“Silent Music” is among the mixed-media artworks by Monique Luck at Cornelius Arts Center, opening with a reception Friday.

Hello, March! I’m happy to see you. Winter is making a last ditch effort to cling on with a death grip and I, for one, would like to peel back its fingers and say goodbye. Granted, my definition of winter is relative in terms of thin Southern blood, however, a chill is a chill, and I’m over it. The first weekend of March has me thinking about spring, warm weather, sandals and pedicures. I’m also excited about the burgeoning arts scene blossoming around us. We are fortunate to live in an area that offers pleasant temps, plenty of sunshine, blue skies, water, and culture.

So, while we’re basking in the awesomeness of the season to come, let’s take advantage of it. Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, don’t miss these amazing art related events going on this weekend right here in Cornelius and Davidson:

• FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 6-9pm, Cornelius Arts Center, 19725 Oak St., in the Oak Street Mill, Cornelius – The Arts Center hosts an opening reception for Monique Luck‘s show “In Pieces.” Meet the artist and view her work in the Gallery. Sponsored by the Town of Cornelius Parks, Arts, Recreation, and Culture Department. If you’re unable to make it you can still view her work. The exhibit runs until March 22nd.
• SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2-4pm, Historic Croft Schoolhouse, 9200 Bob Beatty Rd., Charlotte  – Inspired, in part, by success of the Community School of Davidson, the area’s newest charter school – Pioneer Springs Community School – is a testament to grass roots activism. Offering parents another quality choice in education, Pioneer Springs  holds its first ever fundraising event “Arts Alive Celebration & Auction” featuring the work of local artists. Info: www.PioneerSprings.org
• SUNDAY, MARCH 3, Noon to 4pm, Davidson College Belk Visual Arts Center, Van Every Gallery, Main and Griffith streets, Davidson – Fans of artist Frank Poor will want to take advantage of the last opportunity to view “Cast Aways” in the Van Every Gallery of the Belk Visual Arts Center at Davidson College. This unique Southern artist blends personal experiences growing up in a small town with a love of photography and an understanding of architecture to create important mixed media works that are not to be missed. The show closes today after a successful run that began Feb. 15. (It’s also on view Thursday and Friday, 10am to 5pm, and Saturday, Noon to 4pm.)  Contact the venue for more information 704-894-2344 or see Davidson.edu.

Make your first weekend in March an artistic one. I hope you enjoy these wonderful offerings and take as much delight in the promise of Spring as I do.