At Cabarrus Arts Council, we’re committed to bringing you the most engaging and enriching arts experiences possible. We need your input! We’ve created a short survey to gather your thoughts and suggestions:
Every completed survey will enter you into a drawing to win two free tickets to Black Opry on Friday, May 3.
Responses will be accepted until Friday, April 26th.
Your feedback is invaluable to us, so please take a few moments to share your insights. Thank you for being a part of our vibrant community
To purchase tickets to Cabarus Arts Council events and concerts visit https://bit.ly/cabartstickets.
Give to the Cabarrus Arts Council: Help keep art alive in our community through a donation of any size. Visit cabarrus artscouncil.org/support/how-to-donate.
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This week
(Today-April 21)
Teen DIY: Zendoodle Watercolors — Thursday, April 18, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Combine these two creative methods to create a unique peace of art while reaching ultimate Zen mode. Teens; free; registration required; registration opens 2 weeks before the program occurs; Harrisburg Library, 201 Sims Parkway. For more information, visit www.cabarruscounty.us
Adult & Teen DIY: Pom-Pom Palooza — Friday, April 19, 5-6 p.m. We’re kind of obsessed with making pom poms. Ever wanted to try? Join us to learn! We’ll even show you how to use pom poms to make home decor items like flowers, a wreath, 3D art, or a wall hanging. Ages 10 and up; free; no registration required; Midland Library, 4297 C Hwy 24/27 E. For more information, visit www.cabarruscounty.us
CAG Class: Simple Negative Painting in Acrylics with Susan Lackey on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to noon. In this class, negative is good. It means that you will paint around your subject to create and develop it, creating a unique image. Lackey will demonstrate, then lead you through a series of very simple steps. You will finish with shading and embellishment to your design. You may elect to work in an expressively realistic or slightly abstracted manner. A supply list is provided so read it carefully. Lackey has been painting and teaching painting for many years. Her work is frequently on display in area galleries and proudly hangs in both private and corporate collections. Class cost is $60; registration required; registration closes April 15. For the supply list or to register, go to https://secure.rec1.com/NC/concord-nc/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTI3NjcyNTY=; ClearWater Arts Center & Studio, 223 Crowell Drive NW. For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org.
Windborne On Stage at the Davis Theatre — Friday, April 19, 8 p.m. Join us at the Davis Theatre for Windborne! With a 20-year background studying polyphonic music around the world, Lauren Breunig, Jeremy Carter-Gordon, Lynn Rowan, and Will Rowan share a vibrant energy onstage with a blending of voices that can only come from decades of friendship alongside dedicated practice. The ensemble shifts effortlessly between drastically different styles of music, drawing their audience along on a journey that spans continents and centuries, illuminating and expanding on the profound power and variation of the human voice. The singers educate as they entertain, sharing stories about their songs and explaining the context and characteristics of the styles in which they sing. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.cabarrusartscouncil.org
Harrisburg Art Walk Scholarship — The Harrisburg Art Walk Scholarship awards a one-time $1,000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior who demonstrates excellence in creative writing, dance, drama, music, or the visual arts. Eligibility: Students who are graduating from a public, private, or virtual high school or a home education program in Cabarrus County in the spring of 2024. Students should also have intent to study their field of art at the University level. For questions contact Shawn Marble at smarble@harrisburgnc.org or 704-455-0724. Application deadline is April 19; Free. For more information or to apply, visit www.harrisburgnc.org/461/Art-Walk-Scholarship
Next week
(April 22-28)
After Work Family Fun — Wednesday, April 24, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Join us for books, games, crafts, and a little bit of learning … all after the grown-ups get home from work! This month we will explore and experience “life in the pond”. Ages 6-11; free; no registration required; Concord Library, 27 Union St. N; For more information, visit www.cabarruscounty.us
Material Revelation Jewelry Exhibition Opening Reception — Thursday, April 25, 5-7 p.m. Join us at the Cabarrus Arts Council Galleries for the opening Reception of our Material Revelation Jewelry Exhibition! Material Revelation explores the work of 20 Contemporary Art jewelers using an array of non-traditional materials such as textiles, dirt, recycled plastic, tin cans, etc. Raising questions such as what is Jewelry and what is it made of? As a wearable work of art, each of the art jewelry pieces featured in Material Revelation questions preciousness, wearability, form, and style while exploring social and environmental issues through experimentation, and storytelling. Contemporary Art Jewelry as a form of communication takes the viewer and the wearer to a new perspective of what jewelry can be. Concessions available for purchase; free; no registration required; Cabarrus Arts Council, 65 Union St. S. For more information, visit www.cabarrusartscouncil.org
BrightFire Music & Arts Festival — Friday April 26, 6 p.m. to midnight and Saturday, April 27, noon to midnight. Dive into the heart of summer with the BrightFire Music & Arts Festival — a kaleidoscope of music, art, fire, dance, and nature at the beautiful GreenLife Family Farms this April 26 and 27 in Concord. Two-day family-friendly music and art exploration with some of the most gifted original music artists in the region spanning Rock, Funk, Jazz, Blues, World/Folk, Hip-Hop, and more! Enjoy the enchanting melodies of Dixon’s Violin to the pulsating rhythms of Tuatha Dea, Citron, Clarity, Shana Blake, Charlotte Flute Choir, and several other amazing artists. Grab your tickets now to immerse yourself into an unforgettable happening crafted by a collective of local and regional artists. Come for a day or the weekend with camping & glamping options. Choose from delicious food trucks, peruse the Art Market, and explore a variety of adventures and activities for all ages! The Friday and Saturday Fire Shows premiere all-new immersive and captivating performances of original music and fire. Be transported by Friday evening’s ethereal fire-lighting ceremony to the progressive build over the entire weekend culminating with community dancing and drumming each night at the bonfire. At night, a curated lineup of DJ’s gives a listening tour through crafted playlists of electronic, world, hip-hop, and more at the Elements barn stage. Traditionally, fire has been used for agricultural, land management, and practical purposes. Fire at BrightFire is also associated with new beginnings, growth, and emergence. All ages welcome; tickets required; GreenLife Family Farms, 281 Odell School Road, Concord, (near Concord Mills). For more information, to purchase a ticket, or to become an artist/vendor, visit brightfire.simpletix.com
Friends Spring Fling — Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join us for the second annual Friends Spring Fling, a book, craft, vendor and garage sale to benefit the Midland Library! The book sale will be inside the library, and the vendors will be set up outside of the library and Town Hall. The event will also feature Cabarrus Arts Council, demonstrations by Karate at the Crossroads and treats for sale from Bayou Sno Truck! Vendor spots are still available! Free; all ages; Midland, 4293-B Highway 24/27 East. For more information, call Margaret at 704-968-3602.
CAG Class: Tips and Tricks for Pastel Painting — Saturday, April 27, 1-4 p.m. Have you ever considered trying a new medium? Or possibly you’ve tried pastels in the past and encountered problems? This three-hour workshop will jumpstart your pastel skills and increase your enjoyment of this exciting, versatile medium. Bring your questions! Malia Bryngelson will discuss several topics in the class including translating a photo into a pastel painting, application methods and materials for successful outcomes. She will provide the pastel paper, but please bring pastels. Bryngelson is a pastel artist from Locust. Exploring the study of color and new mark-making techniques are the current themes of her work. Bryngelson has studied pastel painting with many nationally known pastel artists. Her award-winning work has been included in state and national exhibitions. Class cost: $45 for CAG members, $50 for nonmembers; Materials, no additional cost. Please bring your pastels. Registration required; adults; to register, send an email to Bryngelson at maliabryngel56@gmail.com. Instructor will provide details to pay by check at time of registration. Please note Location, 320 Copperfield Blvd., Suite 2, Concord (follow signs for Resurgence Neuro Therapy). For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org/classes.
Cabarrus Quilters Guild: Quilt Show — Friday, June 28, and Saturday June 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Join us for a Judged Quilt Show! Local and regional vendors, silent auction, White Elephant Boutique, raffle baskets and raffle quilts! Admission is $6. All ages welcome. West Cabarrus High School, common area, 4100 Weddington Road, Concord. For more information, visit www.cabarrusquiltersguild.org
Upcoming
Black Opry On Stage at the Davis Theatre — Friday, May 3, 8 p.m. Join us at the Davis Theatre for Black Opry! Black Opry is home for Black artists, fans and industry professionals working in country, Americana, blues, and folk music. Country and roots music have been made and loved by Black people since their conception. For just as long, we have been overlooked and disregarded in the genre. Black Opry is changing that. This concert will be a songwriter circle, featuring 3-4 of the brightest rising voices in country music. Cabarrus Arts Council, 65 Union St. S; For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.cabarrusartscouncil.org
CAG Watercolor Workshop: Let’s Design a Chair Planter — Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join Linda Griffin in this workshop where you will be using a chair planter as the subject. This will provide you with an opportunity to work with flowers, plants and architectural elements. Linda loves finding these chairs in which the caning has been removed and pots with flowers and plants inserted. Linda will have photos and tracings based on working on a 1/4 sheet size. (10” x 15”) for students to use while in class. You are welcome to bring your own photograph if you like. See Linda’s work at lindagriffin.com This workshop is for students with some experience in watercolor. Supply List: View Linda’s suggested supply list is on her website www.lindagriffin.com Class size varies between 8 and 12 people, students must be 18 unless accompanied by an adult; Registration Required; To register, send an email to Linda at lindag6@icloud.com; registrations will be accepted through May 1t; class cost: CAG members $110/nonmembers $115; payment must be made at the time of registration using Venmo, Zelle or sending a check to Linda directly; payment info and mailing details will be provided via email upon registration; please note Location: 320 Copperfield Blvd NE, Suite B, Concord (Follow signs for Resurgence Neuro Rehab). For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org/classes
The Garrison Experience and Paleface On Stage at the Davis Theatre of Cabarrus Arts Council — Thursday, May 9, 7 p.m. Discover your neighbors doing something beautiful! Two local/regional acts, one stage, one community forming through the arts. Join us! The Garrison Experience was founded by Charlotte-based dancer, choreographer, and teacher, Kyle Garrison Shawell, out of the need for a concert dance company that focuses on the aesthetic of jazz dance — the roots, the movements, and the performance.
https://www.thegarrisonexperience.com/ Paleface is a prolific American songwriter & recording artist that performs with his partner, Puerto Rican drummer, Monica “Mo” Samalot. The high-energy & full-sound duo, is currently on tour in support of their new album Beyond the Bells, produced by Paleface, mixed by Grammy nominated enginnerJason Richmond (The Avett Brothers, John Legend), and mastered by John Greenham, who’s received multiple Grammy awards, most recently with Billie Eilish. Cabarrus Arts Council; 65 Union Street S; For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cabarrusatrscouncil.org
Painting with Palette Knife and Acrylic Paints with Tricia Dudley – Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tricia will work with you to learn to use a palette knife to create paintings with very interesting textures and “marks” that together create a unique creation This class will explore using different palette knives to create both landscape and floral pieces. You will get to paint two pieces during. It does take time to learn how to use the many different types of palette knives available and how each makes different shapes and textures, but you will get a good start in the class. Tricia is a full-time artist. Over the years Tricia has explored different media, from pencil drawings, oils and acrylics. Tricia has collectors internationally and is displayed in galleries throughout North Carolina. You can view her art on her Facebook site Facebook.com/tricia1960 or Instagram at patriciadudley6985. Ages 18, and over, are welcome; Registration Required; To Register: Send an email to triciad226@gmail.com. Please register in advance. Payment can be made in advance/ or on day of class. Class cost: $60 CAG members/$70 nonmembers; pay by check or Venmo prior to class. Payment details will be provided at the time of registration. Note: Refunds will be made if cancellation 1 day before class; supply list: provided at registration; please note Location: 320 Copperfield Blvd. NE, Suite B, Concord (Follow signs for Resurgence Neuro Rehab). For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org/classes
Cabarrus Quilters Guild: Quilt Show — Friday June 28, and Saturday June 29, 9a.m. to 5p.m. Join us for a Judged Quilt Show! Local & Regional Vendors, Silent Auction, White Elephant Boutique, Raffle Baskets, & Raffle Quilts! Admission is $6; all ages welcome; West Cabarrus High School common area; 4100 Weddington Road, Concord. For more information, visit www.cabarrusquiltersguild.org
Ongoing
The Swanee Theatre is the place to be for moving and grooving through your week! Mark your calendars! Kannapolis Parks and Recreation is offering several dancing opportunities for all to enjoy: Mondays — Free line dancing, 6-8 p.m.; Tuesdays — Free dance. Walk. Party. A Fitness experience! 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Wednesdays — Shag dancing, $5 a person 6:30-9:30 p.m.; Come out to any or all of these events to make new friends and Discover a Healthy Life in Kannapolis. No registration needed, just come join the fun! For more information, visit www.facebook.com/CityofKannapolis.
Open Mic — Spotlight Series Every fourth Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Come join us for this incredible spotlight series and open mic! Sign up to share on the mic at the event, free to the public and best coffee in town! March 28 — Featuring Rocky Little; April 25 — Featuring Sidekick; May 23 — Featuring Lady V Poetry; June 27 — Featuring Frank Expressions. Free; no registration required; Wired Coffee Express, 469 N. Cannon Blvd. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/guerilla.poets.founders.
After School and Adult Art Classes in drawing, painting, pottery and sculpture. After-school classes from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and adult classes from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday one day per week for six weeks. For more information, call 704-786-8570.
North Carolina Music Hall of Fame — The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame Museum is a safe, fun, and touch-free visit for your friends and family! The museum is open to the public Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m., closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch. Reserve your visit at Make A Reservation — North Carolina Music Hall Of Fame, 600 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis.
Open Art Day — Every Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your lunch and drink, bring a project you are working on and your supplies. Or bring work you’d like to share and discuss. This is a working, weekly meeting, each Tuesday, to work with and share with artists and like-minded people who appreciate creativity. ClearWater Arts Center & Studios (223 Crowell Drive NW, Concord) — enter through the double glass doors facing Kerr Street, called the Greenway Gallery). For more information, go to cabarrusartguild.org.
Caffeinate with Creatives — Every Second Saturday, 10-11 a.m. The Concord area is filled with artists of all kinds, let’s take some time to get to know each other. Join us every second Saturday for coffee and creative conversations. All artists are welcome; no registration; free, coffee for purchase; ClearWater Arts Center & Studios (223 Crowell Drive NW, Concord). For more information, visit www.clearwaterartists.com.
Plein Air with the CAG — Calling all artists. First timers welcome. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the things, you think you need, this is a very informal gathering, and your fellow artists are happy to help. Reach out to get on the mailing list for various events. Has the idea or the fun of Plein Air ever fascinated you? Well first off, to explain, Plein Air is a French term meaning, “denoting or in the manner of a 19th-century style of painting outdoors, or with a strong sense of the open air, that became a central feature of French impressionism.” Some famous Plein Air painters were amongst the most impressive painters from history including Monet, Homer and Sargent. Within the Cabarrus Art Guild, a group of Plein air painters have banded together to enjoy the lovely North Carolina Piedmont and surrounding sites via Plein air. They have named themselves, “Dusty Road Painters” and meet to explore the indoors (inclement weather) and outdoors that offer countless opportunities to express one’s artistic curiosity and passion. Have questions or interested in joining this free group of adventurous artists? Reach out to Plein Air Chair, O’Lynda Walker at olynda.walker@gmail.com. Free. For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org.
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Course Offerings — Continuing Education courses available with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. In addition to career courses, we also offer personal enrichment courses. Call 702-216-7222 or register online at https://cce.rcc.edu/ The following link is continually updated with new course offerings: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hwaTI5nAM_bMAiQ_XooVkANHnnJOqN63/edit.
FREE Outdoor Movie Nights—Join us select Friday and Saturday nights from March through December as we enjoy iconic movies on the big screen! Bring a chair, grab a friend, and sip on a beer as you enjoy a FREE outdoor movie! Enjoy retro arcade games and throwback tunes 1 hour prior to the start of each movie. Food, drinks, & movie concessions will be available for purchase. Limited table seating will be available on a first come first serve basis—For the best viewing experience we recommend bringing your own chairs! This project is organized in partnership with Rice Family Community Events, Aurora Star Lit Cinema. and Cabarrus Brewing Co. and is supported by a grant from the Grassroots Arts Program of the @ncartscouncil, a state agency, and the @cabarrusartscouncil. Free; all ages; located in the parking lot in front of the Cabarrus Brewing taproom entrance, 329 McGill Ave. NW, Concord. For more information, to see the full line up, or to purchase tickets for another event, visit https://www.cabarrusbrewing.com/events-calendar/
Announcing the 2024 ClearWater Arts T-Shirt Design Contest! A Collaborative Project between ClearWater Arts Center & Studios, and Studio Print Shop apparel printing company. Funded by a Cabarrus Arts Council Grassroots Grant! Seeking Local Designers and Artists! Design a new T-Shirt for ClearWater Arts Center & Studios, to convey a message of Creative and Cultural Inclusion (and/or how cool and fun it is to come here) and possibly to win $1,000 towards supporting your creative work! Learn More by attending our Artist Info Meeting: Saturday March 30th at 2:00 p.m. in the Main Gallery at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios. Attendance is not required, but highly recommended. Entry DEADLINE is April 30, 2024, before Midnight. Applications must be submitted using our Online Application Form. See the Contest Rules & Guidelines PDF — which includes Eligibility, Rules and Design Guidelines — please make sure to READ IT CAREFULLY!! For more information or to apply, visit www.clearwaterartists.com/t-shirt-design-contest