A new community art experience in Old Town Cornelius launches Saturday, connecting residents and visitors with themed art installations throughout downtown.

Beginning Nov. 14, Old Town Cornelius Inc. will present a series of outdoor paintings called the OTC Art Trail. The concept was developed by the OTC Beautification Committee consisting of Cornelius residents Mary Bottini, Andy Rogers and Andre Lima.

The inaugural trail features 20 paintings by Rogers titled “Series 1: Hidden Hounds,” displayed at various locations throughout downtown. A map of the trail will be available online starting this weekend.

“We chose dogs for our first series because they’re simply wonderful and universally loved,” Rogers said. “It’s a playful experience meant to make people smile and explore.”

The committee plans to make the Art Trail an ongoing tradition, introducing new themes and featuring different local artists with each series. After an extended inaugural run, the goal is to rotate collections every four months, giving residents and visitors something new to discover throughout the year.

Members of the OTC Beautification Committee, from left, Mary Bottini, Andy Rogers and Andre Lima.

Residents can meet the committee behind the OTC Art Trail during a drop-in event Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the former Old Town Public House patio.

Committee members will share how the project came together, the stories behind the artwork and how to explore the trail.

At noon, the group will lead a 45-minute guided tour. Visitors also can pick up a map and explore on their own.

Downtown train

The installation is the latest effort by OTC Inc. to promote downtown. Formed earlier this year, the organization brings together residents, organizations and resources around a shared vision for a stronger town.

“The Hidden Art Trail is just the beginning of our efforts to celebrate local creativity, encourage exploration, and make Old Town Cornelius an even more vibrant place to visit, discover and enjoy,” Rogers said.

OTC Inc. founder Case Warnemunde said the project is part of a broader effort to add programming to the monthly Second Saturday events that bring people downtown and encourages them to stay throughout the day.

Other events this Saturday include an afternoon Pop-Up Slime Bar at Mia Rose Photography and live music in the evening on the Puckett House patio.