COMMUNITY NEWS
COMMUNITY NEWS
Artist Spotlight: Kellie Gjuraj
Artist Spotlight: Kellie Gjuraj
Artist Spotlight: Kellie Gjuraj
For many artists, the process of making art is not an exercise in conscious thought, but rather an opportunity to let the subconscious speak. This is precisely what Kellie Gjuraj does, as ink flows and watercolor soaks into paper.
Kellie took an interest in drawing early in her childhood. As she entered middle and high school, Kellie was fortunate to have teachers who not only recognized her talent and encouraged her development, but also challenged her. As she studied art more deeply, she allowed herself to explore other media. Kellie tested other paints outside of watercolor and experimented with pottery, dark room photography, and glass blowing.
Today, Kellie works as a banker by day and pursues art in her down time. Working with her preferred media, pens and watercolors, Kellie often loses herself in etching the details of her work. Pens grant Kellie an amount of control that other media lack. The watercolors enable her to add layers of color, whether it’s contained and controlled within the lines or ethereal shapes and spatters which transgress those lines. While her organic illustrative style leans towards a sort of magical realism, her process is clearly expressionist in nature. She rarely starts drawing with a clear image in mind. Instead, Kellie works with music in the background, which helps quiet her mind and access her emotions and subconscious. In a way, it’s meditative. From there, the lines flow, taking whatever shape they may.
As Kellie continues to make her art, she looks to consolidate her work under a brand identity and make it available for purchase online. To inquire about commissions or purchasing work, you can reach Kellie at deadlemonslicez13@gmail.com.
For many artists, the process of making art is not an exercise in conscious thought, but rather an opportunity to let the subconscious speak. This is precisely what Kellie Gjuraj does, as ink flows and watercolor soaks into paper.
Kellie took an interest in drawing early in her childhood. As she entered middle and high school, Kellie was fortunate to have teachers who not only recognized her talent and encouraged her development, but also challenged her. As she studied art more deeply, she allowed herself to explore other media. Kellie tested other paints outside of watercolor and experimented with pottery, dark room photography, and glass blowing.
Today, Kellie works as a banker by day and pursues art in her down time. Working with her preferred media, pens and watercolors, Kellie often loses herself in etching the details of her work. Pens grant Kellie an amount of control that other media lack. The watercolors enable her to add layers of color, whether it’s contained and controlled within the lines or ethereal shapes and spatters which transgress those lines. While her organic illustrative style leans towards a sort of magical realism, her process is clearly expressionist in nature. She rarely starts drawing with a clear image in mind. Instead, Kellie works with music in the background, which helps quiet her mind and access her emotions and subconscious. In a way, it’s meditative. From there, the lines flow, taking whatever shape they may.
As Kellie continues to make her art, she looks to consolidate her work under a brand identity and make it available for purchase online. To inquire about commissions or purchasing work, you can reach Kellie at deadlemonslicez13@gmail.com.
Artist Spotlight: Sandra Charles
Artist Spotlight: Sandra Charles
Artist Spotlight: Sandra Charles
Sandra has always been an artist, but what cemented her love of painting, and specifically for oil painting, was an oil paint set her parents got her as a kid. That paint set laid the foundation lifelong love for art. Throughout grade school, art was Sandra’s favorite subject. She continued to pursue art in high school and her first attempt at college. Sandra didn’t finish college and shifted her focus to raising a family. In 2011, Sandra went back to college to finish her degree. There, a teacher suggested Sandra enroll in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program. This brought painting back into her life and rekindled a passion she had lost touch with for 40 years.
Today, Sandra still works in oils; she loves the liveliness and depth they bring to her work. She has adopted a painterly style, which emphasizes texture and doesn’t try to hide the brush strokes. This style is strongly reminiscent of impressionists’ works, and Sandra’s admiration of the movement plays a part in her implementation this style. As a person of few words, Sandra’s use of painterly style is reflective of how she communicates, preferring to tell as much as possible in a single brushstroke.
Sandra’s current series focuses on the experiences of being an African American woman in America, touching on subjects like racism, self-esteem, and code-switching. It’s important for her to highlight these experiences because they are part of her story and the stories of countless other African American women, which have been historically overlooked, forgotten, or lost. To see more of her work, visit Sandra’s site at scharlesart.com. You can also find her on Instagram at @sandraspaintings.
Sandra has always been an artist, but what cemented her love of painting, and specifically for oil painting, was an oil paint set her parents got her as a kid. That paint set laid the foundation lifelong love for art. Throughout grade school, art was Sandra’s favorite subject. She continued to pursue art in high school and her first attempt at college. Sandra didn’t finish college and shifted her focus to raising a family. In 2011, Sandra went back to college to finish her degree. There, a teacher suggested Sandra enroll in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program. This brought painting back into her life and rekindled a passion she had lost touch with for 40 years.
Today, Sandra still works in oils; she loves the liveliness and depth they bring to her work. She has adopted a painterly style, which emphasizes texture and doesn’t try to hide the brush strokes. This style is strongly reminiscent of impressionists’ works, and Sandra’s admiration of the movement plays a part in her implementation this style. As a person of few words, Sandra’s use of painterly style is reflective of how she communicates, preferring to tell as much as possible in a single brushstroke.
Sandra’s current series focuses on the experiences of being an African American woman in America, touching on subjects like racism, self-esteem, and code-switching. It’s important for her to highlight these experiences because they are part of her story and the stories of countless other African American women, which have been historically overlooked, forgotten, or lost. To see more of her work, visit Sandra’s site at scharlesart.com. You can also find her on Instagram at @sandraspaintings.
Classic Melodies Coming to Mellwood
Classic Melodies Coming to Mellwood
Classic Melodies Coming to Mellwood
Mellwood’s small business and arts community will be expanding soon with the addition of Classic Melodies, a performing arts school set to open September 13th. Their studio here at Mellwood marks the opening of their second location, with the original still operating in Hillview in Bullitt County. In opening a second location, Melodie Stacy, who co-owns Classic Melodies with her husband Bill, hopes to be able to serve more students. She also noted that many students with longer commutes, sometimes as long as an hour or more, do not get the same attention or level of access as those with shorter commutes. She hopes this second location will address that issue as well.
As an industry-based program, Classic Melodies ensures all students receive the same level of instruction, whether they are hobbyists or training to become professionals. The only difference between the two groups is how many hours of instruction and practice they sign up for. Additionally, Classic Melodies offers classes for all ages, from children to adults. For their students looking to go into the performing arts in college, Classic Melodies helps them prepare for auditions and build their resumes.
When Classic Melodies started 27 years ago, it was a side business run from Bill and Melodie’s home, where she gave private vocal lessons. Her student roster grew exponentially as more people saw the results of her instruction. Eventually, this side business became the full-time focus for Melodie and her husband. It expanded from private vocal lessons to include group lessons, as well as training in dance, drama, and musical instruments. Classic Melodies pulls these disciplines together for their musical theater program, which puts on various musicals and an annual production of the Nutcracker.
Prior to their opening on September 13th, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, September 8th at 6:00 PM, with food catered by Danny Mac’s Pizza and other goodies courtesy of I love It candy shop. To learn more about Classic Melodies and all they have to offer, visit their website at classicmelodies.org.
Mellwood’s small business and arts community will be expanding soon with the addition of Classic Melodies, a performing arts school set to open September 13th. Their studio here at Mellwood marks the opening of their second location, with the original still operating in Hillview in Bullitt County. In opening a second location, Melodie Stacy, who co-owns Classic Melodies with her husband Bill, hopes to be able to serve more students. She also noted that many students with longer commutes, sometimes as long as an hour or more, do not get the same attention or level of access as those with shorter commutes. She hopes this second location will address that issue as well.
As an industry-based program, Classic Melodies ensures all students receive the same level of instruction, whether they are hobbyists or training to become professionals. The only difference between the two groups is how many hours of instruction and practice they sign up for. Additionally, Classic Melodies offers classes for all ages, from children to adults. For their students looking to go into the performing arts in college, Classic Melodies helps them prepare for auditions and build their resumes.
When Classic Melodies started 27 years ago, it was a side business run from Bill and Melodie’s home, where she gave private vocal lessons. Her student roster grew exponentially as more people saw the results of her instruction. Eventually, this side business became the full-time focus for Melodie and her husband. It expanded from private vocal lessons to include group lessons, as well as training in dance, drama, and musical instruments. Classic Melodies pulls these disciplines together for their musical theater program, which puts on various musicals and an annual production of the Nutcracker.
Prior to their opening on September 13th, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, September 8th at 6:00 PM, with food catered by Danny Mac’s Pizza and other goodies courtesy of I love It candy shop. To learn more about Classic Melodies and all they have to offer, visit their website at classicmelodies.org.
Business Spotlight: Jennifer Kramer Art Therapy
Business Spotlight: Jennifer Kramer Art Therapy
Business Spotlight: Jennifer Kramer Art Therapy
It’s perhaps well known at this point that art has incredible emotive properties. We’ve all been touched by something, a painting or piece of music at some point in our lives. Art taps into a fundamental, foundational element of our humanity which transcends mere language and enables us to convey what words alone can’t. This is what makes art therapy a powerful tool when recovering from psychological trauma. Jennifer Kramer, an art therapist with a studio here at Mellwood, knows this, not just as a therapist, but as a survivor of narcissistic abuse as well.
Initially, Jennfier worked as an art therapist helping kids. Unfortunately, she found herself in a toxic relationship with an abusive narcissist. After leaving that relationship, Jennifer used her knowledge and experience in art therapy to inform her art making; she used the very techniques she uses with clients today to heal. Jennifer knew she needed to use her knowledge and experience as a survivor to help other women.
Typically, Jennifer will start her clients with making art, and then follows that up with responsive writing discussing the client’s art. This process, a refined version of Pat Allen’s Studio Process she refers to as the Redefined Process, helps clients first open and access their emotions and then process those feelings. It’s important to note that trauma is sometimes compartmentalized. This process not only engages the creative and analytical parts of the brain, but also helps bridge the different parts of the mind so that the client is conscious of the stored trauma and can begin healing.
In addition to one-on-one art therapy session, which can be done in-person or via telehealth, Jennifer offers small group workshops. Outside of art therapy, she offers an online coaching program, again for groups or individuals. She also has a free Facebook group survivors can join to share with, encourage, and support other survivors.
From now until September 25th, Jennifer has a Kickstarter campaign running. This campaign is meant to help raise funds for community art and other projects. Her current project is “I Deserve to Take Up Space,” which works to empower survivors of narcissistic abuse and undo the damage done to their sense of self-worth. You find her Kickstarter at kickstarter.com/projects/jenniferannekramer/using-art-to-redefine-identity-after-narcissistic-abuse. For more information, please visit her link tree page at linktr.ee/jenniferakramer. You can also find her on Facebook at @jenniferkramerarttherapy or Instagram at @jenniferannekramer.
It’s perhaps well known at this point that art has incredible emotive properties. We’ve all been touched by something, a painting or piece of music at some point in our lives. Art taps into a fundamental, foundational element of our humanity which transcends mere language and enables us to convey what words alone can’t. This is what makes art therapy a powerful tool when recovering from psychological trauma. Jennifer Kramer, an art therapist with a studio here at Mellwood, knows this, not just as a therapist, but as a survivor of narcissistic abuse as well.
Initially, Jennfier worked as an art therapist helping kids. Unfortunately, she found herself in a toxic relationship with an abusive narcissist. After leaving that relationship, Jennifer used her knowledge and experience in art therapy to inform her art making; she used the very techniques she uses with clients today to heal. Jennifer knew she needed to use her knowledge and experience as a survivor to help other women.
Typically, Jennifer will start her clients with making art, and then follows that up with responsive writing discussing the client’s art. This process, a refined version of Pat Allen’s Studio Process she refers to as the Redefined Process, helps clients first open and access their emotions and then process those feelings. It’s important to note that trauma is sometimes compartmentalized. This process not only engages the creative and analytical parts of the brain, but also helps bridge the different parts of the mind so that the client is conscious of the stored trauma and can begin healing.
In addition to one-on-one art therapy session, which can be done in-person or via telehealth, Jennifer offers small group workshops. Outside of art therapy, she offers an online coaching program, again for groups or individuals. She also has a free Facebook group survivors can join to share with, encourage, and support other survivors.
From now until September 25th, Jennifer has a Kickstarter campaign running. This campaign is meant to help raise funds for community art and other projects. Her current project is “I Deserve to Take Up Space,” which works to empower survivors of narcissistic abuse and undo the damage done to their sense of self-worth. You find her Kickstarter at kickstarter.com/projects/jenniferannekramer/using-art-to-redefine-identity-after-narcissistic-abuse. For more information, please visit her link tree page at linktr.ee/jenniferakramer. You can also find her on Facebook at @jenniferkramerarttherapy or Instagram at @jenniferannekramer.
Artist Spotlight: Stephanie Cesare
Artist Spotlight: Stephanie Cesare
Artist Spotlight: Stephanie Cesare
The therapeutic qualities of art are well known. It’s helped people with an array of different mental and emotional problems: from stress, to depression, to PTSD, and beyond. For Stephanie, art is her happy place; it helps her cope with her own mental illness and feel more fulfilled.
Growing up, Stephanie would paint with her aunt whenever she visited. She enjoyed these visits; it helped her foster a passion for art. She enjoyed her art classes in school and studied art all the way through high school. After graduating, she continues to study art on her own using online resources, especially online videos.
Today, Stephanie works as a peer-to-peer support specialist for the National Association of the Mentally Ill (NAMI). She’s also an outspoken advocate for those living with mental illness. “I like to talk about that because people don’t want to talk about it. I like to put that out there because there’s stigma towards people with mental illness. When people are able to see somebody thriving with mental illness, it makes a huge difference.”
While she’s worked with various media, including egg tempera, she prefers oil paint. She likes that it takes longer to dry, giving her more time to work, and that you can mix colors directly on whatever surface she’s painting on. While she doesn’t work in any particular style, she does enjoy using a lot of color in her works. She also transitioned from painting on canvas to painting on wood and has started making tables out of her work. She’s found she enjoys painting on wood and making pieces that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Currently, she makes small tables, ranging from in size from plantstands, nightstands, and end tables to small card tables. To protect her work from wear and tear, she applies a layer of epoxy resin to each tabletop. As she continues to create, she hopes to move into a larger space to make larger tables.
The therapeutic qualities of art are well known. It’s helped people with an array of different mental and emotional problems: from stress, to depression, to PTSD, and beyond. For Stephanie, art is her happy place; it helps her cope with her own mental illness and feel more fulfilled.
Growing up, Stephanie would paint with her aunt whenever she visited. She enjoyed these visits; it helped her foster a passion for art. She enjoyed her art classes in school and studied art all the way through high school. After graduating, she continues to study art on her own using online resources, especially online videos.
Today, Stephanie works as a peer-to-peer support specialist for the National Association of the Mentally Ill (NAMI). She’s also an outspoken advocate for those living with mental illness. “I like to talk about that because people don’t want to talk about it. I like to put that out there because there’s stigma towards people with mental illness. When people are able to see somebody thriving with mental illness, it makes a huge difference.”
While she’s worked with various media, including egg tempera, she prefers oil paint. She likes that it takes longer to dry, giving her more time to work, and that you can mix colors directly on whatever surface she’s painting on. While she doesn’t work in any particular style, she does enjoy using a lot of color in her works. She also transitioned from painting on canvas to painting on wood and has started making tables out of her work. She’s found she enjoys painting on wood and making pieces that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Currently, she makes small tables, ranging from in size from plantstands, nightstands, and end tables to small card tables. To protect her work from wear and tear, she applies a layer of epoxy resin to each tabletop. As she continues to create, she hopes to move into a larger space to make larger tables.
Business Spotlight: Sandra’s Curvy Couture
Business Spotlight: Sandra's Curvy Couture
Business Spotlight: Sandra's Curvy Couture
For Brittany of Sandra’s Curvy Couture, helping others has been a driving force behind all that she does. Whether it was working in mental health or empowering other women through fashion, Brittany’s desire to help is a constant through line.
It may come as surprise, but Brittany wasn’t a girly girl growing up. She was not a fan of the kinds of things her mom would pick out for her; she wanted to look cool, not girly. It wasn’t until Brittany got older that she wanted to wear the kinds of clothes she saw girls wear on TV. However, she never wanted to blend in or replicate someone else’s style; she was determined to stand out and develop a style of her own.
Prior to starting Sandra’s Curvy Couture, Brittany was a mental health worker. On the side, she followed in her mother’s footsteps. Her mom was a cosmetologist and Brittany learned many things growing up watching her. In seventh grade, Brittany was able to style hair like her mother did and even made some money doing so. In addition to styling hair, Brittany also did eyelashes and eyebrows. She enjoyed helping other women look their best and empowering them. Brittany’s mom had often encouraged her to open her own boutique. Having seen Brittany develop and refine her own style, her mother believed she could make a living sharing it with others. Unfortunately, her mother passed away nearly a year ago. In honor of her mom, Sandra, Brittany opened Sandra’s Curvy Couture.
In her boutique, Brittany is very selective of the garments and accessories she stocks. Her carefully curated inventory includes clothing from small to 4X, styles ranging from active to formal wear, and array of accessories, such as sunglasses, earrings, handbags, and belts. Color and versatility are very important to Brittany; every item she sells is as colorful as her personality and can be worn in a variety of ways and settings. When selecting garments and accessories for her inventory, Brittany strives to find unique items unlike anything found anywhere else. Her selection currently consists of bright, summery colors and tie-dyes. Before she stocks up for fall, Sandra’s Curvy Couture will have an end of summer sale just ahead of Labor Day weekend. To see more of what Brittany has in stock at Sandra’s Curvy Couture, check out her Instagram at @sandrascurvycouture.
For Brittany of Sandra’s Curvy Couture, helping others has been a driving force behind all that she does. Whether it was working in mental health or empowering other women through fashion, Brittany’s desire to help is a constant through line.
It may come as surprise, but Brittany wasn’t a girly girl growing up. She was not a fan of the kinds of things her mom would pick out for her; she wanted to look cool, not girly. It wasn’t until Brittany got older that she wanted to wear the kinds of clothes she saw girls wear on TV. However, she never wanted to blend in or replicate someone else’s style; she was determined to stand out and develop a style of her own.
Prior to starting Sandra’s Curvy Couture, Brittany was a mental health worker. On the side, she followed in her mother’s footsteps. Her mom was a cosmetologist and Brittany learned many things growing up watching her. In seventh grade, Brittany was able to style hair like her mother did and even made some money doing so. In addition to styling hair, Brittany also did eyelashes and eyebrows. She enjoyed helping other women look their best and empowering them. Brittany’s mom had often encouraged her to open her own boutique. Having seen Brittany develop and refine her own style, her mother believed she could make a living sharing it with others. Unfortunately, her mother passed away nearly a year ago. In honor of her mom, Sandra, Brittany opened Sandra’s Curvy Couture.
In her boutique, Brittany is very selective of the garments and accessories she stocks. Her carefully curated inventory includes clothing from small to 4X, styles ranging from active to formal wear, and array of accessories, such as sunglasses, earrings, handbags, and belts. Color and versatility are very important to Brittany; every item she sells is as colorful as her personality and can be worn in a variety of ways and settings. When selecting garments and accessories for her inventory, Brittany strives to find unique items unlike anything found anywhere else. Her selection currently consists of bright, summery colors and tie-dyes. Before she stocks up for fall, Sandra’s Curvy Couture will have an end of summer sale just ahead of Labor Day weekend. To see more of what Brittany has in stock at Sandra’s Curvy Couture, check out her Instagram at @sandrascurvycouture.
Business Spotlight: The Dog Wizard Louisville
Business Spotlight: The Dog Wizard Louisville
Business Spotlight: The Dog Wizard Louisville
For as long as she can remember, Renee with Dog Wizard has always loved animals. She was the kind of kid who could never have enough stuffed animals. While working as a dog trainer is a natural fit, Renee didn’t start here. Before, she had worked as a retail manager, yoga instructor, and massage therapist. Becoming a dog trainer wasn’t even on her radar. In fact, what got her into dog training was her own dog. He had some serious issues and went through Dog Wizard’s board and train program. After seeing the difference it made, she knew she wanted to be part of this. A few months after her dog completed the board and train program, Renee was training through Dog Wizard’s trainer academy.
A couple years after becoming a dog trainer and working in Louisville with the trainers who had helped her dog, Dog Wizard asked if Renee would help their team in Wilmington, NC. Eventually, the trainers in charge of the Louisville branch left and the location shut down. Dog Wizard approached Renee again about relocating, this time back to Louisville to reopen and manage this branch. Currently, the Louisville Dog Wizard branch is comprised of two trainers, Renee and Destiny. They work with dogs of all ages and offer everything from puppy preschool to board and trains, where the dog lives with the trainer, receives 24/7 attention, and goes through intensive rehabilitative training to help them more serious issues.
One of the most important things to remember with dog training is that it’s not a magic bullet. Once a dog completes training, the owner must learn what the dog was trained on and reinforce that training. We often compare our pets to children, but that comparison carries weight. Like children, dogs need structure and boundaries. For training to be effective in the long run, owners need to provide those. Additionally, owners should be aware of the quirks that come with each breed, as well as their individual dog. Training can be immensely helpful in many respects, but it can’t fix a fundamental mismatch between dog and owner. Lastly, communication is key. Not just verbal communication, but through the use of the various tools available at most pet stores. It’s important to note that these tools can be highly effective when researched and properly implemented, usually in a controlled environment first to get the dog accustomed to them.
If you would like to learn more about Dog Wizard or sign up for one of their training programs, check out their site at thedogwizard.com/louisville/. You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram at @louisvilledogwizard.
Big Buzz from Butchertown Brewing
Big Buzz from Butchertown Brewing
Big Buzz from Butchertown Brewing
Butchertown Brewing will be opening the doors to their tap room to the public starting Saturday, August 7th. Every Saturday, Butchertown Brewing’s tap room will be open from 4:00 – 9:00 PM. This marks a milestone for our resident brewer. When asked about opening his tap room, Andy Cobb said, “I had always planned on opening the taproom. I wanted to wait until I had built up some inventory and had some help to manage the bar.”
When Butchertown Brewing first opened, all sales were online only and tasting sessions were scheduled in advance; no in-person ordering or walk-ins. In opening the tap room, the public will be able to make to-go purchases in person or swing by the brewery and get a pour from one of their three taps.
In addition to the opening, Andy has been working closely with other Mellwood tenants on collaborative projects. Fans of Butchertown Brewing and Danny Mac’s Pizza may have seen social media posts announcing the release of Danny Mac’s IPA. When asked about this collaboration, Andy stated, “I asked him if he’d like to sell my beer. When he thought about it, he said ‘What about doing a branded beer?’ I loved the idea, so I let him try my IPA and he really liked it. We’re doing a small release at his pizzeria to see how it goes.” Andy is also collaborating with Dead Sled Leather on coasters, with a possible beer collaboration in the works.
Beyond working with Mellwood tenants, Butchertown Brewing is or will be collaborating with other brewers and beer purveyors, including Gordon Beirsch, Pearl Street Taphouse, Segio’s World of Beer, Chimera Brewing, and Our Lady of Perpetual Hops. Be sure to keep an eye out for Butchertown Brewing in this year’s Louisville Ale Trail. Lastly, Butchertown Brewing will have an official grand opening in the Pigment Gallery sometime later this fall.
Butchertown Brewing will be opening the doors to their tap room to the public starting Saturday, August 7th. Every Saturday, Butchertown Brewing’s tap room will be open from 4:00 – 9:00 PM. This marks a milestone for our resident brewer. When asked about opening his tap room, Andy Cobb said, “I had always planned on opening the taproom. I wanted to wait until I had built up some inventory and had some help to manage the bar.”
When Butchertown Brewing first opened, all sales were online only and tasting sessions were scheduled in advance; no in-person ordering or walk-ins. In opening the tap room, the public will be able to make to-go purchases in person or swing by the brewery and get a pour from one of their three taps.
In addition to the opening, Andy has been working closely with other Mellwood tenants on collaborative projects. Fans of Butchertown Brewing and Danny Mac’s Pizza may have seen social media posts announcing the release of Danny Mac’s IPA. When asked about this collaboration, Andy stated, “I asked him if he’d like to sell my beer. When he thought about it, he said ‘What about doing a branded beer?’ I loved the idea, so I let him try my IPA and he really liked it. We’re doing a small release at his pizzeria to see how it goes.” Andy is also collaborating with Dead Sled Leather on coasters, with a possible beer collaboration in the works.
Beyond working with Mellwood tenants, Butchertown Brewing is or will be collaborating with other brewers and beer purveyors, including Gordon Beirsch, Pearl Street Taphouse, Segio’s World of Beer, Chimera Brewing, and Our Lady of Perpetual Hops. Be sure to keep an eye out for Butchertown Brewing in this year’s Louisville Ale Trail. Lastly, Butchertown Brewing will have an official grand opening in the Pigment Gallery sometime later this fall.
Business Spotlight: Mellwood Antiques & Interiors
Business Spotlight: Mellwood Antiques & Interiors
Business Spotlight: Mellwood Antiques & Interiors
Perhaps you’ve seen their sign as you drive down Mellwood Avenue, or maybe you’ve walked our halls and saw a set of stairs leading down with “Antiques” painted on the wall. If you haven’t made a trip to the mammoth space that is Mellwood Antiques and Interiors, it’s well past time to rectify that. Whether you talk to Peggy, the store’s manager, or Phil, an antiques dealer, you’ll hear the same thing: there’s something here for everyone.
Peggy’s first foray into the world of antiques was at the Louisville Antique Mall, where she started as a part-time cashier and never ventured on to the floor. A year later, she was full-time and started working the floor, where she gained an appreciation for the craftsmanship each antique had, especially when measured against comparable items manufactured today. Peggy eventually worked her way up the ladder and managed aspects of the Louisville Antique Mall until it closed during the recession in 2008. Peggy took a ten-year break from antiques.
Before the Louisville Antique Mall closed, Phil was an antiques dealer with a space at the mall. He got his start in antiques in 1970, when he opened his own shop. When the antique mall opened, Phil took on a space there as well. During the recession, Phil closed his shop and rented the building out to someone else. When the Louisville Antique Mall closed, just as Peggy had done, Phil left the antique world for ten years.
In 2014, the antique mall on Goss Avenue moved into their current space here at Mellwood. In 2018, after recommendations from various antiques dealers selling from Mellwood, Peggy was approached about managing Mellwood Antiques and Interiors; she accepted the offer. After assuming leadership, Peggy made it a priority to increase the number of dealers. One of the first dealers she reached out to was Phil. When he heard from Peggy and learned she was now the manager, Phil eagerly joined.
While most antique malls have an array of different dealers and can claim to have a little something for everyone, Mellwood Antiques and Interiors has more than a little. With 127 dealers, each having their own niche and style, rarely does a shopper leave empty-handed. Those that do usually return within a few days to snap up something that caught their eye before someone else does. Whether you’re looking to furnish or redecorate your home, or are a collector of any stripe, odds are Mellwood Antiques and Interiors has something for you.
If you’d like to learn more about Mellwood Antiques and Interiors, check out their site at mellwoodantiques.com. You can also find them on Facebook at @mellwoodantiques or Instagram at @mellwoodantique.
Perhaps you’ve seen their sign as you drive down Mellwood Avenue, or maybe you’ve walked our halls and saw a set of stairs leading down with “Antiques” painted on the wall. If you haven’t made a trip to the mammoth space that is Mellwood Antiques and Interiors, it’s well past time to rectify that. Whether you talk to Peggy, the store’s manager, or Phil, an antiques dealer, you’ll hear the same thing: there’s something here for everyone.
Peggy’s first foray into the world of antiques was at the Louisville Antique Mall, where she started as a part-time cashier and never ventured on to the floor. A year later, she was full-time and started working the floor, where she gained an appreciation for the craftsmanship each antique had, especially when measured against comparable items manufactured today. Peggy eventually worked her way up the ladder and managed aspects of the Louisville Antique Mall until it closed during the recession in 2008. Peggy took a ten-year break from antiques.
Before the Louisville Antique Mall closed, Phil was an antiques dealer with a space at the mall. He got his start in antiques in 1970, when he opened his own shop. When the antique mall opened, Phil took on a space there as well. During the recession, Phil closed his shop and rented the building out to someone else. When the Louisville Antique Mall closed, just as Peggy had done, Phil left the antique world for ten years.
In 2014, the antique mall on Goss Avenue moved into their current space here at Mellwood. In 2018, after recommendations from various antiques dealers selling from Mellwood, Peggy was approached about managing Mellwood Antiques and Interiors; she accepted the offer. After assuming leadership, Peggy made it a priority to increase the number of dealers. One of the first dealers she reached out to was Phil. When he heard from Peggy and learned she was now the manager, Phil eagerly joined.
While most antique malls have an array of different dealers and can claim to have a little something for everyone, Mellwood Antiques and Interiors has more than a little. With 127 dealers, each having their own niche and style, rarely does a shopper leave empty-handed. Those that do usually return within a few days to snap up something that caught their eye before someone else does. Whether you’re looking to furnish or redecorate your home, or are a collector of any stripe, odds are Mellwood Antiques and Interiors has something for you.
If you’d like to learn more about Mellwood Antiques and Interiors, check out their site at mellwoodantiques.com. You can also find them on Facebook at @mellwoodantiques or Instagram at @mellwoodantique.
Artist Spotlight: Asia Jewell
Artist Spotlight: Asia Jewell
Artist Spotlight: Asia Jewell
For Asia Jewell, it’s all or nothing. “If you’re going to do something, do it good or don’t do it at all. My mom was like, ‘If you’re going to put your name on it, you need to make sure it’s the best thing you’ve done.’” There’s no half-hearted or partial commitment; she gives it 100% or it’s not worth doing.
As a kid, Asia learned to sew from her grandmother and made clothes for her Barbie dolls. Although she enjoyed art, she viewed it as a game: a fun activity, not a serious pursuit. The notion of art as a career didn’t occur to Asia until late in middle school. At that point, she had attended a magnet school and participated in their communications/journalism program. When her cohort was switched with another and began taking an art class, the teacher saw Asia’s talent and encouraged her to study art.
Going into Wagner High School, Asia pursued art from the beginning of her freshman year. While there, she had two art teachers, one focusing on 2D art and the other on 3D. While her teachers’ personalities were as different as their preferred media, they both helped Asia and her classmates discover and develop their own styles. She learned much from both teachers and saw how what they had to teach could work together. After high school, Asia went to EKU for a year followed by the International Academy of Design and Technology in Nashville, studying fashion and design at both. It was while at IADT that Asia made a significant self-discovery: fashion and design weren’t enough, she needed to immerse herself in art as well.
Today, working from her studio here at Mellwood, Asia largely works on mixed media 2D/3D pieces. Using textiles, resin, charcoal, markers, oil pastels, watercolors, clay, and more, Asia’s art literal pops off the canvas, working in her interest in fashion into her art. Not having a preferred medium, Asia likes to work with her hands and explore a wide variety of materials and media. Art isn’t just a passion for Asia, it’s also therapeutic. It allows her the opportunity to work out her anxiety and OCD in a constructive way. It’s also important to Asia to pursue her art to be a role model for her two daughters, to show them that they can do anything so long as they give it their all. If you would like to see more of Asia’s work, check out her Instagram at @asiabjewell.
For Asia Jewell, it’s all or nothing. “If you’re going to do something, do it good or don’t do it at all. My mom was like, ‘If you’re going to put your name on it, you need to make sure it’s the best thing you’ve done.’” There’s no half-hearted or partial commitment; she gives it 100% or it’s not worth doing.
As a kid, Asia learned to sew from her grandmother and made clothes for her Barbie dolls. Although she enjoyed art, she viewed it as a game: a fun activity, not a serious pursuit. The notion of art as a career didn’t occur to Asia until late in middle school. At that point, she had attended a magnet school and participated in their communications/journalism program. When her cohort was switched with another and began taking an art class, the teacher saw Asia’s talent and encouraged her to study art.
Going into Wagner High School, Asia pursued art from the beginning of her freshman year. While there, she had two art teachers, one focusing on 2D art and the other on 3D. While her teachers’ personalities were as different as their preferred media, they both helped Asia and her classmates discover and develop their own styles. She learned much from both teachers and saw how what they had to teach could work together. After high school, Asia went to EKU for a year followed by the International Academy of Design and Technology in Nashville, studying fashion and design at both. It was while at IADT that Asia made a significant self-discovery: fashion and design weren’t enough, she needed to immerse herself in art as well.
Today, working from her studio here at Mellwood, Asia largely works on mixed media 2D/3D pieces. Using textiles, resin, charcoal, markers, oil pastels, watercolors, clay, and more, Asia’s art literal pops off the canvas, working in her interest in fashion into her art. Not having a preferred medium, Asia likes to work with her hands and explore a wide variety of materials and media. Art isn’t just a passion for Asia, it’s also therapeutic. It allows her the opportunity to work out her anxiety and OCD in a constructive way. It’s also important to Asia to pursue her art to be a role model for her two daughters, to show them that they can do anything so long as they give it their all. If you would like to see more of Asia’s work, check out her Instagram at @asiabjewell.