A place for everyone at Cabarrus Arts Council
Spotlight on volunteer Kathy Southworth
Kathy Southworth, left, is shown volunteering at the 10th annual dancing for the arts fundraiser event on Nov. 8, 2025, at the Davis Theatre in Concord.
CABARRUS ARTS CALENDAR
Often, the most meaningful connections to the arts begin with simply being in the right place at the right time and noticing what draws you in. For Cabarrus Arts Council volunteer Kathy Southworth, that moment came after retirement when she began looking for a way to stay engaged with her community.
Having lived in Concord for many years, Kathy knew she wanted to give back through volunteer work. She found the right fit at the Cabarrus Arts Council. “Everyone here is so great, so welcoming and friendly, including the other volunteers” she said.
That sense of belonging is what first drew her in and what has kept her involved ever since.
Before retiring, Kathy worked for many years as a legal assistant. After moving from Connecticut to North Carolina in 2000, she and her husband built a life in Concord, where she has remained ever since.
Although her professional background was not arts related, Kathy has always loved attending museums, concerts and performances. Through volunteering, she discovered a new way to deepen that appreciation. As a docent in The Galleries, she enjoys learning about each exhibition, helping install and deinstall shows, and gaining insight into the artists and their creative processes.
But for Kathy, it comes back to the people.
“A lot of it is the people,” she says. “You get to see the different displays, help set them up and take them down, and get a little insight on the artists. You get to learn more about the artists, more about what they’re doing.”
Her involvement did not stop there. Encouraged by fellow volunteers and staff, Kathy also began participating in Students Take Part in the Arts and ushering at performances. Whether helping coordinate buses and guide students safely into performances or greeting patrons at the Davis Theatre, she brings a steady, organized presence to every role.
“I’ve built relationships with a lot of the bus drivers,” she says. “At this point, we all just work together.”
When asked what she would say to someone considering volunteering, her answer is simple. There is a place for everyone.
“You can spend time in the galleries, you can usher and see performances, or you can work with the school programs. There are so many opportunities. It’s just a matter of which way a person wants to go.”
Kathy Southworth has become an important part of the CAC community, one of volunteers who help make the arts accessible and alive for all in Cabarrus County. We are so grateful!
Interested in volunteering?
Save the date! On Saturday, Aug. 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., join us for the Cabarrus Arts Council’s Biannual Volunteer Opportunity Fair.
RSVP: https://forms.gle/
RhAWdT44NWz7cYMq9
Meet current volunteers, get an overview of the upcoming season, and learn about opportunities, including:
Gallery attendants
Gallery attendants help create meaningful and welcoming experiences for visitors exploring The Galleries. After attending an orientation for each exhibition, attendants greet guests, answer questions about the artwork and the building, and support special events. A minimum commitment of three hours per month helps ensure consistent, engaging experiences for all who visit.
Ushers
Davis Theatre ushers ensure patrons feel welcome, comfortable and cared for during performances. They take tickets, escort guests to their seats, assist with concessions or merchandise, support the box office manager, and help ensure performers’ needs are met. Ushers complete a general training class and arrive early for each event to receive show-specific instructions.
Students Take Part in the Arts
Volunteer ushers help safely guide schoolchildren as they arrive for professional cultural arts performances — from unloading buses to seating classes efficiently. It’s a rewarding opportunity to witness exceptional performances while sharing in the excitement of young audiences. More than 30,000 students and teachers participate in this program each year.
Street Team
Street Team volunteers help energize Art Walk events by promoting activities, greeting visitors, and supporting a fun, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great way to connect the community with local artists, live music, and the vibrant energy of downtown.
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
(June 9 - June 15)
Felt Dino (KAN)- Wednesday, June 10, 5-6 p.m. — Ages 12-18 - Want a new keychain to add to your collection? Join us as we create our own felt dino keychain. No registration. For more information, visit Events for Cabarrus County Public Library at https://bit.ly/ C abarrusLibraryevents.
Art on the Go: Photography 101 (MID)- Wednesday, June 10, 5:30-6:30 p.m. — Ages 18+— Join us for this exciting introduction to Photography 101. Students will focus on the basics of photography and learn how to intentionally arrange visual elements — such as subjects, lines and shapes — within the frame to create impactful images. No experience necessary. Registration required (registration opened on May 26). For more information, visit Events, Cabarrus County Public Library at https://bit.ly/ C abarrusLibraryevents.
The Art of Weaving a CD (MTP)- Thursday, June 11, 4:30-5:30 p.m. — Ages 12-18 -Embrace your creativity by doing this fun craft! Use yarn to weave a pattern onto a CD and make a decorative wall hanging. It is sure to be a unique addition to any room. No registration. Limited seating. For more information, visit Events for Cabarrus County Public Library at https://bit.ly/ C abarrusLibraryevents.
Geode Diamond Painting (AFT)- Thursday, June 11, 5-6 p.m. — Ages 12-18 - Do you like rocks? Do you like trendy crafts? Join us for a diamond painting craft that looks like a cut geode. No registration. For more information, visit Events for Cabarrus County Public Library at https://bit.ly/ C abarrusLibraryevents.
Coffee & Canvas (MTP)-Saturday, June 13, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Ages 18+ - Follow a step-by-step painting tutorial while enjoying light refreshments and a cup of coffee. Excellent for beginners. No registration, with limited seating. For more information, visit Events for Cabarrus County Public Library at https://bit.ly/ C abarrusLibraryevents.
Art Club (HAR)- Saturday, June 13, 3:15-5 p.m. — Ages 12+ - Artists of all kinds are welcomed to drop-in and create in a group setting. Bring your own tools, or borrow some of ours, to work independently on your own works in progress or create something new from prepared art prompts. No registration. For more information, visit Events for Cabarrus County Public Library at https://bit.ly/ C abarrusLibraryevents.
Free Demo: Air Dry Clay-Sunday, June 14, 2-4 p.m. — Demonstration will be of a ceramic Face Jug, using natural air dry clay. Picture your traditional Face Jugs, with a twist! During this demo we will showcase skills such as hand sculpting facial features, using the score/ slip method to attach facial features to a vessel, and sizing each piece for the perfect expression. No need to register. This event is free and open to the public. No supplies needed. It will be at Clearwater Studios. Please arrive before 2 p.m. so as not to interrupt the instructor.
Art on the Go: Photography 101 presented by Cabarrus Arts Council (HAR)- Monday, June 15, 6-7 p.m. — Ages 18+— Discover the art of capturing striking images! This beginner-friendly, hands-on class teaches the fundamentals of composition — showing you how to arrange subjects, lines and shapes for maximum impact. No experience needed — just bring your curiosity. No registration. For more information, visit Events for Cabarrus County Public Library at https://bit.ly/ C abarrusLibraryevents.
Next week
(June 16-June 22)
Art on the Go: Photography 101 (CON)- Tuesday, June 16, 1-2 p.m. — Ages 18+ - Join us for this exciting introduction to Photography 101. Students will focus on the basics of photography and learn how to intentionally arrange visual elements — such as subjects, lines and shapes — within the frame to create impactful images. No experience necessary. No registration; supplies are limited. For more information, visit Events for Cabarrus County Public Library at https://bit.ly/ CabarrusLibraryevents.
Wind Chime Creation (MID)- Tuesday, June 16, 2-3 p.m. — Ages 55+ Paint your own terracotta pot wind chime just in time for summer! Made using just terracotta pots, wooden beads and paint, this wind chime is the perfect homemade addition to any garden or outside space. Registration required. For more information, visit Events for Cabarrus County Public Library at https://bit.ly/ CabarrusLibraryevents.
Improv 101 (CON)- Tuesday, June 16, 4-5 p.m. — Teens (Ages 12-18) - Come stretch your acting skills with this program. Improv 101 will teach you how to get in touch with your inner thespian. Join us for games, skits and more! No registration. Events for Cabarrus County Public Library at https://bit.ly/ CabarrusLibraryevents.
Geode Diamond Painting (HAR)- Thursday, June 18, 5-6 p.m. — Ages 12-18 - Do you like rocks? Do you like trendy crafts? Join us for a diamond painting craft that looks like a cut geode. No registration. For more information, visit Events for Cabarrus County Public Library at https:// bit.ly/CabarrusLibraryevents.
Ceramic Toad Houses Workshop — Saturday, June 20, 2-4 p.m. — Join us for a fun and creative afternoon building your very own whimsical ceramic toad house! Perfect for gardens, fairy spaces, or just a charming decorative piece, this hand-building workshop is great for all skill levels. Participants will be guided through shaping and decorating their own unique toad house using ceramic clay. All materials are provided, just bring your creativity. Spots are limited, so be sure to reserve your place early. We can’t wait to create with you! Register here: https://secure. rec1.com/N C/concord — nc/cat -alog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM5OD-gwNzA=.
Art on the Go: Photography 101 (MTP)- Monday, June 22, 6-7 p.m. — Presented by the Cabarrus Arts Council, Ages 18+ - Discover the art of capturing striking images! This beginner-friendly, hands-on class teaches the fundamentals of composition — showing you how to arrange subjects, lines, and shapes for maximum impact. No experience needed — just bring your curiosity. For more information, visit for Cabarrus County Public Library at https://bit.ly/ CabarrusLibraryevents.
Upcoming
Art on the Go: Photography 101 (KAN)- Tuesday, June 23, 6-7 p.m. — Ages 18+ - Join us for this exciting introduction to Photography 101. Students will focus on the basics of photography and learn how to intentionally arrange visual elements — such as subjects, lines and shapes — within the frame to create impactful images. No experience necessary. For more information, visit Events for Cabarrus County Public Library at https://bit.ly/ CabarrusLibraryevents.
Geode Diamond Painting (CON)- Thursday, June 25, 4-5 p.m. — Teens (Ages 12-18) - Do you like rocks? Do you like trendy crafts? Join us for a diamond painting craft that looks like a cut geode. No registration. For more information, visit Events for Cabarrus County Public Library.
The Art Of The Ring Pour — Fluid Art Workshop-Saturday, June 27, 12-1 p.m. — This 60-Minute workshop focuses on the Ring Pour, one of the most mesmerizing and foundational techniques in fluid art. Students will learn the “layered cup” process to create organic, woodgrain patterns. To add a personal touch, we will also demonstrate how to “wreck” the pour — using tools to disrupt the rings and cre -ate intricate, feathered designs and unique movement within the piece. For more information, visit www.clearwaterartists.org.
What’s The Stitch? (AFT)-Monday, June 29, 8 a.m. to 5 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. For more information, visit Events for Cabarrus County Public Library.
Art on the Go: Hand Quilting (KAN) — Tuesday, July 7, 6 p.m. — Ages 18+ - Join us for this fun, creative and mediative session, where participants learn to create a mini quilt using the traditional, manual technique of stitching together layers with a hand-sewn running stitch. No registration. For more information, visit Events for July 2026 -Cabarrus County Public Library.
Art on the Go: Hand Quilting (CON) — Thursday, July 9, 6 p.m. — Ages 18+ - Join us for this fun, creative and mediative session, where participants learn to create a mini quilt using the traditional, manual technique of stitching together layers with a hand-sewn running stitch. No registration. For more information, visit www.cabarru-sartscouncil.org.
Art on the Go: Hand Quilting (MTP)- Monday, July 13, 6 p.m. — Ages 18+ - Join us for this fun, creative and mediative session, where participants learn to create a mini quilt using the traditional, manual technique of stitching together layers with a hand-sewn running stitch. No registration. For more information, visit www.Cabarru-sArtsCouncil.org.
Art on the Go: Hand Quilting (AFT)- Wednesday, July 15, 6 p.m. — Ages 18+ - Join us for this fun, creative and mediative session, where participants learn to create a mini quilt using the traditional, manual technique of stitching together layers with a hand-sewn running stitch. No registration. For more information, visit www.Cabarru-sArtsCouncil.org.
Art on the Go: Hand Quilting (MID) — Monday, July 20, 5:30 p.m. — Ages 18+ - Join us for this fun, creative and mediative session, where participants learn to create a mini quilt using the traditional, manual technique of stitching together layers with a hand-sewn running stitch. No registration. For more information, visit www.Cabarru-sArtsCouncil.org.
Choir Camp for Young Voices — July 20-24, 9 a.m. to noon — Ages 7-12. Singing together is a fun and inspiring way to build musical skills and connect with others! Join us for Choir Camp, led by Jacqueline Yost — no experience needed! Pending enrollment, campers will be placed into a choir that best fits their experience level. Along with group singing, campers will have a chance to play ukulele as an elective, with plenty of fun activities in between. The week wraps up with a public performance at the Davis Theatre to showcase their hard work! For registration and more information, visit www.cabarrusartscouncil.org.
Ukulele: Level Up! Summer Camp — July 27-31, 9 a.m. to noon — Who doesn’t love a ukulele? Students ages 9-14, with at least some prior experience playing ukulele, are invited to join us for a week of learning and fun. We’ll find some new chords, learn to play melodies, practice arranging songs, learn some fingerstyle patterns, and have a great time making music together. The week will conclude with a group performance at the Davis Theatre. For registration and more information, visit www.cabarrusartscouncil.org.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Find the complete arts calendar online at www.independenttribune.com.
