Nestled in the heart of Old Town Cornelius, Cain Center for the Arts presents the community with the finest performing arts events, unique visual art exhibits, and diverse arts educational opportunities that appeal to every age!
Cain Center also nurtures the ever-expanding footprint of Charlotte’s vibrant arts community — notably happening this summer with an exciting collaborative effort with the Guild of Charlotte Artists.
From June 23rd until August 8th, the two bring you the season’s grand finale exhibition — Look & See — which will feature 86 artists from among the nearly 500 members of the Guild of Charlotte Artists. Juried by a panel of three judges, the works selected will showcase a very high level of artistic talent from the surrounding region.
With a wondrous dose of fresh energy for summer, Look & See invites audiences to step into the world through a multitude of artistic styles. Much like the summer season itself, this exhibit promises inspiring discoveries — arriving anywhere your imagination takes you!
John Komisin, the new President of the Guild of Charlotte Artists, explains the origin of the exhibit’s curious name.
“The name comes from a quote by Henry David Thoreau, ‘It’s not what you look at that matters, but what you see.’ Simone El Bay, the Director of Visual Arts and Education at Cain Center believes having a strong theme for a show provides an interesting point of view for visitors to enjoy and appreciate the art. Susan Moore — the Guild’s coordinator for this exhibition — found the Thoreau quote and captured its essence in the Look & See theme,” he shares.
What makes this immersive experience so appropriate for summer?
“Summer is the perfect time to break out of the normal routine and try something new,” adds John. “Whether you are a student, a senior citizen, or anywhere in between, viewing art will expand your horizons. If visitors to the show really take the Look & See theme to heart, it may unveil a whole new layer of enjoyment and personal appreciation of art. Everything in the show is for sale, so this newfound way of connecting with a piece could lead to having that artwork in your home or place of business, to enjoy on an ongoing basis.”
John also shares why Look & See is a simple, yet powerful frame of reference for visitors — who may ask themselves “what do I really see in this piece? Does it recall a memory or am I just drawn to the colors or the composition? Why do some of the pieces capture my attention and cause me to study them further and others don’t resonate with me at all?”
The Guild strives to actively nurture and celebrate a community of artists whose creativity contributes to the region’s vibrancy, while enriching lives in the community.
“We are thrilled to add this show to the summertime vibe of Cornelius, and know it will enrich the lives of everyone who attends,” John shares.
Founded in 1948, the Guild of Charlotte Artists is the oldest visual arts community in the region, representing nearly 500 painters, photographers, sculptors, potters, graphic designers, collage and mixed-media artists from the city and surrounding areas. As a fully volunteer-run organization, its members learn from one another, share opportunities, and build life-long connections. Through exhibitions, meetings, and a spirit of camaraderie, the Guild uplifts original art and the people who create it!
Cain Center for the Arts is located at 21348 Catawba Avenue in Cornelius, NC. For more information on this summer’s exhibition, classes, camps, and community initiatives, call 980.689.3101, email [email protected], or visit cainarts.org. Follow them on Instagram @caincenterforthearts. For more information on the Guild of Charlotte Artists, visit guildofcharlotteartists.online, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @guildofcharlotteartists.
