Danville, Virginia, is known as The Comeback City. For some, that’s just a nickname; for others, it’s a declaration. But for creators like Cooper Carter, it’s something even deeper. It’s signifies a blank canvas, waiting to be filled with color, culture, and possibility.
“The River District means a lot to me man,” Cooper, also known as Coop, begins. “Ever since I got the job here at Ballad and especially since I went to Averett, I would always be in the area, just messing around. It’s a great place to create.”
Finding Creativity in the Comeback City
The River District, with its cobblestone streets and revitalized storefronts, serves as Coop’s muse. “It definitely has an effect on my art,” he says. “Especially since the art hotel is down the street. It’s just a very good area for change here in Danville. I love walking around. It’s a great area to get some inspiration for my work.”
What inspires him most, though, is the sense of momentum. “The area is up and coming. You can feel it. The businesses, the remodeling, the energy—it makes me want to help change the area too, as much as I possibly can.” That’s the thing about creativity. It doesn’t just sit still—it grows, it shapes the space around it.
The Struggle
But the path of a creator isn’t always a steady climb. Coop admits, “There’s sometimes a creative roadblock that I deal with.
Sometimes I feel like my art isn’t good enough. Like I haven’t fully pushed myself as an artist.”
It’s a vulnerable truth, one many creatives wrestle with. Still, Coop’s work at Ballad Brewing helps to keep his spark alive. “I’m very fortunate to have a job where I can work and create. Being around my coworkers here inspires me more to be creative. Whether it’s designing signs or working on new ideas, it’s a good place to be.”
Reimagining Danville
Asked what he’d change about Danville’s creative landscape, Coop is clear: “I would make it more appealing to people my age. Throwing some more pop art out there. Something younger people can look at and think, ‘Yeah, this is for me.’”
His vision for the area is a reflection of his own artistic style—bold, abstract, and unapologetic. He sees potential in the growing art community but recognizes its challenges. “It’s very quiet and lowkey. Not a lot of people are willing to take that risk and put themselves out there. Me being one of them. I haven’t really pushed my art as much as I should. But I think if I do, people will see that, and they’ll get inspiration and want to do the same thing.”
The Future
Looking ahead, Coop’s ambitions are as vivid as his artwork. “Thankfully I’m getting the opportunity to do Liberty University online in the fall,” he shares. “I’m studying to get my graphic design degree. That should only take a year. Then hopefully I’ll get my master’s in it as well.”
But even with the world open to him, Coop’s love for his hometown remains strong. “I love living in this area. I feel like I’m always a step away from something. I like being in the middle rather than far off to one side.”
Art That Resonates
When people encounter his work, Coop wants them to feel something. “I want them to get a feeling of visual pleasure. Whether my art makes sense to them or not, I want them to be able to look at it and just overall have a good feeling about it. Whether that’s through colors or a certain shape that reminds them of something. It’s all about connection.”
Describing his artistic style, Coop says, “It’s ‘poppy’ in a way.
Colorful and maybe abstract. Yeah, definitely abstract.”
Parting Words
As Danville continues its journey as The Comeback City, creatives like Cooper are helping to shape its identity. From the blank walls of the River District to the bustling events at Ballad Brewing, his vision is clear: create something that matters, something that lasts.
