COMMUNITY NEWS
COMMUNITY NEWS
Community Newsletter | July 2024
July 2024
April 2024
TWISTED PINK’S 10TH ANNUAL EVENING INSPIRED GALA
Twisted Pink is an organization that aims to provide education and increase awareness about metastatic breast cancer. Their mission is to ‘Provide hope and connection to people living with metastatic breast cancer by funding bold breakthroughs in research and awareness of the disease.” This year, they are having their 10th Annual Evening
Inspired Gala at the Mellwood Art Center on July 12! In addition to this lovely Annual Gala, it will be followed by a silent
disco!! This is their largest fundraiser of the year and you don’t want to miss it!! They even have an opportunity where YOU could be the lucky winner of a $15,000 Davis Jewelers Gift Card when you purchase a raffle ticket! Even if you can’t attend in person, you can still purchase a raffle ticket and have the chance to win big!! This event is a must be at event that will be filled with dinner, a silent auction, live music, AND a silent disco to end the night! This event supports an amazing cause and all proceeds support their mission and programs!
To learn more visit their website: twistedpink.org!
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: KUNG FU OF LOUISVILLE
Kung Fu of Louisville is a martial art school which offers traditional VingTsun (Wing Chun) kung fu training, as passed down from Yim Ving Tsun through the line ages to Yip Man, Moy Yat and ultimately to his student Moy Tung, our Si Tai Gung.
Kung Fu of Louisville was established in 2016. We have been training at the Mellwood Art Center for the past 6 years, and have recently moved into a larger studio. Our goal is to make a positive impact in the community and to continue to pass Ving Tsung along to others authentically, as we receive it, as it was practiced and so wisely crafted centuries ago. In addition to adult classes, we offer women only training, and classes for kids.
Our three instructors including Debbie, Mark, and Matthew are part of a large traditional style kung fu family whose headquarter school is based in Richmond, Virginia. We receive training, as well as a great deal of support and mentorship from our Si Gung Jan Tung, from our Si Tai Gung Mo at the Women’s Program of the Moy Yat Kung Fu Academy, and from our Si Tai Gung Moy Tung, himself.
A literal meaning of the word kung fu can be interpreted as the mastery of any skill or an achievement earned through diligent hard work over time. From this perspective, kung fu is integrated and interwoven in all facets of life. Training VingTsun Kung Fu can be of benefit for anyone. Whether you are looking to train to develop proficiency in a complete combat system, to learn techniques effective for self defense, or to improve your overall mental and physical well being and level of fitness, VingTsun training offers it all.
To learn more about our school and training hours, or if you have questions, please visit us on our website (kungfulouisville.com) or facebook page (Kung Fu of Louisville).
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: RECYCLOCRAFTZ
Meet RecycloCraftz of Zambia! Jill is our office/store manager, and Barbara is a volunteer, fresh from visiting the mission in Africa. Our store offers many homegoods – all handmade for a fair wage from recycled materials: jewelry, aprons, bags, microwave bowls. Partner with us in education, vocational training, and much more empowering the people of Zambia.
We’re open Tuesdays and Fridays, plus by appointment. You can purchase from our store (Studio 174, here at Mellwood) or from our website:
https://recyclocraftz-retail.myshopify.com/
To learn more, visit RecycloCraftz.org
SOLO EXHIBITION: JASON LOIS
Join us in the Pigment Gallery on July 12th from 6:30-9 pm to welcome artist Jason Lois! He is based in Louisville and believes that the purpose of art is to tell a story. Read his statement to get a look into what you can find in the Gallery this month:
Step into a world where grit meets glamour, where the chaotic beauty of the streets is transformed into vibrant masterpieces that speak to the soul. “Almost Famous” is an immersive art exhibit that invites you to explore the raw energy and emotional depth of street art, infused with a touch of sophistication and allure.
Within the colorful chaos of this exhibition, you will encounter a dynamic blend of emotive expressions, vibrant splatters, and iconic imagery that come together to create a visual symphony like no other. Each piece tells a story, capturing the essence of urban life and the human experience in a unique and captivating way.
From the streets to the gallery, this collection of art transcends boundaries and defies expectations. It is a celebration of creativity, individuality, and
the power of art to inspire, provoke, and move us. Join us on a journey through the unexpected, the bold, and the beautiful, as we delve into the world of emotive street art where vibrant splatters and iconic imagery converge in a dazzling display of talent and passion.
Experience the pulse of the city, the rhythm of the streets, and the soul-stirring essence of “Graffiti to Glamour.” Let these artworks ignite your imagination, evoke your emotions, and leave an indelible mark on your heart.
AVAILABLE STUDIOS
Join the community at Mellwood Art Center! We have studio spaces available for artists and small business owners.
- 249 (440 sf.) $560/month
- 251 (200 sf.) $255/month
- 275 (550 sf.) $695/month
- 278 (760 sf.) $1055/month
*Retail hours required.
Originally the Fisher Meat Packing Company, Mellwood Art Center turned a factory from 1904 into a small business incubator housing over 170 local artists and entrepreneurs, each one with their own amazing story.
Mellwood Art Center is located in the Clifton Heights Neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky. Learn more about their organization online at www.cliftonheightslou.org or check them out on Social Media! Follow them on Facebook here and Instagram at @cliftonheightslou
Community Newsletter | January 2024
January 2024
January 2024
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Step into 2024 at Mellwood Art Center with a vibrant lineup of events that promise to bring art, community, and celebration together. We anticipate the return of the Mellwood Handmade Market once per quarter in 2024, and in November, the collaboration with the Louisville Artisans Guild continues with the 2024 Juried Art Fair on November 2nd & 3rd. Small Business Saturday on November 30th will shift the focus back to Mellwood’s businesses and artists, emphasizing community support and collaboration. It’s a year packed with creativity, community, and the vibrant spirit that defines Mellwood Art Center. We invite you to come be part of this growing community and look forward to seeing you in 2024!
Check out our new public events calendar online at calendar.mellwoodartcenter.com to learn more about what’s going on this month and throughout the coming year!
MEET THE EVENTS DIRECTOR: OMICAH HOUSE
Omicah House is a versatile and accomplished professional with a diverse background in hospitality and event management, communications, and the arts. He joined the Mellwood Art Center team as the Events Director in June 2023, coming from his role as Event Staff at the Frazier Kentucky History Museum. He has also served previously as Internal Communications Manager and Consultant at the Louisville Downtown Partnership.
Beyond professional roles, Omicah is actively engaged in community service. As Vice President Emeritus and founding member of the Louisville Pride Foundation, he was an essential part of establishing the Louisville Pride Festival which occurs on Bardstown Road in the Highlands each year. He has also been involved with the Commonwealth Theater Center as an Artistic Associate, and the Northalsted Business Alliance in Chicago, IL.
With a passion for success and a wealth of diverse experiences, Omicah House is a valuable asset in events, communications, and community engagement and we are so excited to have him on the team!
MEET OUR NEIGHBORS
MEET OUR NEIGHBORSMellwood Art Center is located in the Clifton Heights Neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky. We want to serve as a hub for social activity in the neighborhood, and look forward to collaborating with the Clifton Heights Community Council in 2024 to bring even more amazing activities to the area.
Learn more about their organization online at www.cliftonheightslou.org or check them out on Social Media! Follow them on Facebook here and Instagram at @cliftonheightslou
PIGMENT GALLERY EXHIBIT
RESILIENCE &RECOVERY: A WELLSPRING ART THERAPY EXHIBIT
January 5th-29th, 2024
Gallery Hours:
Mon-Fri | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM*
Sat | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM*
*except when rented for private events.
ABOUT THIS EXHIBITION
Art is a language that can be utilized when words to describe emotion cannot be found. Wellspring’s mission is to promote mental health recovery and to support individuals in creating healthy and hopeful lives. We focus on person-centered, individualized care to support people along their paths of recovery. The Resilience and Recovery show displays the hard work these clients have put into their own mental health recovery through the power of art. The process of art making can be a method of healing. Wellspring’s art therapy program emphasizes our values of individualized compassionate care for adults with mental illness. There is a powerful story to be told through each individual piece of art.
ABOUT WELLSPRING
Wellspring promotes mental health recovery and supports individuals in building healthy and hopeful lives through behavioral health, housing, and employment services.
Learn more about the resources and services available at Wellspring online at wellspringky.org.
FUTURE OPENINGS
- Friday, February 9th, 2024
- Friday, March 1st, 2024
- Friday, April 5th, 2024
- Wednesday, May 1st, 2024
- Friday, June 7th, 2024
- Friday, July 12th, 2024
- Friday, August 2nd, 2024
- Friday, September 6th, 2024
- Friday, October 11th, 2024
- Friday, November 8th, 2024
- Friday, December 6th, 2024
ARTIST INQUIRIES
Interested in showing your work in our gallery? Looking for more information about current or future exhibits? Send us a message through our Art Show Inquiry page! We’re always on the lookout for future exhibitions and are always happy to field questions about our gallery!
ROOM RENTAL
The Pigment Gallery is available for special events rental.
SATURDAY: $1,000
SUNDAY – FRIDAY: $800
Request a tour and check availability for the Pigment Gallery or any of our other event venues online at tour.mellwoodartcenter.com.
AVAILABLE STUDIOS
Join the community at Mellwood Art Center! We have studio spaces available for artists and small business owners.
- 123 – 470 sf. | $650/month*
- 130 – 240 sf. | $305/month
- 146 – 200 sf. | $260/month
- 207 – 125 sf. | $165/month
- 224 – 520 sf. | $720/month
- 231 – 893 sf. | $1240/month
- 232 – 1440 sf. | $2090/month
- 245 – 120 sf. | $160/month
- 247 – 175 sf. | $225/month
- 278 – 760 sf. | $1055/month
*Retail hours required.
Originally the Fisher Meat Packing Company, Mellwood Art Center turned a factory from 1904 into a small business incubator housing over 170 local artists and entrepreneurs, each one with their own amazing story.
STORY: Small Business Saturday 2023
Small Business Saturday is BACK and Bigger
Join the artists and studios of Mellwood Art Center and over 70 guest vendors this year for a Small Business Saturday shopping extravaganza! On Saturday, November 25th, from NOON-5 PM, the Da Vinci Room will come to life with the energy of over 70 locally owned and operated small businesses offering a variety of art, products and services and shoppers who come out to support the #ShopSmall movement! When you shop with locally owned small businesses, you ensure that more of your hard-earned money stays here in the local economy and support real Louisvillians!
Don’t forget to RSVP on Facebook to stay up to date on the latest information!
Apply to be a vendor no later than October 23rd.
Juried Art Fair Returns to Mellwood
Juried Art Fair Returns to Mellwood!
Join Mellwood Art Center and Louisville Artisans Guild on Saturday & Sunday, November 18th & 19th, 2023 at this juried art fair featuring two rooms of artists!
The Picasso Room will feature the Louisville Artisans Guild’s Fine Arts & Crafts Showcase and the Monet Room will feature artists participating in Mellwood Art Center’s Art Fair. This event promises a total of over 60 artists from LAG, Mellwood and beyond plus food trucks and more throughout both days.
The hours for both rooms are Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm.
Don’t forget to RSVP on Facebook to stay up to date on the latest information!
Mellwood’s 20th Anniversary Celebration
Mellwood Art Center Celebrates 20 Years!
Join us on Sunday, August 27th from 11 AM – 9 PM for Mellwood’s 20th Anniversary Celebration! We are throwing a huge party in both of our largest event rooms, and we have tons of activities and entertainment for you throughout the day. You don’t want to miss this!
We’ll start the day with the Mellwood Handmade Market at 11 AM in the Van Gogh Room and a FREE group Yoga class led by Ashtanga Yoga Louisville at the main stage in the Da Vinci Room at 11:15 AM. The handmade vendors will be in Van Gogh until 5pm, and there’s entertainment throughout the day on the main stage in Da Vinci, culminating in a Karaoke competition hosted by Absolute Studio Theater and The Unsupervised Adults Podcast! Compete in the Karaoke contest for cash prizes! And, if getting on stage to sing karaoke isn’t quite your speed, try out one of the other fun activities like the Silent Disco on the covered Da Vinci room patio or the Contra Dance from 7-9 PM in the Van Gogh Room! The bar in Da Vinci opens at 1pm and will feature some amazing craft beer brewed right here at Mellwood Art Center by Butchertown Brewing! There are outdoor games, as well as indoor carnival games with prizes for the kiddos, and community art projects all day long. RSVP on Facebook to stay up to date on the latest information!
Learn more and RSVP on Facebook!
Bluegrass VegFest 2023
Bluegrass VegFest Returns!
We’re excited to welcome the Bluegrass VegFest back to Mellwood Art Center for another year! This totally plant-based event will be in the Da Vinci Room on Saturday, July 15th, 2023. Louisville’s premier celebration of all things vegan, this highly anticipated event promises a day of culinary delights, educational exhibits, inspiring speakers, and a vibrant marketplace. Whether you’re a committed vegan or simply curious about the plant-based lifestyle, Bluegrass VegFest is an event you won’t want to miss. Best of all, admission is free!
Bluegrass VegFest caters to vegans, vegetarians, and the veg-curious, providing a welcoming environment to explore the rapidly expanding world of plant-based eating and vegan living. Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure! The festival now boasts more than twice the number of food vendors, reducing wait times and ensuring everyone gets to sample the delicious offerings. With over 16 restaurants and food trucks participating, Bluegrass VegFest offers an impressive selection of mouthwatering plant-based cuisine. Businesses serving up food include local favorites V-Grits, Molly Malone’s, Half Peach, Spinelli’s Pizza, plus The Social Vegan and Woke Junk Food Vegan from Lexington, Branch Out Foods from Paducah, Black Leaf Vegan and That Vegan Joint from Indianapolis and Oh My Cod Vegan Seafood all the way from Florida!
Beyond the delightful food offerings, Bluegrass VegFest boasts an extensive lineup of activities and features. The indoor marketplace will showcase over 50 vendors, allowing attendees to discover a wide range of vegan products and services. Whether you’re looking for cruelty-free cosmetics, ethically sourced clothing, or innovative plant-based food alternatives, the marketplace has you covered.
The festival also offers educational exhibits, providing valuable insights into the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle and the positive impact it can have on the environment and animal welfare. Renowned speakers will take the stage, sharing their expertise and inspiring attendees to embrace a more compassionate way of living. Additionally, there will be a vegan-cheese-making demonstration, allowing visitors to witness the artistry behind dairy-free cheese production.
Bluegrass VegFest is a family-friendly event, featuring a dedicated Kid’s Zone where young attendees can engage in various activities and learn about the importance of compassionate living. Parents can feel confident in bringing their children to this inclusive and educational gathering. With a remarkable lineup of food vendors, inspiring speakers, educational exhibits, and a vibrant marketplace, this event is an essential destination for anyone interested in exploring the world of vegan living. Admission is free, so there’s no reason not to be a part of this exciting event!
Learn more and RSVP on Facebook!
Copper Enigma at the Pigment Gallery
“Copper Enigma” by Barbara Vasiloff & Michael Reitz opens June 2nd.
Join us for the opening of Copper Enigma—an evening of captivating art that celebrates the mysterious beauty of copper. Featuring the artistic talents of Barbara Vasiloff and Michael Reitz, this collection invites you to explore the allure of copper through one-of-a-kind artworks, some accompanied by matching poetry. Each unique piece captures the essence and enigma of copper, showcasing its rich history and versatile applications. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Copper Enigma and share your impressions with Barbara and Michael on Friday, June 2nd, from 6:30-9 PM, at the Pigment Gallery. Admission and parking are free, and light refreshments will be provided.
Learn more and RSVP on Facebook
Equine & Icons at the Pigment Gallery
“Equine & Icons” by Terri & David Sierra opens May 4th.
You are invited to “Equine & Icons” by Terri and David Sierra, a vibrant art show featuring the work of this talented husband-and-wife duo at the Pigment Gallery in the Mellwood Art Center in Louisville, KY. This exhibition showcases the unique styles of two talented artists who are united in their love of creating visually captivating and inspiring works.
Terri Sierra, a lifelong creator, is inspired by horses and the equine culture. Growing up in a small suburb outside of Chicago and owning and loving horses, she learned to appreciate and love these majestic animals, and her passion for them shines through in her paintings. Her use of acrylic paints, pastels, marking tools, watercolor, pens, ink, and charcoal brings her subjects to life, and she often employs abstract techniques in her work as well.
Hailing from the Bronx, NY, David Sierra is also an artist drawing inspiration from his multicultural background. He employs a range of artistic tools, including water-mixable oils, Posca markers, and Woody crayons to create diverse works of art such as drawing, painting, and mixed media. Through his art, David’s love for both people from all walks of life and the creative process is evident.
Together, the couple owns Creative Eyedias Collaborative Art Studios and Gallery in Westport, KY. Don’t miss this opportunity to join Terri and David and celebrate their work on Thursday, May 4th, from 6:30-9 PM, at the Pigment Gallery in the Mellwood Art Center in Louisville, KY. Admission and parking are free, and light refreshments will be provided.
Learn more and RSVP on Facebook
Mellwood Handmade Market
Mellwood Handmade.
We’re excited to announce the schedule for our 2023 market series! Join us monthly through October for Mellwood Handmade – a pop up market featuring talented and creative local artists, makers, bakers, and more!
Each month, the market will showcase a curated selection of guest vendors in addition to regular Mellwood artists and shops that will be open to the public. The lower level of the center features Mellwood Antiques & Interiors with over 40,000 square feet of antiques for attendees to explore while visiting as well! There will also be food and beverage options including Danny Mac’s Pizza and Butchertown Brewing, and variety of both free and paid activities for the kiddos.
The first Mellwood Handmade Market will take place Sunday, June 18th from 11am to 4pm. The time for future months may vary. The address for the Mellwood Art Center is 1860 Mellwood Ave, Louisville KY 40206. Those interested in signing up to be a vendor should email shop@mellwoodartcenter.com for more information.
DATES
Sunday, June 18th, 11am-4pm
Sunday, July 16th, 1pm-5pm
Sunday, August 27th, 11am-5pm
Sunday, September 17th, 1pm-5pm
Sunday, October 15th, 1pm-5pm
Learn more and apply to be a vendor at www.mellwoodartcenter.com/handmade
Soul Hi Vegan Participates in Louisville Taco Week
Soul Hi Vegan Participates in Louisville Taco Week
Soul Hi Vegan, which opened on the courtyard at Mellwood Art Center in late 2022, held their first soul food dinner buffet on Sunday, April 16, featuring eight entrees, two desserts, drinks, and two charcuterie boards. The most popular items this Sunday were the Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, Salisbury steak with peppers and gravy, oxtail and rice, and sweet potato pies. The event was a resounding success, and owner Kamysha Blackwell, known to most as Lotus, says this is the first of many more to come.
On the heels of this success, Soul Hi Vegan has joined Louisville Taco Week, which runs from April 17th to April 23rd. The restaurant is excited to showcase its unique and delicious vegan tacos, which are sure to be a hit.
Soul Hi Vegan’s taco offerings for Louisville Taco Week include the Philly Fajita Taco, featuring the restaurant’s signature Soul Hi Philly mix with seared peppers and onions; the Bang Bang Cauliflower Taco, which features fried cauliflower, topped with green onion and chopped purple cabbage, and spicy sweet chili sauce; and the BBQ Mango Taco, which features impossible ground, topped with purple cabbage and cilantro and drizzled with BBQ sauce.
“I’m super stoked to be a part of one of the best weeks ever,” says owner Lotus.
Soul Hi Vegan is located on the Courtyard at Mellwood Art Center in studio 115. The address is 1860 Mellwood Ave, Louisville, KY 40206. Interested individuals can follow the restaurant on Instagram [@soul_hii] and Facebook [@soulhii] to stay up to date on future events and offerings.
