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

Join us for an event hosted by facilitators from our partner, Mental Health America of Central Carolinas, designed to foster connection and shared creativity!

Adults over 18 only. Description below.

This event is free, but Please register with MHA in advance; scan the QR code on the flier, OR Click this Link: Holiday Art Expression and Connections.

For More information, contact the organizer listed on their event page: https://mhaofcc.org/event/holiday-art-expression-and-connection

For a downloadable PDF copy of this flier, click HERE.

What is Planned: a creative space with multiple art stations offering different activities such as painting, clay sculpting, and ornament making. Guests can move between the sections to create their own holiday-themed artwork to take home. We’ll also serve festive refreshments to help everyone relax and enjoy a fun, creative afternoon.

Where to Find This at ClearWater: This event will be in the Greenway Gallery, lower level, which has its own set of double-glass doors (facing Kerr Street, on the end of our largest building). You can either come in at the Main Entrance and walk downstairs and through the lower level, OR enter straight into the Greenway Gallery via the double-glass doors on that end.

Access: Wheelchair ramps are at all our Guest Entrances, but for easier access we suggest the double-glass doors leading straight into the Greenway Gallery described above.

CLEARWATER ARTS HOLIDAY MARKET 2025!

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 !

Saturday, December 6th, 2025: 10am – 4pm

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

Come meet the talented ClearWater Arts Center & Studios artists in action in the creative sanctuary of their art studio!

Feel free to pop by, ask them questions, and soak in the artistic vibes. DOORS ARE OPEN and you are welcome!

This event is reoccurring every 2nd Saturday of the month! NOTE - December’s 2nd Saturday Open Studios is moved to the 1st, HOLIDAY MARKET Saturday. (See Annual Holiday Market Event)

This event is always free to the public and always accepting of all people.

Come mingle with creative people, see their artwork, discuss their process. Inspire your own creativity!

Thanks to you all & hope to see you there! 🎨🎉

KNOW YOUR HOUSING RIGHTS:
LANDLORD SUMMIT

Learn more about housing-related violations from City of Concord Code Enforcement Officers and the free and low-cost legal assistance available to help eligible residents with housing code violations.

📅 THURSDAY, NOV. 6, 2025
🕕 6:00 – 7:30 P.M.
📍 CLEARWATER ARTS CENTER - MAIN GALLERY
223 Crowell Drive NW, Concord, NC 28025

📞 QUESTIONS? Call 704-920-5137

REGISTER BY SCANNING THE QR CODE OR CLICK THIS LINK: Concordnc.gov/landlordsummit

..OR VISITING:
CONCORDNC.GOV/LANDLORDSUMMIT

KNOW YOUR HOUSING RIGHTS:
TENANT SUMMIT

Are you a tenant and interested in learning more about #ConcordNC’s housing-related code violations?

Join us at our Tenant Summit and learn more about housing-related violations from City of Concord Code Enforcement Officers. Legal Aid of NC inc. will also share information about free and low-cost legal assistance available to help eligible residents with housing code violations.

📅 THURSDAY, OCT. 30, 2025
🕕 6:00 – 7:30 P.M.
📍 CLEARWATER ARTS CENTER - MAIN GALLERY
223 Crowell Drive NW, Concord, NC 28025

📞 QUESTIONS? Call 704-920-5137

REGISTER BY SCANNING THE QR CODE,

Clicking this Link: Concordnc.gov/tenantsummit

…OR VISITING:
CONCORDNC.GOV/TENANTSUMMIT

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

Come meet the talented ClearWater Arts Center & Studios artists in action in the creative sanctuary of their art studio!

Feel free to pop by, ask them questions, and soak in the artistic vibes. DOORS ARE OPEN and you are welcome!

This event is reoccurring every 2nd Saturday of the month! NOTE - September’s 2nd Saturday Open Studios is moved to the 1st, ARTWALK Saturday. (See ArtWalk Event)

This event is always free to the public and always accepting of all people.

Come mingle with creative people, see their artwork, discuss their process. Inspire your own creativity!

Thanks to you all & hope to see you there! 🎨🎉

Opening Reception + AWARDS:
CAG Annual Fall Judged Show, 10/5/2025 at 2:00 p.m.

Join Us Sunday 10/5/25, at 2:00 p.m. for the Opening Reception of this year’s Fall Judged Show!

Coordinated & Hosted by the Cabarrus Art Guild (Studio LL-102)

You are invited to the Opening Reception in the Main Gallery at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios, Sunday Oct. 5, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Winners will be announced and light refreshments will be served. Meet local artists, and join us in celebrating their artwork. Don’t miss a moment of this special annual event!

Event concludes by 4:00 p.m.

Enter at Main Entrance, at 223 Crowell Drive NW, Concord NC 28025. Free Parking in three lots around the campus. This event is free and open to the public.

No pre-registration is required.
Free event.

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

Saturday, September 6, 2025 -- Mark your calendars and make plans to visit Downtown Concord and ClearWater Arts for the Fall Art Walk on Union! 

We will once again have a shuttle between Downtown Concord and ClearWater Arts Center! ClearWater Arts will once again join the fun, with a shuttle van* 🚐 driving continuous loops between Downtown Concord and ClearWater Arts Center! Connecting visitors with the galleries and artist studios at ClearWater where the tenant artists will have their studio doors open, the Main Gallery’s Guest Artist show “Color Riot” will knock your socks off, and the Ceramics Center will be open for touring - while running a Family Public Workshop, “Face Pots,” from 2-4pm! (Registration for that must be in advance— see our ‘Classes’ page & follow instructions. )
You won’t want to miss it!

The Ceramics Center will also be open for walk-through tours, plus there's a public family workshop from 2-4 p.m. where you can make face pots! Registration is required for the workshop and you can register online through CivicRec: https://secure.rec1.com/NC/concord-nc/catalog (Select the arts tab, then the ClearWater Ceramic Center, then go to the second page of the class listings and you'll see the "Family Public Workshop - Face Pots").

*Shuttle Van Courtesy of CK Rider Transit

📆 Saturday, September 6th
🕚 11 a.m - 4 p.m.
📍 Downtown Concord on Union Street & Cabarrus Ave

Art Walk on Union is a biannual event sponsored in partnership with the Cabarrus Arts Council.

• Shop from over 60 local vendors. The event features local artists and makers selling everything from jewelry, pottery, woodwork, original artwork, handmade candles and soaps, and so much more!

• Two food trucks on Cabarrus Avenue, plus local eateries to enjoy throughout Downtown.

• Live music on Union Street near the Concord Library - feel free to bring a chair to rest from all of your shopping and enjoy!

If you have questions about Art Walk, reach out to Paige Grochoske (704-920-6132) or Sharee Allen (704-920- 6131) in the Planning Department - Downtown Office.

We look forward to seeing you downtown and at ClearWater on September 6th!

Creative Connections Community Art Event!

FREE - REGISTRATION REQUIRED

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

Come meet the talented ClearWater Arts Center & Studios artists in action in the creative sanctuary of their art studio!

Feel free to pop by, ask them questions, and soak in the artistic vibes. DOORS ARE OPEN and you are welcome! We make a point of gathering here once a month to make our art more accessible to you, the community!

This event is reoccurring and happens every 2nd Saturday of the month!

This event is always free to the public and always accepting of all people.

Come mingle with the creative person that's right next door.

Thanks to you all & hope to see you there! 🎨🎉

“Color Riot: Where Color Speaks Loudest"
COLOR RIOT  Opening Night: Saturday, August 2, 2025, 6–9pm
Live performance or spoken word; Curator & Artist talks; light refreshments.

August 2 – Sept. 28, 2025:
Color Riot Group Exhibition Opens Saturday, August 2nd at 6:00 p.m. in ClearWater's Main Gallery! Join us for Opening Night with the artists!
We are thrilled to have talented local artist, Dimeji Onafuwa @artbydimeji bringing this exciting show to the Main Gallery at ClearWater Arts! Onafuwa has gathered 6 other exceptional artists to join him in gracing our walls with a riot of color, texture and dynamic compositions. Dr. Dimeji Onafuwa (Dimeji) is a Nigerian-born artist, design and research leader. Tilling passion from his African heart with American soil, he cultivates evocative and emotional scenes of assimilation. His paintings will be joined by those of six other artists hailing from the African and African-American diaspora, each with a unique artistic technique, and approach to materials and style. Dimeji has called Concord home for several years and most of the artists in this show reside in the greater Charlotte area. Watch ClearWater Arts social media to see upcoming Artist Features; and join us, at Opening Night: Saturday August 2nd, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in our Main Gallery! For more info: clearwaterartists.com

Opening Night: Saturday, August 2, 2025, 6–9pm
Live performance or spoken word; Curator & Artist talks; light refreshments.
ClearWater Arts Center & Studios
223 Crowell Dr. NW, Concord, NC 28025
-- MAIN GALLERY –  Use Main Entrance
  (704) 920-6600

Participating Artists:

• Dimeji Onafuwa

• Sanya Ojikutu

• Omogbolade Ajayi

• Robby Moore

• Justin Ellis

• J Henry

• Zaire McPhearson

Join Us for a Unique Musical Experience! 🎶🎸🎻🥁

"Americana Chamber Concert;"

🔶 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