with a handful of chocolate!). But this wasn’t your average sweet treat—early chocolate was a bold, frothy, spiced-up brew, believed to grant strength and vitality. Reserved for warriors, nobles, and royals, it was less of a dessert and more of an elite power potion. Basically, the original energy boost… with a side of sacred status.

Today, chocolate isn’t just a sweet treat, Valentine’s staple, or Cadbury marketing strategy—it’s basically a mood-boosting, heart-loving, brain-powering superfood (in moderation, of course). Packed with serotonin-boosting tryptophan and endorphin-releasing magic, chocolate has science-backed credentials for making us feel good. Dark chocolate goes even further, delivering a dose of flavonoids that help improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and may even lower the risk of heart disease. Some say it’s an aphrodisiac, others call it brain fuel, but one thing’s for sure—whether for love, focus, or just pure indulgence, chocolate always delivers!

So step into chocolate heaven at Rebus, where we’ve assembled a lineup worthy of the gods themselves—rich dark chocolate, creamy milk chocolate, luxurious sipping chocolate, and an array of chocolate-covered delights that’ll make your taste buds sing. Whether you're after a bold bite, a smooth sip, or just an excuse to indulge, we’ve got the goods. As a bonus, our very own Chris has handpicked the perfect beer to pair with each chocolate, elevating every bite with a complementary sip. So come on in, pay tribute to the cocoa bean, and treat yourself or your partner to something divine!

Indulgence meets intelligence with Date Better's Peanut Butter Crisp—a snack that satisfies cravings while doing your body good. It all starts with chewy Medjool dates, nature’s powerhouse packed with fiber, antioxidants, and brain-boosting compounds. These sweet gems are then stuffed with creamy natural peanut butter and crunchy cacao nibs, which help kickstart serotonin and dopamine levels (aka, your happiness hormones). As if that wasn’t enough, they’re enrobed in rich, organic, fair-trade 85% dark chocolate—free from soy, emulsifiers, and anything that doesn’t belong in a treat this pure. So, this Valentine’s Day, give the gift of sweetness that truly gives back—because love (and chocolate) should make you feel good inside and out!

This pairs beautifully with Fullsteam’s ADSR Coffee Helles Lager: a light-bodied, malt-forward brew with a smooth coffee kick—balanced, refreshing, and never too heavy. Its toasty, slightly sweet notes make it a perfect match for Date Better’s Peanut Butter Crisp. The lager’s roasted coffee essence enhances the nutty richness of peanut butter, while its crisp finish cuts through the PB Crisp’s natural sweetness, creating a deliciously satisfying contrast. Together, they deliver the perfect balance of bold flavor and light refreshment—like your favorite morning coffee paired with a peanut butter treat, but even better!

Spring & Mulberry Bergamot

With a fresh delivery of Spring & Mulberry's brand-new dark chocolate varieties just in time for Valentine’s Day, Jamie recently found herself facing one of life’s most delightful dilemmas: which one to try first. Coffee? Blood orange? Bergamot? Ultimately, she went with bergamot—an all-time favorite (yes, she’s a die-hard Earl Grey and Lady Grey fan) and a flavor that never fails to intrigue her. Bergamot can be tricky—sometimes too strong, sometimes barely there—but this one? Outstanding. Perfectly balanced with lavender, it delivers a bold yet delicate citrus essence, creating a true “spa in your mouth” experience. 10/10 recommend.

Chris has chosen to pair this with Resident Culture's Friendship is Free Witbier, and it’s a match made in flavor heaven. The effervescent, citrusy notes of the Witbier—light, refreshing, and slightly spiced—perfectly complement the chocolate’s zesty aromatics while cutting through its richness. Together, they strike a beautiful balance of dark, bright, and refreshing, making each bite and sip an experience worth savoring.

At Rebus, we’re big fans of Fine & Raw’s chocolate bars. Seriously, we love them all—from the tiny 1.5oz Truffle Chunky bar to the full-size Signature Raspberry bar. The great thing is that they come in a variety of sizes, so you can grab a 1oz bar at Rebus without having to fight the urge to devour an entire full-size one. That said, their 2oz Signature Raspberry bar tends to find its way into our home pantry with surprising ease. This bar is the real deal—no synthetic additives, just pure, natural ingredients. With the perfect balance of juicy raspberry tang and the fruity depth of Fine & Raw’s heirloom cacao, it’s a match made in flavor heaven. And with its vibrant raspberry twist, it’s the perfect chocolate to share with someone special this Valentine’s Day.

Chris has paired this rich, velvety, bright bar with Oxbow Brewing Co.'s Town Line Porter, bringing a perfect balance of deep cocoa and tart fruitiness. The Town Line Porter’s smooth, roasted malt character, with hints of chocolate and coffee, enhances the bar’s decadence while its subtle bitterness keeps the sweetness in check. The result? A luxurious, slightly tangy, and deeply satisfying pairing that lingers beautifully on the palate.

Zotter's Caramel & Lemon chocolate bar is a decadent treat that’s as sweet as it is zesty—think of it as a citrusy kiss from a caramel cloud. The smooth, melt-in-your-mouth caramel filling is beautifully balanced by the bright, tangy lemon, which cuts through the sweetness like a refreshing breeze on a warm day. The silky chocolate coating ties it all together, letting the bold flavors shine while adding a touch of indulgent richness. It’s the perfect marriage of indulgent sweetness and vibrant citrus zing.

To elevate the experience, Chris has paired this delightful bar with Fonta Flora's Doom Tree Kolsch-Style Lagerbier, and the result is a pairing that’s both bold and beautifully balanced. The creamy caramel and zesty lemon in the chocolate complement the beer’s elderflower and lemon zest, amplifying the citrusy brightness and creating a fresh, lively combo. The beer’s floral, herbal undertones work magic with the tangy lemon, while its hoppy finish enhances the rich caramel—like a harmonious dance of flavors that’s equal parts sweet, tangy, and floral. It’s a quirky pairing that’ll leave you craving more with every bite and sip.

This Valentine’s Season, we’ll be waxing poetic in more ways than one. Join us at Rebus Works for a pre-Valentine's Day erotic poetry celebration led by award-winning poet Josh Tvrdy. The first hour will feature an open mic, so come prepared with your most sensual poems! The second hour will feature erotic poetry readings by three local poets: Prairie Moon Dalton, Mackensie Pless, and Josh Tvrdy, who will be reading from his new book of poems, Smut Psalm. Josh's work swings between sex and confession, humor and devastation. Through queer raunch and sheer strangeness, Smut Psalm attempts to transform a repressive evangelicalism into something playful. Copies will be available for purchase.

Josh Tvrdy (he/him) is a writer, editor, and teacher from Tucson, Arizona. Winner of Button Poetry's 2023 Chapbook contest, his first chapbook, SMUT PSALM, is available now. Winner of a 2021 Pushcart Prize, his poems can be found in The New England Review, POETRY, Image Journal, The Georgia Review, and elsewhere. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, hard at work on his first novel.

Connect with Josh on social media:

Instagram: @josh_tvrdy

TikTok: @joshtvrdy

Thursday 2/13, 6-8pm (doors open at 5:30pm)

For more information click see our calendar page here!

It’s that time again! The Punk Rock Flea Market is now accepting applications for vendors and bands for its May 2025 incarnation.

Since 2019, Rebus Works has hosted this annual event, where eclectic style, edgy creativity, and DIY spirit collide. This underground haven in Raleigh showcases everything from vintage gems to handcrafted oddities, bringing together unique vendors, local artists, and rebellious souls. It’s a celebration of alternative culture, with live music, thrifty finds, and a vibe that screams punk. Whether you’re hunting for one-of-a-kind clothing, vinyl treasures, or quirky collectibles, expect to find something unexpected (and totally awesome).

Click here to apply.

Saturday, 5/3, 12-5pm

Sunday, 5/4, 12-5pm

Get ready, because your favorite Scots are making a tasty return to Rebus this Saturday! Rising Thistle, the gluten-free bakery from Raleigh that’s been winning hearts and minds (and taste buds!) with their Scottish-inspired treats, is back with all the goodies that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about gluten-free baking. These family bakers whip up mouthwatering creations in a dedicated gluten-free kitchen using the finest ingredients—plus, many of their delights are also dairy-free and soy-free. If you haven't tried them yet, now's your chance to taste why they've become a local favorite!

We are still reeling from the events that impacted our neighbors in the mountains, and we’re taking action by gathering GoFundMe campaigns and featuring them on our relief page. Many of the businesses we’ve reached out to that are still open have asked us to showcase their products, as they’re eager to attract autumn visitors. We’re also in the process of securing more of their offerings, so remember to think of Rebus when you begin your holiday shopping.

For more information on how you can help Western NC directly, go to our Hurricane Helene Relief page here.

Send a digital gift card instantly in any amount you choose

Buy Gift Card