Shop Local this holiday season! Gift original and unique works of fine art created by our resident artists! Whether you're looking for a special piece for a loved one or something for yourself to finish a room in your own home, our resident artists are a great place to start your shopping.
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Phew! It's hot out! Happy Summer Solstice and stay tuned as we amp up... There is LOTS getting ready to POP! Read on for exciting updates...
…So many great updates in this issue! Click the link below to view the whole issue, with photos, online.
https://mailchi.mp/a2ea52d20729/2020-in-review-8446169
an outline of topics is below. But that doesn’t show you the great photos - !
If you’d like to be on our mailing list, just click the blue ‘subscribe’ button on our homepage!
Mural Update - Meet Owl
Facility Upgrades
Activity Ramping Up
Tri State Sculptors Conference at ClearWater (Oct.)
Keynote Speaker Confirmed: Stephen Hayes
Rent Our Spaces! Bring to Life a Community Event!
Call for Teachers / Event Coordinators / Volunteers!
Ellis at the Opening of "NC Women Abstract Painters," Greenhill Center for North Carolina Art, in Greensboro, NC. February 7, 2020. Photo by Henry Rock.
NEW E-NEWSLETTER FEATURE on tenant artist, Barbara Ellis and what 2020 has brought her: click bit-ly link below for whole article!
"I'm definitely at an inflection point in my process," says ClearWater tenant artist Barbara Ellis (BEllisArts) as she looks back on the surprise successes and other rewards that 2020 has delivered.
Learn more about how Barbara went through an unexpected artistic transformation this year and how she plans to move forward into "something quieter" in the latest issue of The Splash: bit.ly/splash-bellis
Walter Stanford’s design, ‘Barred Owl’ gets unveiled at the Dedication Nov. 13th, 2020. Full article at link!
Paul Keysar’s Design, ‘Snowy Egret’ gets unveiled at the Dedication Nov. 13th, 2020. Full article at link!
See the whole account in our latest edition of The Splash E-Newsletter:
…Here’s an excerpt:
Dignitaries from the City of Concord, Atrium Health Cabarrus, and Cabarrus Arts Council met at a microphone near a flooded marsh Friday to officially dedicate a new pair of artworks recently installed along the Hector Henry II Greenway. Three of our resident artists were enlisted to create these works, including Walter Stanford Fine Art, Paul Keysar Artist, and Gordon C. James Fine Art and Illustration. The first two were fabricated and installed within the gifted budget from Atrium Health and dedicated Friday, 11/13/2020! (The third, designed by James, is on its way to being fabricated and installed using other funds)
More photos from the "Art on the Greenway" installation and dedication are now posted in our full album on Facebook.
A new edition of The Splash is out now! Check out our feature on Tom Taggart (Taggart Art Studio) at bit.ly/splash-tom. Here's a preview of what you can expect...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
"Halloween came and went as quickly as October did, but for our only current resident sculptor, it was the busiest month of the year. Not only did he fill a large number of online orders, but he also shared 31 photos of 31 unique monsters for each day of the year’s spookiest month on his Instagram. Talk about busy! It's only natural that we think of Tom this time of year, considering his penchant for creepy creations, so we decided to meet up with him during one of his late nights in the studio to chat about where his signature style came from and if he has any plans to rest any time soon."⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The past three years have been exceptional for our resident artist, Gordon C. James Fine Art and Illustration. In that time, he has experienced a meteoric rise to fame and nationally acclaimed success thanks to his children's book collaborations with Derrick Barnes and Vaunda Micheaux Nelson - both of which have earned him awards. Last month, Gordon's hot streak continued.
Read more about Gordon's incredible September, which included well-deserved awards and celebrity endorsements, in the latest issue of The Splash: bit.ly/splash-gordon
Never miss exciting updates like this by subscribing to our e-newsletter, The Splash, at bit.ly/splash-subscribe
Gordon in his ClearWater studio
Gordon’s latest collaboration with author Derrick Barnes, ‘I Am Every Good Thing,’ remained on the NYT Best-Sellers List for 3 weeks!
Jennifer Garner reading Gordon’s latest illustrated book, ‘I Am Every Good Thing’ which she streamed to several of her social media platforms.
We're so excited to welcome Jackie Ramdin (Jackie Rae Studios) back to her hometown of Concord and into studio 150, where she's working on fine art figure painting and rekindling her passion for fashion design.
She's been settling into her #ClearWater studio since August 1st, after launching a new website for her successful designer pillow business, JackieRaeStudios.com.
Read more about the latest addition to our ClearWater family in a brand-new issue of The Splash: bit.ly/splash-jackie
If you're not currently subscribed to The Splash and would like to receive our biweekly updates direct to your inbox, sign up now at bit.ly/splash-subscribe!
Jackie at her easel in her new Studio at ClearWater
Jackie at work on a ‘Fashion Painting’
Jackie’s painting tools in her studio
Artists need space to be comfortable, creative, and to explore new ideas. That's exactly why CHD:WCK! came to ClearWater back in July, after renting a shared space in Charlotte for several years.
Now, this talented artist has all the space he needs for his painting , photography , and other unique projects.
Learn more about CHD:WCK! in our recent issue of The Splash: bit.ly/splash-chdwck!
CHD:WCK in his new studio at ClearWater
Our facility may be closed to the public during the pandemic, but that doesn't mean we haven't been busy over at ClearWater!
Read all about what we've been up to and more in the latest issue of The Splash: bit.ly/splash-covid
If you like what you see, be sure to subscribe! We'll send updates directly to your inbox. bit.ly/splash-subscribe
Issues are available weekly throughout August then bi-weekly starting September 9.
Artists Kevin Harris (Left), Ric Erkes, center, and Julia Lawing, right, in their ClearWater Studios. Erkes is shown in the studio leased by the Southern Piedmont Woodturners Club, of which he is the current Vice President.
Several news features covered ClearWater tenant, Kevin Harris and his commission by Cabarrus County, this July & August, to not only paint a painting of the new (to-be-built) Courthouse, but to also live-paint on that painting, on site at the officila Ground-Breaking celebratory ceremony on August 6th! See the various headlines and links below; and, if you haven’t see the shares on social media be sure to check our IG and FaceBook pages.
Cabarrus County TV Interview
[From the ClearWater FaceBook post of Aug. 6, 2020]
Cabarrus County Government stopped by to interview Artist Kevin Harris yesterday ahead of today's Cabarrus County Courthouse Virtual Groundbreaking Ceremony!
If you haven't heard yet, Kevin will be performing a live painting during this historic event, adding 'living action' to that painting of the new courthouse you see nearly finished behind him. Tune in today (August 6) at 4:30pm at the event link above, where you can watch a live stream of him putting the finishing touches on this one-of-a-kind work of art.
Plus, be sure to catch "Cabarrus This Week" (CTW) this Sunday on the County's Community Access channel on live TV cable, and/or thereafter at their YouTube channel, to watch Kevin's exclusive interview.
We are so proud of our tenant!!!
[From the FaceBook post of August 10] Extra, extra, read all about Kevin's live painting performance on the front page of Sunday's Independent Tribune!
We are so proud of our tenant Artist Kevin Harris for all the work he did to make this special event a reality and for creating such a phenomenal work of art. And thank you to Victoria Young for such a wonderful feature.
Read the Independent Tribune article here: bit.ly/it-kevin
The Splash is back!
While it's true that it has been a while since we sent out an issue of our e-newsletter, The Splash, that doesn't mean that ClearWater has been stagnant. On the contrary, we've been busier than ever!
See for yourself in this week's issue at bit.ly/splash-is-back.
Like what you see? Feel free to subscribe to our updates at bit.ly/splash-subscribe!
ClearWater artists and their work, framing the COVID-19 message on our animated sign that sits along the Kerr Street edge of campus.
Clockwise from upper right: dyed fabric pieces by textile artist and Surface Designer, Sunya Folayan; potter Nancy Bibby glazing works in her studio; Painter, illustrator and graphic artist Walter Stanford discussing pastels in his studio; painter Louise Farley showing a visitor recent paintings; a platter by Bob Moffet, member of the Southern Piedmont Woodturners; and Abstract Expressionist painter Barbara Ellis working big, on the Gallery floor outside her studio.
For Immediate Release: Date: October 10, 2019
CONTACT: Sarah Gay, Manager of ClearWater Artist Studios; 704-784-9535 or clearwatermgr@gmail.com OR: TEXT Dr. Wanda Jenkins, Artist, 704-425-4850
PDF version of this Press Release
LOCAL RETIRED OB-GYN DOCTOR NOW DELIVERS PAINTINGS, NOT BABIES
Dr. Wanda Jenkins, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist in Concord for 20+ years, took care of many women in her practice, and delivered thousands of babies. She is a native of Concord. Having painted occasionally during her professional years as an OB/Gyn., in retirement she has actively explored color and texture in landscapes, florals, and abstracts, predominantly using oil paints. She has studied with various expert artists through the years, and is inspired partly by her Grandmother’s career in painting.
‘Adventures in Color’ will be on view in ClearWater’s Main Gallery, Nov. 2, 2019- Jan. 5, 2020. Address: 223 Crowell Drive NW, Concord, NC 28025.
Dr. Jenkins is partnering with ClearWater Arts Center & Studios, which seeks out local talent for its ‘Guest Artist’ shows. Her solo art exhibit in the Main Gallery will feature over 40 of her paintings. The show will also feature her Dichroic glass freehand jewelry sets. All works are for sale unless otherwise noted.
The public is invited to an Opening Reception, with Dr. Jenkins’ Artist Talk, on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 4:00-6:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public.
Come and hear this dynamic and energetic woman discuss her inspirations and approach.
Dr. Jenkins said, “I believe strongly in the emphasis on art that ClearWater represents; and I am excited that the 20% commission on any painting sold in the ClearWater Gallery during the Adventures in Color show, will go toward realizing the vision that ClearWater signifies for this community.”
Free parking is available in ClearWater’s three parking lots. See the campus site plan at www.clearwaterartists.com, on the ‘Our Space’ page (Click the large black button).
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ClearWater Arts Center & Studios is located in Gibson Village, less than a mile from Historic Downtown Concord, at 223 Crowell Drive NW. 14 artists and the Southern Piedmont Woodturners chapter lease working studios. Its Gallery is open to the public most weekdays, Noon-5pm; every 2nd Saturday with some exceptions, 10am-4pm; or by appointment. The Gallery, outdoor Green, and covered Market space are available to rent for private events. For details, see clearwaterartists.com; or call704-784-9535.
For Immediate Release
Click here for the PDF copy of this—-
May 14, 2019
CONCORD, NC -- ClearWater Artist Studios and the City of Concord, NC are excited to announce a new video, crafted as a dynamic introduction to the Studios & art center, which are open to the public.
Johny Walker, videographer & owner of Blue Label Visuals in Charlotte, worked closely with Sarah Gay, Manager of ClearWater for the City’s Planning & Neighborhood Development Department, to create the 4-minute video. It illustrates just some of the exceptional talent to be found in the tenant artists, as well as the variety of events and opportunities available for the community to share in.
We hope you enjoy, and -- please share as widely as possible!
This video can be accessed on the website, FaceBook, InstaGram (IGTV), and NextDoor platforms of ClearWater Artist Studios. Some may take a few days to work out upload glitches.
This link goes straight to the video on the YouTube channel of ClearWater Artist Studios.
NOTE - The YouTube version can look grainy, if you don't set your resolution settings to HD within your device/ YouTube window.The video is HD, so it can handle playing that high if you have the internet speed for it. Apparently this must be set at the viewer's end.
Please feel free to call or email Sarah with any questions;
704-784-9535 or gays@concordnc.gov (also clearwatermgr@gmail.com).
Thank you—
Press Release – For Immediate Release: Concord, NC: January 17, 2019
See the PDF version of this release—-
CONTACT: Sarah Gay, 704-784-9535 or clearwatermgr@gmail.com.
…OR either artist, upon request.
CONCORD - Andell McCoy and Erin Allen became friends over 10 years working together at Stanly Community College. With different personalities, backgrounds etc., they found that they shared a love of art, and were both working on a lifelong dream of becoming a painter, in their spare time. Now their artworks hang side by side in their first-ever joint exhibition, ‘Dream in Color’ which is on view until Jan. 25, 2019 at the Main Gallery at ClearWater Artist Studios in Concord, NC.
When Andell McCoy approached Sarah Gay, Manager of ClearWater Artist Studios for the City of Concord, about a ‘guest artist’ show, they discussed sharing the experience. Gay invited her to consider a joint show. McCoy’s first and only thought was of Allen. “I love her work, her commitment, and our sharing and support for each other over the years,” McCoy said.
Erin and Andell grew up in neighboring counties, and both enjoyed other careers before reconnecting with art. After high school McCoy was accepted in UNC- Charlotte's Nursing School; upon arrival she decided that nursing was more of a dream for her mother and grandmother and she opted to pursue classes in the arts before transferring to UNC- Chapel Hill’s School of Journalism, receiving a BA in Radio/TV and Motion Pictures (now Communications) with a minor in Journalism. She then moved to the Washington, D.C. area for a time at Howard University Law School before moving to Los Angeles. Through years of work in advertising, TV, real estate and education, McCoy wound up getting a Master’s Degree in Psychology with emphasis in Marriage, Family Therapy before returning to NC.
Allen also moved to the Washington D.C. area, working in a CPA firm, publishing, and the federal government while raising a family. Eventually she also returned to NC. Allen has maintained a steady career in education administration.
McCoy is gregarious and sometimes boisterous in manner; Allen, quietly cheerful and enthusiastic. Their different approaches to painting were evident in their Artist Talks at the Opening Reception of ‘Dream in Color, on Friday Nov. 2, 2018. Allen methodically presented several of her artist-influences, and then shared her own process in a carefully annotated slideshow; McCoy free-formed her talk, encouraging the audience to share their emotional responses to the art and their own connection with the creative process. The audience of roughly 80 were enthusiastically attentive to both women.
Allen’s methodically intentional approach, McCoy says, is the opposite of her own. “Erin plans a painting after being moved by a color, a shape; she stands back, looking at each painting over days, and reflects on where she wants to go with it before making each new addition.” McCoy said. “I just let how I feel guide where I put the brush though I do pay attention to the balance of color; I work fast, being responsive and spontaneous, very present in the moment.” For both, the process is therapeutic.
The beauty of their personal connection, and complimentary spirits is evident in the exhibition. The two styles help set off the power of each other’s work. “Just like our friendship supports our mutual goals of returning to an art path,” says Allen. “Why we had to wait until later in life to find our way back, we aren’t sure; but we are happy to have done it together, and we hope this will inspire others to allow ‘Dreaming in Color’ to free their artist’s spirit!”
The exhibition is on view at ClearWater Artist Studios through Friday, January 25. Groups are welcome to schedule a visit with a guided tour.
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ClearWater Artist Studios is located in Gibson Village, less than a mile from Downtown Concord, 223 Crowell Drive NW. Its Gallery is open to the public most weekdays, Noon-5pm; every 2nd Saturday10am-4pm; and/or by appointment. The Gallery, outdoor Green, and open-air covered Market are available to rent for private events. For details, see clearwaterartists.com; or call 704-784-9535.
For Immediate Release: Date: July 3, 2018
CONTACT: Sarah Gay, Manager of ClearWater Artist Studios; 704-784-9535 or clearwatermgr@gmail.com
[Photos below]
Opening Event of Collaborative Art Project A Success – With More To Come
CONCORD, NC – The 2,000-square-foot Gallery hummed with cheerful greetings, contemplative conversation and some hilarity last Sunday as collage-gluing, mark-making and paint-throwing got underway. A backdrop of original, electronic beats music soon filled the space, and the audience settled into rows of chairs to watch an unusual event unfold: the synchronous, live-painting of a huge work of art by multiple artists. Four regional members of the Global Art Project, or ‘GAP,’ an international collaborative-artists organization, and one non-affiliated artist converged on ClearWater Artist Studios and spent three hours working together to create large, colorful mixed-media artworks on the Studios’ “Giant Easels.” An appreciative and diverse audience, ages one to 80 watched, munched on refreshments, and took in the surrounding exhibition.
It was the Opening Reception/ Live Painting Demo for “Visual Strategies: A Collaborative Project,” the brainchild of local artist, Mikel Frank. Frank, former Event Coordinator and Stage Manager for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (for 29 years), and artist Carl Heyward, who founded & coordinates GAP and lives on the West Coast, collaborated with Sarah Gay, the Manager of ClearWater Artist Studios, to realize an exhibition plus a series of events.
“When I saw the space, I thought it a perfect venue for an exhibition like this,” said Frank, who was in the Rowan Cabarrus Community College Faculty Show at ClearWater this past February, when he met Gay. “The artists here have been incredibly welcoming and supportive, and Sarah is great to work with. The space is so unique; it works very well.”
The exhibit, on view through August 24, showcases international collaborative artworks. The three events introduce live collaborative painting to the public, with the third inviting families to come in and paint with Mikel. All hosted at ClearWater, which houses the working studios of 14 artists as well as the Southern Piedmont Woodturner’s Association in an old, former water and utilities plant in the Gibson Village Neighborhood. Gibson Village was originally built for mill workers in the heyday of Concord’s textile industry, and is one of Concord’s most diverse neighborhoods, near the Historic Downtown.
Participating members shipped their collaboratively constructed artworks in from all over the world for the exhibit. GAP promotes the use of ‘frags,’ or fragments, which artists in the group send to each other through the mail to incorporate into larger artworks. Most are abstract. They are glued, sewn, painted, drawn, etc. The artworks hail from Spain, the UK, Belgium, The Netherlands and Japan, as well as the USA. Two videos are in the exhibition; one, a dance sequence of five dancers in Italy, shot in slow-motion against various street-art backdrops, choreographed by Macha Melanie; the other, a video exploring the spaces between relationships by Christopher Padgett Hunnicutt, one of the artists who came Sunday, from Raleigh, NC.
The other artists participating in the live collaboration were Nancy Perry, from Anderson, SC; Sandee Johnson, from Asheville, NC; and Claire Schauseil as well as Mikel Frank, from Charlotte – and, Frank’s 5-year old Grand Nephew, Liam Borges, from York, SC.
“Who knows when I’ll get a chance like this again?” Said Perry, who drove 3 hours and took a motel room in order to participate. “I’ve been an active GAP member, but this is the first time I’ve been able to meet or work with these artists in person. I can’t go to Senegal (Where the GAP group convenes in 2018), but I could make it here- and we’re working really well together, for people who’ve never met!”
Artist Chris Hunnicutt agreed.
“What a joy it is to connect in this open space between autonomy and communion; a heart-felt and ecstatic collaboration!” he said. The artist was variously up on a ladder, spattering paint in improvisational expression, and helping glue in paper cut-up collage fragments from the others. He works as a full time artist in Raleigh with his sweetheart, Jenny Jensen, who contributed her photography. Christopher’s family was also present; his parents came to the event, as well as his son, Henry Hunnicutt, who “stood in” as Audio-Visual Manager, facilitating the digital music—which was composed by Dylan Frank (son of Mikel), aka. 'daedaepivot,’ who co-produces the music of Chicago rapper, Saba.
Audience members from the local community – many in the space for the first time—made appreciative comments, saying they were glad to know a community facility like this exists here in their town. Roughly 55 people attended the event. Heyward, and another 150 FaceBook friends and GAP artists supported monitored the live video feed that Frank had running via FaceBook, shared posts, and made supportive comments (“Smash them Frag Particles!” from Heyward).
Two more live-painting events will be held, both on the 2nd Saturday of the month, when ClearWater Artist Studios holds its monthly Open Studios open house:
On Saturday, July 14th, Mikel Frank and longtime collaborative painting partner, Gerard Amsellem, who together form the Visual Passion Duo (www.visualpassion.net), will present a 5-hour, Live Collaborative Painting Demo, accompanied by live music with local jazz pianist, Noel Freidline. The Duo has performed with Ethel contemporary classical quartet.
Then, on Saturday, August 11 the Studios will host the 3rd and final event, Family Collaborative Painting Day; Sessions at 11am and 2pm will be facilitated by Mikel Frank (until 4pm). The community is invited to come paint a large work together, facilitated by Frank, which will then be added to the exhibition.
Doors open at 10am for 2nd Saturday Open Studios. Details are at www.ClearWaterArtists.com. See http://chamazone.wixsite.com/globalartproject for more on the Global Art Project.
ClearWater Artist Studios wishes to acknowledge and thank Charlotte-area store, Binders Art Supplies (located in the Cotswold area of Charlotte), for their generous donation of paints and painting medium used for the event (and for those to come).
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ClearWater Artist Studios is located in Gibson Village, less than a mile from Downtown Concord, 223 Crowell Drive NW. Its Gallery is open to the public most weekdays, Noon-5pm; every 2nd Saturday10am-4pm; and/or by appointment. The Gallery, outdoor Green, and open-air covered Market are available to rent for private events. For details, see clearwaterartists.com; or call 704-784-9535.
ClearWater hosts 4th Annual Portrait Paint-Off March 10, 2018!
Read MoreFor Immediate Release: Date: December 6, 2017
Click HERE to see the PDF of this release
CONTACT: Sarah Gay, Manager, ClearWater Artist Studios;
704-784-9535 or clearwatermgr@gmail.com
Local Master-Level Decorative Artisans Featured in Pop-Up Show at ClearWater Gallery
CONCORD, NC – For a brief three weeks, starting this Saturday, the public can get a view of a ‘hidden art’ in the special exhibit, “Creative Surfaces: The Art of Decorative Artisanal Walls,” on view Dec. 9-29, 2017 in the Gallery at ClearWater Artist Studios.
Decorative Artisans transform mundane walls, ceilings, floors and more into custom-designed, jaw-dropping interiors –often tricking the eye into believing solid stone, hand-carved plaster, metal, or leather exists where surface applications simply dress up drywall. Those at the top of the field are hired by moguls and millionaires, to make homes, corporate spaces and places of worship look richly and uniquely appointed. Many reach a level of fine art, in their handcrafted details.
Two such artisans reside here in Concord, NC and are in high demand. They’ve been in this business for 25 years as a couple, running their home-based business from their house on Union Street South; and also their studio. Bob and Cindy Andrews have created custom decorative finishes for clients all over the Southeast and the country; they run classes for others mastering the craft and materials, and rub elbows with colleagues doing castles and churches on far-away continents.
Their 2nd studio is based at ClearWater Artist Studios, in the Gibson Village Neighborhood.
This exhibit of their Sample Boards and site photos, on display in the ClearWater Gallery for a limited time (Dec. 9-29), gives a glimpse of the intriguing materials and methods of these ‘Wall Magicians.”
This Saturday, on December 9, the artisans will be available in the Gallery to meet and speak with, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. during ClearWater’s monthly open house, ‘2nd Saturday Open Studios’ (monthly 10a-4p on 2nd Saturdays).
ClearWater Artist Studios is the artist haven and community hub housed in the City of Concord's nearly century-old former water works and utility operations facilities. It launched a new, interactive website in August; feedback on the new clearwaterartists.com is welcomed. Email clearwatermgr@gmail.com or connect on Facebook, @ClearwaterArtistStudios.
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ClearWater Artist Studios is located in Gibson Village, less than a mile from Downtown Concord, at 223 Crowell Drive NW. Its Gallery is open to the public Weds-Friday, Noon-5pm; every 2nd Saturday 10am-4pm; and/or by appointment. The Gallery, outdoor Green, and open-air covered Market are available to rent for private events. For details, see clearwaterartists.com; or call 704-784-9535.
ClearWater is becoming; It is a place where...
Artists find community with other artists;
The Community finds artists and access to art;
Artists, and the Community find ways to interact, discuss, and be inspired to new (creative) ways of thinking.
CLEARWATER Arts Center & Studios lies in the Gibson Village Neighborhood, less than a mile from Historic Downtown Concord, NC.
Open for drop-in: Wednesday-Friday 12:00-5:00pm; Saturdays, 10a.m. - 2p.m.
ClearWater Arts Center & Studios
223 Crowell Drive NW
Concord, NC 28025
Sarah Gay, ClearWater Coordinator
PLEASE NOTE NEW PHONE NUMBER (Fall 2022):
704.920-6600 (ofc. land line)
City Email: gays_at_concordnc.gov
This project is supported by a grant from the Grassroots Arts Program of the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency, and the Cabarrus Arts Council.
