Beginning and Maintaining a Sketchbook Practice
Beginning and Maintaining a Sketchbook PracticeCain Center for the Arts: Classroom 115 Jan. 8 – Feb 12, 2026 Price: $175.00 Thursdays, 4:30pm – 6:00pm Instructor: Lisa Albinus Course Description: Learning to draw can be done easily enough — practicing it is an entirely different discipline. This six-week class focuses on building a consistent sketchbook practice rooted in curiosity rather than perfection. Students will learn to see, record, and respond to the world around them through accessible, creative prompts. Each week introduces a new concept such as observation, storytelling, inspiration, or reflection, supported by hands-on demos and open exploration. Students are encouraged to work with materials they already have — pencil, ink, or watercolor — and to find the method that feels most natural to maintain a daily sketchbook habit. Drawing is a learnable skill. Maintaining it is a choice. All materials welcome. This class is about process, not polish. ***Cornelius Residents will use RESCODE for Cornelius resident price in the shopping cart.***
Watercolor Beginners and Beyond
Watercolor Beginners and BeyondCain Center for the Arts: Classroom 115 Jan. 7 – Feb. 18, 2025 Price: $195.00 Wednesdays, 1:00pm – 3:30pm Instructor: Gail Kolenda Course Description: This class is for anyone who loves watercolors – Both beginners and advanced students. Beginners will learn about colors, papers and brushes. Each week we will build upon the lessons moving from color chart, to mixing, to techniques, to creating a complete watercolor painting. I will be teaching the basic washes, glazing, watercolor “tricks”, and use of shadows. Composition will be introduced. At the end of each class the student will have at least one, if not more, projects to take home. Advanced students will have a special project weekly using different techniques and themes. Please note: This class will not meet on Wednesday, January 14th. ***Cornelius Residents will use RESCODE for Cornelius resident price in the shopping cart.***
Discover Your Own Artistic Style
Discover Your Own Artistic StyleCain Center for the Arts: Classroom 115 Jan. 7 – Feb. 11, 2026 Price: $195.00 Thursdays, 1:00pm – 3:30pm Instructor: Gail Kolenda Course Description: Explore different art styles and experiment with techniques designed to spark inspiration and deepen your creativity. You will learn what makes each style unique and discover what speaks to you personally. This class guides adult artists in uncovering and refining their own unique style – one brush stroke at a time. One doesn’t need experience – just enthusiasm. All levels welcomed. ***Cornelius Residents will use RESCODE for Cornelius resident price in the shopping cart.***
Mixed Media Painting and Collage
Mixed Media Painting and CollageCain Center for the Arts: Classroom 115 Jan. 5 – Feb. 9, 2025 Price: $195.00 Mondays, 4:30pm – 6:30pm Instructor: Kathy Murray Course Description: Try some new techniques to create textural and interesting mixed media art! Using acrylic paints students will create patterned, lined, and nature gel printed papers. Then they will layer them with pencil marks, paint and other media to create exciting pieces. The instructor will assist with the basics like composition and color optimization. This class welcomes beginners or those who are more experienced that just want to have fun! ***Cornelius Residents will use RESCODE for Cornelius resident price in the shopping cart.***
Graphite: The Hero Hiding in Your Pencil Case
Graphite: The Hero Hiding in Your Pencil CaseCain Center for the Arts: Classroom 115 Jan. 7 – Feb. 11, 2025 Price: $175.00 Wednesdays, 10:30am – 12:00pm Instructor: Lisa Albinus Course Description: Graphite is so much more than a sketching tool — it’s a powerhouse medium hiding in plain sight, In this six-week technical class, we slow down the pace and treat graphite as a true painting medium. What we’ll explore: – Technical graphite layering for soft, even tone – Clean edges and controlled transitions – Texture development without harsh strokes – Light, shadow, and subtle tonal mapping – Managing light so highlights remain crisp and believable – Rendering natural forms with accuracy and intention By the end, you’ll have artwork that feels polished, dimensional, and far from a quick sketch. If you’re ready to stop sketching and start truly drawing with graphite, this is your class. ***Cornelius Residents will use RESCODE for Cornelius resident price in the shopping cart.***
Jon Lehrer Dance Company
Based in NYC since 2019, Jon Lehrer has already received critical acclaim nationally and internationally. Under his artistic direction, the company showcases Jon’s unique choreography and embodies his definitive style. His extensive background in both the modern and jazz dance idioms fosters choreography that is organic, athletic, artistic, and often humorous, reflecting life experience and the human condition. Learn More: https://www.jonlehrerdance.com
Jeff Allen
Jeff Allen may (or may not) want to admit it, but he’s getting older. At 69, as he approaches his 70th year, Jeff decided it might be time to slow down a bit. The result? My First Final Farewell Tour kicks off March 1, 2026. Yes, you read that right—“First” and “Final” in the same sentence—because Jeff isn’t totally sure he’s done yet. (After all, Cher had 20 farewell tours, and Elton John is still going strong!) What he is sure of: he’s bringing a mix of fan favorites and fresh new material to the stage. From the classic Happy Wife, Happy Life routine you’ve been quoting for years, to new takes on marriage, family, and everyday life, Jeff is putting it all together for a night that’s hilarious, unforgettable, and uplifting. One of America’s most beloved comedians, Jeff Allen has nearly 1 billion online views and a record-setting seven Dry Bar Comedy specials. He’s appeared on America’s Got Talent, The Today Show, Comedy Central, Showtime, and starred in the films Apostles of Comedy and My 7 Grandmas. Millions have enjoyed his comedy across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube—but nothing compares to seeing Jeff live. Website: https://www.jeffallencomedy.com/videos
Illusionist Leon Etienne
You’ve seen him on America’s Got Talent, Jimmy Fallon, Masters of Illusion, and Penn & Teller: Fool Us! DO NOT MISS Illusionist Leon Etienne’s jaw-dropping, critically acclaimed hit show. Witness this family friendly spectacular featuring the world’s best illusions, award-winning sleight of hand, and hilarious comedy. This show is an immersive experience that brings joy, laughter, and wonder when the world needs it most! Learn More: https://www.magicrocks.com/#Video
Three’s Comedy Tour
Get ready for a night of laughs with some of the South’s funniest voices! Jason Allen King, Charlotte’s award-winning comedian, writer, and actor, brings his sharp, self-deprecating humor to the stage, fresh off his Dry Bar Comedy Special “Nobody’s Emergency Contact.” Jordan Centry charms audiences with his witty, silly, and delightfully southern take on everyday life, from clubs to festivals nationwide. Rounding out the trio, Jonathan Williams, former middle-school teacher and social media sensation with over 50 million views, delivers biting yet lovable comedy about the absurdities of life and teaching. Don’t miss this hilarious night of stand-up you’ll be talking about for weeks!
Chris Funk
Chris Funk’s REDEFINING WONDER is an engaging multimedia experience that has audiences talking and scratching their heads for years to come. Finally, a MAGIC SHOW WITH LIVE MUSIC! Chris has pioneered the use of instruments like the violin, guitar, sax and more into his illusions. His parents wanted him to be a musician, but he wanted to be a magician. Chris tells his story on how he integrated his love for music and magic in a show unlike any other. Whether it’s a violin concerto to a magical dancing sheet of music to impossibly suspending various instruments on stage, his show is in a league of its own. The live-feed camera and interactive videos bring audiences up onstage and into the action, delivering a show that family audiences can call their own. From NBC’s America’s Got Talent, CW’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us & Masters of Illusion, FOX’s Hell’s Kitchen and Syfy’s Wizard Wars, his unique approach to magic has garnered him performances at Las Vegas’ Planet Hollywood, Venetian, Mandalay Bay, Rio, and Tropicana casinos as well as residencies at Disney. In addition to his own touring, Chris has starred in major touring magic productions Masters of Illusion LIVE. Chris’ show has garnered standing ovations and a reputation for excellence. AMERICA’S GOT TALENT – SIMON COWELL: “BEST MAGICIAN we’ve had on the show so far! I’ve NEVER seen anything like that!” DISNEY: “Absolutely FANTASTIC!” PENN & TELLER: “There’s a WILDNESS and beauty to Chris Funk’s daft and funny presence that we – and the audiences we’ve seen him with – find IRRESISTIBLE.” PENN & TELLER Learn More: https://chrisfunkmagic.com/