Carnegie Visual Arts Center - Decatur, Alabama

Introduction

The Carnegie Visual Arts Center (CVAC), nestled at 207 Church St NE in the heart of Decatur, Alabama, is a gem that sparkles with creativity and cultural significance. Housed in a historic building that once served as Decatur's public library, the Carnegie Visual Arts Center has been a beacon of arts and culture in the Tennessee Valley since 1991.

Main Services

• Exhibits: The CVAC hosts a variety of art exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing works from local, regional, and even national artists. These exhibits rotate frequently, ensuring a fresh and engaging experience for visitors.
• Events: The center organizes and hosts numerous events, including art classes, workshops, lectures, and art-oriented social gatherings. These events provide opportunities for both artistic growth and community building.
• Rental Information: The Carnegie Visual Arts Center offers spaces for rent, catering to a variety of events such as weddings, corporate meetings, and private parties. The historic building provides a unique and charming backdrop for any occasion.
• Education and Outreach: The CVAC is deeply committed to arts education and outreach. They offer classes and workshops for both children and adults, and their outreach programs aim to bring art to underserved communities in the region.
• Volunteer and Partnership Opportunities: The center encourages community involvement through volunteer opportunities and partnerships with local businesses and organizations. These collaborations help to strengthen the arts community and expand the CVAC's reach.

Location and Access

The Carnegie Visual Arts Center is located in the downtown Decatur neighborhood, within walking distance of the Tennessee River and Point Mallard Park. The historic district offers a mix of old and new, with modern shops and restaurants nestled among historic buildings.

For those traveling by car, the CVAC is easily accessible via US-31 and AL-67. There is ample parking available on-site, with wheelchair-accessible spots near the entrance. The center is also served by the Decatur City Transit bus system, with the nearest stop just a block away.

Featured Characteristics

• Historic Building: The CVAC resides in a beautifully restored Carnegie library building, built in 1912 with funds from Andrew Carnegie. The building's architecture is a testament to the city's rich history and adds a unique charm to the arts center.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The Carnegie Visual Arts Center is committed to ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the arts. The building is wheelchair-accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
• On-Site Restaurant: The center's on-site restaurant, "The Carnegie Dish," offers a variety of delicious options, providing a convenient dining opportunity for visitors.
• Good for Kids: The CVAC offers a variety of programs and exhibits designed specifically for children, making it a great destination for families. They also host annual events like the "Carnegie Carnival" that are especially fun for kids.

Practical Information

• Address: 207 Church St NE, Decatur, AL 35601, United States
• Phone: 2563410562
• Website: carnegiearts.org
• Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sunday, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM; Closed on Mondays
• Admission: Free, though donations are appreciated

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Visitors have praised the Carnegie Visual Arts Center for its engaging and thought-provoking exhibits, with many highlighting the variety of artists showcased and the frequent rotation of exhibits. The center's commitment to accessibility and family-friendliness has also been widely commended. The historic building and charming atmosphere have been noted as added bonuses, with many reviewers commenting on the center's unique character and charm.

One reviewer highlights the CVAC's impact on the local community, stating, "The Carnegie Visual Arts Center is a gem in Decatur. It brings so much culture and art to our community and is a must-see for both locals and visitors." Another reviewer raves about the center's exhibits, noting, "The exhibits change often, and all are intriguing and worth seeing. They highlight a variety of local and regional artists, many with national reputations."

The Carnegie Visual Arts Center's average rating of 4.7/5 on Google My Business is a testament to its value as a cultural hub in Decatur. With its engaging exhibits, commitment to accessibility and community involvement, and historic charm, the CVAC is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the arts.

👍 Reviews of Carnegie Visual Arts Center

SisterEdith B.

5/5

The exhibits change often, and all are intriguing and worth seeing. Highlight a variety of local and regional artists, many with national reputations. The space is small enough that you can see everything in an hour, but large enough to make a trip worthwhile. It's an hour from my home, and I have only missed one exhibit in two years. Add the Carnegive Visual Arts Center to your must-see list.

Moriah J.

5/5

My daughter attended Camp Carnegie twice this summer. She had a wonderful time and I was blown away by the amount of activities and projects the camp leaders and teaches did was great. They did painting, work with natural dyes, making felt, making paper, drawing, yoga, spent time gardening/growing things, music, singing and much more. Such a quality program - will definitely do it again next year!

Hardy D. 3.

5/5

The exhibits are World Class curated by proffesionals you might expect to find in larger cities. And youd be correct! The Carnegie is a true resource for our community dedicated to making the fine arts accessible to all with a view to enhancing the everyday lives of those of us lucky enough to live close enough to walk. There are yoga classes in the main gallery 2 nights a week . Drop ins welcome. And no mention of the Carnegie would be complete without acknowledging the be Carnegie Carnival, the best Mardi Gras celebration north of I-10. Whenever I have out of town visitors this is one of our first stops and it never fails to impress.

Kay C.

5/5

Beautiful setting for exhibits. The space lends itself to interesting juxtapositions & positional commentary. A terrific frame for the exhibit we saw of Jose Betancourt's photographic revisiting of Cuba.

Daniel L.

5/5

Carnegie hosted my wife’s surprise birthday party, they were so helpful and made the experience wonderful.

Tim W.

5/5

We enjoy visiting the Carnegie every 6 weeks for the featured artist event. Always a good time with a very good group of people.

Tommy C.

5/5

Awesome display courteous friendly staff. Knowledgeable about Decatur.

Tim A. M.

5/5

Great local museum that features a lot of local artists work. Best part admission is free! We went on a Wednesday afternoon and had the place to ourselves. It is located downtown