Pittsboro, NC – On Saturday, May 17, 2025, the Chatham County Arts Center officially opened its doors at 964 East Street. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents gathered to celebrate the grand opening of this vibrant new hub for creativity, community, and culture, marking a milestone years in the making. With a ribbon-cutting ceremony, hands-on crafts, and live demonstrations, the event showcased the center’s promise to become a cornerstone of artistic expression in Chatham County.
The event, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, showcased the center’s commitment to fostering creativity and artistic expression among residents of all ages. Leigh Babcock, the driving force behind this initiative, shared her vision and the journey that led to the establishment of this vibrant hub for the arts.
A Vision Realized
The idea for the Chatham County Arts Center began as a proposal to create a dedicated space for artistic endeavors in the region. The process started with a budget outline and a list of classes Babcock had taught over the years. She felt that it was essential to identify the community’s needs and interests in the arts. After more than a year of planning, fundraising, and renovations, the center opened its doors to the public, offering a diverse range of programs in visual arts, music, and more.
The center occupies a previously vacant warehouse, which has been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility equipped for various artistic disciplines. There is everything from pottery and stained glass to printmaking and oil painting. The space is designed to be accessible and welcoming to everyone, whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting.
Located at the back of a shared county building, the Arts Center is a thoughtfully designed space that emerged from the relocation of fitness classes to the new Chatham Grove Community Center. The move freed up room for Arts and Cultural Program Supervisor Leigh Babcock to transform the site into a haven for artistic exploration. Babcock, a mixed-media artist with a background in Virginia’s arts scene, has been instrumental in shaping the center’s vision.
The center boasts two studios: one dedicated to clay hand-building, pottery wheels, and kilns, offering technical classes for aspiring ceramicists, and another for visual and performance arts, catering to a wide range of creative pursuits. Visitors to the grand opening were treated to a firsthand look at these spaces, with guided tours revealing equipment and inspiring displays of early student work. There were live demonstrations, ranging from potters shaping clay to painters bringing canvases to life, while hands-on craft stations invited children and adults alike to try their hand at creating something new.
One of the center’s primary goals is to offer a wide range of classes that cater to different age groups and skill levels. From children’s art classes to adult workshops, the center aims to provide something for everyone. The center’s curriculum includes traditional art forms such as painting and pottery, as well as innovative classes like creative writing and music.
The Arts Center’s reach extends beyond its physical walls. Babcock has already been leading classes and art events in parks across Siler City, Bear Creek, and other communities, ensuring accessibility for all Chatham County residents.
The Chatham County Arts Center is committed to fostering community engagement and collaboration. Babcock envisions partnerships with local schools, organizations, and artists to create a vibrant arts ecosystem. The center also plans to host events such as art fairs, exhibitions, and performances, providing a platform for local talent to shine.
Local artists, many affiliated with the Chatham Artists Guild, were on hand to celebrate the opening and share their excitement. The guild, a longtime advocate for the county’s vibrant arts scene, sees the center as a vital new resource. The center’s launch aligns with the guild’s mission to raise awareness of the visual arts’ cultural and economic contributions, promising future partnerships and events.
For Pittsboro, the Arts Center is a natural fit. Its opening comes at a time when the area is buzzing with activity, from Pittsboro Finally Fridays to the First Sunday Markets. The center is poised to complement these events, offering year-round opportunities for residents to engage with art, whether through classes, workshops, or community projects.
For those interested in exploring their artistic side or supporting the center’s mission, there are numerous ways to get involved. Whether signing up for a class, attending an event, or volunteering, the Chatham County Arts Center welcomes everyone to join in the celebration of creativity.
For those eager to get involved, upcoming classes for all ages and skill levels are already in the works. To learn more, contact Leigh Babcock at 919-545-8552 or leigh.babcock@chathamcountync.gov, or visit chathamcountync.gov/recreation.