Call for Artists

Contact: donna downey
Creative Director
donna@ccartscouncil.org
704-484-2787

Call for Artists: Uptown Shelby Art Crawl

Saturday, September 12, 2026
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM

The Cleveland County Arts Council is seeking artists, makers, musicians, authors, poets, and other creatives to participate in the Uptown Shelby Art Crawl.

This family-friendly event invites visitors to explore local businesses while experiencing creativity throughout downtown Shelby. We're looking for artists who enjoy engaging with the public through demonstrations, interactive activities, live performances, or conversations about their creative process.

We welcome participation from:

  • Visual artists
  • Potters, jewelers, fiber artists, and makers
  • Musicians and performers
  • Authors and poets
  • Creative demonstrators of all kinds

Artists may choose to demonstrate their work, interact with visitors, and, if desired, sell artwork or handmade items during the event.

Event Details

  • Artist Set-Up: 11:00 AM
  • Event Hours: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
  • Location: Participating businesses throughout Uptown Shelby

To Apply

Please email the following information by August 12:

  • Artist name
  • Art medium or performance type
  • Space needed (10' x 10' or 10' x 20')
  • Preferred setup: indoors, outdoors, or either
  • Whether you would like to sell your work during the event

Selected artists will be matched with participating Uptown Shelby businesses for the event.

Call for Paint & Sip Instructors

The Cleveland County Arts Council is seeking artists interested in leading Paint & Sip experiences at The Studios at CCAC.

We are looking for engaging instructors who can guide participants through a fun, relaxed painting experience while creating a welcoming and creative atmosphere. Whether you specialize in acrylic painting, seasonal projects, themed events, landscapes, florals, or beginner-friendly instruction, we would love to hear from you.

Paint & Sip events are designed for adults of all skill levels and focus on creativity, connection, and enjoyment rather than technical perfection. Instructors should be comfortable teaching groups, providing step-by-step guidance, and helping participants feel successful regardless of their artistic experience.

If you are interested in becoming a Paint & Sip instructor, please contact:

Please include a brief description of your teaching experience, examples of projects you would like to offer, and images of your work.

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Call for Teaching Artists

Do you have a creative skill, technique, or process you'd love to share with others?

The Cleveland County Arts Council is seeking teaching artists to lead classes and workshops in The Studios at CCAC. We welcome proposals in a variety of mediums, including painting, drawing, mixed media, clay, jewelry, fiber arts, printmaking, and more.

Whether you teach beginner-friendly workshops, multi-week classes, creative intensives, or specialized techniques, we'd love to learn more about what you offer.

Why Teach at CCAC?

  • Newly renovated studio spaces
  • Supportive, arts-focused environment
  • Opportunities for both one-time workshops and ongoing classes
  • Promotion through CCAC marketing channels
  • An engaged and growing creative community

Interested?

Click Here for Class Proposal Form

Email form or any questions to donna@ccartscouncil.org 

Help us fill The Studios with creativity, learning, and meaningful artistic experiences for our community.

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Call for Artists: Handmade for the Holidays 2026

The Cleveland County Arts Council is seeking artists, makers, and artisans interested in participating in Handmade for the Holidays 2026, our annual holiday marketplace featuring handcrafted goods, original artwork, and one-of-a-kind gifts.

This event is designed as a festive holiday shopping experience where participating artists create inviting spaces that showcase both their work and their creative brand. Artists are encouraged to incorporate signage, risers, seasonal décor, and thoughtful merchandising to create a holiday boutique atmosphere that helps shoppers connect with both the work and the maker.

Because space is limited, participation is by acceptance. The Arts Council strives to create a diverse and balanced marketplace representing a variety of mediums, products, and creative voices.

More information

Shop Local. Give Handmade. Celebrate the Season.

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Sell Your Work in our Artisan Market

Artisan Market showcases handcrafted, original work from artists and makers across North Carolina. We curate the shop throughout the year and are especially interested in unique, well-crafted pieces such as pottery, jewelry, textiles, fine art, prints, and small-batch handmade goods.