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November 18, 2026 Gaston Draws Open Call Sessions Learn More Gaston County Museum Venue Info 131 W Main St, Dallas, NC 28034, USA 1:00 PM Time: - 3:00 PM 704-922-7681 Gaston Draws: The Figure Series Join us for free figure drawing sessions in 2026! Museum Launching Free Figure Drawing Series *Image courtesy of artist Lisa Livengood, 2025 Dallas, NC – The Gaston County Museum of Art & History is hosting a year-long series of live-model figure drawing sessions starting Wednesday, January 7, in the Anne Biggers Furr Learning Station, 205 W. Main St., Dallas. “Gaston Draws: The Figure Series” is made possible by a grant from the Gaston Arts Council, with support from the North Carolina Arts Council. Sessions are free and open to the public. Registration is required for each session, below: Adult Session Open Call Portrait Session “Figure drawing spans the entire history of humanity beginning with the earliest cave drawings in the Paleolithic era and becoming the foundation of artistic training in the Renaissance,” says Alexandrea Pizza, director of the Art & History Museum. “Some of the world’s most cherished works of art, such as Leonardo’s “Mona Lisa” and Michaelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam” on the Sistine Chapel ceiling were born from years of the artists’ studying the human form through figure drawing, painting, and sculpting. Today, artists continue to study the human figure through the anatomy and movement of live models. Figure drawing remains one of the most historically important practices in the history of art,” she says. “Figure drawing sessions, unlike traditional art classes, are not instructor-led,” says Alexander Brooks, Community Engagement Manager for the Art & History Museum. “Participants focus on their own style, although a facilitator is on site to guide the models through poses and keep the session on schedule.” Three different options are offered throughout the series: Open Call, which is open to artists 13 and older and features clothed models; Adult, which is open to anyone 18 and older and features nude models; and Portrait, which is open to those 13 and older. “During the Open Call and Adult sessions, the models change poses on a timed schedule, either one, three or five minutes, prompted by the facilitator, while the models in the Portrait sessions maintain a single pose for the duration of the session,” Brooks explains. Artists of all skill levels are welcome to attend, must bring their own art supplies, and will be expected to sign a contract which outlines strict policies regarding model privacy and artist conduct. Sessions will be held on the following dates from 6:00-8:00 pm: Adult Sessions will be held on the first Wednesday of every month in 2026: January 7, February 4, March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3, July 1, August 5, September 2, October 7, November 4, December 2. Open Call Sessions will be held on the third Wednesday of every month of 2026: January 21, February 18, March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, October 21, November 18, December 16. Portrait Sessions will be held on the last Wednesday of every other month in 2026: February 25, April 29, June 24, August 26, October 28, December 30. For more information, please call the Museum at 704-922-7681 or visit the website at www.gastoncountymuseum.org. Admission to the Museum is free. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10:00am-5:00pm and Saturday 11:00am – 4:00pm. For more information, visit www.gastoncountymuseum.org. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

December 20, 2026 Coffee + Crafts: Door Mat Painting Learn More Daniel Stowe Conservancy Venue Info 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012, USA 4:00 AM Time: - 5:00 AM 704-825-4490 Start your morning with creativity and connection at Coffee + Crafts, held at Daniel Stowe Conservancy every third Sunday of the month. Each session features a hands-on craft project, guided by instructors, with materials provided—no prior experience needed. Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee, latte, or tea from our coffee shop as you craft, relax, and mingle with fellow participants in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to spark your creativity and begin your day on a bright, inspired note. Class locations will vary by season and we encourage you to arrive a bit early to get your coffee order in! December 20 - Door Mat Painting - Big Leaf Cafe in Garden Pavilion Design and paint a personalized door mat using stencils and durable outdoor paint. Participants can choose patterns, phrases, or designs to create a welcoming and functional home accent. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

September 28, 2026 Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs? Learn More The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium Venue Info 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 9:30 AM Time: - 10:15 AM 704-866-6900 The Schiele Museum’s James H. Lynn Planetarium and Science Theater is home to an immersive experience unlike anything else in the area and is a “must-see” attraction during a visit to the museum. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

October 4, 2026 Oasis in Space Learn More The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium Venue Info 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 10:30 AM Time: - 11:30 AM 704-866-6900 The Schiele Museum’s James H. Lynn Planetarium and Science Theater is home to an immersive experience unlike anything else in the area and is a “must-see” attraction during a visit to the museum. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

October 31, 2026 Belmont Abbey College Women's Soccer vs Conference Carolinas Tournament Quarterfinals Learn More Belmont Abbey Athletics Venue Info Belmont, NC, USA 7:00 PM Time: - 6:59 PM 704-461-6693 Join us for an exciting day of soccer as Belmont Abbey College hosts both the Women's and Men's Soccer teams in the Conference Carolinas Tournament Quarterfinals. Fans can catch all the action with live streaming available at http://www.conferencecarolinasdn.com/abbeyathletics. Don’t miss the thrilling matches as the teams strive for victory in their quest for the championship! < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

September 4, 2026 Scrappers ECA Specialty Group Learn More Lucile Tatum Center Venue Info 959 Osceola St, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 5:00 AM Time: - 1:00 PM 704-866-3607 The ECA Scrappers is a specialty group of Gaston County Extension & Community Association. Members of this group enjoy paper crafting - from community projects to personal projects. Visitors are always welcomed at this monthly meeting time - a little business discussed, plus lots of crafting. For more info: linda_minges@ncsu. edu or call 704. 866. 3607 < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

September 8, 2026 Lexington Legends at 2026 Gastonia Ghost Peppers Learn More CaroMont Health Park Venue Info 800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA 1:00 PM Time: - 2:00 PM 980-415-2255 Step into the excitement of Atlantic League baseball as the Gastonia Ghost Peppers take on the competition at Caromont Health Park in the heart of downtown Gastonia! Watch top-tier professional talent battle it out in a high-energy, fan-friendly atmosphere where every pitch brings the crowd to life. Make a night of it by exploring downtown Gastonia before or after the game, with local restaurants, breweries, and shops just steps from the stadium. From first pitch to final out, a Ghost Peppers game is the perfect mix of thrilling baseball and vibrant downtown fun. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

October 18, 2026 Barrel Bites Food Truck Learn More Veronét Vineyards And Winery Venue Info 1549 Ike Brooks Dr, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, USA 7:00 AM Time: - 12:30 PM info@veronetwine.com Barrel Bites will be serving delicious American and Peruvian inspired foods. We have smash burgers, Peruvian nachos, mac & cheese, and Pimento Cheese flat bread. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

February 18, 2027 ECA Quiltmakers Monthly Mtg Learn More GC Cooperative Extension Venue Info 959 Osceola St, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 1:00 PM Time: - 3:30 PM 704-922-0301 Quiltmakers is a special interest group of the Gaston Co. Extension & Community Association (ECA) that focuses on quilting and sewing projects. You can be a part of ECA - learn more by contacting Linda J. Minges at linda_minges@ncsu.edu or call 704.866.3607. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

June 14, 2027 June Plant Swap & Shop Learn More Traust Brewing Venue Info 128 S Main St, Mt Holly, NC 28120, USA 7:00 AM Time: - 11:00 AM 833-566-5563 Join us for a plant swap & shop extraordinaire at Traust Brewing in Mount Holly! Bring a plant to swap or just come to shop! Plant accessories and swag encouraged! Tables provided. Pet & kid friendly. Traust offers an awesome food menu and beer, wine, seltzers, mixed drinks and a large selection of non alcoholic beverages! Located in downtown Mount Holly at 128 South Main Street there is plenty of parking behind the building! PLANT SWAP IS ALWAYS FREE TO VEND & ATTEND!! We have had a lot of scammers target our events- please do not send anyone money for Plant Swap events! < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

May 12, 2027 Singer/Songwriter Open Mic Learn More The Rooster Venue Info 344 W Main Ave, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA 2:00 PM Time: - 5:00 PM 704-616-0291 Every Wednesday we host our Singer/Songwriter Open Mic with rotating hosts. Our Open Mic is for all artists, not just singers and musicians. Whether your gift is comedy, poetry, drum solos or you just want to jam, this event is for you!No Cover, Doors open at 6pm. Open Mic starts at 7pm. Sign Up Sheet is at the bar. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

March 12, 2027 PAWS AND READ - BOOK CLUB Learn More Whiskerville Kitty Cat Cafe Venue Info 508 Beaty Rd, Belmont, NC 28012, USA 1:00 PM Time: - 2:00 PM 704-812-8417 Our book club is all about creating a welcoming space to connect, share perspectives, and explore stories together! Take some time to PAWS, READ, and MEET NEW FRIENDS! Starting in 2026, our book club will meet every SECOND THURSDAY of the month, 6:00 - 7:00pm. March 12th - Book Discussion on "Cat's People" by Tanya Guerrero. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >