2023-2024 EXHIBITIONS
Inspiration. Education
Community. Entertainment.
Visiting an art gallery is a great opportunity to learn, find inspiration, build your community and entertain. Cain Center for the Arts is proud to announce the presentation of exhibitions during the 2023-2024 season for the public to enjoy in both of our facilities. Take note of the opening and closing dates and make plans to join us for the reception for each exhibit, where you will have the opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy an evening of artist talks with light refreshments provided. Find more about the locations on the contact page.
Please note that exhibits offering a “Call to Artists” will include information on how to submit your work for consideration.
In support of our featured local creatives, each artist will receive a 60% commission for pieces sold during an exhibit.
Gallery Hours
Cain Center for the Arts Gallery:
Tuesday – Friday: 10am- 4pm
Cornelius Art Center Gallery :
Monday: 10am – 4pm
Tuesday: 10am- 4pm
Wednesday: 10am- 1pm
Thursday: 5pm-8pm
Exhibition Proposals
If you are interested in exhibiting at Cain Center for the Arts: Please click “Exhibition Proposals” below.
CROWNED
Highlighting Artists from 2023 ArtFields Competition
April 15 – June 7
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Cain Center for the Arts is thrilled to host CROWNED, an exhibit of original works from regional artists Eva Crawford and Ellie Rose. This exhibit highlights Crawford and Rose the recipients of the Exhibition Award from ArtFields 2023 Competition. The award includes an exhibition featuring the two artists and their bodies of work.
This show is presented in partnership with ArtFields, a community arts organization that offers a unique celebration of art and community in an annual, nine-day art competition in Lake City, South Carolina.
Learn more about ArtFields at www.artfieldssc.org.
Listen to the Curator’s Note and hear a special interview with both artists on our CROWNED: A Deeper Dive page here.
RECEPTION: Join us for a special reception on
Thursday, June 6 at 6:30pm- 8:30pm.
PLEASE NOTE:
The exhibit “Crowned” at Cain Center for the Arts contains some pieces of artwork that include nudity and explore themes that might not be suitable for all ages. Viewer discretion is advised.
While we aim to provide an enriching and diverse artistic experience, some individuals may find certain pieces challenging or uncomfortable. Please note that artworks that are considered more risqué than others are featured in the gallery itself. Artwork in the hallways is intended to be more family friendly and suitable for a wider audience.
We encourage visitors to approach the exhibit with an open mind and respect for differing interpretations of art. Parents and guardians are encouraged to use their best judgment when bringing children to the exhibit.
Material Wealth of Art
ADVISORY LED BY LANCE PHILLIPS
April 15 – June 7
ABOUT THE SHOW:
In collaboration with artists from the Community School of Davidson, this unique exhibit explores the dual nature of artwork as both material objects and conceptual expressions, challenging notions of monetary value and emphasizing the importance of individual identity and creative autonomy in the face of societal and market pressures. Under the direction of Lance Phillips from the Community School of Davidson, these young artists make a powerful statement through their collective work.
ARTISTS’ STATEMENT:
Artwork can hold material value as both an object and an idea — just as things can be useful and beautiful simultaneously. The materials of art question monetary value by presenting us with, at times, commonplace objects transformed by the artist. The value is in the skill, journey, and experience. In addition, the accessibility of these materials allows anyone to be a creator and have their own voice.
Wealth does not define the individual in this case. Individual identity is key for artists of the next generation. Questioning abundance leads to inquiries about the value of art to society and its contribution. Art holds the power of the individual, but in spite of global changes in the art market, is it possible to make large scale changes? Furthermore, is making changes even the artist’s responsibility? Is it more important to be true to yourself and your ideas?
RECEPTION:
Details of a celebratory reception will be announced soon.
ArtPop Street Gallery
June 17 – August 9
ABOUT THE SHOW: Cain Center for the Arts and ArtPop Street Gallery are celebrating ArtPop Street Gallery’s 10th Anniversary! ArtPop Street Gallery’s Charlotte Class of 2023 will be the participating artists in this exhibit.
RECEPTION: TBA
PREVIOUS EXHIBITS
" The Art of Mechanics"
Featured Artist
Anna Grant Dean
September 11 - November 11
Cain Center for the Arts
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Anna G. Dean is an interdisciplinary artist, working in sculpture, installation, video and mixed media. She began her career in Art Education, with a focus on Contemporary Art and Arts Integration.
Anna was recently a part of the Class of ’23 in ArtPop Street Gallery. Anna’s work demonstrates the creative process as well as the understanding of engineering. Her ability to install large scale sculpture truly demonstrates how creative the mind can be.
RECEPTION: Join us for our opening reception on
Friday, September 22; 6:30pm- 8:30pm
Mud at the Mill
September 11 - November 11
Cornelius Arts Center
ABOUT THE SHOW: The gallery show showcases functional, sculptural, and experimental work that utilizes clay as the primary material. The show is open to all – from students to established artist- as we celebrate a variety of use and techniques.
Reception Date: Friday, September 15th; 6:30pm-8:30pm
Justifying Our Lens
November 20 - January 5
Cain Center for the Arts
ABOUT THE SHOW:
In a special new exhibit, Cain Center for the Arts has collaborated with two organizations in the Lake Norman area to bring something totally new to our region. The exhibit highlights and celebrates the original art of participants in the innovative programming at Hinds Feet Farm, a nonprofit that works to maximize the post injury potential of persons living with brain injury.
Through a series of workshops with Cain Center for the Arts and our friends at Davidson College, participants from Hinds Feet Farm have created original pieces of art that offer a response to the prompt:
“This is what I love…and this is how I see it.”
The new exhibit, thoughtfully titled “Justifying Our Lens,” is now open at Cain Center for the Arts, and features a unique showcase based on perception and expression.
A special opening celebration will be held on December 7 from 11am-1pm for the artists to see their projects professionally framed and carefully curated in Cain Center’s gallery – a beautiful space looking right out into Downtown Cornelius.
We hope you’ll join us to celebrate the resiliency of the human spirit and the power of art to bring people together and offer a key component to the healing process.
BAE HART
February 12 - March 1
Cain Center for the Arts
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Artwork by Bae Hart will be on display at Cain Center for the Arts from February 12-March 1. Public viewing hours are Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Hart’s impressive career has seen her work featured by some of the most influential brands, publications, media outlets and museums in the world, using her photography to capture the essence of Black culture and elevate its visibility on a global stage. Through her work, she aims to showcase the rich and diverse experiences of Black people everywhere, celebrating their unique contributions to society and encouraging greater understanding and acceptance.
Director's Choice
January 22 – March 29
RECEPTION: FEBRUARY 2 | 6:30PM-8:30PM
Cain Center for the Arts
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Cain Center’s Visual Arts and Education Director Simone El Bey has curated a special exhibit showcasing local artists that we have come to love as an organization. This hand-selected group of artists share more than a love for visual arts with our team. These artists believe in our mission, and, more importantly, our commitment to the community.
This exhibit includes artwork from various mediums, with each artist supporting Cain Center for the Arts with their submission. The Director’s Choice Exhibit celebrates Cain Center’s Community Impact Programs, and 50% of the proceeds made from the exhibit will support the continuation and expansion of these initiatives. The other 50% will go to the exhibiting artists in support of our local visual arts community. Private viewings may be available upon request.
Please join us for a free opening reception on February 2 from 6:30-8:30pm at Cain Center for the Arts to celebrate this exciting project. There will also be a special free Artist Talk on February 23 at 6:30pm which will allow the public a chance to hear from several of the exhibit’s featured artists.
Home Grown &
Home Grown Junior!
January 22 - March 29
RECEPTION: JANUARY 26 | 6:30PM-8:30PM
Cornelius Arts Center
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Home Grown is an annual mixed media exhibit celebrating our artistic community. Artists of all levels are invited to submit 2D and 3D work. This is a non-juried exhibit that allows our community of artists to explore their creativity.
For the first time ever, Cain Center for the Arts is adding an additional component – Home Grown Junior! This portion of the exhibit will allow artists from the ages of 10-16 to submit their work as well.
Please consider joining us for a free opening reception on Friday, January 26th from 6:30-8:30pm at the Cornelius Arts Center. Refreshments will be provided.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORs
Presenting Sponsor
