Art is everywhere, integrated throughout the fabric of our society. Here in Charlotte — a growing arts metropolis — something art-related is always happening. From the more traditional art forms — exhibitions, performances, etc. — to the less common opportunities to engage yourself — or your family — in creative outlets, this spring is teeming with all kinds of art events.

Uptown Charlotte is home to some of our best cultural institutions (most are Knight Arts grantees) and has been tagged as the “Charlotte Museum Mile.” This coming Sunday, April 15, and the following Saturday, April 21, will host two very different events that highlight the uptown arts community.

First is “Full STEAM Ahead” on Sunday, April 15 where the Arts & Science Council (a Knight Arts grantee) and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ Parent University will hold a day of fun and information for the whole family. “STEAM” adds Art to STEM Education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

The STEAM 2012 theme is “Life is Your Lab and Your Studio….Full STEAM Ahead!” From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., families can enjoy access to museums, arts and cultural venues along uptown’s “Cultural Mile” (from the Harvey B. Gantt Center — a Knight Arts grantee — to the McColl Center for Visual Art — another Knight Arts grantee). Families are invited to become educated consumers of Charlotte’s thriving arts and cultural community.

Throughout the day, participants will enjoy:  Mini-workshops for parents and students, student performances, hands-on arts and cultural experiences, access to museums, arts and cultural venues (for free or discounted entrance) and information for parents on strategies for using arts and cultural resources as extended learning tools.

Although most of these activities are free, an RSVP is required. Please use this “Buy Tickets” link to register.

Do you like to run? Want to support the local arts community? The “Second Annual Charlotte Museum Mile,” a one-mile running race in uptown Charlotte, will be held on Saturday, April 21. All ages are welcome.

Beginning at 7:30 a.m. near the corner of 11th Street and North Tryon, participants will run 5,280 feet starting in front of the McColl Center for Visual Art (a Knight Arts grantee) and passing Discovery Place, Spirit Square, the statues at Trade & Tryon and ending in front of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art (a Knight Arts grantee) and the Mint Museum (a Knight Arts grantee). Levine Avenue of the Arts will be closed for post-race activities.  The Charlotte Museum Mile will benefit the Arts & Science Council (a Knight Arts grantee).

The race will be chip-timed with prizes going to overall and age group winners. Tickets are $25, and the fastest runners in each division will receive awards designed by Charlotte artist Greg Scott. The overall winners will receive cash prizes and be crowned the Fastest Man in Charlotte™ and Fastest Woman in Charlotte™.

Each race participant receives: a New Balance® performance race shirt designed by Charlotte artist Ashley Lathe, as well as a Connect with Culture Card from the Arts & Science Council. (Cards can be used at participating organizations, including Discovery Place, the Bechtler and the Gantt Center, to receive buy-one-get-one-free offers and discounts.) They will also receive special offers from many of the uptown Charlotte cultural facilities and will be treated to a variety of cultural activities.

STEAM 2012 theme is “Life is Your Lab and Your Studio….Full STEAM Ahead!” Sponsored by Arts & Science Council and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ Parent University Sunday, April 15 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Throughout uptown Charlotte venues Must RSVP here. “Second Annual Charlotte Museum Mile” One-mile running race in uptown Charlotte on Saturday, April 21 Starts a 7:30 a.m. Tickets: $25 Register here.