Category Archives: Arts

Center Stage at Central Piedmont: Upcoming November Performing Arts events

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Central Piedmont Community College invites students, faculty, and the public to experience a vibrant lineup of performances and events this November. From Broadway buzz to circus artistry, here’s what’s happening on Central Campus:

Go behind the curtain with SIX the Musical:
  • Hear from the cast and crew of the Tony Award–winning musical
  • Learn how this high-energy retelling of history comes to life
  • Ask questions and enjoy a box lunch (first come, first served)
  • Free and open to the public; RSVP encouraged
  • When: Tue., Nov. 4, noon
  • Where: Central Campus, Parr Center, Collaborative Staircase
Central Piedmont Theatre presents: Puffs
  • A comedic retelling of life at a certain Wizard School
  • A story for anyone who’s never been destined to save the world
  • Free admission for Central Piedmont students with valid ID
  • Employees can use the code lowercase “cpcc” for a discount
  • When:
    • Fri., Nov. 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 7:30 p.m.
    • Sun., Nov. 9, 16, 2:30 p.m.
  • Where: Central Campus, Parr Center, Theater

Get your tickets for Puffs

Mosaic – Nouveau Sud Circus Project
  • Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Nouveau Sud
  • Experience aerial artistry, acrobatics, and physical theater
  • Discover real-life stories of resilience and community
  • When: Wed., Nov. 19, 12 p.m.
  • Where: Central Campus, Overcash Center, Halton Theater

Get your free ticket for Nouveau Sud

Charlotte Civic Orchestra presents Christmas Extravaganza
  • Enjoy Charlotte’s most affordable family holiday show
  • Featuring full orchestra, 100-voice choir, ballet, singers, Rockette-style dancers, and ballroom dancers
  • All sales final; no refunds
  • When: Sun., Nov. 30, 7 p.m.
  • Where: Central Campus, Overcash Center, Halton Theater

Get your tickets for Christmas Extravaganza

Art: The accidental asset — a special evening conversation

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Central Piedmont Gallery Art Weds., Nov. 12 | 5:00–7:00 p.m. | Central Campus, North Classroom Building, Auditorium  

Explore the intersection of aesthetics and commerce in a thought-provoking conversation led by Jonathan Justice, adjunct instructor at Central Piedmont and chief strategy officer at Atelier 4. 

What to expect: 

  • A deep dive into art as collateral, investment, and commodity 
  • Insights into evolving careers within the art industry 
  • Answers to key questions:  
  • How do we define art? 
  • Is art an asset? 
  • How do we value art? 
  • How does art trade? 

Who should attend: 

  • New and seasoned artists 
  • Students seeking to enhance their skills or degree 
  • Arts and humanities educators 
  • Professionals within the art sector 
  • Art investors, art collectors, and art lovers 
  • Business students and novices 

Register now 
Free event — registration is required 

Questions? Contact: 
Pamela Pompey — 704-330-2722 ext. 3137
Meghan French — 704-330-2722 ext. 3897 

Show your perspective: Enter the global photo contest

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globe on table
As part of International Education Week in November, the Center for Global Engagement is hosting several events—including a global photo contest open to all students.
How to participate:
  • Submit up to two original photos
  • Send entries to Lauren Jackson by Fri., Nov. 7
  • Photos will be printed and displayed at Levine Campus from Mon., Nov. 17–Thu., Nov. 20
  • Students will vote on their favorite entries throughout the week
Celebrate with us:
  • A recognition event will be held on Thu., Nov. 20 at Levine Campus
  • Winners will receive prizes and enjoy international refreshments
This is your chance to share your global perspective and celebrate international experiences with the Central Piedmont community.

The Hammer 2025 issue is here — read it online now

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Cover of The Hammer 2025. A light blue cover with the words "Hammer" drawn to represent a hammer.The 2025 issue of The Hammer, Central Piedmont Community College’s official arts and literature magazine since 2017, is now available online. The latest edition, along with past issues, can be read through the Central Piedmont Archives’ Digital Collections.  

Coming soon: 
Submissions for the 2026 issue will be opening shortly. Students interested in sharing original poetry, prose, photography, or artwork are encouraged to participate. 

Questions? 
Email: thehammer@cpcc.edu 

🎨 Calling all artists: Exhibit your work at Central Piedmont

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student painting

What’s happening: 
The Central Piedmont art galleries are now accepting submissions for upcoming exhibitions. 

Why it matters: 
This is a chance for emerging and established artists to showcase their work in a professional gallery setting on campus. 

Who can apply: 
Open to all artists — students, faculty, staff, and the wider community. 

Details: 

  • 📍 Location: Overcash Center, Central Campus 
  • 📅 Deadline to submit: Fri., Sept. 27 
  • 🖼️ Accepted work: All mediums welcome — painting, sculpture, digital, and more

The big picture: 
Selected artists will have the opportunity to be featured in a solo or group exhibition during the 2025–26 gallery season. Apply here!

🎨 Four New Art Exhibitions Open Across Central Piedmont Campuses

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Painting Sonoma Sunset, 16x20 encaustic on panel - featured in Terri Yacovelli Exhibition on Levine Campus

Central Piedmont is showcasing a fresh wave of creativity this fall, with four unique exhibitions now open to the campus community. From thought-provoking history to Charlotte-inspired sketches, there’s something for everyone to explore. 

What’s new: 

Levine Campus – Terri Yacovelli Exhibition 

  • A series of encaustic paintings that reimagine landscapes as fluid, internal spaces shaped by memory, perception, and emotion. 
  • Expect abstraction, layered textures, and bold color that invite contemplation. 

Central Campus, Dove Gallery: “The Unscene South” by Charles Eady 

  • A powerful exploration of Black life in the Antebellum South. 
  • Challenges traditional narratives and offers fresh perspectives on history. 

Central Campus, North Classroom: “A Love Letter from Charlotte” by Mike Daikubara 

  • Features 60 on-location sketches capturing Charlotte’s landmarks, hidden corners, and evolving cityscape. 
  • Daikubara, an artist and educator, has been sketching daily since 2000. 

Levine Campus – New 3D Art Exhibition Open 

  • A collaborative 3D art exhibition, featuring work from Jackie Radford and Patricia Raible, exploring the book form as artistic expression. 
  • Investigates how structure influences content and vice versa, blending words, visuals, and materials. 

Why it matters: ️ These exhibitions highlight both local talent and broader cultural narratives, giving students, faculty, and the community a chance to engage with art that sparks reflection, dialogue, and inspiration. 

Be sure to stop by the galleries this semester and experience the creativity happening right here on campus. 

TGI Mixtape Vol. III: Get Happy with Special Guest Lillias White

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A group of TGI students headshots surrounding a headshot of Lillias White on a blue and black background

Join Theatre Gap Initiative for an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and celebration at TGI Mixtape Volume 3: Get Happy. This vibrant showcase highlights the talent and artistry of our TGI students as they take the stage to share their passion for the performing arts.

We are thrilled to honor Broadway icon and Tony Award winner Lillias White (Hadestown, Dreamgirls, Chicago, The Life, Fela!) with TGI’s inaugural Trailblazer Award for her extraordinary contributions to the arts and her commitment to inspiring future generations of performers.

Get ready for a night filled with joy, inspiration, and a few special surprises as we celebrate the power of theatre to transform lives. Don’t miss this celebration of talent and trailblazing excellence!

📆 When: March 1, 7 p.m.
📍 Where: Central Campus, Parr Center
🎫 Tickets: Between $12.53-$58.62

🔗 Don’t wait, buy your tickets today!

🌞 Sunlight and Solstice 24: Central Piedmont Dance Theatre’s Fall Concert!

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Dancers in colorful clothing on a dark purple background with the words Central Piedmont Dance Theatre Presents: Sunlight and Solstice 2024Central Piedmont Dance Theatre is thrilled to present Sunlight and Solstice 24, a captivating fall concert series showcasing the talents of student and community dancers. Don’t miss this incredible event featuring choreography by Tracie Chan and Clay Daniel! 💃✨

🎟️ Get Your Tickets

  • Dates: Dec. 4 – 6
  • Location: The Parr Center Theater, Central Piedmont
  • Tickets: Purchase here

Special Offers:

  • Central Piedmont Students: Free admission with current student ID (available at the door)
  • Employees: Up to 2 tickets for $10 each with the password CPCCEMPLOYEE

⏰ Showtimes

  • Wed., Dec. 4 at noon
  • Thu., Dec. 5 at noon
  • Fri., Dec. 6 at noon

 

Upcoming Arts Events in October, November 🖼️🎨

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Dove Art Gallery

Get Your Art On!

  • Tuesday, Oct. 22 and Wednesday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Cato Campus, Annable, Gorelick Gallery

The Central Piedmont Gorelick Galleries at Cato are thrilled to invite students to transform our display cases into vibrant works of art that reflect their degree or certificate programs.

Basket Weaving Demonstration

  • Friday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Central Campus, Parr Center, Dove Gallery

Join us for a basket weaving demonstration hosted by Catawba artist Aaron Baumgardner.

Catawba Cultural Center Art Exhibition | Opening Reception

  • Friday, Oct. 25, 6-8 p.m.
  • Central Campus, Parr Center, Dove Gallery

Join us for an opening reception featuring artists from the Catawba nation.

🧶 Crochet with Us in the Art Hub! 🧶

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Art supplies, including yarn and hot glue guns, on a tableJoin us in the Art Hub this October to learn how to create simple and fun crochet patterns! Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, all skill levels are welcome.

✨ Why Crochet with Us?

  • Learn to make unique handmade gifts for friends or coworkers
  • A great way to unwind and get creative
  • Meet new people and explore your crafty side!

Don’t miss out on this relaxing and creative experience! 🎨

Discover Central Piedmont’s Past with “Timeless Tiles” 📸🖼️

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A painted tile sits against a dark blue back dropArt Gallery Ambassador Alex Sedano has brought history back to life with his digital humanities project, Timeless Tiles. This project showcases the “Walking Tour” photography by John Hilarides, whose ceramic tile installation was once displayed outside the LRC building. Removed in 2018, these photographs now return in digital form.

  • About the Project: Explore decades of Central Piedmont’s history through restored tiles and archival materials.
  • Photographic Journey: Hilarides transferred 60 photos to ceramic tiles, capturing key moments of the college’s past.
  • Timeless Memories: Dive into a nostalgic look at the growth and transformation of Central Piedmont.

👉 Check out Timeless Tiles and relive a piece of Central Piedmont’s history!

Join us for Gothic Ghost Stories 🎭

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The words "gothic ghost stories" hovering over an open bookKick off Spooky Season with an eerie collection of short plays directed by the talented students of the Central Piedmont Drama Department! From haunted twins to mysterious paintings, these gothic ghost stories are filled with chilling tales just dying to be told. Gather ‘round as the Peveril family shares their ghastly secrets by the flickering firelight.

🖤 Featured Tales Include:

  • Murdered twins 👻
  • A missing heart 💔
  • Dark forces within a painting 🖼️
  • A frozen mother and daughter ❄️

📍 Georgia Tucker Fine Arts Hall, Levine Campus
🎟️ Purchase tickets
*Day of show – ONLINE SALES ONLY
🎟️ Central Piedmont students: Free with current Student ID

Showtimes:

  • 🕑 Fri., Sept. 27 – 2 p.m.
  • 🌙 Fri., Sept. 27 – 7:30 p.m.
  • 🕑 Sat., Sept. 28 – 2 p.m.
  • 🌙 Sat., Sept. 28 – 7:30 p.m.
  • 🕑 Sun., Sept. 29 – 2 p.m.
  • 🌆 Sun., Sept. 29 – 5 p.m.

Don’t miss out on these spooky stories! 👻

Calling All Artists: Showcase Your Creativity at Central Piedmont! 🎨

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Two pieces of abstract art, side by sideAre you ready to let your artistic talent shine? ✨ The Gorelick Galleries at our Levine, Cato, and Harper campuses want YOU to transform their display cases into stunning works of art! 🖼️ Whether you’re working toward a degree or certificate, now’s your chance to collaborate, innovate, and showcase the exciting elements of your program through art.

🌟 Why participate?

  • Spotlight your creative side 🎨
  • Collaborate with fellow students 🤝
  • Bring your program’s vision to life 🌱

Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to get your creative juices flowing!

👉 How to get involved:
Contact Amelia Zytka at Amelia.Zytka@cpcc.edu or Jessica Fletcher at Jessica.Fletcher@cpcc.edu.

Create a Community Quilt at the Art Hub! 🧵

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A quilt square being measured during a quilting class Get creative and be part of something special at Central Piedmont! Throughout the
month of September, we’re coming together to create a community quilt, and we want you to join us—no experience needed!

Event Details 📅:

  • When: September- all month long!
  • Where: Central Campus, Overcash Building, Room 110 (Art Hub)

Ways to Participate:

  • Bring a Square: Contribute a quilt square you already have.
  • Make One Here: Use our tools to cut and create your own quilt square in the Art Hub.
  • Open to All: Students, faculty, and staff are welcome!

At the end of the month, we’ll proudly display the completed quilt for everyone to see. Let’s stitch together something amazing! 🧶

Dove Gallery Opening Reception 🎨

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Four pairs of earrings for sale, on displayYou’re invited to the opening reception at the Dove Gallery, featuring talented artists from the Catawba Cultural Center. Come enjoy art, refreshments, and a great time!

Event Details 📅:

  • When: Fri., Sept. 27, 6-8 p.m.
  • Where: Central Campus, Parr Center, Dove Gallery

 What to Expect 🎉:

  • Art for Sale: Explore a variety of pottery and newly arrived jewelry. 🏺
  • Refreshments: Light bites and drinks will be generously served. 🍽️
  • Fun: Join us for an evening of art and good company. 🎊

See you there!

🎉 New Art Exhibits at Central Piedmont’s Gorelick Galleries!

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Two pieces of abstract artwork, side by sideThis semester, Central Piedmont’s Gorelick Galleries are brimming with fresh, inspiring art across multiple campuses! 🌟 Check out these incredible exhibitions and immerse yourself in creativity. 🎨

🖼️ Exhibit Highlights:

  • Levine Campus, Levine II, Ground Floor:
    • 🌟 Fragments by Tina Alberni
      Discover captivating pieces that explore the beauty in fragments and pieces.
  • Cato Campus, Annable Building, 1st Floor:
    • 🌍 Intangible Worlds by Marge Moody
      Step into surreal landscapes and abstract visions.
      (Select pieces also on display in the North Classroom Gorelick Gallery)
  • Central Campus, North Classroom, 1st Floor:
    • 📸 Archival Photos Reimagined
      Witness a creative reimagining of archival photos by Central Piedmont students, alumni, and staff.

Get inspired and enjoy these remarkable works this fall! 🍂✨

🎨✨ Discover Catawba Art at Central Piedmont’s Pauline Dove Art Gallery!

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Catawba Nation artwork on displayCentral Piedmont’s Pauline Dove Art Gallery is thrilled to present an exhibition that blends time-honored traditions with contemporary artistic techniques by Catawba artists. 🌟 This special showcase highlights the cultural treasures preserved by the Catawba Cultural Center in Rock Hill, S.C. 🏞️

🗓️ Exhibition Highlights:

  • 🎨 Featured Artists: Talented creators from the Catawba Cultural Center
  • 🖌️ Artistic Mediums:
    • 🏺 Pottery
    • 🖼️ Painting
    • ✏️ Drawing
    • 📸 Photography
    • 💍 Jewelry
    • 🎨 Other creative techniques

📍 Location: Central Campus, Parr Center, Pauline Dove Art Gallery

This is your chance to immerse yourself in the artistry of the Catawba Nation! 🌍 Don’t miss out on this vibrant cultural experience! 🎉

Exhibition Announcement: ‘Forever Transient’ 🖼️

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Collage of artwork to be featured

📅 Exhibition Dates: May 20 – Aug 9
📍 Location: Central Campus, Parr Center, Dove Art Gallery

‘Forever Transient’ visually investigates the meaning behind transience, impermanence, continuous change, and the desire to preserve and prolong the temporary moment. Inspired by Dutch still life paintings and vanitas, each artist showcases a unique approach to artistically rendering the fragility of time. This exhibition reminds us that time is cyclical, not linear, continuously marching forward while reflecting on the past.

This exhibit features 8 nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, each incorporating vibrant references to nature and humanity through various creative processes:

  • Andrew Leventis: Hyper-realistic refrigerator still life paintings, updating classic Dutch techniques with a contemporary twist.
  • Brent Dedas: “Honeybee drawings” that use live honeybees to create cyanotype prints.
  • Colby Caldwell: Uses a flatbed scanner on nature walks to scan natural flora, capturing the transient beauty of the forest floor.
  • James Henkel: Arranges fragments of glass from destroyed vessels to create organic shapes, showing transience through destruction and reformation.
  • Susan Jedrzejewski: Explores the unpredictable patterns of nature through photo transfers on canvas and panel.
  • Debra Koo: Paintings that preserve moments of social celebrations, family gatherings, and the abundance of food.
  • Desiree Thomas: Transforms ordinary food items like spam and packaged chips into extraordinary art, often set against blue sky backgrounds.
  • Kenny Nguyen: Honors his Vietnamese and American heritage using paint and Vietnamese silk in organic and abstract forms.
  • Jennifer Minnis: Captures humanity in spirit, mind, and body, causing viewers to question the thoughtful intentions of the portrayed subjects.

Quote from the Group:

“Whether skillfully rendering mundane routines, reimagining a personal archive, or concentrating on the minute details of a moment already gone, these artists bring to life something as connected to the temporary as it is to the everlasting. The small becomes the meaningful, the part becomes a whole. It is not the need for retrospection, but the will to render the complicated nuances of time, memory, and fragility that give this collection of works its power. It is within these elapsed moments that the painting lives and continues to evolve, forever.”

Join us for this thought-provoking exhibition and explore the intricate dance between the temporary and the everlasting. 🌟

CATS Launches Transit Pass Design Contest 🎨

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The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is thrilled to announce the kickoff of its annual Transit Pass Design Contest, inviting talented residents from North and South Carolina to unleash their creativity! This year’s theme: Safe Travels! 🚌

📅 Important Dates and Deadlines:

  • Entries are due to CATS by Wed., May 22, at 5 p.m.
  • Winners will be notified by June 15.

🏆 Prizes Await:

  • Three lucky winners will see their artwork featured on the Local, Express, and Express Plus passes for the entire 2025 calendar year.
  • Winners will also snag a monthly transit pass of their choice!
  • Prizes include:
    • First Place: $500
    • Second Place: $250
    • Third Place: $100Artwork on a CATS bus stop

🔍 Judging Criteria: Entries will be scrutinized by a panel composed of transit staff members, city officials, and esteemed local art professionals. They’ll be evaluating submissions based on the following:

  • Does the design effectively convey the theme and promote multi-modal transportation in Charlotte?
  • Is the design visually appealing and well-composed?
  • Does the design refrain from incorporating text?

🔗 How to Enter:

  • Intrigued? Eager participants can learn more about the contest, download an application, and peruse technical guidelines and rules at CATS official website.

📧 Need Assistance? The City of Charlotte ensures equal opportunity and accessibility for all. If you require reasonable accommodation or translation services (free of charge), feel free to reach out via email at telltransit@charlottenc.gov or call 704-336-7433.

Get those creative juices flowing, and let’s make transit in Charlotte even more vibrant and inviting! 🎉