Goodland Carnegie Arts Begins a New Chapter: Restoration, Rebranding, and Revitalization

Info from interview done on Good Neighbor Hour on KLOE Goodland's Gold 730--

A fresh energy is sweeping through one of Goodland’s most iconic landmarks — the historic Carnegie library building, now known as Goodland Carnegie Arts. Following years of decline and a pivotal public meeting in late April, a brand-new board has taken the reins and is breathing new life into the cherished community arts center.

Board members Cole Archer, Darla Mossbarger, Ron Harding, Jennifer House, Jessica King, and Brittany Wozniak are leading the charge to revitalize the space — both in spirit and in structure. As Darla said, “We’re doing some rebranding, and we’re just excited to talk about it.”

A New Look Inside and Out

One of the first visible signs of change? Concrete. Lots of it. With the city’s support, old sidewalks lifted by tree roots were torn out and replaced, improving accessibility and aesthetics. The front steps — worn and crumbling — are slated for a complete rebuild with historical integrity in mind.

“We asked the city for help, and they were painting flagpoles and pouring cement the very next day,” Cole said. “Their support has exceeded our expectations.”

Indoors, the team is tackling maintenance and restoration: repainting, raising ceiling heights back to their original grandeur, and redesigning restrooms with an art deco flair. The team is also working on a new logo to match the new name — one that honors the past while embracing a modern future.

Honoring History, Inspiring the Future

The Carnegie building has stood proudly since its completion in 1913, a gift from steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, who pledged $10,000 to build the library. But it wasn’t without controversy. At the time, women couldn’t vote — yet City Attorney E.F. Murphy argued they should be allowed to weigh in on the matter, and they did, at a raucous public meeting at the Walker Opera House in 1909.

One particularly colorful opponent, Councilman E.C. Mercer, a blacksmith from the First Ward, protested the “tainted” money of Carnegie and the tax burden the library would bring. But thanks to persuasive voices like Mrs. Murphy — who quoted temperance crusader Carrie Nation and noted that “not all devils have horns” — the project moved forward. The library opened and served the community until 1973. Since then, it has housed a senior center and, beginning in 1983, served as a community arts center.

Grand Reopening Set for July 24–26

To mark this new era, Goodland Carnegie Arts will host a Grand Reopening Celebration during the high school reunion weekend:

• July 24: Ribbon cutting with the Goodland Ambassadors, 5–8 p.m.

• July 25: Vendor fair and lunch event, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

• July 26: Alumni art exhibit and open gallery, 12–3 p.m.

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The public is invited to come explore the new vision and see first-hand the improvements and direction the center is taking.

Reimagining the Role of Art

Goodland Carnegie Arts is embracing a broader definition of creativity. While fine art remains at the core, the board is actively working to include all art forms — sculpture, music, dance, tattoos, culinary arts, and more — through rotating quarterly themes. Each quarter, they’ll host events around a central artistic focus, aiming to engage the full community in fresh and inspiring ways.

“Art isn’t just a canvas,” said Darla. “It’s how people express themselves, and we want this space to be a place where all of that can happen.”

How to Get Involved

Support is always welcome, whether through volunteer time, donations, or artistic contributions. The board still uses the longtime PO Box of the original Arts Council :PO Box 526, Goodland, KS.

There are dreams of accessibility improvements down the road, including the addition of an elevator to the historic structure. But for now, the goal is simple: make it vibrant, inclusive, and alive again.

As Darla recalled fondly, walking the creaky steps as a child to the children’s section in the basement, “That building meant something to me, and it still does. Now, we get to give it new life.”