Meet Cain Center for the Arts
Cain Center for the Arts: A Vibrant Hub for Creativity, Learning, and Community Engagement
This month, #SpotlightOnCLT is shining a light on the incredible nonprofits that bring beauty, emotion, inclusivity, and culture to Mecklenburg county neighbors.
Cain Center for the Arts, located in the heart of Old Town Cornelius, has partnered with SHARE Charlotte to present the series and champion fellow nonprofits in this space. More than just an arts venue - Cain Center is a vibrant hub for creativity, learning, and community engagement.
“We're proud to support #SpotlightOnCLT Arts + Culture and our peer arts nonprofits in Mecklenburg County because we believe in the power of art to create community,” said - Justin Dionne, Executive Director, Cain Center for the Arts.
“Art has the unique ability to bring people together, spark meaningful conversations, and celebrate the diverse voices that make our community vibrant. Through shared creative experiences—whether on stage, in galleries, or through interactive programs—art fosters connection, inspires innovation, and enhances the cultural fabric of our region. By supporting #SpotlightOnCLT Arts + Culture, we stand alongside fellow organizations dedicated to ensuring that the arts remain accessible and impactful for all.”
Since opening its doors in 2023, Cain Center’s 400+ seat theatre has hosted incredible performances, including Multi Grammy Award Winner John Oates, Tony Award Winner Renee Elise Goldsberry and Broadway Star Mandy Gonzalez, Country Music Stars Kathy Mattea and Deana Carter, and Comedian Jeff Allen. They have also featured a glass exhibit from Charlotte’s own Jacob Pfeiffer, and work with Davidson Community Players as a resident company. However, its mission extends beyond the spotlight to ensure that the arts are accessible to all through diverse offerings of classes, exhibits, and camps. Notably, Cain Center has also provided a home for a long-standing ceramics program, and has just entered a fundraising campaign to support the future of ceramics in Lake Norman.
Here are opportunities for you to get involved:
👩🏻🎨 Take a class
From painting and ceramics to music and sewing, Cain Center’s classes offer something for both budding and seasoned artists of all ages. Upcoming offerings include:
- All-level wheel-throwing
- Youth Sketching
- Adventures in Art Journaling
- Flower Pot Hand Building
Through a partnership with Charlotte Ballet, Cain Center also offers dance classes throughout the year.
🖼️ Visit the gallery
Guests are always welcome to visit Cain Center’s gallery spaces, which showcase rotating exhibits featuring local, regional, and national artists. Their “Homegrown & Homegrown, Jr.” exhibit runs March 25 - May 2 and annually celebrates the local artistic community.
🙋🏽♀️ Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to meet like-minded neighbors who share a passion for arts and community. Opportunities exist on performance nights (usher, ticket scanner, etc.) and to serve as an ambassador for the Cain Center at local events.
😎 Summer Camp
Cain Center offers creative camps for ages four and up. With weekly morning and afternoon sessions, kids can explore painting, drawing, pottery, music, theater, dance, and more! Registration opens March 17 and spots will fill up quickly!
🌟 And last but not least, support artists by attending a performance!
Spring performances include a Queen tribute show, shows for kids based on popular books, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, and unique solo acts.
Community Impact
Cain Center is also dedicated to giving back to their community by making their programs more accessible. They annually impact 2300 neighbors by offering free music lessons, arts classes at senior citizen centers and for individuals living with disabilities, scholarships for summer camp, and much more.
We’re grateful to Cain Center for the Arts for their support of #SpotlightOnCLT and hope you’ll visit them in Cornelius soon!