Art on Tap Member Spotlight highlights a different member of Art on Tap, the Cabarrus Arts Council’s group for young professionals interested in connecting socially with one another through the arts council events.
Like most people, Carey Blackwelder heard about Art on Tap from a friend. Her first event was Art on Tap’s inaugural Kick-Off Party in October 2014.
“That was a huge turnout,” said Carey. “They had heavy hors d’oeuvres and dancing. It was super fun.”
What has kept her coming back, besides the camaraderie among her peers, she said, is the educational facet of each of the group’s events.
“Every single one has offered a new skill, and we get to do it with friends.”
Art on Tap’s Art & Ale event served up drinks and invited people to draw on paper-covered walls while a local artist offered drawing tips.
Brushes & Bourbon introduced Southern Grace Distilleries through bourbon tastings as an artist showed the crowd how to paint watercolors with whiskey.
Brock Norris prefers to immerse himself gradually in whatever he does in life.
He began his leathersmithing business at his kitchen table before moving it into a garden shed, then a detached garage and finally into suite #120 in ClearWater Studios, where he operates Traveller Trading Co., the thriving shop where he makes wallets, dog collars and other well-made leather goods.
He’s taken the same approach with Art on Tap, the Cabarrus Arts Council’s membership for young professionals – attending a few events with friends first before becoming a member.
Brock said the activities, like Bourbon and Brushes, are not only interesting and fun, but they let people get together and immerse themselves in art in a more casual setting.
The Cabarrus Arts Council is dedicated to providing a wide variety of cultural arts programs that celebrate the rich diversity of our county and our world. The arts council programs and operates the Davis Theatre and The Galleries, conducts one of North Carolina's largest arts-in-education programs for both the Cabarrus County and Kannapolis City school systems, supports arts organizations and artists through grants and workshops, and serves as a catalyst and consultant for public and corporate art.
