Renderings by Nicole Perri Architecture

March 14. The “groundbreaking” of the Cain Center’s ceramics studio yesterday marks another major step forward for the two-year-old arts institution.

The Cain Center for the Arts has acquired three nearby properties that will become a western gateway to downtown Cornelius, as well as offices and a permanent home for ceramics studios.

Details

The groundbreaking actually consisted of breaking ceramics pieces into the ground that will later be made into two new pieces, one for display and one to be auctioned off as part of a nearly two-year fundraising effort.

The $30 million Cain Center—which is mortgage-free— is looking to raise a total of $5 million for the renovation of the houses as well as an open-air plaza at the corner of School and Catawba.

The target completion date is March of 2026 with the full launch of programming that fall.

Quotable

“Envisioned as a new gateway to the downtown arts district, leading the development is the creation of a new ceramics facility to provide a permanent home for the passionate and flourishing community of aspiring and established artists alike.”

Background

Ceramics have long been a cherished art form in Lake Norman but it never had a permanent home. The project under way fulfills the Cain Center’s original vision of a dedicated space for ceramics, at the same time preserving two historic homes.

To give: Click on www.cainarts.org/support or call 980-689-4643