Together, our hands will shape a future we're proud of.
Cain Center for the Arts invites the community to experience history and new beginnings at the grand opening of the remodeled Puckett Pottery House, a vibrant ceramic studio that marks a major milestone in the Center’s growth and its commitment to expanding hands-on arts experiences in the Lake Norman region. As part of the Sculpting the Future initiative, Puckett and Goodrum houses now offer dynamic spaces where creativity, craftsmanship, and community come together, featuring state-of-the-art ceramics facilities, an activated art courtyard that welcomes visitors into Downtown Cornelius, and expanded office space that supports the Center’s continued impact and future growth.
You’re Invited
To celebrate, Cain Center for the Arts will host a week of events open to the public, inviting the community to experience the spaces firsthand!
📍21212 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius NC, 28031
Parking is available in any Public Parking area including beside the Cornelius Library, behind Town Hall and all street parking along Catawba Ave.
Community Dedication Day & Ribbon Cutting — Free Event
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 9:00–11:00 AM
Join community leaders, partners, and supporters for a special dedication ceremony featuring a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting, live music, light refreshments, tours, and press engagement. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Cain Center leadership, board members, and instructors.
Open House — Free Event
Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Celebrate the opening with an evening of live music, wine and beer, printmaking activities, ceramic demonstrations, guided tours, and opportunities to connect with the creative community.
Hands in Clay: Open Studios + Tours
Friday, May 8, 2026 | 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
An interactive, drop-in experience where guests can explore the studio, watch live demonstrations, and engage directly with artists and instructors in a dynamic, hands-on environment.
— Open Studios: Paid Event
— Tours: Free Event
Taisia, Ceramics Instructor
Linda, Ceramics Student
Reagan, Ceramics Student
Ed, Ceramics Student
FROM OUR COMMUNITY:
“It’s so important that we have a new location that allows us to come together to learn and be in community with each other.”
Cain Center has already transformed our region by bringing the arts to the heart of our community. This next chapter builds on that momentum—creating new opportunities for learning, connection, and creativity for people of all ages and backgrounds.
So let’s all be here together and create this wonderful place for our children, our families, and our future.”
A vision shaped by many, made for all
We have big dreams for this town, and it builds on the character shaped over generations.
Renderings designed by Nicole Perri Architecture.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Preservation and renovation of historic homes
The restored Goodrum and Puckett houses will not only honor the area’s architectural heritage but also serve as new civic spaces that foster artistic and community engagement and provide further arts education opportunities. The renewed exterior of the structures also takes direct inspiration from the creative work of local artists and beloved ceramics instructors Rene Calder and Keith Meyers.
State-of-the-art ceramics facilities
The new facility will offer expanded resources and dedicated spaces for ceramic artists to create, teach, and inspire, ensuring that this cherished art form continues to thrive for generations to come.
Open and inviting courtyard
This versatile space will be a hub for creative placemaking and a community gathering spot, serving as a welcoming gateway to Downtown Cornelius. The courtyard is designed to host a variety of events, workshops, and performances, encouraging residents and visitors alike to come together and celebrate the arts and community.
We're also excited about:
- New office spaces for our dedicated and growing staff
- Future growth potential with an additional corner parcel
Your hands, your legacy
To bring this vision to it’s full potential we need your help. Please consider donating* today.
Reach out to Karen or Anita for more information or for other ways to support this project.
Karen Gipson
Director of Development
kgipson@cainarts.org
Anita Overcash
Sr. Development Associate
aovercash@cainarts.org
*Cain Center for the Arts is an IRS registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All gifts are fully tax-deductible in keeping with current IRS regulations.
Honor our history by investing in our future
$2,000, $5,000 or $10,000 can be pledged and paid by January 31, 2027.
Naming opportunities are also available
Ceramics Center – available
Courtyard – no longer available
Naming Op 3 – available
Call Anita at (980) 689-4645 for more information.
Stay updated about progress and opportunities
Frequently asked questions:
Why is this project happening
Ceramics has long been a cherished art form in Lake Norman, but it never had a permanent home. This project makes good on our original vision, creating a dedicated space for ceramics while further honoring Cornelius’ history through thoughtful preservation and community-driven revitalization.
What’s included in the project?
- Preservation and renovation of historic homes
- State-of-the-art ceramics facility
- Open & inviting courtyard
- New office spaces for our dedicated and growing staff
- Future growth potential with an additional corner parcel
What sort of programs will be offered?
The new ceramics center will host classes and workshops for both youth and adults, including hand-building and wheel throwing. An open studio will also be available for artists who wish to hone their craft, and we’ll be able to host more robust summer camps for kids of all ages. The community gathering space will allow an additional option for outdoor events as well.
Can I make a pledge and pay in installments?
Yes! Please contact Karen Gipson, Director of Development, at kgipson@cainarts.org or Anita Overcash, Sr. Development Associate, at aovercash@cainarts.org.
When is the project expected to be completed?
We are currently on track for construction to be completed in Spring 2026, with expanded program offerings coming later that year.
Thank you to our local partners who are helping us sculpt the future:
A home for those who shape the world
Our community is full of imagination, passion, and skill. Enjoy a few stories from your neighbors!