Comprehensive chronological list of all events and classes at ClearWater Artist Studios in Concord, NC. [As opposed to sorted lists by category on main Navigation pages]
SCROLL DOWN for upcoming Events, and check back, as new events are added regularly!
NOTE— For Classes — See ‘Classes’ Page for Featured Classes, and,
All ClearWater Classes (i.e., complete list) can be found on the Registration Platform: Civic Rec/ City of Concord NC.
Shop LOCAL artisan & artist vendors and buy gifts direct from the people who made them! Only personally designed and handmade items are on the table here. Enjoy food truck nibbles too!
Louise Farley demonstrates her inimitable painting techniques! Come Watch Her Make A Mess… with the Cabarrus Art Guild, our Tenant and Host/ Organizer for monthly Free Art Demo’s!
Join us for an event hosted by facilitators from our partner, Mental Health America of Central Carolinas, and NAMI - SCROLL DOWN for Description!
Adults over 18 only. Description below.
Please register with MHA in advance; Click the link below.
For a downloadable PDF copy of this flier, click HERE.
Conversations of Hope
We’re excited to invite you to a meaningful community conversation centered on building connections, sharing perspectives, and inspiring hope.
Please join us for this special event as we bring our community together to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas, and inspire hope. Your participation as community leaders, advocates, and partners helps strengthen these conversations and expand the support available to those we serve. We would love to have you join us and encourage you to share this invitation with your networks.
Please see the attached flyer for event details and register using the Conversations of Hope registration link or by scanning the QR code on the flyer.
Access: Wheelchair ramps are at all our Guest Entrances. This event will take place in the Main Gallery, use the Main Entrance off Crowell Drive NW.
Instructor: Malia Bryngelson
When: Sept. 13, 2026
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Location: ClearWater Arts Center & Studios — Greenway Gallery
223 Crowell Drive NW, Concord, NC 28025
ROOM: Greenway Gallery (Lower Level / SW end of Main Building);
DIRECTIONS: Enter from the Kerr Street side, using the double-glass doors into the Greenway Gallery. [ClearWater’s Main Entrance on Crowell, will be closed.
About the Demonstrator/ Instructor:
Malia Bryngelson will be demonstrating the use of other art media that complement pastel painting. You won’t want to miss this demo! You will have a chance to try out different types of pastels, getting hands on experience. Malia is a fabulous artist, and, I’m thrilled to have her come and share her vast experience with us.
Malia is an artist known for her pastel paintings, including works titled “Minnie Pearl” and “Burning Sky”. She is associated with the Piedmont Pastel Society and has contributed to various exhibitions showcasing her art.
No need to register;This event is free and open to the public.
Please arrive before 2:00 PM so as not to interrupt the instructor
See you there!
About the Host:
Cabarrus Art Guild (CAG) is 501-c3 non-profit and is a tenant with a studio (LL-102) at ClearWater Arts. Additional info about their activities and membership, is on their website, https://www.cabarrusartguild.org
Susan Lackey addresses underpainting as a critical, foundational element. Her highly textural process involves layering translucent acrylics with heavy impasto, collage, and often embedded objects.
Learn how to turn gourds of any size into fun and original artworks! Join the Cabarrus Art Guild for a creative afternoon.
Learn sculpting with air-dry clay techniques from a known and loved prior Art Demonstrator! Free and Open to the Public.
Learn Wet Felting techniques from a known and loved prior Art Demonstrator! Free and Open to the Public.
Don’t miss this month-long annual Spring exhibition of Student Art from the RCCC Department of Art and Design! Opening Night: Friday, April 10, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Don’t miss this month-long annual Spring exhibition of Student Art from the RCCC Department of Art and Design! Opening Night: Friday, April 10, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Make your own Whimsical Village of your Thoughts, in a fun art workshop, FREE and open to the public with Guest Artist, Jonathan Grauel! Pop-up event - no RSVP needed. Be here by 1:30!
Josh King actively integrates AI into creative workflows—using it for concept development, visual prototyping, automation pipelines, and scalable content production. Learn and Ask at this Free Demo in ClearWater’s Greenway Gallery (lower level).
Update: RESCHEDULED We are pivoting for the snow, Jan. 30-31 and will postpone the Opening Reception originally scheduled for Jan. 31st, to Saturday Feb. 21, 2026. Hope to see you then!
Join Charlotte Artist, Jonathan Grauel for the Opening Reception (Now Reception/ Artist Talk) of his first Solo Show in ClearWater’s Gallery! Grauel will talk about his work and collaboration with ClearWater. Be the first to see this collection of his latest work!
In 2024-25 Jonathan completed his 98-foot mural on the exterior wall of our Original Clearwell building (which is next up for Renovation) - a project funded by a grant from Republic Services Foundation’s “Neighborhood Promises” grant program and administered by Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte. Grauel was inspired by many local landmarks and community members as he explored the area. He populated the mural with several of them, and continues the theme of communities cultivating concord, in this solo exhibition of paintings and 3-D works.
Join us! FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - Ne registration required
Saturday, FEB 21, 2026 (New Date)
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
ClearWater Main Gallery at 223 Crowell Dr. NW, Concord, NC 28025
Call with any questions: (704) 920-6600
NEW! Don’t Miss our POP-UP Family Workshop - FREE on Saturday March 14th! With Artist Jonathan Grauel! Click —>
THE EXHIBIT: WHIMSICAL HARMONIES On View through March 21, 2026 at ClearWater Arts Main Gallery — Photos Below From the Opening Reception on 2/21/26:
Don’t miss the whimsical works of local artist, Jonathan Grauel in his first Solo Show in ClearWater’s Main Gallery! Visit ClearWater during our posted Open Hours OR call to make an appointment. Staff is available M-F.
Open Hours for drop-in visits, in the Main Building, are:
Weds-Fri, 12:0-0 Noon - 5:00 p.m. OR Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Whimsical Harmony: THE MURAL
In 2024-25 Jonathan completed his 98-foot mural, “Whimsical Harmony” on the exterior wall of our Original Clearwell building (which is next up, for Renovation!) - a project funded by a grant from Republic Services Foundation’s “Neighborhood Promises” grant program and administered by Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte. Grauel was inspired by many local landmarks and community members as he explored the area. He populated the mural with several of them, and continues the theme of communities cultivating concord, in this solo exhibition of paintings and 3-D works.
Join us at the (Rescheduled) Reception / Artist Talk Event!
Saturday, FEB 21, 2026
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
ClearWater Main Gallery at 223 Crowell Dr. NW, Concord, NC 28025
Call with any questions: (704) 920-6600
Join Cabarrus Art Guild for a demonstration of Wood-burning on sculpture, for the January 2026 2nd Sunday Free Art Demo!
ClearWater Arts Center & Studios invites you to its Third Annual Holiday Market to sell* or shop!
Join the ClearWater Tenant Artists, the Cabarrus Art Guild (CAG) and the Southern Piedmont Woodturners (SPW) - along with other local artists and artisans, selling their original hand-crafted wares!
Open Studios/ Local Artists
Over 44 Local Vendors selling Handmade, Original Art & Crafts!
Food Truck
All Original; Wide Variety
An event not to be missed!
Artists will be set up in studios and/or on sale tables in the Main Gallery upstairs, the Pass & Greenway Gallery downstairs, and in the newer Ceramics Center building.
*Guest Vendors, space is limited; Register online starting Sept. 1, 2025 with deadline by Nov. 23, 2025. (As of 11/26/2025, 48 tables are booked; outdoor tables will be in the Covered Market Space adjoining the Ceramics Center building.)
ClearWater's Ceramics Center, too, will be open
A New Exhibition of ClearWater Tenant Artists' art will be featured in the Main Gallery !
ClearWater Arts Center & Studios, 223 Crowell Dr. NW, Concord NC 28025
For a downloadable PDF copy of the flier below to print, click HERE
Free Demo with the CAG
CAROLINA SNOWFLAKE Weaving with Melinda Pavelyev
Instructor: Melinda Pavelyev
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Time 2-4:00 PM
Where: Clearwater Arts Center and Studios. 223 Crowell Dr. NW, Concord, NC 28025 Greenway Gallery; Enter at Kerr St. side of Main Building, double-doors. [Main Entrance, on Crowell Dr NW, will be closed.]
November’s Featured Demo is CAROLINA SNOWFLAKE Weaving with Melinda Pavelyev (description below). Join the Cabarrus Art Guild, a ClearWater Tenant Organization, which coordinates and hosts these monthly Free Art Demonstrations by local artists for the enjoyment of the public. Location: Lower Level Greenway Gallery. Please use the Greenway Gallery doors – double-glass doors on the Southeast end of the Main Building, facing Kerr Street – and please arrive before 2:00 to be seated before the demonstration starts. Main Entrance will be closed. Free parking on campus (3 lots).
No need to register
The event is free and open to the public.
Please arrive before 2 PM, so as not to interrupt the speaker’s
presentation
See You There!
Cabarrus Art Guild is a tenant with a studio at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios
A bit About the Art Form: Carolina Snowflake -by Melinda Pavelyev
This craft design was first created by Billie Ruth Sudduth. Billie Ruth was born in Sewanee, TN in 1945 and grew up in Birmingham, AL. After college, in addition to being a wife and mother to 2 boys she worked as a social worker and school psychologist. During summer break in 1983 she took a basket making class at the community college. She fell in love. In 1989 Billie Ruth left her job at the school to do basketry full time.
Billie Ruth’s baskets have been on display at the Smithsonian Institution, Museum of Art and Design in New York, and other prestigious places. She was named a Living Treasure by North Carolina in 1997. This is the highest honor for North Carolinians in the crafting field. Billie Ruth died in 2021.
For more information visit www.Cabarrusartguild.org
Free Demo with the CAG
Wool Felting with Meghan McKillop
Instructor: Meghan McKillop
October 12, 2025
Time 2-4:00 PM
Where: Clearwater Arts Center and Studios. 223 Crowell Dr. NW, Concord, NC 28025 Greenway Gallery; Enter at Kerr St. side of Main Building, double-doors. [Main Entrance, on Crowell Dr NW, will be closed.]
October’s Featured Demo is Wool Felting, with Meghan McKillop. Join the Cabarrus Art Guild, a ClearWater Tenant Organization, which coordinates and hosts these monthly Free Art Demonstrations by local artists for the enjoyment of the public. Location: Lower Level Greenway Gallery. Please use the Greenway Gallery doors – double-glass doors on the Southeast end of the Main Building, facing Kerr Street – and please arrive before 2:00 to be seated before the demonstration starts. Main Entrance will be closed. Free parking on campus (3 lots).
No need to register
The event is free and open to the public.
Please arrive before 2 PM, so as not to interrupt the speaker’s
presentation
See You There!
Cabarrus Art Guild is a tenant with a studio at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios
For more information visit www.Cabarrusartguild.org
Free Demo at the CAG
Paper Quilling
Instructor: Kristy Keistler
September 14, 2025
Time 2-4:00 PM
Where: Clearwater Art Center and Studios. 223 Crowell Dr. NW, Concord, NC 28025 Greenway Gallery; Enter Kerr St. side of Main Building, double-doors.
Please join us for a demonstration in paper quilling with Kristy Kiestler! The techniques in paper quilling include rolling strips of paper into coils and shaping them into various forms such as circles, teardrops, squares and scrolls. The coils can be pinched or combined to create more complex patterns and designs. This is great demonstration to see and learn another form of the arts with one of our local artist!
Kristy has been involved with various art forms throughout her life. She has a diverse set of skills including alcohol ink, landscape quilting, metallic watercolor, polymer clay fairies, paper sculpting, paper quilling,coloring pages, and cake sculpting. Although cake sculpting occupied so much of her time, she is now retired from it. Currently, she mainly focuses on paper quilling designs, emphasizing its historical significance and her passion for it !
No need to register
The event is free and open to the public.
Please arrive before 2 PM, so as not to interrupt the speaker’s
presentation
See YouThere!
Cabarrus Art Guild is a tenant with a studio at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios
For more information visit www.Cabarrusartguild.org
Join us at ClearWater for a free community art event! Coordinated and hosted by Mental Health America of the Carolinas in a partnership offering. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon creating a worry stone from air-dry clay and decorating a group puzzle piece that reflects you. No experience is necessary - just bring your creativity!
Part of MHA’s Adult Social Program, “A Mental HEalth Social Series.” Two other events will take place at other venues in Concord, NC.
Please register using the QR code seen on the flyer. Participation is free but spaces are limited and the RSVP is needed in order for the hosts to plan. Thank you!
Free Demo at the CaG
SILVER JEWELRY TASTER CLASS
Instructor. Susan Tobelman
WHEN: August 10, 2025
TIME 2-4:00 PM
WHERE*: Clearwater Arts center and studios, 223 Crowell Dr. NW, Concord, NC 28025.
*ENTRANCE NOTE: Enter Kerr St. side doors, lower parking lot-Greenway Gallery
Susan Tobelman is the creative force behind Energy& Ore Custom Jewelry in Mint Hill, NC. She has been crafting distinctive metal clay jewelry, for over six years. Holding certifications in metal clay Techniques and Teaching, Susan combines her technical ability with a deep passion for design. She offers a range of unique, personalized pieces, that reflect her client’s individual stories and emotions. In addition to running her jewelry business, Susan is dedicated to sharing her knowledge through beginner metal clay workshops in her local area. She is also helping others discover the artistry and joy of silver jewelry making via virtual classes!
No need to register
The event is free and open to the public.
Please arrive before 2 PM, so as not to interrupt the speaker’s
presentation
See YouThere!
Cabarrus Art Guild is a tenant with a studio at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios
For more information visit www.Cabarrusartguild.org
🔶 Saturday, July 19th , 6 - 9 PM;
ClearWater Arts Center & Studios
223 Crowell Dr. NW, Concord, NC 28025
-- MAIN GALLERY –
We are thrilled to invite you to the first event in what promises to be an unforgettable series of musical performances, with many more exciting shows lined up on the horizon.
Each event will showcase different genres and artists, offering something special for every music lover.
This inaugural event features an 'Americana Chamber Concert' with the remarkable talents of Clayton & Wensil.
Gracing the stage will be:
Jeff Clayton from the renowned band ANTiSEEN,
Steve Wensil from the iconic Dead Kings, and
the versatile Jeff Williams from Biggy Stardust.
🎵
Together, they will transport you with their renditions of timeless Old Gospel Hymns, bringing a fresh and soulful twist to these classic tunes.
🎵
To set the perfect tone for the evening, we’re delighted to present the opening act by the incredible talent of A.P. Rodgers and Grayson Drum. Both playing a set of homegrown bluegrass.
🎉
This is truly a one-of-a-kind show, an extraordinary experience blending diverse musical styles and talents. It’s an event you absolutely won’t want to miss!
We look forward to sharing this special evening with you.
When: July 19th from 6 - 9 PM at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios, 223 Crowell Dr. NW, Concord, NC 28025
Free Demo with the CAG
Instructor: Karen Wilder
When: Sunday July 13, 2025
Time: 2:00-4:00
Where: Clearwater Arts Center and Studios - Greenway Gallery
223 Crowell Dr. NW Concord, N.C. 28025. Enter at Kerr St. side doors, lower parking lot
Title: Art Trading Cards
Artist: Karen Wilder
When: July 13, 2025
Time: 2-4PM
Where: Clearwater Arts Center and Studios, found at 223 Crowell
Dr. NW, Concord, N.C. 28025…. enter Kerr St. side doors, lower
parking lot-Greenway Gallery
Artist, Karen Wilder, will be telling us about art trading cards, and
the process of how they are made with mixed media. Karen will
also explain the trades made to collect other artists’ work!
Karen Johnson Wilder, a resident of Concord since 2012, is an
experienced mixed media collage artist. She enjoys facilitating
workshops for creatives and those that think they are not
creative. She helps create visual journals, SoulCollage, and Art
Trading Cards.
No need to register
The event is free and open to the public.
Please arrive before 2 PM, so as not to interrupt the speaker’s
presentation
See YouThere!
For more information visit www.Cabarrusartguild.org
When: June 8, 2025
Time: 2-4PM
Where: Clearwater Arts Center and Studios, found at 223 Crowell Dr. NW, Concord, N.C. 28025; enter Kerr St. side doors, lower parking lot-Greenway Gallery.
Tina will be showcasing the process of creating Cyanotypes on pretreated surfaces. Additionally, she will illustrate various methods for applying the solution to both paper and fabric, as part of the preparation for development. Her presentation will include techniques to enhance Cyanotypes.
Tina Vincent is a dedicated artist, and art educator. Her passion for experimentation, drives her to create captivating combinations in her work. As a teacher, she continuously seeks out new techniques, and explores their potential, enriching her artistic practice. Tina is also known for her papier-mache that celebrates women of color. She has a strong focus on collage, art quilts, and Cyanotypes.
No need to register
The event is free and open to the public.
Please arrive before 2 PM, so as not to interrupt the speaker's presentation.
See You There!
Free Demo with the CAG
Instructor: Eric Melton
When: Sunday April 13, 2025
Time: 2:00-4:00
Where: Clearwater Arts Center and Studios - Greenway Gallery
223 Crowell Dr. NW Concord, N.C. 28025. Enter at Kerr St. side doors, lower parking lot
Eric has been drawing caricatures since 1993 and is going to be showing us just how he does his work. Eric draws cartoon portraits for trade shows, weddings, corporate and college events. This is a fantastic opportunity for our members to experience!
No need to register. For more information visit www.Cabarrusartguild.org
This event is free and open to the public. Please arrive before 2:00 PM so as not to interrupt the instructor.
See You There!
Opening Reception on Friday, April 4, 2025, will start at 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM in the ClearWater Main Gallery. Open to the public with light refreshments provided by students and sponsors.
See our FaceBook Event Page for the Opening to see ongoing photos, comments and updates!
This marks the 11th year of this collaboration between the City of Concord's ClearWater Arts Center & Studios and the Fine & Applied Arts Department at RCCC. RCCC has art classes on both its Salisbury and Concord campuses.
The exhibit will be on view in the ClearWater Main Gallery through Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Impulse 2025 Poster
Opening Reception on Friday, April 4, 2025, will start at 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM in the ClearWater Main Gallery. Open to the public with light refreshments provided by students and sponsors.
See our FaceBook Event Page for the Opening to see ongoing photos, comments and updates!
This marks the 11th year of this collaboration between the City of Concord's ClearWater Arts Center & Studios and the Fine & Applied Arts Department at RCCC. RCCC has art classes on both its Salisbury and Concord campuses.
The exhibit will be on view in the ClearWater Main Gallery through Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Impulse 2025 Poster
Free Demo with the CAG
Instructor: Josh King
When: Sunday February 16, 2025
Time: 2:00-4:00
Where: Clearwater Arts Center and Studios - Greenway Gallery
223 Crowell Dr. NW Concord, N.C. 28025. Enter at Kerr St. side doors, lower parking lot
🎉See you there!
No need to register. For more information visit www.Cabarrusartguild.org
This event is free and open to the public. Please arrive before 2:00 PM so as not to interrupt the instructor.
See You There!
Free Demo with the CAG
Instructor: Susan Tobelman
When: Sunday January 12, 2025
Time: 2:00-4:00
Where: Clearwater Arts Center and Studios - Greenway Gallery
223 Crowell Dr. NW Concord, N.C. 28025. Enter at Kerr St. side doors, lower parking lot
ClearWater Arts Center & Studios invites you to its second annual Holiday Market to sell* or shop!
Join the ClearWater Tenant Artists - 13 individual artists, the Cabarrus Art Guild (CAG) and the Southern Piedmont Woodturners (SPW) - along with other local artists and artisans, selling their original hand-crafted wares! Enjoy a celebratory atmosphere and explore ClearWater’s expansive site while finding one-of-a-kind gift ideas and exceptional art that are sure to delight everyone on your gift list.
Everyone is welcome;
Open Studios/ Local Artists
Original Art for sale
Food Trucks
Light Holiday Refreshments & Music
Gifts for Sale – Arts, Pottery & Other Crafts by local Artisans
All Original; Wide Variety
An event not to be missed!
Artists will be set up in studios and/or on sale tables in the Main Gallery upstairs, the Pass & Greenway Gallery downstairs, and in the newer Ceramics Center building.
*Guest Vendors, space is limited; Register online by Nov. 23 or before all spaces fill! (QR code on the flier at right goes straight to the Vendor Registration page). First come, first served (Registration opened 9/1/24).
ClearWater's Ceramics Center, too, will be open with its Saturday ‘Intro to Clay’ class in session 10am - 12:30pm and a Public Workshop, "Gingerbread House Tiles" clay craft class from 2pm - 4pm … open for viewing! (Register in advance to take the Public Workshop or any Ceramics Course; see our Civic Rec Registration online.)
A New Exhibition of ClearWater Tenant Artists' art will be featured in the Main Gallery - Installation is the previous day. Be the first to see the new show!
ClearWater Arts Center & Studios, 223 Crowell Dr. NW, Concord NC 28025
Free Demo with the CAG
by Johnna M. Ritchie
Rug Hooking
When: Sunday November 10, 2024
Time: 2:00-4:00
Where: Clearwater Arts Center and Studios - Greenway Gallery
223 Crowell Dr. NW Concord, N. C. 28025. Enter at Kerr St. side doors, lower parking lot
Retired high school art teacher, Johnna M. Ritchie has dabbled in all things art-related fromdrawing to painting, ceramics to sculpture, photography to mosaics, fibers and printmaking.
She has gained proficiency in various media so that she could assist her students in building their skills to aid their creativity. She has always been intrigued with fibers and until two years ago, had never tried rug hooking, a skill of her mother and her mother’s mother. She got hooked.
In rug hooking, she is mostly self-taught with the aid of published guides and encouragement from fellow hookers. Her hope is to use her years of artistic knowledge and drawing to help her translate portraits into realistic interpretations in the media of rug hooking. She uses hand-dyed, thrifted and purchased woven wool cut into very thin strips to create the form, line and value of the person’s face and features using small loops pulled through a linen fabric.
In her demonstration, she will show the evolution of her rug hooking development and theknowledge gained and current project(s) in progress.
No need to register.
This event is free and open to the public
Please arrive before 2:00 pm, so not to interrupt the presentation.
For more information, www.cabarrusartguild.org or call 704-920-6600
In addition to providing the Gallery space (and, soon, the Banquet/ Multipurpose Room downstairs) for event Rentals, ClearWater Artist Studios also produces a growing variety of events. The 2nd Saturday Open Studios day, an open-house allowing access to artists working in their studios and anything else programmed that day, occurs monthly.
For an at-a-glance look at all events including classes, see Calendar view.
Seminars, and other events which may contain instructional presentation will be listed under Classes.
Past event pages, may hold photos of that event.
ClearWater is becoming; It is a place where...
Artists find community with other artists;
The Community finds artists and access to art;
Artists, and the Community find ways to interact, discuss, and be inspired to new (creative) ways of thinking.
CLEARWATER Arts Center & Studios lies in the Gibson Village Neighborhood, less than a mile from Historic Downtown Concord, NC.
223 Crowell Drive NW
Concord, NC 28025
FOR MAIN BUILDING STAFF:
Sarah Gay - ClearWater Coordinator
gays@concordnc.gov
Main Building General Line: (704) 920-6600
FOR CERAMICS STAFF:
Dave Buskey- Park and Recreation Supervisor
Ceramics Center Phone Number:
704.920-6604
Home - About - Our Space - Artists - Events - Classes - Get Involved - Contact
704.920-6600 | ClearWater Arts Official Address: 223 Crowell DR NW | Concord, NC 28025 | gays@concordnc.gov
MAIN BUILDING & GALLERIES Hours Open for Drop-In Visits: W-Fri., 12 Noon - 5:00 p.m.. & Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
CERAMICS CENTER HOURS - Monday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 8 pm; Friday and Saturday 10:00am -3:30pm Additional access for enrolled students at Class Times / Ceramics Office; (704) 920-6604
