April in the Lake Norman region is dedicated to the celebration of the arts. With a plethora of creative influences in the area, this month has become a vibrant tribute to culture and artistic expression.
In Davidson, the whole month of April is dedicated to the arts, culminating in the weekend of April 26-28. Over the weekend, the town comes alive with many exciting events focused on the arts. The Gallery Crawl and Art on the Green are the largest annual multi-artist festivals in North Mecklenburg. Taking place on the Davidson Village Green, these events showcase artist exhibits, demonstrations, food, and live music.
The Gallery Crawl
Downtown Davidson becomes a canvas of the local artist community on Fri, April 26th from 6-9pm. From historic Main Street over to South Main Street and at the Circles @ 30, local businesses and the town hall host galleries, helping to line the streets with the finest artwork the town has to offer.
Art on the Green
Art on the Green can be the most popular event of the weekend! Typically, thousands gather to enjoy not just the impressive art on display, but also live music and food. Booths are packed with local art from throughout the region. You can support local talent by attending and taking in the art and music while enjoying on-site food vendors, as well as the restaurants in the area.
The event runs twice. Saturday, April 27 from 10am-5pm and Sunday, April 28 from noon-4pm.
Young Artists' Showcase
One of the tents at Art of the Green will be reserved for young artists in front of the public library. Davidson Green School sponsors a tent to showcase children in the area who have a passion for creating artwork. If you want your child to have their art displayed, apply with this link. This is a judged competition and participants will be able to sell their art if selected.
Other Places to Find Art
Davidson College
Davidson College is full of a wide array of artwork! The Van Every / Smith galleries have a variety of different art to observe and appreciate. They host many different events, learning experiences, and rotational and permanent collections. Hosting various events, educational opportunities, and both rotating and permanent collections, these galleries are a hub of artistic activity. The permanent collection alone encompasses over 4,000 works spanning five centuries. This month, visitors can look forward to an exhibition featuring works by different art majors from the college, alongside two additional exhibitions during the first week of the month. Don't forget about their sculpture gallery! This program started in 2007, and since then the campus has been dotted with different sculptures created by internationally acclaimed artists for visitors to admire.
Cain Center
During the month of April, Cain Center for the Arts will be welcoming Eva Crawford and Ellie Rose to their art exhibit to display their works beginning April 15th. These two artists submitted work to the Artfields Exhibit in 2022 and were awarded with an exhibit to display their creative works. This goes along with the performing arts that are offered in their world-class theatre room. The schedule as well as tickets are available on their website.
'Tawba Walk Arts and Music Festival
April 27-28th is the 'Tawba Walk Arts and Music Festival. Taking place at the Oak Street Mill, the walk is an immersive event that winds its way through the center of Cornelius. Showcasing numerous local vendors and live street performances, it displays the finest offerings of Cornelius and its surroundings. They also have shopping and dining options as well. The festival is a fan favorite amongst families looking for a fun day out while exploring art.
In Huntersville, there are different attractions to explore too. Take a stroll through Holbrook Park and admire the SculpTOUR's on display. There are six different sculptures in the park, five of them from North Carolina artists. Holbrook's artwork has helped bring new life and uniqueness into the park. If you're a fan of the arts, it's a must-see when in Huntersville.
Discovery Place Kids is home to an exhibit allowing kids to create their own masterpieces. With rotating supplies that include recyclables, foam, water, wood, and more, your child will never run out of ways to express themselves at the 'I Can Create' exhibit.
April in Lake Norman region bursts with artistic energy and cultural offerings. From gallery crawls to sculptures, there's an abundance of creativity to explore. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or just curious, the month provides numerous opportunities to engage with the diverse cultural landscape of Lake Norman. So, don't miss out—mark your calendars and immerse yourself in the enriching world of art this April.
