Visiting an art gallery is a great opportunity to learn, find inspiration, build your community and entertain.
Please take note of the opening and closing dates for current and upcoming exhibits at the Cain Center for the Arts. Make plans to join us for the reception for each exhibit, where you will have the opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments.
There is no fee for admission to our gallery or to attend any visual arts receptions.
Find more about the locations on the contact page.
In support of our featured local creatives, each artist will receive a 60% commission for pieces sold during an exhibit.
GALLERY HOURS
TUESDAY – FRIDAY: 10AM – 4PM
Please note the Cornelius Art Center Gallery is closed. Cornelius Art Center is now only utilized for classes and will only be open to the public at those times.
EXHIBIT PROPOSALS
If you are interested in exhibiting at Cain Center for the Arts, please click “Exhibit Proposals” below.
Please note exhibit proposals are reviewed as they come in and are considered for the next programming year. Thank you!
All exhibits offering a “Call to Artists” will include information about how to submit your work for consideration.
CURRENT EXHIBIT
DIRECTOR'S CHOICE EXHIBIT
PRESENTING: WOVEN, CHOOSING COMMUNITY
JANUARY 21 – MARCH 15
Cain Center’s Visual Art & Education Director Simone El Bey curates a memorable exhibit featuring regional artists who inspire and make a powerful impact with their work.
Proceeds from this exhibit will support Cain Center’s Community Impact Initiatives. This programming includes our outreach to area schools; our partnerships with community groups; our Summer Camp scholarships; and Community Music Lesson Program.
To learn more about these specific programs, visit our Community Impact webpage here.
JOIN US FOR A CELEBRATORY RECEPTION ON MARCH 13, 2025!
UPCOMING EXHIBITS
BOLDNESS
SIR WILL
FEBRUARY 4 – FEBRUARY 28
Sir Will is a multi-disciplinary artist specializing in video, mixed media, and photography. Deeply inspired by the cultural styles and traditions developed by Black communities in the South, his work celebrates the vibrant essence of his upbringing. Growing up with limited access to representation of Black artists, Sir Will has forged his own artistic identity, drawing heavily from the South’s warm colors, cars, and fashion, as well as the influence of the strong women in his family.
This exhibit explores Sir Will’s work in a new way, and will also coincide with the annual Black History Month Celebration for the Town of Cornelius hosted at Cain Center for the Arts.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 | 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
The Cornelius Parks & Recreation Department celebrates Black History Month every year with a special event in February. This free, public event is offered in collaboration with the Smithville Community Coalition and Cain Center for the Arts.
This year’s program will feature:
- Keynote speakers the Smithville Community Coalition
- An art exhibit by Sir Will
- Performance by The Jazz Legacy Project
- Musical performances by Union Bethel AME Zion Church and Torrence Chapel AME Zion Church
- Post-event light refreshment
HOMEGROWN &
HOMEGROWN, JR.
MARCH 25 – MAY 9
Home Grown is an annual mixed media exhibit celebrating our artistic community. Artists of all levels are invited to submit 2D and 3D work to this non-juried exhibit.
Online Submission Deadline: January 20th – Feb. 28th
JOIN US FOR AN OPENING RECEPTION!!
MARCH 28, 2025
6:30pm-8:30pm
ELEMENTS
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ARTFIELDS
MAY 20 – JUNE 28
This thoughtful exhibit challenging viewers to consider the environment features the work of innovative artists Joel Hunnicutt and Julie Anne Greenberg, the recipients of the Exhibition Award from ArtFields 2024 Competition.
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.
JOIN US FOR AN OPENING RECEPTION ON MAY 24, 2025!
THANKS TO OUR FRIENDS AT:
PERSPECTIVES:
A LENS IN HISTORY
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ARTPOP STREET GALLERY
JULY 16 – AUGUST 20
Cain Center and ArtPop Street Gallery collaborate to offer another another unique, fascinating and diverse arrangement of artwork, created by some of the top artists in our region.
This show is presented with ArtPop Street Gallery, an organization that showcases local artists and equips them to achieve sustained success.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE ABOUT OUR CELEBRATORY RECEPTION!
THANKS TO OUR FRIENDS AT:
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR
