CABARRUS ARTS CALENDAR
Each year, the Cabarrus Arts Council commissions creatives through Local Art Lift to create original works that serve as the centerpieces for tables at our annual fundraiser, Breakfast for the Arts.
This year's Local Art Lift artists include April Simmons, Grant Maginnis and Maria Frey, three talented creatives working right here in Cabarrus County. April will be creating small square paintings in her signature style. Grant is crafting hand-turned bowls that combine Caribbean rosewood with white oak native to North Carolina. Maria is creating a series of functional ceramic pitchers.
"Over the past few years, I've become fiercely local," says Grant. "The idea that you go to a local business, you support a local artist. That's a family. That's a dream that these people have. When you spend your $10, $20, or $2,000 with a local person, they're going to put that back into the local community.”
Each piece created for Local Art Lift is available for purchase in advance and at Breakfast for the Arts on May 7. Purchasing in advance is the best way to make sure you get a piece you love while directly supporting local artists.
■ $100 per piece
■ Three pieces for $275
Pieces can be purchased online. The photos shown are examples. Each finished piece will be very similar in style but completely unique.
Want to hear more of the stories behind the artists? Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing artist interviews on our social media. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @cabarruscouncil to follow along!
Support the arts
Want to see art in your community? Consider making a gift to the Cabarrus Arts Council: Help keep art alive in our region through a donation of any size. Visit cabarrusartscouncil.org/donate.
This week
(March 17-March 23)
Macrame Madness: Mushroom Necklace (CON)- Tuesday, March 17, 5:30-7 p.m. — Ages 13+ - Ready for some Macra-mayhem?! Join us and create a mushroom necklace! Materials will be provided; registration required. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 - Cabarrus County Public Library.
MP Literary Festival: Cathy Pickens- Thursday, March 19, 4 p.m. — The Friends of the Mt. Pleasant Library present the Mt. Pleasant Literary Festival: Chapter 2: The Story Unfolds, a three-day celebration of books, authors and the literary arts, coming to the Mt. Pleasant Library on March 19-21. All #mplitfest events are free, but registration is required as seating is limited. Go to www.mpfol.org/mp-literary-festival for more information on all the authors and events!
Paint & Chat (KAN)- Thursday, March 19, 6-7:30 p.m. — Ages 18+ - Join us for a fun painting project! Chat, paint and maybe learn a new skill. The painting project will vary each session with hands-on guidance provided. No registration, and supplies are limited. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 - Cabarrus County Public Library.
Spring Blooms: A Colored Pencil Workshop- Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Join artist Lisa Albinus for a three-hour colored pencil workshop focused on creating a soft spring floral in pinks, creams and greens. Students will work from a provided line drawing, learning layering and blending techniques to bring their flower to life. This class is designed to build confidence with colored pencils without requiring a large supply list or advanced drawing skills. All levels are welcome. For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org.
Procreate Basics: The Artist’s Hand in a Digital World- Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — A beginner-friendly, hands-on introduction to Procreate focused on true, hand-drawn digital art — not AI. Students will learn the Procreate interface, brushes, layers, masking, color tools and export options while completing a guided illustration and turning it into a professional-quality digital sticker. For registration and more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org.
Loop There It Is! — HandKnit a Peeps Bunny (CON)- Monday, March 23, 2-3 p.m. — Learn the basics of hand-knitting while creating an adorable Peeps Bunny! We’ll cover how to get started and practice essential hand-knitting techniques you can use in future projects. Use your bunny as a cozy pillow or a sweet stuffed friend for someone special. All supplies provided, but limited seating. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 - Cabarrus County Public Library.
Macrame Madness: Clover Keychains* (KAN)- Monday, March 23, 5-7:30 p.m. — Ages 13+ - Ready for some Mac-ra-mayhem?! Join us and create lucky clover keychains! Materials will be provided; registration required. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 - Cabarrus County Public Library.
Next week
(March 24-March 30)
Loop There It Is! Hand-Knit a Peeps Bunny (KAN)- Tuesday, March 24, 6-7:30 — Ages 18+ - Learn the basics of hand-knitting while creating an adorable Peep Bunny! We’ll cover how to get started and practice essential hand-knitting techniques you can use in future projects. Use your bunny as a cozy pillow or a sweet stuffed friend for someone special. No registration, and limited supplies. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 — Cabarrus County Public Library.
Kid Krafters (CON)- Wednesday, March 25, 4:305:30 p.m. — Ages 6-11 - It’s March Mystery Madness! Craft a “spy kit” you can use for all your mystery-solving needs. No registration. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 - Cabarrus County Public Library.
Macrame Madness: Coasters (CON)- Thursday, March 26, 5:30-7 p.m. — Ages 13+ - Ready for some Macra-mayhem? Join us and create pie-themed macrame coasters! Materials will be provided; registration required. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 - Cabarrus County Public Library.
Southern Piedmont Woodturners NEW Monthly Meeting & Workshop- Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m. to noon — The Southern Piedmont Woodturners Association leases a large space at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios (Studio 122), and has about 65-70 members. See their Artist Page on this website for images and/or their own web-site for more info. Southern Piedmont Woodturners (SPW) has changed its regular monthly meeting schedule for the New Year (2026), from the third Tuesday evening to fourth Saturday morning. Non-members are welcome to attend the first time for free. “Open Turning” and Workshop events for members occur regularly. Any participation in turning activities, unless advertised as a Public Workshop, is only allowed after joining the club and taking appropriate training. For more information, visit www.clearwaterartists.com.
Art Walk on Union- Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.- Gather the family and head to downtown Concord for a day of fun at Art Walk, an all-day arts festival celebrating handmade artwork from local artists and makers. Enjoy live music, food trucks, local brews and wines, and special participation from downtown shops and restaurants. Be sure to stop by The Galleries to explore our current exhibition and browse our gift shop featuring artwork from local and regional artists! For more information, visit www.cabarrusartscouncil.org or call 704-920-2787.
OMG, You Knitted That?! (MID)- Saturday, March 28, 4-5 p.m. — Ages 12 + - Unlock your potential with Knitting in the Round. Beginners can learn the basics of knitting, while experienced knitters can try out patterns/suggested patterns from some of the knitting books that would be at the program for reference. No registration or prior skills required; all skill levels are welcome. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 - Cabarrus County Public Library.
Craft, Play and Connect (MID)- Monday, March 30, 3:30-5 p.m.- Family. Looking for something to do with the kids after school? Join us the last Monday of the month for stories, crafts, games and snacks. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate. Drop in. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 - Cabarrus County Public Library.
Crafter’s Corner-Self-Care (MTP)- Monday, March 30, 4-5 p.m. — Adult 18+ - Join us to make aromatherapy body or lip scrubs to spoil your dry winter skin and get it ready for spring, using simple household items! No registration is needed. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 - Cabarrus County Public Library.
What’s The Stitch? (AFT)- Monday, March 30, 5-7 p.m. — Ages 10+ - A club for all yarn enthusiasts, bring your projects to work on with other hobbyists — whether it’s crochet, knitting or weaving! Drop-in, and supplies are limited. Room 117. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 - Cabarrus County Public Library.
Upcoming
Let’s Paint: Spring Flowers (MTP)- Tuesday, March 31, 4-5 p.m. — Ages 6-11-Celebrate the arrival of Spring with your own artistic masterpiece! We will use some simple household items to paint bright and colorful flowers! No registration. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 - Cabarrus County Public Library.
Paint to Sip! PAINT & PLANTERS (Workshop)- Tuesday, April 7, 10 a.m. to noon — Decorate a terra cotta pot to give as a gift or use in your own home. Includes indoor plant as well. A Parks & Recreation associate leads this fun morning workshop. For registration and more information, visit www.clearwaterartists.com/events.
OPENING RECEPTION: Impulse 2026: RCCC Annual Student Art Show- Friday, April 10, 5-7 p.m. — Join us to celebrate another year of fabulous artworks by the students of the Fine & Applied Art Department at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC)! Open to the public with light refreshments provided by students and sponsors. For more information, visit www.clearwaterartists.com.
Ongoing
The Cabarrus Art Guild’s Open Art Tuesdays- Every Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Guild welcomes visitors for first-time visits free at weekly Open Art Tuesdays at ClearWater — in the Lower Level, “Greenway Gallery.” Enter through the double glass doors facing Kerr Street, in the Main Building. Guild members come as often as they like. Bring lunch, a project and your supplies. Sometimes a member gives a “Pop-Up” class! The Guild is a ClearWater Tenant in Lower-Level Studio LL-102. See the Cabarrus Art Guild Profile Page. For more information, visit www.clearwaterartists.com.
Learn the Age-Old Art of Pastels— Pastel classes are offered by Regina Burchett on an individual or small group basis. Classes are typically two hours in length, and the materials are included for the first two classes, to ensure that the student will get to experience working with pastels before they commit to an investment in materials. Individual classes are $30 per two-hour session. Note: Regina moved from her ClearWater Studio to a home studio in July 2017, so individual lessons may be given there. Group classes at ClearWater Artist Studios may be public, or private (i.e. limited to a group you select). Group classes require a minimum of four students and max of 10. Age 10 and older. Contact Regina at 704-925-9838 for more information. Her website is www.reginaburchett.com.
Sip & Stitch at West Loop Local — Mondays at 6 p.m. This is an extension of our Tuesday Hooks & Books meet-up. Anyone is welcome to join, just bring your crochet or knitting project to work on. You’re welcome to purchase your own food and drink from the West Loop Local menu! We meet upstairs at West Loop Local (231 West Ave). For more information, visit www.editions-bookstore.com.
Puddle Painting Workshop — Every Monday from 6:307:30 p.m. Experience the mesmerizing art of fluid acrylic pouring in this intuitive, hands-on workshop. Choose from three canvas sizes and let your creativity flow — no experience needed! Come solo or bring a friend for fun, stress-free, painting adventure! All ages welcome. RSVP required at High Branch Brewery, McGill Avenue Northwest #100. For more information or to RSVP, visit www.tuxedokat.com.
Community Survey: Concord Public Art Commission Project — A new public art project is coming to Les Myers Park in Concord. Help guide the mural design by participating in the online survey. To fill out the survey, visit www.publicinput.com/concordmural.
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 from 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. Free; no registration required at 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 4:306:30 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 is at 223 Crowell Drive NW, Concord — enter through the double glass doors facing Kerr Street, called the Greenway Gallery. For more information, go to cabarru sartguild.org.
Caffeinate with Creatives — Every Second Saturday from 10-11 a.m. The Concord area is filled with artists of all kinds, so 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; with coffee for purchase at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios, 223 Crowell Drive NW, Concord. For more information, visit www.clearwa-terartists.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? 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 among 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/. New course offerings can be found at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hwaTI5nAM_bMAiQ_XooVkANHnnJOqN63/ edit.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Find the complete arts calendar online at www.independenttribune.com.
