Grassroots grantee highlight: Southern Piedmont Woodturners
The Southern Piedmont Woodturners work out of the ClearWater Arts Center & Studios in Concord.
Here are a few things the woodturners have made.
“The Grassroots Grant is really important for us.”
Southern Piedmont Woodturners is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the art of woodturning through education, hands-on learning, and community. Based at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios in Concord, the club brings together woodturners of all experience levels, from people just discovering the craft to experienced turners looking to learn new techniques.
Craftsmen with the Southern Piedmont Woodturners display some of their work.
With monthly demonstrations, workshops, mentoring, and community outreach, SPW is all about sharing knowledge and keeping the craft growing. Members regularly demonstrate woodturning at community events, including the Cabarrus County Fair, where they make wooden spinning tops for kids. Each year, they prepare about 800 tops in advance, and by the end of the fair, they are usually gone!
The Southern Piedmont Woodturners often do hands-on demonstrations of the art.
Board President Larry Nottingham discovered woodturning somewhat by chance after moving to Virginia. A neighbor who was a woodturner invited him to a meeting, and he quickly found himself drawn to both the craft and the community around it.
Today, that same spirit of sharing is at the heart of Southern Piedmont Woodturners. Members teach one another through open turning, demonstrations, workshops, and a mentoring program that helps pass skills from experienced turners to newer members.
As an organization that relies on fundraising, Grassroots funding provided through the N.C. Arts Council and granted by the Cabarrus Arts Council helps SPW cover essential operating expenses, including studio rent and lathe maintenance. That support helps ensure the organization can continue providing opportunities for people to learn, practice, and share the craft of woodturning.
Craftsmen with the Southern Piedmont Woodturners display some of their work.
Interested in trying woodturning? Membership is a great way to get hands-on, learn from experienced turners, and become part of the community. Visitors are welcome to attend the monthly meetings, held on the fourth Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. in Studio 122 at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios.
Learn more about Southern Piedmont Woodturners and becoming a member at spwoodturners.com.
This organization is supported by the Grassroots Arts Program of the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.
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
(Aug. 18 – Aug. 24)
Stitches Made Simple: Crochet Worry Worm (MTP)- Thursday, Aug. 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m. - Ages 18+ – Make a little crochet worry worm at this beginner friendly crochet program. Practice your skills and create a small memento to keep and cherish. No registration. Limited seating. Events for August 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library: https://bit.ly/CabarrusLibrary
Comedy Zone Presents: Tommy Davidson- Thursday, Aug. 20, 7:30 p.m. - Tommy Davidson’s exceptional range – from stand-up comedy and acting to versatile music accomplishments – have earned him a reputation as an extraordinary performer. Best known as one of the stars of the hit television show "In Living Color," his visibility has allowed him to become a household name known for his innovative talent. For tickets and more information, visit www.Cabarrusartscouncil.org or call 704-920-2787.
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.clearwaterartists.com.
Next week
(Aug. 25-Aug. 31)
Onstage at the Davis Presents: Down River Collective- Saturday, Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m. - Down River Collective is an award-winning modern bluegrass band from Nashville, Tennessee. Drawing on a wide array of influences, DRC's music reflects the passions of its members: elements of traditional bluegrass, old-time folk, and classic country can be heard alongside flavors of Americana, rock, and modern pop. The full band's debut EP "Off the Shelf" was released in the fall of 2023 and in 2024, DownRiver Collective was named IBMA's Momentum Band of the Year. Following a successful first outing with "Off the Shelf," DownRiver Collective has released its first single, "Come On Back," from its forthcoming album and has been named the 2025 FreshGrass Bentonville Awards Band winner. For tickets and more information, visit www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org or call 704-920-2787.
Upcoming
Community Mosaic Art Project- Monday, Aug. 31- Harrisburg Presbyterian Church is celebrating the vibrant spirit and creativity of our community — and we want you to shine! No matter your age or artistic experience, you’re invited to help bring our Community Mosaic to life. We’re building a stunning 8-by-5-foot art installation: a mosaic made of 160 unique tiles, each designed by a community member.
This is your chance to have your art become a permanent part of our community story. Use your own paints and imagination once you pick up your free tile(s). Ready to join in? Simply reserve your blank tile by scanning the QR code on the flyer or clicking the link below. Pick up your tile at the church on one of three available dates, take it home, and let your creativity run wild! Paint anything that speaks to you — every tile matters, and together, our stories will create something unforgettable. Just drop off your finished tile at Harrisburg Presbyterian Church by Aug. 31 — either in the office or in the designated drop-off box outside.
Make your mark, connect with your neighbors, and help us create something beautiful. We can’t wait to see what you’ll add to our mosaic! Key information: Where: Harrisburg Presbyterian Church, 4815 Highway 49 S., Harrisburg, NC, 28075. Dates: You can register for your tile(s) now. Tile pickup dates were Aug 1, Aug. 4, and Aug. 7 at the church. Tiles must be dropped back at the church by Aug. 31. An unveiling event is yet to be confirmed, but we are aiming for mid-September. Register here: https://bit.ly/harrisburgart
Art Walk on Union Fall 2026- Saturday, Sept. 12, 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.
Autumn Glow: Capturing Light and Shadows in Acrylic- Sept. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Designed for beginner to intermediate students, this hands-on acrylic painting class will guide you in creating the glow, depth and movement of fall foliage. Phil will demonstrate techniques for blending color, building contrast, and using light and shadow to bring your autumn scene to life. For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org.
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.editionsbookstore.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! 5:30-6:30 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 4:30-6:30 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 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 cabarrusartguild.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.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? 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.
