Thyen-Clark Cultural Center

The Thyen-Clark Cultural Center serves as the cultural hub in Jasper, housing both Jasper Community Arts and the Jasper Public Library. Both organizations were experiencing a lack of space in their former buildings, so when the opportunity arose to combine the two, it was a natural choice. The new facility is located on the outer edge of downtown Jasper near the banks of the Patoka River.

The building encompasses the essence of Jasper’s heritage, combining industry with nature. The design includes a mix of wood features and exposed ceilings to achieve that character. Upon entering the facility, the beautiful two-story atrium serves as a unique event space, complete with meeting rooms and a catering kitchen available to the public. To the right of this space is the Jasper Public Library, and to the left is Jasper Community Arts.

The library features a mix of small and large study rooms, a reading lounge, adult and children’s program rooms and collection spaces. On the second level, there is a large outdoor mezzanine along with a makerspace where individuals can work on projects and share ideas and technology. Jasper Community Arts contains three separate art galleries, a performing arts space and studios for pottery and painting.

Since its opening in January 2021, the cultural center has been a great addition to the community; it will serve many generations to come.