Virtual Culture Block: Hands-on / Virtual Clay Workshop

Looking for new, exciting activities for the kids? Ready to embark on a new hobby? ASC’s Culture Blocks has been offering a variety of arts and cultural experiences close to home at no cost for years, and now, you can enjoy programs for all ages from the comfort of your home.

Check out some of the new and recurring Culture Blocks-sponsored programs taking place virtually:

Arts & Crafts

Virtual Workshop: StencilSpray
When: Saturday, January 23rd, 2021, 12 p.m.
Where: Upcycled Arts Facebook and YouTube channels. Register here.
Presented by local artist and movement maker, StencilSpray. In this workshop, he will teach you how to make your very own stencils.

Hands-on* / Virtual Clay Workshop
When: Thursday, January 28th, 2021, 5:30 p.m.
Who: Seniors / Adults
Where: Zoom. Register here.
Join Clayworks via Zoom for this hands-on clay making workshop. In your materials kit, you will receive everything you need to create a fun clay project during this live Zoom workshop. A Clayworks teaching artist will give step by step instructions on how to pinch, coil, slip and score your way to a completed project of your choice.

*Kit Pickup: Kits with air dry clay, simple clay tools and paint to finish the dried projects will be available for pickup at the Independence Library, 6000 Conference Drive, Charlotte, NC 28212, the week before the workshop. You must register before picking up the kit. Social distancing will be observed, and masks must be worn during pickup.

Virtual Workshop: Positive Portals
When: Saturday, February 6th, 12 p.m.
Where: Upcycled Arts Facebook and YouTube channels. Register here.
This workshop will be taught by local artist Heather Patton. Heather will teach you how to make her “Positive Portals.” She combines glass frames with stones, seashells, and other beautiful decorations. For extra personalization, pick up some items close to your house to include on this project.

Music & Dance

Dancing the Poem Workshop: A virtual creative movement and poetry workshop
When: Saturday, February 27th, 10 a.m.
Age: All ages (Family)
Where: Zoom. Register here. Pre-registration required.
Dancing the Poem is a one hour online creative movement workshop for KIDS and FAMILIES that will explore a work of poetry through dance! Movers of all ages will make words come alive as we work together to create and perform original movement inspired by our favorite poems. Join us and experience both poetry and dance as powerful modes of expression that utilize imagery, emotion, and rhythm!

Music of the African Diaspora
When: Every Sunday through February 21st, 4 p.m.
Where: Online. Register here.
An exciting 12-week ‘virtual’ program that explores the contributions of African people to the world of music.

Drum Circle with Piedmont Music Therapy
When: Every Wednesday from January 20th through February 24, 2021, 5 p.m.
Where: Online. Register here.

Drum Circle with Piedmont Music Therapy
When: Every Thursday from January 21st through February 25th, 2021, 5 p.m.
Where: Online. Register here.
In these YouTube live-stream events, participants will play along with a drum circle facilitator, explore new rhythms and patterns, and learn that you don’t have to have a drum to make music. Utilizing body percussion and other household objects, you’ll be amazed to find an orchestra in your own home!

Drum Circles on LIVE with Drums 4 Life
When: Every Saturday through June, 2021, 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Drums 4 Life’s Facebook and Instagram pages
Tune in with your drums, pots, pans and water jugs! Drums 4 Life presents an exciting African Drum Circle for people of all ages. Participants will learn about the rewards of African drumming.

Virtual Line Dance Lessons with Lisa Konczal
When: Every Monday, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual. Register here.
Endorphins, physical health, community and fun! Meet new friends – and / or have a classmate, relative or friend sign up and dance with them… virtually from your home. Beginner to more experienced dancers – all are welcomed. Learn line dances to a variety of musical genres, including Pop, Latin, Country, Blues and Funk.

IGNITE Winter Dance Fest with Order My Steps
When: Wednesdays from December 2nd through February 24th, 2021, 6 p.m.
Where: Zoom. Register here or by calling 704-221-4787.
Community dance classes for kids ages 6 – teens, live on Zoom. Variety of dance styles, including Hip Hop, African, and Modern. Once registration is complete the Zoom link will be emailed to you.

Jazz Dance Class with Charlotte Ballet
When: Thursdays through February 11th, 2021, 7 p.m.
Where: Online. Register here.
Join digitally with teaching artist Robin Gray-Bishop for a free virtual Jazz Dance class open to dancers of all ages and skill levels.

Theater and Poetry

Guerilla Poets’ Free Art Workshops
When: Every 1st Saturday through May 2021, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
Where: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81454643674?pwd=eGo2dGlxWWgxN2cwVkdRRHloWkRpZz09
Meeting ID: 814 5464 3674
Passcode: 110227
Learn about a new artist and art technique each month! Free art supply bundles for those who need it. Pick up at Derita Dairy Bar + Grill, 2737 W Sugar Creek Road.

Guerilla Poets’ Free Music/Poetry Workshops
When: Every 1st Saturday through May 2021, 12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Where: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81959904405?pwd=eDNZMEkzcnVlZWhYMEtsNFFCVklnQT09
Meeting ID: 819 5990 4405
Passcode: 992589
Music and Poetry workshops focused on a monthly genre, community impact or artist. Learn about musical histories, poetry revolutions and how to write your own poems and play different instruments and styles.

Guerilla Poets’ Inspired Sessions (Spoken word + Live Painting)
When: Every 1st Tuesday through May 2021, 11:30 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.
Where: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84089330165?pwd=M0l6TVI3OEZYN2t0bzBUdlg2OFdodz09
Meeting ID: 840 8933 0165
Passcode: 887550
Join us to share poetry and live art based on themes found in the book of the month selected by the West Blvd Library book club.

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s Life Skills Through Theatre Skills
When: Fridays through March 26th, 2021, 10 a.m.
Where: Zoom

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s Life Skills Through Theatre Skills
When: Tuesdays through March 16th, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Zoom
This online program allows students to explore the artist within by utilizing theatre and art activities. Students participate in a variety of activities, including ensemble/team building, theatre games, improv basics, group storytelling, craft and prop creation and public speaking exercises.

Make sure to check the Culture Blocks event page for updates. Event details are subject to change and new events are added to the calendar regularly. Culture Blocks is a community partnership funded by Mecklenburg County.