COOKEVILLE – The Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber joined Cookeville Art Studio and Gallery (CAS) in celebrating their 60th Anniversary with a ribbon cutting in its honor. To continue the celebration, a members’ show will be ongoing throughout July with several pieces from each member showcasing paintings, ceramics, jewelry and more.
Located at 186 S. Walnut Ave, Suite A, the CAS is a membership-based, 501c3 non-profit organization supported by the City of Cookeville, various grants, and our generous patrons and resident artists. It is proud to be the visual arts leader in the Upper Cumberland, offering the only professional gallery available to visual artists in the area. For 60 years, it has provided a home for local visual artists to learn, grow and influence future generations. Our dream is to continue this legacy and to grow so that we may reach more people with the joy of art.
The CAS was originally founded as the Cumberland Art Society by Reba Bacon in 1961 as a place for all Upper Cumberland residents to explore and enjoy art. It united young people, students and existing community artists to foster the visual arts in the Upper Cumberland region. This original group of art lovers met at Tennessee Tech University and held their first art show in the school’s gymnasium with their art hanging on clotheslines.
Today, CAS offers classes in all visual art forms, summer camp for kids 6-12 years of age, a different gallery showing every month and comprehensive art library. It is also the founding sponsor of the annual Upper Cumberland High School Art Competition held every March, which has been held every year since the 1980s. In addition, CAS members are involved in community art events such as Art Prowl and popular fundraising events such as Painting with the Stars.
The CAS is home to many of the Upper Cumberland’s finest artists who offer their expertise to teach anyone with a desire to learn. Classes are available for every experience level and in every medium, such as painting, drawing, ceramics, oils, acrylics, acrylic pouring, alcohol ink, etc.
Use of the studio is open to non-member artists and the public on Mondays and Saturdays for painting and other visual arts. Community groups are welcome to rent the space for receptions and parties.
Their hours are open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free.
For further information on membership, classes, gallery showings and events, visit www.cookevilleart.com, Facebook (Cookeville Art Studio & Gallery) or by phone at 931-526-2424.
