Embrace Art with the Cabarrus Art Guild

Cabarrus Art Guild
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Contributor: Lisa Perry

The Cabarrus Art Guild has been a vibrant force in bringing together artists and art enthusiasts from Cabarrus and surrounding counties for over 50 years. Dedicated to art education, sharing information about art, and providing exposure to original works, the Guild also offers a space for its members to fellowship through a shared love and appreciation for art.

The Guild is not limited to art professionals; it welcomes all skill levels, making art accessible to both amateur and professional artists. Whether you enjoy dabbling in art or aspire to sell your creations, the Cabarrus Art Guild has something for everyone.

This fall is particularly exciting for the Guild as it hosts its Fall Judged Show, participates in Art Walk on Union, and offers a variety of events including two free demonstrations and several instructor-led workshops. Members and newcomers alike have opportunities to gather, create, and collaborate on art projects, making the Guild a community worth getting to know.

Photo Credits: Cabarrus Art Guild

Elizabeth Searle, the current Guild President, balances her career as a Senior Manager of Technology with her passion for art, and encourages others to join in. “I want to encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about art, regardless of your ability, to come out and see the various things we do,” says Searle. “This is such an accepting, nurturing, non-competitive community of people who want to share art.”

Get to Know the Cabarrus Art Guild at Art Walk on Union

With over 100 members, the Guild is an active presence in Cabarrus County. A prime opportunity to connect with the Guild is at the upcoming Fall Art Walk on Union in Downtown Concord on Sept. 7, 2024. The Guild will showcase live demonstrations, offering a chance to see various art mediums beyond traditional forms.

Liz Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Cabarrus Arts Council, highlights the value of the Guild, stating, “Cabarrus Art Guild is a great group to connect with for any artist interested in building relationships with other creatives, and for those interested in using their creative practice to give back to the Cabarrus community. You’ll find inspiration, connections, and encouragement no matter what visual arts medium you choose.”

CAG Annual Fall Judged Show

A great way to get to know the CAG is at their Annual Fall Judged Show opening reception on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, at 2pm at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios. The event will feature the announcement of winners and light refreshments.

This is an opportunity to meet local artists, celebrate their artwork, and enjoy a diverse range of entries, including paper mache and other creative forms. This is also an excellent chance to showcase and potentially sell your artwork. For more details, visit the event link. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the artistic community and possibly win an award!

Another way to get involved with the Guild is to attend Open Art Tuesdays, held from 10am–3pm in the lower-level classroom at ClearWater Arts Center. This open session welcomes the public to bring whatever you are working on, collaborate with others, or simply enjoy the company of fellow artists.

You can also get involved by participating in their Volunteer After School Art Program with the Cabarrus County Boys and Girls Club. One afternoon, volunteers taught students about pointillism by painting with QTips!

Embrace the Outdoors with Plein Air Painting

A group of plein air painters have joined together and named themselves the “Dusty Road Painters” exploring the beautiful North Carolina Piedmont and surrounding areas, finding inspiration in both outdoor and indoor settings (in case of inclement weather).

What is plein air painting? It 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.”

There is no cost to be a part of this lively group, and it is a great opportunity to express artistic curiosity and passion in a supportive environment. To participate, simply bring your plein air supplies and join in for a fun and creative experience!

If you are new to plein air painting, you might wonder what plein air supplies are! Some things to consider, although you should feel welcome to just join the experience once, possibly a collapsible easel if you have one, lightweight paint box and tripod, a folding stool or chair and maybe even a clamp-on umbrella.

Discover Free Artistic Demonstrations with the Cabarrus Art Guild

The Cabarrus Art Guild offers a variety of free demonstrations led by well-known artists, creators, and fellow Guild members covering everything from oils and pastels to framing and carving. Two upcoming events showcase the diverse talent within the Guild. Both are from 2–4pm at Clearwater Arts Center and Studios.

On Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, Natalie Cranford will present “Learn About the Dual Primary Colors: It’s More Than Red, Yellow and Blue.” An art teacher and Guild member, Natalie will share her expertise in color theory, hand-building with clay, mixed media, and paint.

Another exciting event is the “Wildlife Fine Art Demonstration” with Walter Stanford, taking place on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. Walter, a 1986 graduate of East Carolina University with a BFA in illustration and printmaking, has had a distinguished career as a freelance illustrator, art director, and screen print artist. Now focused on creating dramatic wildlife portraits, Walter’s work captures the essence of his subjects, bringing them to life in stunning detail. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Walter’s vast experience and unique artistic perspective.

Upcoming Art Classes

The CAG is hosting four classes in September and October at the Five Oaks Art Studio in Concord with talented instructors and interesting art projects.

• Landscapes in Wool with Lynn Cavanaugh
  • Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, from 10am–2pm
  • Class Cost: $45 members / $50 non-members, plus cost of kit
  • Materials Cost: $30 (includes pattern, wool base, felting pad, felting needles, needle holders, wool rovings)
  • To Register: Email Lynn
• Fixing and Finishing Your Watercolor – It’s Only Paper with Linda Griffin
  • Date/Time: Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, from 10am–2pm
  • Class Cost: CAG Members $60 / Non-members $65
  • To Register: Email Linda before October 1, 2024.

Instructor Irene Heckel-Volpe is hosting two classes on Oct. 26, 2024. Email Irene to register.

• Create a Sleeping Kitty Needle Felted Fiber Painting
  • Time: 9:00am–1pm
  • Class Cost: $60 CAG members / $65 non-members
  • Materials Cost: $15 (payable on the day of the class)
• ‘Needle Felt’ a Gnome for the Holidays
  • Time: 1:00–5:00pm
  • Class Cost: $60 CAG members / $65 non-members
  • Materials Cost: $15 (payable on the day of the class)

Become a Member of the Cabarrus Art Guild

Visit the CAG website to learn more about joining. Dues are only $45 for the year and include many benefits {see 10 reasons here}.

Whatever your artistic talents are, this group is sure to be a creative outlet and source of new friendships in Cabarrus County!

Planning to visit? Tell ’em Cabarrus Weekly sent ya!