Students from G.W. Carver Elementary School performed “Cruella De Vil” during the Cabarrus Arts Council’s Breakfast for the Arts fundraiser. Photo credit: Michael Anderson.
More than 800 people from across Cabarrus County gathered early Thursday morning at the Embassy Suites, united behind a simple but powerful message: the arts matter.
As part of its annual Breakfast for the Arts fundraiser, the Cabarrus Arts Council brought together singers, dancers and other performers for a celebration of creativity, community and the power of the arts to connect, inspire and strengthen the community — while also raising support for the organization’s work across the county.
Since 2002, Breakfast for the Arts has served as one of the council’s signature fundraisers, helping champion local artists and expand access to the arts through the generosity of community supporters.
At a time when many arts organizations continue to face financial and cultural challenges, the strong turnout underscored Cabarrus County’s continued investment in its local arts scene.
“Every day we present, promote and inspire creativity in our community, not because the arts are a pleasant pastime, though they are, but because they are essential to our wellbeing as individuals and as a community,” Cabarrus Arts Council Executive Director Liz Fitzgerald told the audience.
Local photographer Michael Anderson captured the morning through a series of photos, several of which he graciously shared with The Cabarrus Compass.
To help Cabarrus Arts Council reach its $100,000 goal, people can support the organization and its Breakfast for the Arts fundraiser by making a donation here.
Caleb Smilie, a 4-H Club Expressive Arts alumni, played the keyboards. Photo credit: Michael Anderson.
Students from G.W. Carver Elementary School performed “Cruella De Vil.” Photo credit: Michael Anderson.
Residents from across Cabarrus County gathered Thursday morning to show their support for the arts and the work of the Cabarrus Arts Council. Photo credit: Michael Anderson.
Student artwork was showcased during the Cabarrus Arts Council’s Breakfast for the Arts. Photo credit: Michael Anderson.
Local artist April Simmons had many of her pieces available for purchase. Photo credit: Michael Anderson.
Susanna Black served as the event’s emcee. Photo credit: Michael Anderson.
The Rotary Club of Cabarrus County volunteered their time during the breakfast. Photo credit: Michael Anderson.
CAC Board President Robbie Furr entertained the crowd with “Sweet Cabarrus,” a Neil Diamond-inspired performance celebrating and thanking the event’s many sponsors. Photo credit: Michael Anderson.
Dylan Ward, a professional saxophonist and active figure in the experimental music scene, performed “Cybersyn” during the Cabarrus Arts Council’s Breakfast for the Arts event. Photo credit: Michael Anderson.
The Cox Mill High School dance ensemble — which recently earned first place overall at the NCASA Scholastic Dance Ensemble state competition — performed “The Scientist” during Breakfast for the Arts. Photo credit: Michael Anderson.
Kannapolis poet and mental health advocate Jim Love spoke about the importance of art in his own life. Photo credit: Michael Anderson.
CAC Executive Director Liz Fitzgerald spoke about the importance of the arts — particularly for students — at a time when funding for school arts programs faces growing uncertainty. Photo credit: Michael Anderson.
Nicole Castro performs “Where Am I Going?” from the musical “Sweet Charity,” which is currently being staged by Old Courthouse Theatre. Photo credit: Michael Anderson.
The Central Cabarrus High School dance ensemble closed out the breakfast with an energetic multicultural medley that ended the morning on a high note. Photo credit: Michael Anderson.
