The cold weather is here, but there are plenty of reasons to get out the house. Check out these free arts and cultural events happening close by this Fall and Winter.
Art & Music Workshops by Guerilla Poets
Every first Saturday of the month there will be special art and music workshops, including making ornaments and scarves, art journaling for New Year goals, singing lessons, how to write on rhythm, and many more!
When: Every first Saturday of the month (11 a.m. and 12 p.m.)
Where: West Boulevard Library (2157 West Blvd., Charlotte NC 28208)
Clayworks
Clayworks teaching artists will teach different clay techniques to create your own pottery that will last a lifetime. Lean how to roll, pinch, texturize, slip and score clay while creating different project each workshop. Each workshop is a different project, so you can come back again and again. Projects range from pitchers to mugs to wall hangings. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today. Projects will be taken back to Clayworks to be glazed and fired before being returned to the rec center for pickup. Please allow one month for delivery. Free but you must pre-register by calling 980-314-1121.
When: December 13, Family Workshop (All Ages), 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Wallace Pruitt Recreation Center (440 Tuckaseegee Rd, Charlotte, NC 28208)
When: December 15 and 19, Family Workshop (All Ages), 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Hickory Grove Library (5935 Hickory Grove Rd, Charlotte, NC 28215)
When: December 21, Special Needs Workshop, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Hickory Grove Library (5935 Hickory Grove Rd, Charlotte, NC 28215)
When: December 8, Family Workshop (All Ages), 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Mallard Creek Recreation Center (2530 Johnston Oehler Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269)
Traveling Blue: Live Music from Latin America to New Orleans presented by Ana Lucia
Live music from Latin America to New Orleans. Jazz singer Tenya Colemon and Latin American singer Ana Lucia Divins, accompanied by several musicians, will share together the songs that stir their souls.
When: Saturday, December 8, 2018 (2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
Where: Scaleybark Library (101 Scaleybark Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209)
When: Saturday, January 19, 2019 (2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
Where: Beatties Ford Road Regional Library (2412 Beatties Ford Rd., Charlotte, NC 28216)
When: Saturday, February 23, 2019 (2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
Where: Charlotte Museum of History (3500 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215)
www.tyrusortegagainesphotography.com
African Drum Circle presented by Drums 4 Life
Join Drums 4 Life for a African Drum Circle. A drum circle is a group of people from a few to many arranged in a circle experiencing the spontaneous creation of music on a variety of drums and percussion instruments. The circle is a symbol of wholeness and integration. Because a circle has no beginning and no end, the agreement to connect in a circle allows energy to circulate from one person to the next. No prior experience or instruments are necessary; Drums 4 Life will provide instructions and instruments.
When: November 24, December 15 & December 22, 2018 and January 19, January 26, 2019 (11 a.m – 1 p.m.)
Where: Albemarle Road Recreation Center (5027 Idlewild Rd N, Mint Hill, NC 28227)
When: December 1, 2018 & January 5, 2019 (11 a.m – 1 p.m.)
Where: Sugar Creek Library (4045 N Tryon St Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28206)
When: December 8, 2018 and February 9, 2019 (11 a.m – 1 p.m.)
Where: West Boulevard Library (2157 West Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28208)
Visual Art and Music Workshop presented by Arts+
Join Arts+ for a visual art workshop series at the Hilton and the library, featuring a different project activity each workshop. Accompanying the art-making experience will be live music performed throughout the workshop. For families and open to all ages.
When: December 1, 2018 (1 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
Where: University City Regional Library (301 E W.T. Harris Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28262)
When: December 9, 2018 (1 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
Where: Hilton Charlotte Executive Park (5624 Westpark Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217)
The Beauty of Science Presented by Artisan Preparatory
Discover the scientific compounds in beauty products! This program allows participants to create artistic compounds made with natural ingredients. Artisans will teach the science of making healthy-from nature, beauty compounds. The curriculum includes hands-on common folk-art design, a basic history of these beauty products, scientific conclusions and small samples for to take home. Participants will mix, measure and produce an all natural beauty product from the historical recipes and methods of the African American culture. These sessions may include one of the following themes: Lye Soap, Salve, Lotion, Bath Bombs and Lip Balm.
When: December 6, 2018 & January 1, 2019 (10:30 a.m.)
Where: Belle Johnston Community Center (1000 Johnston Dr., Pineville, NC 28134)
Culture Blocks, a program of the Arts & Science Council funded by Mecklenburg County embraces and celebrates the cultural life and desires of residents, connects communities to arts and culture activities that speak to their interests, and seeks to break down barriers to participation with cultural organizations. Find more free arts and culture events at artsandscience.org/programs/for-community/culture-blocks/.
Charlotte on the Cheap is a member of 
