Charlotte has wide options to create and enjoy art

VAPA CENTER

VAPA Center hosts the VAPA Live program where performers take the stage on the third Wednesday of the month to show off their talents.

There are many ways to get involved in the arts in Charlotte.  

They’re everywhere and accessible, with gallery visits, participating in events, or showcase your talents with local organizations. Whether you’re a consumer or a creative, art is for everyone. 
VAPA Art Center, 731 N. College St. 

Monday–Thursday 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday 12–9 p.m. 

Email: [email protected] 

Website: vapacenter.com 

Sign up to schedule tours and attend events such as open studios, night markets, and performances.  

• Night Markets: Saturdays from 6-10 p.m. They give visitors a chance to participate guided tours, scavenger hunt, explore artists’ studios and what VAPA Center has to offer. 

• VAPA Live: Go on stage and showcase your talent. Reserved for the third Wednesday of every month, with an audience up to 300 people and 70% of ticket sales go to the performers while the rest support VAPA Center programs. Reach out through their email if you’re interested. 

Sign up for courses such as digital photography for beginners and intermediate, building a portfolio, fine art print, and one-on-one sessions. For information: lightfactory.org/courses. 

Arts & Science Council, 220 North Tryon St. 

website: artsandscience.org 

The non-profit supports artists with funding and communities has multiple ways creatives can get involved. 

• Culture Blocks for creatives: A curated program of art, science, and history experiences for underserved communities. If you’re interested, application is open and programming starts between Jan. 1-June 30. The deadline is Aug. 17 at 12 p.m.  

• Cultural leadership training: Application opens April 30, 2027 

Cost: $2,000 

If you’re interested in educating and becoming a community leader, the program provides coaching for businesses, non-profits, and organizations. Go to artsandscience.org/cultural-leadership-training/ 

Upcycleartclt, 3046A Eastway Drive 

Website: upcycleartclt.org 

Sustainable ways to be creative are through a small store selling art supplies made affordable. If you have material that you’d like to donate, give it a second life here. They also hold events and workshops as well as allowing artists to sell their work.  

Charlotte Shout! 

An annual event celebrating the city’s art filled with 200 more activities and attractions. The 2027 showcase is April 2-18. You can apply to their Poster Competition, !cons, Easter Eggs on Parade, and Interactive Art. Join the Aug. 12 webinar from 1:30-3 p.m. Visit: charlotteshout.com/participate/ 

Queen City Art 

4237 Raleigh St 

Open Friday at 1-4 p.m., Saturday at 1-7 p.m., and Sundays at 1-5 p.m. 

Website: queencityart.org 

The gallery is filled with local resident artists as well as workshops and opportunities to connect with other creatives.  

• Word on the Street exhibit opening,  Aug. 8, 5-8.p.m. 

Free 

You can present the art of written words. Whether it be handwritten, poetry, maps, or lyrics, share your piece here.  

Mint Museum  

Open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m, Wednesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m and free from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday 1–5 p.m. 

• Visit North Carolina’s first art museum offering exhibitions, events, and opportunities such as programs and internships. Admission is free for patrons 18 years and younger. 

• Pop Up Artists Market: Sept. 27, 12-5 p.m.  

Free 

At Mint Museum Randolph Local and regional artists are gathering at the market to sell their handcrafted works. With free entry and food trucks on site, this can be a nice way to spend the weekend. You may volunteer at guildofcharlotteartists.online through the Artists Market 2026 tab.  

• Mint on the Dot talks: On Saturdays 1:30-2:30 p.m., there’s a 10-minute art talk included with admission. 

• Yoga on the Lawn 

For a meditative morning, join the Mints on the lawn. Free for members and $10 for non-members, register through the Dancing Lotus Yoga site dancinglotusnc.com 

McColl Center, 721 North Tryon St. 

mccollcenter.org 

Internationally acclaimed artist residency and contemporary art space where you can get involved in art events and artist talks. 

• Draw McColl Weekly Figure Drawing Session: Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m. 

Cost: $15 per session 

Every session is three hours and features a professional nude model. Easels and drawing boards are provided while participants should bring their own paper, clips, and art supplies. Media that emit noxious fumes will not be allowed. Teens over 16 years will need permission with a guardian if attending.  

• Comment Thread - constructive critique for visual artists, Aug. 11 

Free 

A platform to discuss constructive feedback on six artists’ work. Artists will be given 15 minutes to present their piece and guests will give feedback.  

• Artists-in-Residence Talk + Tour: Aug. 13, 6-9 p.m. 

Free 

Visitors can visit artists-in-residence in their studios as well as a mingle event with an open bar. 

Comments