Welcome to Mankato's Carnegie Art Center

Charlie Leftridge, Executive Director of the Carnegie Art Center, gives a tour and some background of the historic arts venue in downtown Mankato.

The building. The center is in Mankato's original public library, built in 1902. The organization is preserving and renovating the historic architecture and using its layout for different cultural events. The Rotunda Gallery used to be the library's book stacks. Its 14-foot ceilings let the center show large installations that other regional spaces can't hold. The tour shows work by metro-area watercolor artist Suyao Tian, with large, bright, abstract paintings. Beyond visual art, the center hosts live performances and fills a need in Mankato for a venue for mid-sized audiences.

The Hope Cook Gallery. It is named for the center's director of about 30 years, Hope Cook, who turned the Carnegie Library into an arts center and left a trust that pays for major repairs like new roofs and floors. The gallery is currently showing Joel Hansen, a local printmaker, Carnegie studio artist and former student of Hope Cook. It has the best light in the building and has held sculpture, printmaking and theater from groups like Cherry Creek Theater and Minnesota State University's Off Broad Street. Eleven studios are fully occupied by working artists who get 24/7 access, and each year they can show work in member, juried or solo exhibitions. Watch Hope Cook honored with Gallery.

Recent upgrades. A donated baby grand piano now supports live music in the gallery, including a past performance by Cornbread Harris. New flooring designed by Heather Clark Esser of Oleson & Hobbie echoes traditional Carnegie library floors and holds up to heavy foot traffic. The gift shop moved to its own space to give the galleries more room and make visits smoother. Watch Caring for the Carnegie Art Center.

For more information, visit carnegiemankato.org.

Keep up with what's going on in the Mankato area by subscribing to our YouTube channel.