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.

Learn more about renting studio space here.

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

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

Mellwood 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.

Learn more about renting studio space here.

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.

We are excited to announce a new feature of our website, one which has been long requested. We recently finished creating online directories for our artist and small business tenants. These new directories are meant to help connect site visitors with tenants and help increase their online visibility. Site visitors are able to send messages through the listing to the artist or small business they wish to contact. Additionally, directory listings allow for a brief description, which is a chance to give prospective customers or clients an elevator pitch. Logos and links to websites can be included in listings as well.

We have taken the liberty of creating listings for most of our current tenants. When creating the listings, unless told otherwise, the email addresses which tenants have provided the office are used as the means of contact. While not visible to site visitors, the email addresses are required to create the listing. When contacting tenants, visitors complete a brief contact form which is sent to the tenant’s email. We encourage tenants to review their listings to ensure the information is correct (Artist Directory | Business Directory). If you need any listing information changed, want to have your listing removed from the directory, or have any questions, please send us a message through our contact for on our Contact Us page with the subject line “Directory Listing” and a description of what you need or questions you have in the message. Changes may include changing the email address prospective clients use to reach you, as well as adding your logo, web address, phone number, and brief description. We recommend keeping descriptions to 250 characters or less.

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.