By GIOVANNA TORRES

Above average temperatures seem to want to stick around. Luckily for Charlotte-Mecklenburg residents, ASC’s Culture Blocks program offers a wide range of arts and cultural experiences at libraries and recreation centers throughout the county so you can beat the heat while having fun.

STAY ACTIVE

Leading a healthy lifestyle requires exercising the mind and body. Programs such as Dance Without Limits keep seniors active throughout the year with classes that are designed with varying mobility levels in mind. This program, which meets every Wednesday at Southview Recreation Center, celebrates dance as a viable vehicle to build health, community and creativity.

“I do not want participants to feel overwhelmed with the movement, but instead, to feel a sense of accomplishment,” said Order My Steps founder Patrice Commodore. “I want them to connect with the other participants around them. This experience should increase their self-awareness and leave them open to building new connections and trying new things. Feeling the energy of your community dancing with you is powerful.”

FIND A NEW HOBBY

It’s never too late to learn a new skill. Local musician and long-time Culture Blocks provider Arsena Schroeder started offering guitar workshops in Huntersville this summer with the goal of empowering attendees to do just that.

“Many adults think that because they didn’t learn to play an instrument as a child, they cannot learn to play as an adult,” Schroeder said.

The current EXPLORE: Beginner Guitar for Adults workshop concludes at the Huntersville Recreation Center on August 3, but there will be another round of workshops from September 6 – 27 at the Eastway Regional Recreation Center.

“We want this program to provide accessibility and for the participants that choose to continue learning guitar to do so with resources and helpful tools. Adults are allowed to be beginners too!” she said.

Textile artist Jillian Mueller’s Fiber Arts Workshops also provide a safe space to try something new.

“I want participants to have a foundation and grasp of basic skills so they can feel empowered to keep exploring the new craft and take on their own projects,” said Mueller, who is offering knitting, weaving, crochet, macramé and embroidery classes in Matthews, Pineville and Steele Creek. “I want to provide them with a playful and creative environment where they feel free to explore the new materials, make a few mistakes, and have fun while learning something new.”

Her goal, says Mueller, is to show people what they are capable of creating and doing.

“Fiber arts can be tricky, so sometimes people tend to just assume that they “aren’t good” at them and give up on their first try. I break down different techniques into basic steps and teach projects that can be completed by repeating one or two stitches or techniques.”

Mueller’s workshops extend though September 14.

SAVE THE DATE

Many of the Culture Blocks summer offerings are ongoing, which provide an opportunity to not only hone in on some new skills, but make some new friends along the way. Some of the upcoming programs include:

Like Skills through Theatre Skills
presented by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
Now through Thursday, August 11
Multiple locations

Nature & Art Cyanotypes
presented by The Light Factory Photo Arts Center
Now through September 29
Multiple locations

A Vibe Outside
presented by Applesauce Group
Saturday, August 20 (2 p.m.)
West Complex (1600 W. Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28216)

Princess Fearless
presented by Matthews Playhouse
Saturday, September 24 (10 a.m.)
Stumptown Park (120 S. Trade St., Matthews, NC 28105)

Browse the full schedule, sign up and enjoy arts and culture activities close to home this summer.

Culture Blocks is a community partnership funded by Mecklenburg County.