The building housing the  Cherokee Arts Center was originally constructed as a Works Progress Administration project during the Great Depression. The property needed an overhaul to make it suitable for use as an artistic center. With American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money from the federal government and tribal funds, the Cherokee Nation worked to revitalize the aging structure by putting on a new roof, installing central heating and air conditioning and updating the plumbing and electrical wiring.

The CAC offers artists a place to meet, share their knowledge and learn new techniques. They have the opportunity to explore a number of creative avenues at the center while creating a viable source of income for themselves and spreading awareness about Cherokee culture. 

The Cherokee Arts Center is a gathering place for artists to mentor and network with one another in order to become artist entrepreneurs. The creative space can be used for a variety of artistic mediums such as metal smithing, pottery, loom weaving, painting and more. Also, the Gallery is available to Cherokee artists to have another venue to show and sell their work. The Cherokee Arts Center is a great way to perpetuate the Cherokee culture through art and artistic expression and to share it with visitors to the Cherokee Nation.

Hours of operation for the Cherokee Arts Center are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Studio artists and those giving or receiving artistic instruction may have access to the center after hours. To inquire about available studio space or for more information, call 918-453-5728 or 918-453-5536, or email donna-tinnin@cherokee.org or valerie-diffee@cherokee.org.