Dive into an extraordinary journey that reimagines beauty! “About Face” is not just an exhibition; it’s a bold question mark on the conventional beauty standards.

Ever wondered how narrow societal norms impact those who don’t fit the mold?

We’re flipping the script! Discover the mesmerizing beauty in our differences — from the hues of our skin, ranging from gentle tan to deep mahogany, to the allure of various lip shapes and hairstyles, from vibrant locs to elegant braids and curls.

Be part of this empowering evening. Let’s celebrate beauty in its true, diverse glory, break free from stereotypes, and embrace the unique charm that each of us brings

For tickets to other events and more details, go to linktr.ee/cabarrusartscouncil or call Cabarrus Arts Council at 704-920-2787. See you there!

Give to the Cabarrus Arts Council: Help keep art alive in our community through a donation of any size. Visit cabarrusartscouncil.org/support/ how-to-donate

(Today – Feb. 18)

UNCC Chamber Music and falllift on Stage at the Davis Theatre of Cabarrus Arts Council — Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m. Join us in kicking off the new Discovery Series, a celebration of the extraordinary talents thriving right in our community. Join us for these Thursday night performances of two diverse back-to-back acts at the Davis Theatre. Only $15! The first performance in this series includes UNC Charlotte Music Faculty and falllift. Enjoy a performance by talented regional musicians featuring diverse chamber music, a discipline in Classical music with small ensembles of traditional instruments. Discover the charm of modern chamber music! Then, hear the male-female lead duo, falllift, merging playful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Bringing authenticity to a modern sound, the duo draw inspiration from life experiences that connect us all. Get your tickets at cabarrusartscouncil.org/current-season

Cabarrus Art Guild Class: Using Collage in Acrylic Painting with Susan Lackey on Saturday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Unleash your creativity as you explore this mixed media technique. You will make your own textured papers to use as collage elements in your painting. You may elect to work in an expressive realistic or slightly abstracted manner. Susan will demonstrate and help you individually. Susan Lackey has been painting and teaching painting for many years. She paints in acrylic and mixed media. She has won numerous awards in local, state and national exhibitions and juried shows. She is a signature member of the Watercolor Society of North Carolina. Class cost: $60; Ages 18+; Registration Required; Registration cutoff date is Feb. 12; To register click then scroll down — https://secure.rec1.com/NC/concord-nc/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTI3Njc4NzE= Supply list provided upon registration; For questions or more information, email [email protected]

Live Karaoke with Rory Chambers in the Commons – Saturday, Feb. 17, 7-9 p.m. A fun evening in Concord’s best kept secret space, The Commons, at 75 Church St. Free but donations accepted to support a Roof Above. FREE; All Ages Welcome; No Registration Required; Concord; The Commons; 75 Church St., N.; For more information, visit www.rorychambers.com or FB: The Commons/Prayer Room

Next week!

(Feb. 19-25)

Author Visit: Jeffrey Blount – Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6-7:30 p.m. Join us for this free event as Jeffrey discusses his new novel, “Mr. Jimmy from Around the Way.” This book is about failure, self-discovery, empowerment, and the possibility of redemption. This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Mt. Pleasant Library and the Friends of Kannapolis Library. FREE; No Registration Required; Adults; Kannapolis Library; 850 Mountain Street; For more information, visit www.cabarruscounty.us

Black History Crafternoon – Friday, Feb. 23, 3-4 p.m. Drop in to learn about important innovators such as Katherine Johnson & Garrett Morgan by making a craft inspired by their contributions! FREE; No Registration Required; Ages 6-11; Mt. Pleasant Library; 8556 Cook Street; For more information, visit www.cabarruscounty.us

About Face Opening Reception – Friday, Feb. 23, 5-7 p.m. Join us for the Opening Reception of About Face the exhibition. Most of us are familiar with the expression, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” But what happens when the beholder’s view is narrow or lacks tolerance or appreciation that goes beyond what they see in their world? How are individuals impacted when beauty, as a societal construct, excludes “others” such as themselves? And, what if the beholder controls the beauty narrative and promotes only what is acceptable to them and pleasing to their eye, thus making their view the “gold standard” by which all other beauty is compared? By deconstructing the dominate culture’s concept of beauty and reconstructing beauty through mask-making and portraits, beauty is embraced through the color of our skin with tones and hues that range from the lightest tan to the deepest mahogany, and lips that are lush and full. Celebrating hair that presents as a crown of tight, kinky coils to twisting strands of locs and braids. FREE; All Ages Welcome; Concessions will be available for purchase; For more information, visit www.cabarrusartscouncil.org or call 704-920-2787.

Family Day – Saturday, Feb. 24, noon to 3 p.m. Join us at Cabarrus Arts Council for Family Day. This free event is open to all ages! Explore the galleries, featuring our newest exhibition About Face. Come and experience this interactive exhibition that explores beauty. Then, get creative with crafts including card marking and rock painting! Craft activity from noon to 1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Participants will have the opportunity to get creative with cardmaking and rock painting! And don’t miss out on our Family Show, Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch, on the same day at 1 p.m. Go to www.cabarrusartscouncil.org/arts-education/family-days to learn more!

Family Show “Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch” – Saturday, Feb. 24, 1 p.m. AXIS THEATRE PRESENTS: Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch at the Davis Theatre of Cabarrus Arts Council. Join us for a family show including fun, puppets, and a heartwarming tale. Mr. Hatch leads a predictable and dreary life; he keeps to himself. One Valentine’s Day, he unexpectedly receives a heart-shaped package with an anonymous note that whispers, “somebody loves you,” and everything changes. This heartwarming puppet play examines the effect that kindness can have on a lonely existence. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Go to www.cabarrusartscouncil.org/current-season/family-shows to learn more and get your tickets!

An evening with performer Bobby Jo Valentine in the Commons – Thursday, Feb. 29, 7 p.m. Original, hopeful music with a rising acoustic singer/songwriter. Free admission but donations accepted to support the work of NAMI Cabarrus. FREE; All Ages Welcome; No Registration Required; Concord; The Commons; 75 Church St., N.; For more information, visit www.bobbyjovalentine.com or FB: The Commons/Prayer Room.

Art In Mind Performance and Visual Arts Fundraiser and Silent Auction—Thursday, Feb 29, 7-9 p.m. The Cabarrus Arts Council and Mental Health America of Central Carolinas (MHA) are joining forces to host our first-ever collaborative performance and visual arts fundraiser & silent auction! Enjoy a collection of area artists and a series of live performances highlighting the vital relationship between the arts and mental health. VIP early bidding in The Galleries starts at 6:30 p.m. General bidding in The Galleries will be from 7-7:45 p.m. From 8-9 p.m. there will be performances and Guest Speakers in The Davis Theatre. Tickets Required; VIP Tickets are $75 and includes champagne toast, early bidding, swag bag, and reserved premiere seating in The Davis Theatre; General Admission Tickets are $40; Cabarrus Arts Council; 65 Union St., S.; For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.cabarrrusartscouncil.org

About Face Exhibition Orientation – Wednesday, March 6, 11 a.m. to noon. Join the excitement at the Cabarrus Arts Council and learn about the current exhibit! Breakfast treats and beverages will be available! All Ages; Free; No Registration Required; Cabarrus Arts Council; Concord; 65 Union St., S.; For more information visit www.cabarrusartscouncil.org or call 704-920-2787

Cabarrus Art Guild Monthly FREE DEMO: Caricature Art with Eric Melton – Sunday, March 10, 2 p.m. Come join us for March’s FREE Demo event! You are invited to join us for a fun afternoon of caricature art! Eric Melton is a caricaturist specializing in creating caricatures of both people and pets that are funny but not demeaning. He has more than 30 years of experience in the business and has traveled across North and South Carolina creating his art. During the demo, he will discuss what he looks for when creating a caricature and plans to draw some volunteer participants! Please arrive on time to not interrupt the speaker. FREE; No Registration Required; ClearWater Arts Center and Studios; 223 Crowell Drive, NW; To view Eric’s artwork, visit https://meltonart.com/ For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org

CAG Class: Krazy Critters with Susan Lackey on Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a relaxed class where anything goes. Pick a critter, any critter … dog, cat, horse, turtle, giraffe, whatever. Let’s have some fun making up krazy whimsical facial expressions for them. You will create one or two paintings, following Susan’s easy, step-by-step process. So, grab your paints and let’s get going. We promise that you will chuckle the whole time you are creating. A supply list is provided so read it carefully. Susan Lackey has been painting and teaching painting for many years. Her work is frequently on display in area galleries and proudly hangs in both private and corporate collections. Susan’s most current work can be found at SusanLackeyArt.com; Class Cost $100; Ages 18+; Registration Required; Registration closes March 11th, 2024; Follow this link for the supply list, or to register for the class: https://secure.rec1.com/NC/concord-nc/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTI3Njc5NDQ= ; ClearWater Arts Center & Studio; 223 Crowell Drive, DW; For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org

Internationally acclaimed performer and choreographer, Dr. Maha Gingrich presents 21st anniversary of Dances of India on Saturday, April 6, at 4 p.m. Join us to celebrate thousands of years old history and culture of India. Choreographer Dr. Maha Gingrich and a large ensemble of dancers present classical and folk dances. Stories brought to life exquisitely through dance dramas, costumes, and masks. The signature dance, “Unity in Diversity,” is set to enthralling international dance styles and live music. Tickets Required; Performance cost: $15; All ages; Kannapolis Performing Arts Center; 415 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive; For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit universe.com/dancesofindia2024

CAG Class: Simple Negative Painting in Acrylics with Susan Lackey on Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. to noon. In this class, “negative” is good. It means that you will paint around your subject to create and develop it, creating a unique image. Susan will demonstrate, then lead you through a series of very simple steps. You will finish with shading and embellishment to your design. You may elect to work in an expressively realistic or slightly abstracted manner. A supply list is provided so read it carefully. Susan Lackey has been painting and teaching painting for many years. Her work is frequently on display in area galleries and proudly hangs in both private and corporate collections. Class Cost: $60; Registration Required; Registration closes April 15; Follow this link for the supply list, or to register for the class: https://secure.rec1.com/NC/concord-nc/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTI3NjcyNTY= ; ClearWater Arts Center & Studio; 223 Crowell Drive, DW; For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org

Open Mic — Spotlight Series Every fourth Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Come join us for this incredible spotlight series and open mic! Sign up to share on the mic at the event, free to the public and best coffee in town! Feb. 22 — Featuring Clarity; March 28 — Featuring Rocky Little; April 25 — Featuring Sidekick; May 23 — Featuring Lady V Poetry; June 27 — Featuring Frank Expressions; FREE; No Registration Required; Wired Coffee Express; 469 N. Cannon Blvd.; For more information, visit www.facebook.com/guerilla.poets.founders

After School and Adult Art Classes in drawing, painting, pottery, and sculpture. After school classes from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and adult classes from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday one day per week for six weeks. For more information, call 704-786-8570.

North Carolina Music Hall of Fame — The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame Museum is a safe, fun, and touch-free visit for your friends and family! The museum is open to the public Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m., closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch. Reserve your visit at Make A Reservation — North Carolina Music Hall Of Fame, 600 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis.

Open Art Day — Every Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your lunch and drink, bring a project you are working on and your supplies. Or bring work you’d like to share and discuss. This is a working, weekly meeting, each Tuesday, to work with and share with artists and like-minded people who appreciate creativity. ClearWater Arts Center & Studios (223 Crowell Drive, NW, Concord) — enter through the double glass doors facing Kerr Street, called the Greenway Gallery). For more information: About Us (cabarrusartguild.org).

Caffeinate with Creatives — Every Second Saturday, 10-11 a.m. The Concord area is filled with artists of all kinds, let’s take some time to get to know each other. Join us every second Saturday for coffee and creative conversations. All artists are welcome; no registration; free, coffee for purchase; ClearWater Arts Center & Studios (223 Crowell Drive, NW, Concord). For more information, visit www.clearwaterartists.com.

Plein Air with the CAG — Calling all artists. First timers welcome. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the things, you think you need, this is a very informal gathering, and your fellow artists are happy to help. Reach out to get on the mailing list for various events. Has the idea or the fun of Plein Air ever fascinated you? Well first off, to explain, Plein air 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.” Some famous Plein air painters were amongst the most impressive painters from history including Monet, Homer and Sargent. Within the Cabarrus Art Guild, a group of Plein air painters have banded together to enjoy the lovely North Carolina Piedmont and surrounding sites via Plein air. They have named themselves, “Dusty Road Painters” and meet to explore the indoors (inclement weather) and outdoors that offer countless opportunities to express one’s artistic curiosity and passion. Have questions or interested in joining this free group of adventurous artists? Reach out to Plein Air Chair, O’Lynda Walker at [email protected]. Free. For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org.

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Course Offerings — Continuing Education courses available with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. In addition to career courses, we also offer personal enrichment courses. Call 702-216-7222 or register online at https://cce.rcc.edu/ The following link is continually updated with new course offerings: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hwaTI5nAM_bMAiQ_XooVkANHnnJOqN63/edit.