January at Art Center of the Bluegrass

Happy New Year! We are kicking off 2025 by filling our calendar with great programs, classes, camps, and workshops to connect you to art, culture, and creativity.

First, we’re excited to announce that we met our fundraising goal thanks to YOUR generous support! Art Center of the Bluegrass was offered the opportunity to receive a donation of $600,000 from an anonymous donor – but we had to meet that with a match. Thanks to so many donors, we were able to do just that.

The gift of $600,000 was given specifically to purchase the remaining pieces in the museum collection of Stephen Rolfe Powell. This assures that his work will be kept in the community he called home and be available for the public to see in our GLASS National Art Museum.

Thank you so much to everyone who gave during the GoodGiving Challenge, held by the Blue Grass Community Foundation in early December. We were able to raise more than $15,000 over the three-day event, which helped push us over the top of our matching goal!

We are also very proud to announce that we are the recipients of a grant from the James Graham Brown Foundation to further the rehabilitation and reuse of the historic building at 409 W. Main Street. Built between 1901 and 1907, we are striving to make it an integral part of the downtown landscape and the wider arts community. 

As a nonprofit art center, everything we do is thanks to the generosity of our community, so thank you!

Art Therapist Danielle Creamer.

We are kicking off the new year with exciting news! We will be providing Art Therapy sessions for adults and teens. Led by licensed art therapist Danielle Creamer, these group sessions are just $15 to attend. Danielle has worked with individuals who found resilience through chronic illness, trauma, physical disabilities, neurodivergence, and mental health conditions.

The theme for adult sessions will be Self-Compassion: A Journey to a Kinder and Connected Self. The artwork will be organized into three groupings from January to June. In January and February, the sessions will focus on self-kindness. March and April will be dedicated to common humanity. The final two months of the series will hone in on mindfulness.

Adult sessions will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month beginning January 9. No prior art skills are required, and materials will be provided. Register HERE.

Sessions for neurodivergent teens ages 12-17 will be held from 1-3 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month, beginning on January 25. These sessions are also just $15 to attend. Register HERE.

We are able to offer low-cost art therapy sessions thanks to a grant from WHAS Crusade for Children. 

Art Center of the Bluegrass, GLASS National Art Museum, and Fern Curated Gifts are now open on Mondays! Our new winter hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Murrini Café is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Looking to learn a new skill this winter? We have a Beginning/Intermediate Pottery Class coming up in January. The six-week course runs from Jan. 21 through Feb. 25 and offers new and continuing students an opportunity to create with clay and learn to throw on the wheel. Register HERE.

Silent Reading Party at Murrini Café.

Grab a book and join us for a Silent Reading Party on Friday, Jan. 17 at Murrini Café. We are partnering with Plaid Elephant Books to invite you to relax and enjoy a warm drink in the ambiance of the café, where you can indulge in peaceful solitude with fellow book lovers. Register HERE.

Certified Bob Ross instructor Shane Morrow will return on Saturday, Jan. 18 for another Bob Ross Painting Class! Just bring your enthusiasm and let your creativity shine. All materials are provided—so come ready to relax, unwind, and craft a joyful winter scene filled with snow and happy little moments. Register HERE. 

Murrini Café is offering a 10% discount for people who work downtown, in education or healthcare, and first responders. Join us for Main Street Mondays, Teachers Tuesdays, White Coat Wednesdays, and First Responders Fridays! Pay it forward on Thankful Thursdays with 10% off a meal for someone else. Centre College students get 10% off every day! Call us with your to-go orders at 859-972-7121.

Don’t let the winter doldrums get you down – come visit us at the Art Center!