Bruce Larsen is one of Alabama most recognized artists, known for his uncanny ability to take natural objects found in the environment and manmade objects from junk heaps and fuse them into sculptures with line and texture rivaling traditional art mediums.

An art exhibitions created to help women artist reclaim their inner artistic spirits and in turn, help raise awareness and money for women battleing cancer. the show features works by Jennie Roles-Walter, Jennie Couch, Carol Ann Morris, Sharon Saraceno-Prosser, Karen Ingle and Kathy Mullins. These artist are from various backgounds, locations and different ages. In conjunction with the traveling exhibit is a book about the artists and their works. All the proceeds from book  go to help support Look Good … Feel Better a community-based, national public service program that teaches female cancer patients how to cope with the appearance-related side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments through practical help and instruction, and emotional support.

Buy your tickets now for the annual Bag Ladies Brunch, a fundraiser for the Carnegie Visual Arts Center. This year the event is moving to the Decatur County Club so we will have more tickets available so more gals can join the fun. The event features a silent auction of designer purses and “bags” of all kinds. You also get to enjoy a delicious brunch and surprise live entertainment. There is a limited number of tickets, so buy your tickets now at $30 each… They will go quickly. To purchase tickets, call 341-0562 or or stop by the Carnegie. You can charge by phone or send us a check. You may receive your tickets in the mail or we will hold them in “will call” after purchase. Advanced purchase only. No tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event. For more information call 341-0562.

Come wish for Spring with all your Carnegie friends. Be amazed at Decatur’s  young artists whose works are on display in the Seventh Annual Youth Art Month Exhibit. Enjoy delicious appetizers and complimentary beverages. March’s Fri. @ 5 sponsor is Junior League of Morgan County. Fri. @ 5 is a monthly member event. Suggested donation is $5 for members and $15 for member’s guests. Attendees should be 21 years of age.

DiAnna Tindell of Tindell’s Restoration Schools and Studios will be at the Carnegie on Friday, February 12th 3 pm to 8pm and Saturday, February 13th 11 am to 4 pm. Bring your art piece(s) to be evaluated for restoration and/or appraised.  Open to the public. $10.00 per art piece. Advanced appointments are recommended. Call Danielle at the Carnegie for more information and to schedule your time.

Come see our newly refurbished gift shop area featuring handmade jewelry by Anna Florence. Also for sale are turned wooden vessels, cookbooks by local authors and other books including the lovely Garden Views of Decatur and Morgan County.

Come on to the Carnegie as we have some warm fun in this cold weather. It will be one more chance to see The Tennessee River School exhibit featuring the paintings of Jerry Brown, Matt Welch, and Mary Reed and a time to visit with your Carnegie friends while eating delish appetizers and enjoying complimentary beverages.

Our 7th annual young artist exhibition. More information soon.

After earning a BFA degree from Auburn University in 1991, Rickie found the real world demanding of his time, painting sporadically if at all. Frustrated for years, he began to question his desire to create, his ability to paint, even his being an artist. Unable to fulfill his artistic burn, his wife Rebekah gave him the gift that served as the kindling, a three-day oil painting workshop. Rickie had never touched oil paints in his 34 years. After the first stroke smeared the pigment across the toned canvas, he realized a peace with himself and his talent. A gift. Contentment.

Rickie works in oils, depicting mostly still life and architecture in his distinctly loose style. He now shares his love for painting by encouraging others to take that first step into art through multi-age workshops that he teaches. A special peek at some of his student’s work will be on display in the South Gallery during his exhibit.

Rickie now paints habitually while listening to meaningful music in the late hours of the night. He works at home on commissioned pieces and his work can be seen in local galleries. His list of exhibits and shows continues to grow with each passing year. When Rickie is not painting or experiencing the blessings of his family, he is known as Mr. Higgins, teaching 5th graders in Decatur, Alabama, to find the power of their own voice as writers and opening their own gifts through the many windows of moving literature