November at Art Center of the Bluegrass : Art Center of the Bluegrass

November brings the holidays and time with family and friends. Here’s what we have in store for you at Art Center of the Bluegrass!

Almost There!

We have until the end of the year, which is quickly approaching, to match a gift of $600,000! Art Center of the Bluegrass has been offered a very generous gift from an anonymous donor but we have to match the donation dollar-for-dollar. We have already raised $500,000 toward that matching goal! Thank you so much to everyone who has made this possible!

We are in the home stretch! We must raise $100,000 by Dec. 31, 2024, to reach the goal. No amount is too small, so please consider a donation today!

Laura Elwyn named Executive Director

Laura Elwyn

Laura Elwyn was named executive director of Art Center of the Bluegrass in late October. She was selected by the board of directors after a nationwide search to fill the role. Elwyn had been serving as acting director since mid-June. She has been with the Art Center since January 2023 as associate director.

“We know the Art Center will flourish with Laura as the permanent director and with the team we have in place to support her in her new role,” said board chair Mary Conley. “As interim director, Laura has grown exponentially and proven her abilities to carry out our mission to connect all people to art, culture, and creativity.”

Adding to our Team

Sarabeth Graham has joined the Art Center team in the role of Development and Fundraising Director. Sarabeth is a Danville native and returns to the Art Center after obtaining her master’s degree in arts administration from the University of Kentucky.

Sarabeth’s journey in the arts began with a year-long fellowship at the Art Center, which ignited her passion for arts management. Now, she’s eager to share her enthusiasm for the organization with the Danville community in this role. Welcome, Sarabeth!

One Year Anniversary

GLASS National Art Museum opened on Nov. 4, 2023, and has drawn more than 17,000 visitors in our first year. We have welcomed guests from throughout Kentucky and beyond. Local visitors often return with family and friends visiting from out of state, and our list of international visitors is growing. People from Canada, France, England, Australia, Switzerland, Japan, and Germany have made the GLASS National Art Museum a destination.

GLASS National Art Museum is home to the museum collection of internationally recognized glass artist Stephen Rolfe Powell. Powell spent his teaching career at Centre College and called Danville his home for more than 30 years. Art Center of the Bluegrass is proud to feature this artist and his work here in Danville.

Throughout November, follow GLASS National Art Museum on Facebook and Instagram for a month of entertaining and informative content about Powell, the museum, and the American Glass Movement. Follow us here.

Celebrating Our Artists

Artist Terrell Atwood

We continue with a series of profiles spotlighting our Art Center studio artists. We have six studio artists who have open studios here at the Art Center, where they create and display their work. This month we spotlight painter Terrell Atwood. Terrell has her studio overlooking Main Street where she paints nearly every day. Learn more about Terrell Atwood here.

Expect the Unexpected

Artist Lynda Ross will exhibit her work in a show titled “Expect the Unexpected” in our Main Street Gallery from Nov. 9 – Dec. 28 with a reception from 5-6 p.m. on Nov. 14.

By Lynda Ross

Lynda Ross is a Danville resident who is originally from Rhode Island. She is active in the Art Center community, serving on our board of directors. Her oil paintings feature a wide variety of subjects and reflect her enjoyment in creating, and her desire to engage and often amuse the viewer. “I believe that the creative spark lives in everyone but that it will thrive if encouraged,” she said.

Lynda is a member and past facilitator of Gathering Artists, a collaboration of local and regional artists founded in 1995. This group inspired many of the paintings in the exhibit. The Gathering Artists provide camaraderie, knowledge, and, best of all, encouragement. This exhibit is dedicated to them with gratitude.

Gallery Hop – Join us at the Art Center during downtown Danville’s Gallery Hop on Thursday, November 14. Visit our Studio Artists as they welcome guests to see their workspaces. Also, visit our two galleries for some excellent exhibits. In our Museum Gallery be sure to see Contemporary Prints: Picasso to Lichtenstein. In our Main Street Gallery, you can attend a reception for Lynda Ross’s exhibit from 5-6 p.m.

To coincide with Gallery Hop we have Kids Night Out. Drop the kids off at the Art Center for a Glow Paint Party from 5-7:30 p.m. For more information or to register visit our registration page here.

Classes and Workshops

Art Center of the Bluegrass has a full calendar of events planned for November.

Bob Ross Painting Class

Learn to paint no matter your skill level in our Bob Ross Painting Class. Learn from a certified Bob Ross instructor how to create the iconic landscapes made famous by this television artist. All materials are provided in this class, which will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, November 16. For more information or to register visit our registration page here.

Starry Night Studios is back for an evening of hand-building with clay. Shape Your Season: Hand-Built Plates for the Holidays is from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, November 8. For more information or to register visit our registration page here.

Mosaic platters at Art Center of the Bluegrass in Danville, Kentucky

Mosaic serving dishes

Lunch with the Arts returns for the 2024-2025 season on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at noon. Join us in Murrini Café for an hour of discussion with Art Center staff.

Create a beautiful serving dish at our Mosaics & Mimosas Workshop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 23. This workshop is led by Kate Snyder of Plaid Elephant Books and Willaray Art. Register here.

Cooking Up Something Good

We have culinary classes to get you ready to host Thanksgiving like a pro!

Thanksgiving Kitchen Skills – Tips & tricks in time for the holiday from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, November 12.

Pie Make & Take – Learn to make a pie from scratch from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 23.

Thanksgiving Charcuterie Workshop – Learn to build a beautiful platter and take your holiday snacking to the next level from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 26.

For more information or to register visit our registration page here.

Tea Service at Murrini Café.

Traditional Teas – Gather up your besties and book your reservations for a Friendsgiving Tea at Murrini Café. We will host two sessions, one from 7-8:30 p.m. on Friday, November 15, and the other from 2-3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19. For more information or to register visit our registration page here.

Book a private party today – As the holidays are approaching, keep us in mind for parties and events! We can host private parties for adults and kids that include creative projects, and we can provide an elegant space for a catered get-together in Murrini Café. For more information or to book your holiday party with us, call 859-236-4054.

Located at 401 and 409 West Main Street in Danville, Kentucky, the Art Center of the Bluegrass connects people to art, culture, and creativity. Bringing 30,000 people through the doors each year for the GLASS National Art Museum, art exhibits, classes, workshops, retail space, café, events, community gatherings, cultural conversations, and ceramics studio, the Art Center of the Bluegrass is reimagining what an art center can be.