Upcoming Events
CeLOUbrate Print Workshop @ LVA
Woodcut workshop—generously hosted by Louisville Visual Art and Richard Sullivan BNK St!
Register on the Portland Museum’s website to reserve your spot (and to see our most updated schedule). Our workshops include all supplies and instruction for no cost, so you only need to bring yourself and some ideas to carve into your wooden stamp!
After all of our carving workshops, we hope to see you all again to print these community-carved woodblocks at the Portland Museum’s Printmaking Festival on April 18th.
If you need any accommodations to participate in a workshop or our print festival, send us a DM or email (CeLOUbratePrint@gmail.com).
Curate Purchase Inspire (CPI) Registration Deadline
In spring 2022 Louisville Visual Art (LVA) initiated a new program to support Louisville’s artists, curators, and organizations by placing original art in accessible spaces at local non-profits. Curate Purchase Inspire (CPI) is an exciting opportunity to support the city’s entire visual arts ecosystem and is made possible by a generous $1 Million gift from local artist and philanthropist, Clare Hirn. The first year's exhibits were a great success and Louisville Visual Art (LVA) is excited that for 2025 we have selected two individuals for the 4th cohort: Hannah DeWitt and Elizabeth Foley. Look for updates on their projects as they develop.
2026 Applications will be acceprted beginning January 12, 2026. Deadline will be 4:59 pm March 16, 2026.
Each year, LVA will work to build a diverse committee of community arts leaders to choose two emerging local curators to spend six months working with a non-profit or public partner to identify local artists’ work for purchase and installation in publicly accessible spaces. For the purposes of this program, the “curator” applicants are not limited to formally trained or self-taught curators, but could also include artists, designers, writers, or others who are engaged in a creative practice. CPI will set Louisville apart from other cities by providing several unique benefits:
AC Hotel Rotating Exhibition Registration Deadline
AC Hotel Rotating Exhibition
LVA, in association with AC Hotels provide an opportunity to local artists for installation on the first and second floor lobby of the AC Hotel in the Nulu neighborhood. Artists of all mediums are encouraged to apply.
Deadline: March 30, 2026
Spring Break Art Camp
Camp registration starts Feb.9 at 9am.
Early registration for LVA members Feb.2 through Feb.8 for both Spring Break Art Camp and LVA Summer Art Camps.
Spring Break Art Camp - April 6-10, 9am to 4pm (located at the UCHM building in Clifton)
CPI Dedication: Art for Arthur Street Hotel Opening Reception
A permanent installation of artworks by local artists, curated by Hannah DeWitt and purchased through LVA’s Curate Purchase Inspire program. This installation celebrates mutual aid and is designed to provide a positive and stimulating environment for its residents.
RSVP link > https://secure.qgiv.com/for/cpievents/event/arthurstreethotel/
Opening Reception: April 12th, 2pm-3:30pm
Location: 1620 Arthur St
Bill Fischer Award for Visual Artists Registration Deadline
Bill Fischer Award for Visual Artists
The Bill Fischer Award for Visual Artists is now a $10,000 cash prize designed to make a meaningful impact on the career of a visual artist residing in the Louisville Metro Area. (2026 call will be out February 23, 2026. Application deadline is April 20th)
Bill Fischer Award Info Session
The Bill Fischer Award for Visual Artists is now a $10,000 cash prize designed to make a meaningful impact on the career of a visual artist residing in the Louisville Metro Area. (2026 call will be out February 23, 2026)
Tune into this virtual BFA Info Session, March 11th from 6-7pm to learn more about crafting the perfect application. Link below:
Artist Talk with LVA
The 2026 Southern Crossings Pottery Festival happens this weekend at 1020 Brewery, so potters Lindsey Oesteritter & Autumn McKay join us to discuss what to expect. Tune in to WXOX 97.1 FM / Artxfm.com each Thursday at 10 am to hear Artists Talk with LVA
Artist Talk with LVA
Chenoa Buster is an MA candidate in Curatorial Studies at the University of Louisville’s Hite Institute. She opens her thesis exhibit at Artportal on March 6 and joins us in the studio this week. Tune into Artists Talk with LVA on WXOX 97.1 FM at 10 AM.
Adult Figure Drawing Registration Closes(session2)
Winter/spring Sessions
Classes meet at Art Sanctuary at 1433 S Shelby St, Louisville, Kentucky 40217. Class size is limited.
Free parking on Lydia and McHenry Streets. Enter from the entrance on McHenry Street for this class.
First Six Week Session January 12 - February 16, Mondays, 6:00-8:30 pm - $160.00
Second Six Week Session February 23 - March 30, Mondays, 6:00-8:30 pm - $160.00
A map of the location can be found here. SCROLL DOWN to REGISTER.
$160 for one six-week session. If you are a member of LVA or a Resident Artist at Art Sanctuary please use the promotional code MEMBERDRAW at checkout for a $30 discount. If you are not a member but would like to be please click here.
Class Description:
This basic life drawing class taught by Claudia Hammer provides the perfect opportunity to enhance your skills when drawing from life. Seeing and understanding what you see is the foundation for all art. Starting with quick sketches and working on longer poses, each student will be taught at their skill level. Cost includes instruction and model.
If you are a high school student who wishes to attend this class please contact Keith Waits: keith@louisvillevisualart.org.
Artists Talk with LVA
The 2026 Art in City Hall exhibit is now open, and this week our guests are 3 of the artists: Dawn Della Bella, Matthew Hagan, & Tim O' Connell. Tune in to WXOX 97.1 FM / Artxfm.com each Thursday at 10 am to hear Artists Talk with LVA.
Artist Talk with LVA
Kathryn Brooks, MA candidate in Hite Art Institute's Curatorial Studies program, joins us this Thursday at 10AM on Artists Talk with LVA on WXOX 97.1 FM to discuss their thesis exhibit at 21c.
Summer & Spring Break Camp Registration Begins
Camp registration starts Feb.9 at 9am.
Early registration for LVA members Feb.2 through Feb.8 for both Spring Break Art Camp and LVA Summer Art Camps.
Spring Break Art Camp - April 6-10, 9am to 4pm (located at the UCHM building in Clifton)
LVA Summer Camps include (located at the UCHM building in Clifton):
Painting Lab, ages 7-12
Cardboard Laboratory, ages 7-12
Comic Art, ages 11-14
Comic Book Art, ages 7-10
Stop Motion Youngsters, ages 7-10
Stop Motion, ages 11-14
An Artist A Day, ages 7-12
Creature Feature, ages 7-12
Digital Photography, ages 7-12
Waterfront Park LVA Nature Camp, ages 7-12 (located at the Waterfront Park)
LVA Summer Outreach Art Camps include:
Waterfront Park LVA Juneteenth Camp, aged 7-12 (located at the Waterfront Park)
Camps last one week long and go from 9am to 4pm ($245 a week). Extended hours are available in some camps from 8am to 5pm ($295 a week). All supplies are furnished by LVA. Campers supply their own lunches, snacks and drinks.
AB30 Closing Reception
AB30 Closing Reception and Catalog Release Party
January 22, 6-8pm.
Artists' Breakfast Group Louisville is a group born out of a need to build community. Meeting each Thursday morning at a succession of locally-owned eateries, they break bread and discuss art and creativity, sharing professional information with other artists in Kentucky. This year, the group celebrates a 30-year anniversary with an exhibit featuring 39 current members in an exhibition at Louisville Visual Art: AB30.
Artist Talk with LVA
Terry Spangler Dunham & Charlotte Pollock will discuss their upcoming exhibit at Pyro Gallery on Artists Talk with LVA on WXOX 97.1 FM at 10 AM.
CFAC & Academy of LVA Spring Registration Deadline
The Children’s Fine Art Classes program engages and inspires the next generation of creative leaders by providing intensive, in-depth art experiences to visually talented and motivated elementary and middle school students. Since 1925, the program has offered concentrated studies in two-dimensional art that include studio practices in drawing, painting, and mixed media; art history; critiquing skills; and aesthetics. Each student is provided a $365 scholarship to attend so that economic status will play no part in a child’s participation or placement. An administration fee is paid by those who are financially able to support the program.
Students must be recommended into the program by an art teacher, teacher, principal, community leader (a person who knows of the student’s talent in the visual arts). To learn about how to get your student recommended contact Annette at annette@louisvillevisualart.org.
The Academy of LVA is Louisville's premier pre-professional art program for high school students, under the umbrella of the Children’s Fine Art Classes program. Founded in 1925, its mission is to provide intensive, in-depth art experiences for talented and motivated art students. When preparing the curriculum for The Academy, LVA looked at the National Core Art Standards and also had conversations with the top art universities around the country to ensure our Academy students would exceed their expectations. When asked what they were looking for in applicants, their answer was consistent across the board: "We want students who go beyond exhibiting technical skill and talent. Applicants should have both a style and voice unifying their work and should be able to discuss their work conceptually." By completing junior and senior level classes with The Academy, students should be a top choice candidate for universities and arts schools around the country.
AB30 Panel Discussion #2
AB30 Artist Panel Discussion January 17th, 1pm-2:30pm
Panel discussion participating artists: Waller Austin, Portia Brown, Keith Kleespies, Suzi Zimmerer, Joe Wolek will be the panel for this.
Artwork on display through January 31, 2026
Artists' Breakfast Group Louisville is a group born out of a need to build community. Meeting each Thursday morning at a succession of locally-owned eateries, they break bread and discuss art and creativity, sharing professional information with other artists in Kentucky. This year, the group celebrates a 30-year anniversary with an exhibit featuring 39 current members in an exhibition at Louisville Visual Art: AB30.
Artist Talk with LVA
This week's guest, Aurora Noctua is currently exhibiting at Grady Goods + Artpunk Gallery. Tune in to WXOX 97.1 FM / Artxfm.com each Thursday at 10 am to hear Artists Talk with LVA.
Art In City Hall Registration Deadline
ART IN CITY HALL
The Louisville Metro Government, Metro Council, and Louisville Visual Art (LVA) invite artists to submit 2-dimensional works of art for consideration for display in the Art in City Hall exhibition. (Submission deadline for 2026 is January 12, 2026)
Adult Figure Drawing Registration Closes (session1)
Winter/spring Sessions
Classes meet at Art Sanctuary at 1433 S Shelby St, Louisville, Kentucky 40217. Class size is limited.
Free parking on Lydia and McHenry Streets. Enter from the entrance on McHenry Street for this class.
First Six Week Session January 12 - February 16, Mondays, 6:00-8:30 pm - $160.00
Second Six Week Session February 23 - March 30, Mondays, 6:00-8:30 pm - $160.00
A map of the location can be found here. SCROLL DOWN to REGISTER.
$160 for one six-week session. If you are a member of LVA or a Resident Artist at Art Sanctuary please use the promotional code MEMBERDRAW at checkout for a $30 discount. If you are not a member but would like to be please click here.
Class Description:
This basic life drawing class taught by Claudia Hammer provides the perfect opportunity to enhance your skills when drawing from life. Seeing and understanding what you see is the foundation for all art. Starting with quick sketches and working on longer poses, each student will be taught at their skill level. Cost includes instruction and model.
If you are a high school student who wishes to attend this class please contact Keith Waits: keith@louisvillevisualart.org.
Artist Talk with LVA
This week, Luanne Smith & Bob Lockhart will discuss her new exhibit, Biophilia, now at Pyro Gallery. Tune in to WXOX 97.1 FM / Artxfm.com each Thursday at 10 am to hear Artists Talk with LVA.
All is Calm LVA Exhibit @ KY Opera
All is Calm LVA Exhibit @ KY Opera
December 12 - 21, Kentucky Opera presents All is Calm, A one act, a cappella opera quoting the words of WWI soldiers who defied their commanders and called an impromptu “Christmas Truce” in December 1914.
For this production, Louisville Visual Art has chosen the winter landscapes of Bulgarian-born, Louisville-based painter Valtcho Tonov to exhibit in the KY Opera library.
Tickets:
All is Calm LVA Exhibit @ KY Opera
All is Calm LVA Exhibit @ KY Opera
December 12 - 21, Kentucky Opera presents All is Calm, A one act, a cappella opera quoting the words of WWI soldiers who defied their commanders and called an impromptu “Christmas Truce” in December 1914.
For this production, Louisville Visual Art has chosen the winter landscapes of Bulgarian-born, Louisville-based painter Valtcho Tonov to exhibit in the KY Opera library.
Tickets:
All is Calm LVA Exhibit @ KY Opera
All is Calm LVA Exhibit @ KY Opera
December 12 - 21, Kentucky Opera presents All is Calm, A one act, a cappella opera quoting the words of WWI soldiers who defied their commanders and called an impromptu “Christmas Truce” in December 1914.
For this production, Louisville Visual Art has chosen the winter landscapes of Bulgarian-born, Louisville-based painter Valtcho Tonov to exhibit in the KY Opera library.
Tickets:
LVA Holiday Card Deadline
Spread Holiday Cheer with LVA!
This season, celebrate the joy of giving and the power of art with Louisville Visual Art.
Honor a friend, family member, or colleague with a special holiday greeting while supporting Louisville’s vibrant arts community. When you donate $25 or more, you can choose from four beautiful holiday card designs, and we’ll send the card on your behalf to someone you’d like to celebrate.
We’ll personalize your card to let the recipient know your gift was made in their honor—or in honor of someone they love. For example:
A gift was made to LVA in honor of [Dedication Name] by [Donor Name.]
orA gift was made to LVA in memory of [Dedication Name] by [Donor Name.]
We will begin mailing out cards to your recipients December 1 through December 18.
To ensure holiday delivery, please place your order by December 17.
We are deeply grateful for all of our supporters, artists, students, and everyone who is part of the LVA family. Thank you for helping us nurture creativity, inspire learning, and make art a part of life in Louisville.
Share the joy of the season—make your donation and have LVA send a card today!
All is Calm LVA Exhibit @ KY Opera
All is Calm LVA Exhibit @ KY Opera
December 12 - 21, Kentucky Opera presents All is Calm, A one act, a cappella opera quoting the words of WWI soldiers who defied their commanders and called an impromptu “Christmas Truce” in December 1914.
For this production, Louisville Visual Art has chosen the winter landscapes of Bulgarian-born, Louisville-based painter Valtcho Tonov to exhibit in the KY Opera library.
Tickets:
All is Calm LVA Exhibit @ KY Opera
All is Calm LVA Exhibit @ KY Opera
December 12 - 21, Kentucky Opera presents All is Calm, A one act, a cappella opera quoting the words of WWI soldiers who defied their commanders and called an impromptu “Christmas Truce” in December 1914.
For this production, Louisville Visual Art has chosen the winter landscapes of Bulgarian-born, Louisville-based painter Valtcho Tonov to exhibit in the KY Opera library.
Tickets:
All is Calm LVA Exhibit @ KY Opera
December 12 - 21, Kentucky Opera presents All is Calm, A one act, a cappella opera quoting the words of WWI soldiers who defied their commanders and called an impromptu “Christmas Truce” in December 1914.
For this production, Louisville Visual Art has chosen the winter landscapes of Bulgarian-born, Louisville-based painter Valtcho Tonov to exhibit in the KY Opera library.
Tickets:
AB30 Panel Discussion
AB30 Artist Panel Discussion December 6th, 1pm-2:30pm
Panel discussion participating artists: John Begley, Laurie Doctor, Joyce Garner, Bette Levy, & Peter Morrin.
Artwork on display through January 22, 2025
Artists' Breakfast Group Louisville is a group born out of a need to build community. Meeting each Thursday morning at a succession of locally-owned eateries, they break bread and discuss art and creativity, sharing professional information with other artists in Kentucky. This year, the group celebrates a 30-year anniversary with an exhibit featuring 39 current members in an exhibition at Louisville Visual Art: AB30.
Artist Talk with LVA
Irene Mudd, Jessie White, & Amber Estes Theinemann discuss their exhibit at ArtPortal, Solostagia, on Artists Talk with LVA this Thursday on WXOX 97.1 FM at 10 am.
Open Studio Weekend
OPEN STUDIO WEEKEND
November 15 & 16, 2025. 12-5pm
The Official Self-Guided Tour . 60+ artist’s studios, map, artist directory & MORE!
Open Studio Juried Exhibit
Hite’s Cressman Center of Visual Arts Presents
OPEN STUDIO WEEKEND Juried Exhibit
Open Studio Weekend Exhibition at the Cressman Center for Visual Art
OSW Opening Reception: Friday, November 14, 5-7pm
The Hite's Cressman Center Gallery hosts the annual Open Studio Juried Exhibition.
Artists in the Juried Exhibition are selected by a jury panel who carefully consider applications from artists participating in Open Studio Weekend.
Brochures outlining the artists and the studio locations will be available for free during the event.
Participating artists include: Aaron Raymer, Aberlyn Sweetland May, Ann Klem, Drew Scanlon, Jackson Taylor, Jeanne Jesse, Julia Coash, Kristine Moss, Lalana Fedorschak, Marcia Holloway Ross, Matt Eggsware, Mike McCarthy, Nahla Muhammad, Richard Sullivan, Robyn Gibson, Shawn Marshall, Skylar Smith, Suyon Son, Caroline Waite and William Kolok
Artist' Breakfast 30 Exhibition
AB30 Opening Reception: November 8th, 10am-12pm
Breakfast bites, music & Bloody Mary bar available!
On display November 8 - January 22, 2025
Upcoming panel discussion dates 12/6 and 1/17 from 1-2:30pm
Artists' Breakfast Group Louisville is a group born out of a need to build community. Meeting each Thursday morning at a succession of locally-owned eateries, they break bread and discuss art and creativity, sharing professional information with other artists in Kentucky. This year, the group celebrates a 30-year anniversary with an exhibit featuring 39 current members in an exhibition at Louisville Visual Art: AB30.
Join us November 8 at 10am for the opening reception.
Artists Included: Elmer Lucille Allen, Ann Stewart Anderson, Keith Auerbach, Waller Austin, John Begley, Portia Brown, Dave Caudill, Gayle Cerlan, Katherine Corcoran, Laurie Doctor, Caron Maas Fausel, Joyce Garner, Susan Gorsen, Vallorie Henderson, Philip High,Anne Huntington, Mary Dennis Kannapel, Shohei Katayama, Keith Kleespies, Ann Klem, Marti Kuehn, Bette Levy, John McCarthy, Barb McDevitt, Nancy Moore, Peter Morrin, Art Orr, Jacque Parsley, Barbara Pence, Tom Pfannerstill, C.J. Pressma, Catherine Rubin, Debbie Shannon, Suzanne Sidebottom, Chuck Swanson, Gretchen Treitz, Caroline Waite, Joe Wolek, and Suzi Zimmerer
Free & open to the public but please RSVP
Open Studio Artist Preview & Panel
Open Studio Weekend is self-guided studio tour invites the public to visit dozens of visual artists' workspaces throughout Louisville. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and meet the artists!
BEFORE you explore the vibrant art scene in Louisville, join us at PORTAL. Louisville Visual Art will be hosting an Open Studio Weekend PREVIEW & ARTIST PANEL event on Thursday, November 6, from 6 - 8 pm. Visitors will have the chance to preview the Open Studio Tour by watching a Q&A with Open Studio artists in the event space hosted by Keith Waits at 6:30pm.
Artists participating in the OSW Preview & Panel: Rita Cameron
Robyn Gibson, Samantha Griffin, J.W. May, Dru Pilmer and Richard Sullivan
PORTAL provides a full service bar.
PORTAL: 1535 Lytle St, Louisville, KY 40203
Brochures outlining the artists and the studio locations will be available for free during the event.
Adult Figure Drawing
Fall Sessions
Classes meet at Art Sanctuary at 1433 S Shelby St, Louisville, Kentucky 40217. Class size is limited.
Free parking on Lydia and McHenry Streets. Enter from the entrance on McHenry Street for this class.
First Six Week Session September 8 - October 13, Mondays, 6:00-8:30 pm - $160.00
Second Six Week Session October 20 - November 24, Mondays, 6:00-8:30 pm - $160.00
A map of the location can be found here. SCROLL DOWN to REGISTER.
$160 for one six-week session. If you are a member of LVA or a Resident Artist at Art Sanctuary please use the promotional code MEMBERDRAW at checkout for a $30 discount. If you are not a member but would like to be please click here.
Class Description:
This basic life drawing class taught by Claudia Hammer provides the perfect opportunity to enhance your skills when drawing from life. Seeing and understanding what you see is the foundation for all art. Starting with quick sketches and working on longer poses, each student will be taught at their skill level. Cost includes instruction and model.
If you are a high school student who wishes to attend this class please contact Keith Waits: keith@louisvillevisualart.org.