SALISBURY, N.C. – The Creative Currents series at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, hosted by the Department of Art and Design, is creating new opportunities for students, artists and community members to engage with the arts through a dynamic lineup of events. Since its launch in December 2025, Creative Currents has welcomed artists and creative professionals to the College’s North Campus in Salisbury through a series of free events open to students, employees and the community.
This series is made possible through the support of the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and the Rowan Arts Council. This support helps expand access to arts and cultural programming while creating meaningful opportunities for students and community members to engage with creative experiences.
“Creative Currents has created new opportunities for people across our community to engage with the arts in meaningful ways,” said Rowan-Cabarrus Community College President Dr. Carol S. Spalding. “These experiences play an important role in expanding access to the arts and helping individuals grow into more well-rounded members of our community.”
The series launched in December with “An Afternoon with Artist Jessica ‘JB’ Burke,” welcoming a nationally recognized contemporary realist and educator to North Campus. Jessica “JB” Burke guided participants through hands-on colored pencil studies while sharing insight into her creative process and career, offering an engaging and accessible experience for both aspiring and experienced artists. The event provided students and community members with practical skills and a deeper understanding of artistic storytelling through traditional and digital media.
In February, the series continued with “The Business of Being Creative,” a professional pathways panel designed to connect students with industry leaders. The panel featured a diverse group of professionals who are actively shaping and leading the creative industry in North Carolina and beyond. The discussion created a meaningful bridge between academic programs and real-world opportunities, helping students explore career pathways with confidence and clarity.
In March, Creative Currents highlighted global artistry with an evening dedicated to North Indian classical music, featuring award-winning artist and Rowan-Cabarrus employee Gaurang Doshi. The event included an interactive masterclass, a documentary screening and a live performance, offering attendees a rich cultural experience and opportunities for dialogue and learning. This immersive program reinforced the College’s commitment to cultural enrichment and creating spaces for connection through the arts.
“These events have created a space where creativity and community come together in a way that is both inspiring and accessible,” said Program Chair of Art and Design Bailey Wingler “Creative Currents continues to open doors for students and community members to explore the arts while learning from experienced professionals.”
The series will continue in April with a three-part celebration in honor of National Poetry Month. The opening reception of “Off the Page,” an exhibition showcasing work inspired by poetry and literature, will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, at the Bridge Gallery in Building N107 at North Campus. A live reading featuring North Carolina Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green will follow from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 24, at North Campus. On Saturday, April 25, the three-part celebration will conclude with the unveiling of a permanent Sidewalk Poetry Installation in downtown Salisbury, organized in partnership with the City of Salisbury’s Public Arts Commission.
The Creative Currents series will conclude with “The Grand Finale: Tiny Prints to Heavy Rollers,” held from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 1, outside of Building N107 at North Campus. This interactive event will feature a large-scale printmaking experience along with hands-on workshops and activities. Students, employees and local community members are invited to bring a solid-color T-shirt, tote bag or other item to create a custom, one-of-a-kind print to take home.
For more information about Creative Currents and upcoming events, visit www.rccc.edu/creativecurrents. Additional details about the Department of Art and Design at Rowan-Cabarrus, including its A.F.A. in Visual Arts and A.A.S. in Graphic Design programs, are available at www.rccc.edu/finearts.
Learn more about the North Carolina Arts Council at NCArts.org and the Rowan Arts Council at rowancreates.com.