09 Jun June is All About Art in Oldham
The Oldham County arts craze comes alive during the months of June and July. Three major festivals take place to showcase the arts and the highly talented professionals who contribute their work to making such events successful. Although several talented artists call Oldham County home, many travel from far away to attend the prestigious juried Arts on the Green each June, making it one of the largest art festivals in the region. Whether you are purchasing art or want to spend a day enjoying different exhibitions, Oldham County is the best place to enjoy art in all of its various forms.
Did you know Oldham County is home to several unique murals? The most recent one is a beautiful, vibrant Be Kind Mural near Main Street depicting La Grange as the Kindness Capital of Kentucky. Inspired by the Be Kind Sisters – Raegan and Rylyn Richins – it earned a top spot on the recent HGTV Home Town Kickstart reveal in La Grange. Stop and see it behind Gallery at Gatewood when you’re in town! If you’re exiting off of I-71 at exit 22, be sure to get a glimpse of the Trains on Main Mural located next to the Marathon station at the corner of E. Crystal and Hwy. 53. The large mural depicts the town’s railroad heritage and was created by local artist Mike Prather. If you continue on to Main Street, you just might experience a CSX train as it moves down the middle of town.
Prather, Oldham’s official artist of the Kentucky Derby Museum Winner’s Circle Exhibit, is also responsible for designing and painting the panoramic view of Oldham County’s Horse Farm Mural on Commerce Parkway at Rocket Storage measuring 4,300 square feet. Prather Design in Mainly Creative, as well as Gallery 104, can be found on Main Street in historic La Grange. Many other beautiful examples of original art and statues are scattered throughout the county.
La Grange ArtsFest 2022 will take place on Saturday, June 4 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. This is a fun-filled day of arts and crafts held in the Main Street La Grange Historic District. The outdoor curated/juried arts and crafts market also features music, food and drink. Visitors can shop for items from a variety of vendors and artists who showcase their creations, and many of the Historic District Merchants in La Grange also participate. Despite COVID and its restrictions ArtsFest was one event that took place in 2021 with a great turnout. FREE admission.
The Crestwood Art & Garden Market will return on Saturday, June 4 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Enjoy a fabulous spring plants and perennial sale which also features local artisans and food trucks. Members have worked very hard to put this event together, which is held rain or shine at the Crestwood Civic Club on Kavanaugh Rd. Shoppers will find unique items handcrafted by local artisans displayed inside the clubhouse and on the grounds. As the oldest private civic organization in the county, the all-woman club has about 30-35 very active members who continually live by their motto: “Service to others.” All money raised from all club events goes to their scholarship fund and indigent funds. FREE admission.
The Pewee Valley Women’s Club Fine Arts and Craft Show will be held on Saturday, June 4 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at St. James’ Episcopal Church. Visitors will enjoy this juried arts and craft show sponsored by the Pewee Valley Women’s Club right in the heart of picturesque Pewee Valley. The women’s club is an active civic organization founded on Feb. 26, 1952, which donates time, money and services to community groups. Artists will be selling and exhibiting: pottery, blankets, scarves, jewelry, stationary, seasonal decor, artwork & much more! Food & drink available. FREE admission.
Arts on the Green has earned a reputation as the premier arts show of the region. This year’s FREE fine arts and crafts festival will be held on Saturday, June 11 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) and Sunday, June 12 (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.) at The Maples Park in Crestwood. Last year 120 artists participated. The Arts Association of Oldham County is responsible for organizing AOG. In the past, the show has always been held on the courthouse lawn in La Grange, but due to construction of a new judicial center, Arts on the Green will be held at The Maples Park again. Former Arts on the Green Director Mary Klausing said the event has lasted for over 20 years because “of dedicated people who love the arts and want the arts to be a part of this community. Following the mission “of bringing the arts to Oldham County” and now to surrounding areas, has given us a guide to work towards.”
The Oldham County Arts Association (AAOC) will also be showcasing their Red, White and Blue Art Show from June 7 – July 16 at Gallery 104 in La Grange. This patriotic-themed show will feature some of the best local artists around. The AAOC operates and manages Gallery 104, a juried fine art gallery in the heart of La Grange. The gallery opened in 2007 and displays the work of over 20 local and regional artists.
The La Grange Farmers Market & Artisans, a Kentucky Proud® Market, will be going on during ArtsFest in downtown La Grange on June 4. The market is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. from May 14 – Oct. 29. In addition to a variety of locally grown products, meats,
handmade cheeses, and wonderful baked goods, beautiful works of art are also for sale. Currently the market is located on the Oldham County Courthouse Square, but is expected to move to the new La Grange Springs Park Farmers Market Pavilion by July 1. When completed, this new location will feature two permanent art installations: an 8 x 16-foot glass mosaic mural by Louisville artist Tracy Pennington, and a 12-foot stainless steel sculpture by Nicholasville, KY artist Stephen Winter.
An ongoing exhibit, 50 Barns in 50 States: A Collection of Paintings by Ann R. Carter is currently on exhibit at the Oldham County History Center until July 16. At the age of 84, Ann decided to set a goal to paint a barn in every state before her 90th birthday. Not only did she accomplish the goal but she accomplished it ahead of schedule. She held her first art exhibit, Oldham County Barns, at the History Center in 2007.
The ArtWalk Experience at Hermitage Farm illuminates the beauty of the existing landscape. An ongoing event, this multi-installation project immerses audiences in the beautiful work of video artist Ricardo Rivera. Over 1,500 feet of boardwalk weave alongside Little Sinking Creek as intricate projections illuminate the landscape. When it’s not occupied by events or guests, The Main House at Hermitage is open for tours. Inside visitors will view the wide-ranging collection of contemporary art shared by current owners Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson. From hand-drawn sketches to digital media by artist such as by Chuck Close, Kara Walker, Elissabetti Benassi, The Main House rotates its exhibitions, so you can find something new and different at nearly every visit.
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