POWERFUL NEW EXHIBIT
Flat Footed Truths opens at arts council
This piece is life-like and brought smiles to those who approached it.
The Cabarrus Arts Council hosted the Flat-Footed Truths Quilt Exhibition and 2026-27 Season Launch Party on July 9 at The Davis Theater in Concord.
CABARRUS ARTS CALENDAR
Last week, a powerful new exhibition opened at the Cabarrus Arts Council. Co-curated by Francene Green and Michelle Curney Willis, "Flat Footed Truths: Stories of Lived Experiences" is a juried exhibition featuring quilts and fiber art that depict the soul-stirring, truth-telling, and compelling lived experiences of African American women.
The exhibition takes its name and inspiration from Patricia Bell-Scott's book, "Flat Footed Truths: Telling Black Women's Lives."
"When someone is telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth, it's often referred to as the flat-footed truth — standing firm on what you are saying," says Greene.
"Such is this quilt exhibit. We have assembled twenty-two African American quilters who, stitch by stitch, are telling their stories and lived experiences."
For co-curator Michelle Curney Willis, bringing together this remarkable group of artists has been especially meaningful.
"As a co-curator, I am especially excited to bring together in this one exhibit some amazing and talented award-winning artists from around the country," says Curney Willis.
"These wonderful creatives not only make beautiful art but some have published books or have been included in books and magazines and numerous interviews. The works of some of these artists have been acquired by art museums across the country as well as art collectors nationally and internationally. The creative talent alone of these artists is incredible and the stories they have written, while personal, are also relatable to many others."
Each quilt in the exhibition tells a deeply personal visual story, encouraging viewers to pause, look closely, and connect with the experiences stitched into every piece.
Francene Green's quilt, for example, honors the presence and impact of Black fathers.
"It was created to dispel the false narrative that Black fathers are absent in the family. I am fortunate to have been raised by a loving and supportive father. But my situation was not at all unique. I was surrounded and continue to be surrounded by many, many Black men who are ever present. They love, lead, guide, and protect. I have included the names of a small fraction of the men in my quilt. The quilt is evolving with more names and pictures to be added during the exhibit." "Flat Footed Truths: Stories of Lived Experiences" will be on display through Oct. 10.
The Cabarrus Arts Council will also host a quilting workshop in August, with details to be announced soon. Follow the Cabarrus Arts Council on social media or visit cabarrusartscouncil.org to stay up to date on workshop information and other exhibition events.
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
(July 21-July 27) Community Made Granny Squares* (KAN) Tuesday, July 21, 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 required. Registration opened July 7. For more information, visit Events for July 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library: https://bit.ly/ CabarrusLibrary.
Improv 101 (CON) Tuesday, July 21, 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.
For more information, visit Events for July 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library: https://bit.ly/ CabarrusLibrary.
Felt Dino (AFT)Thursday, July 23, 4-5 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 July 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library: https://bit.ly/ CabarrusLibrary.
Good Morning Makers Market (Vendor Application is OPEN!)Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Join us for the Good Morning Makers Market at Clear Water Arts Center, a vibrant community market celebrating local artists, makers, creatives, and small businesses! 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.
Painting Florals on Yupo PaperSaturday, July 25, 2-4 p.m. — Learn how to paint loose, experimental florals with acrylic paint! Working with Yupo paper, a synthetic material, students will learn the basics of color theory and composition while exploring materials and additive and subtractive methods. This workshop is perfect for beginners or more advanced students who are looking to try something new. All students will walk away with one completed floral piece.
For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org.
Craft Supply Swap (AFT)Saturday, July 25, 2-4 p.m. — All Ages – Do you have arts and crafts supplies that you no longer need? They might be perfect for someone else — donate them to our swap and browse the other donations for supplies to add to your own collection! Donation collection began on July 1 at the Afton Branch only. Drop-in. For more information, visit Events for July 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library: https://bit. ly/CabarrusLibrary.
Wire Wrapped Pendant (MID)Saturday, July 25, 3-4 p.m. — Ages 18+ – Join us to create a wire-wrapped quartz pendant using a simple technique. No registration, and supplies are limited. For more information, visit Events for July 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library: https://bit.ly/ CabarrusLibrary.
Art Club (HAR)Saturday, July 25, 3:15-5 p.m. — Ages 12+ – Artists of all kinds are welcome 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 July 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library: https://bit. ly/CabarrusLibrary.
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.
Coaster Creation for Older Adults (MID) Monday, July 27, noon to 1 p.m. — Adults – Create an original art piece of collage art or print off a copy of a photo! Easily turn your art or photo into a coaster! If printing a photo at the library, arrive 15 to 30 minutes early. Limit of up to three coasters per person. No registration. For more information, visit Events for July 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library: https://bit.ly/ CabarrusLibrary.
What's The Stitch? (AFT)Monday, July 27, 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; supplies limited. For more information, visit Events for July 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library: https://bit.ly/ CabarrusLibrary.
Next week
(July 28-Aug. 4) 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.Community Made Granny SquaresTuesday, 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. Registration opens July 21. For more information, visit Events for August 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library: https://bit. ly/CabarrusLibrary.
Upcoming
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 & 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.cabarrusartscouncil.org.
