Loading...Louisville’s Lucent Dreams Photography, Sandie Griffin and Kim Torres along with co-curators Kelly & Andy Cook are helping to bring art, faith and the environment together by hosting a benefit group art exhibit for healthy waterways and communities Friday, December 9. The group show, part of an ongoing quarterly art exhibit, will be held at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Louisville.
Since 1993, Kentucky Waterways Alliance has worked statewide to protect and restore Kentucky’s waterways. Their work for clean water has resulted in stronger regulations for over 90 percent of Kentucky’s rivers, lakes, and streams. KWA started out with an office in Greensburg, KY, and has for the last four years made their home in the Bakery Square Building, located in Butchertown.
“We’ve been amazed each year by how generous the community of Louisville is when it comes to supporting our programs and mission,” said Judy Petersen, KWA executive director. “From the sponsorship support we’ve seen year after year for our annual Wild & Scenic film festival to the long-term partnerships we’ve made to form the Beargrass Creek Alliance to the generosity of people like Kim and Sandie, we are grateful to all those who help us sustain this important work.”
St. Andrews Episcopal Church, the other beneficiary and host of the event, is committed to the service of others in the Highlands neighborhood, greater Louisville and around the world. Since their establishment almost 155 years ago, they have expanded their reach beyond just the congregation, reaching out to the community when needs arise.
"The St. Andrews' community fund is very personal to me. It is a fund that our priest and deacon can use at their personal discretion to help those in need and about a year and half ago, I had an injury that caused me to miss over two months of work. We had no savings and no way to pay our bills,” said Kim Torres. “Father Ben and Mary Jane Cherry used that fund to help us pay rent and other essentials. It was already a stressful enough time, without them I don't know what we would have done. Sandie and I are constantly looking for ways to give back to St. Andrews.”
The partnership between Lucent Dreams, KWA, and St. Andrews happened naturally growing from a relationship that Kim and Sandie formed with KWA membership coordinator, Kelly Cook and her husband Andy, both artists and art curators in Louisville. The Cooks met Sandie and Kim at one of their art exhibits, and were so impressed with Lucent Dreams Photography they asked them to do a solo show and have been partnering with them on various art projects ever since.
“When Kim and Sandie approached me about co-curating at St. Andrews, I was very grateful and excited because it seemed like the perfect opportunity to do a 'water' theme combining our passion for art, faith and the environment,” said Kelly Cook. Kelly and Andy curate ongoing art exhibits at The Bodega, Bearno’s by the Bridge, and The Monkey Wrench.
The Cooks will be donating their 15% commission fee to Kentucky Waterways Alliance and Kim & Sandie will be donating their 15% commission fee to St. Andrews. That means that 30% of all paintings sold that night will go towards charity and all artists will get their regular commission.
A cover fee of only $5 will include appetizers, wine tastings by Elk Creek Vineyards, the chance to bid on great gifts including three beautiful nature photographs donated by Kim and Sandie in a silent auction, and a musical performance by local band Son of the Widow comprised of Kelly and Andy Cook and Ray Wegimont. All proceeds from the door will be donated to KWA and St. Andrews. So, come on out and support local art, artists, and the environment! Thanks to Highland Meadows Bakery, Red Hot Roasters, and Rooibee Red Tea for their in-kind donations of food and drink.
The event will start at 6 and music begins at 8. The silent auction will be over at 10 when the highest bidders will be announced. The auction will be the perfect opportunity to purchase that special holiday gift for your friend or loved one while giving back to two really great causes.
Artists exhibiting include:
Amanda Baker
Sacha Bernard
Jen Burks
Pris Chandler
Andy Cook
Kelly Cook
Aron Conaway
Alida Cornelius
Jeremy Dixon
Leslie Doyle
Tom Edwards
Linda Erzinger
Paula Ferree
Erin Fitzgerald
Angie Reed Garner
Jae Grady
Sandie Griffin
Scott Hile
Eli Jeter
Dede Jones
Alexander King
Joe Larson
Jada Lynn
Carol Mcleod
Kelly McCarthy
Scott McCrory
Bess McLaughlin
Jenn Mitchell
Lisa Oechsli
Kenn Parks
Glenna Pfeiffer
Susan Rauh
Jenna Torres Salins
Kait Whistler Seyal
Jamie Lynn Smith
Keith Stone
Kim Torres
Christopher Wilkey
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About Kentucky Waterways Alliance: Since 1993, Kentucky Waterways Alliance has worked statewide to protect and restore Kentucky’s waterways. Their work for clean water has resulted in stronger regulations for over 90 percent of Kentucky’s rivers, lakes, and streams. KWA started out with an office in Greensburg, KY, and has for the last four years made their home in the Bakery Square Building located in Butchertown. Visit them at:www.kwalliance.org <//www.kwalliance.org/> .
