Take Art Classes At Historic Carnegie Library In Lawton, Oklahoma

From 1883 to 1929, Carnegie libraries were being built rampantly across the United States, thanks to businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. During this time, 24 Carnegie libraries were built in Oklahoma, one of which is still standing in downtown Lawton.

The Carnegie library in Lawton has been in disrepair for decades, but over the last couple of years, the City of Lawton, Lawton Arts and Humanities and other local organizations have been working together to bring the historic library back to life. After several major renovations, Lawton's Carnegie library is set to host its first art classes since being restored.

The new future for Lawton's Carnegie library will be for it to be a hub of all things arts and humanities for southwest Oklahoma. The library's basement already houses Arts for All, which is a local nonprofit with a sole purpose to raise funds for local arts organizations. The art classes, which are set to begin in 2025, will just be the beginning for the library's new future.

Enrollment is now open for the first Carnegie library art classes.

Enrollment for the first Carnegie library art classes in Lawton is now open for classes that are set to begin in January 2025. Carnegie library will host art classes for $50 each. The library will also host free workshops starting in January. Classes and workshops will be conducted by local renowned artists and educators.

Below are the art classes that are being offered for $50 and will last three to six weeks at the library:

• Charcoal
• Photography
• Graphite
• Creative Writing
• Watercolor
• Mixed Media

Below are the one-day workshops that will be offered for free:

• Charcoal
• Photography
• Graphite
• Creative Writing
• Watercolor
• Mixed Media

Registration for the Carnegie library art classes and workshops is now open!

Registration is now open for Lawton's Carnegie library art classes and workshops. Details and registration form are now available on swokarts.com. The art classes and workshops are presented by the McMahon Memorial Auditorium Authority in partnership with the City of Lawton's Arts and Humanities Division.