The John Sherman Cooper Community Arts Center is a non-profit arts organization, whose mission is to promote the arts through diverse entertainment and education, and to provide affordable rental space for the community. Our beautiful building was built using local limestone, and construction was completed in 1914, when it opened as the area’s first post office. It served this purpose until 1966,
when it was renovated and reopened as the Pulaski County Public Library in 1967. When the library built a brand-new facility, and moved out of the building in 2008, the Carnegie Community Arts Center was born. In 2021, the Carnegie changed its name to the John Sherman Cooper Community Arts Center to pay homage to local American politician, jurist, diplomat, and U.S. Army Veteran who earned the Bronze Star Medal. The “Cooper” is a Historical building now the home of local artists, public events, and various other organizations. The Cooper is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is to promote diversity of the arts through entertainment and education. The Cooper has three levels that offer a little something for everyone. In the basement is the Cellar restaurant run by Alice Muse. The Cellar provides the community with comfort food from many generations of recipes. There is a regular menu with daily specials; everyday is something unique. During lunch hour, you can drop in to hear local music from some of our many talented individuals. The Cellar welcomes one and all to sit a spell and sing a tune. Alice Muse is also the Director of Art at the Cooper and has her studio in the “elevator room” which is around the corner from the Cellar restaurant. She offers painting classes for all ages using the Bob Ross method. When she’s not cooking, painting, or teaching art classes, she is found mentoring resident artists. Alice is a very talented and hard-working volunteer at the Cooper. The basement is also home to the International Paranormal Museum and Research Center. The Museum is locally owned and operated by Kyle Kadel who has co-curated over 1000 pieces in his museum collection. To date, over 6,000 guests have come from over 27 states, and 6 different countries to see his collection of haunted and cursed objects. The main floor offers a meeting space that can hold up to 100 guests and has previously been used for weddings, showers, professional meetings, and live events. The main foyer is beautiful, complete with crystal chandeliers, making any event truly magical. The main floor is home to the Yellow Umbrella where you can find hand-crafted items by local artists. There is something for everyone in this quaint gift shop. The Yellow Umbrella is operated by volunteers who love the Cooper and give tirelessly of their time and energy. Lastly, the main floor has an area dedicated to the local Girl Scout population of Pulaski County. The area has materials and information for new and seasoned leaders. Most of the materials can also be utilized by parents who home-school their children. The Cooper welcomes Girl Scout Troops (and Boy Scout Troops) to utilize the meeting rooms at no cost. The third floor Loft is home to several local artists who create art and teach art and music to others. We even have the “Spook Night” display of monsters created by Jonathan Brinson. We look forward to growing the display of monsters and offering classes on monster-making. The Cooper has regular live music events organized by Joe LaMay, Director of Music, featuring local musicians including The Lake Cumberland Jammers every Tuesday night, the Blues Society "Blues Jam" the first Sunday of each month, Third Friday Folk every third Friday, and Tunes at Noon is held the fourth Friday of the month and offers lunch and live entertainment. The Cooper hosts cake decorating events presented by Mixing with MJ, art receptions and exhibits supporting local artists, and so much more! The Cooper has three and a half meeting spaces to meet the needs of any group or organization. We currently have a Sewing Club and Bunco group who meets regularly. We have something for everyone. If you need a creative space, we rent studio space on the third floor Loft at a reasonable monthly rate. If you are an artist or crafter, the Cooper would like to display your work. Our number is 859-967-3263. We are open Tuesday-Friday from 11am-5pm. Saturday during special events only.
