Art On The Go
Program brings creativity to Cabarrus libraries this summer
Participants in this class worked on their quilting skills.
CABARRUS ARTS CALENDAR
This summer, two local artists shared their talents with the community through the Cabarrus Arts Council's Art on the Go program. Presented in partnership with Cabarrus County libraries and other local organizations, Art on the Go brings free, hands-on arts experiences to communities throughout Cabarrus County.
In June, photographer Edward Wright of Wrightdesign75 Photography led Photography 101 workshops at library branches across the county. Participants explored the fundamentals of photography, learning how to intentionally compose images by using visual elements such as subject, lines and shapes to create compelling photographs.
"It's been amazing," Wright said. "I'm just grateful to be able to give back to the community and have some kind of impact. I encourage everyone to keep supporting the arts — support locally, support your local arts council, support your libraries. Keep paying it forward."
Learn more about Edward Wright: www.wrightdesign75.com.
In July, fiber artist Devann Donovan introduced participants to The Art of Hand Quilting at Cabarrus County libraries. Donovan's work embraces experimentation and play, spanning quilting, weaving, sewing, painting and crochet while exploring themes of family, memory and storytelling.
During her workshops, participants created their own mini quilts using the traditional technique of hand-stitching layered fabric with a running stitch. Through the process, they were encouraged to tell their own stories through textile art.
"I think it's really great how the libraries have partnered with the Cabarrus Arts Council to present Art on the Go," Donovan said. "You have all these literal stories and books around you, and then you have new artists coming in and making their own visual stories right there."
Learn more about Devann Donovan: www.devanndonovan.com.
Missed the Summer Workshops?
Join us this September for Pop Jewelry for Teens & Adults, a free beginner-friendly workshop where participants will learn how to use basic jewelry-making tools to create colorful, beaded jewelry. No experience is necessary.
Here is the schedule:
Afton — Sept. 10 at 4 p.m.
Harrisburg — Sept. 14 at 5:30 p.m.
Kannapolis — Sept. 15 at 6 p.m.
Midland — Sept. 16 at 5:30 p.m.
Mt. Pleasant — Sept. 28 at 6 p.m.
Concord — Sept. 29 at 4 p.m.
All Art on the Go workshops are free to attend.
Learn more about the Art on the Go program at: https://cabarrusartscoun-cil.org/art-on-the-go/.
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 cabarru-sartscouncil.org/donate.
This week
(July 28-Aug. 3)
Flower Bookmarks (AFT) — Thursday, July 30, 6-7 p.m.— Adults 18+— Unearth your latest summer story with your own DIY pressed flower bookmark! No registration. For more information, visit Events for July 2026— Cabarrus County Public Library: https://bit.ly/CabarrusLibrary.
Next week
(Aug. 4-Aug. 10)
Community-Made Granny Squares— Tuesday, Aug. 4, 6-7 p.m.— Ages 18+— Join us in creating a community-made blanket using crocheted granny squares! Contribute by donating granny squares or joining a class to learn how to crochet. Sponsored by the Friends of Kannapolis Library. Registration is required. For more information, visit Events for August 2026— Cabarrus County Public Library: https://bit.ly/CabarrusLibrary.
Community-Made Granny Squares Drop In (KAN)— Aug. 14, 2-4 p.m.— Ages 18+— Join us in creating a community-made blanket using crocheted granny squares! Contribute by donating granny squares or dropping in to make them on your own using our supplies. Sponsored by the Friends of Kannapolis Library. Drop in. For more information, visit Events for August 2026— Cabarrus County Public Library: https://bit.ly/CabarrusLibrary.
Cabarrus Arts Council Volunteer Opportunity Fair! — Saturday, Aug. 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.— Interested in volunteering? Join us for a glimpse into the next season at the Cabarrus Arts Council. Mix and mingle with current volunteers while learning about our volunteer opportunities, including internships, ushering performances, docent programs, school programs, community art activities, and street team volunteers! For more information, visit www.cabar-rusartscouncil.org.
Anyone Can Paint! Relaxed Social Paint Nite— Saturday, Aug. 15, 5-8:30 p.m.— Unwind, get creative, and enjoy a relaxed, social painting experience — no prior art experience required! This course invites adults of all skill levels to explore acrylic painting through guided, step-by-step instruction in a welcoming and low-pressure environment. For more information, visit www.clearwaterartists.com.
Good Morning Makers Market— Saturday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.— This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your handmade goods, artwork, crafts, boutique items, and unique creations in a welcoming arts-centered environment. Connect with shoppers, meet fellow makers, and be part of a growing creative community. For more information, visit www.clearwater-artists.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.reginabur-chett.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.edi-tionsbookstore.com.
Puddle Painting Workshop — Every Monday from 6:30-7:30 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! 5:306:30 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 7:309:30 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. Afterschool 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.clearwat-erartists.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 702216-7222 or register online at https://cce.rcc.edu/. New course offerings can be found at https://docs.goo-gle.com/document/d/1h-waTI5nAM_bMAiQ_ XooVkANHnnJOqN63/ edit.
