April at the Art Center
Spring is here and creativity is in full bloom at the Art Center in April! Find a complete list of programs HERE
Dragon Fire Celebration
April will mark the inaugural firing of a fully restored anagama kiln and we are ready to celebrate! Join us on Sunday, April 12 from 2-4 pm at the kiln site (3125 Chrisman Lane, Danville) for a Dragon Fire Celebration!
The anagama kiln was built in 1993, settled into a sloping hillside in rural Danville on land once owned by Dr. Mack Jackson. Constructed by Jackson with renowned glass artist Stephen Rolfe Powell and his Centre College ceramics students, it was fired regularly until 2005, when Jackson passed away. Since that time, the kiln has remained unused.
Local potter and Art Center board member Jonas Hurley has worked to refurbish the kiln, beginning in the late summer of 2025. Working with a dedicated team of corporate sponsors and volunteers throughout the fall and winter, the kiln is ready to fire for the first time in decades, beginning on April 12. You are invited to come and take a look!
Built modeling an ancient Japanese design, the kiln has undergone extensive renovations, with complete reconstruction of its firebox and chimney, and added insulation to the catenary arch. It will be filled with hundreds of pots and fired around-the-clock for six to seven days before reaching a final temperature of approximately 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit. Teams of volunteers will keep the fires burning throughout the firing period.
Materials and labor were generously donated by Sellers Manufacturing, Corning Inc., Doss and Horky Inc., electrician Zack Burton, Kenneth Littrell of Arlington Tree Service, and Scott Brady of Reimagine Millworks. A special thanks to Chris Smith for sharing his masonry expertise.
Family Day!
Saturday, April 25
1-5 pm
Family Day is a time for the community to come and see what we have in store at Art Center of the Bluegrass!
Games, crafts, and hands-on art-making. Free fun for the whole family!
Tour the campus, meet the staff, play and explore in our Ceramic Studio, craft and create in our Art Lab Classroom, and enjoy the afternoon at the Art Center! FREE!
Summer Art Camps
We are busy making plans for the 2026 Art Exploration Summer Camps here at the Art Center, and we need YOUR help!
Volunteer – We are seeking volunteers to support our Art Exploration Summer Camps this summer! Help instructors in our classroom, welcome families and check campers in, help reset the classroom between camps, and help with lunchtime.
For more information, contact us at admin@artcenterky.org, call us at 859-236-4054, or fill out a Volunteer Application.
Donations – Check out our Summer Camp Wish List on Amazon! There you will find a list of art supplies needed to make our summer camp program a success. Your order will ship directly to the Art Center and have a direct impact!
Ballroom progress
Progress is moving along on the third-floor ballroom at 409 W. Main Street. Renovations should be complete by mid-April!
The room is prepped and ready for the installation of audio/visual equipment and custom tin ceiling tiles.
Stay tuned for more information on how to book your parties and events in this gorgeous space soon!
We want to hear from you!
Testimonials are a great way to engage the public and let them know why people are drawn to the Art Center’s classes, free programs, and events. It’s a great way to communicate with the public about why people choose to sponsor or donate to the Art Center, too.
If you are comfortable with sharing your testimonial with the public about why you support the Art Center, what you gain from our classes, exhibits, and free community events, please share with us! And thank you for your support!
Respond to our survey HERE.