The Louisville Assembly of Vanguard Art was more than the LAVA House
building that was destroyed by fire a week ago in the Shelby Park area.
LAVA – the house – was both a studio and
residential center for young and young-thinking artists. LAVA – the
people – have been and, doubtless, will continue to be a dynamic part
of why the Louisville art scene has developed in such a richly layered
way. It is an art scene powered from the bottom up, by artists, as well
as from the top down, in the traditional hierarchy of museum and
gallery authorities.
A lot of the spirit and
energy that formed LAVA in 2001 and kept it going through many a change
is found in the extensive and clear-headed response to the fire and the
death of the resident night watchman and another resident's dog. Five
benefits for the nine artists who lost everything they owned that night
were organized and listed on the LAVA Web site (www.thelavahouse.org) within three days.
The Web site also gives specific art tool needs, clothing sizes, how to
donate money and even has a few of the artists registering at Target
for replacement needs. Money donations are being matched by
Architectural Glass Art and Glassworks.
Let's hope that LAVA just keeps on going,
keeps on being a place where the past and future meet. One of the
founding artists, Aron Conaway, said after the fire that "that's the
way it's looking. We're definitely going to forge ahead. We are just
going to try to move forward."
For more information on LAVA and how to help, call (502) 758-8338.
Inspired painting
Were Edouard Manet alive, he no doubt would be
flattered. Louisville painter Don Burchett has a charming story about
why one of his paintings that now hangs at the Corner Cafe restaurant
in Lyndon looks a lot like a Manet.
Inspiration for artists lies everywhere, of
course. Although Burchett said he has been indulging in a weekly
martini "every Friday evening after a day of painting" for a long time,
it was one Friday in particular that stirred the muse. Or, it was the
square neckline on barkeeper Kim Buckner, to be precise. Burchett
recalled that he said, "Hey, your square neckline reminds me of a Manet
painting, 'Bar at the Folies-Bergere.' "
Forthwith, Burchett did what he calls "a
parody" of the Manet image of a barmaid and her patrons. The central
figure in the parody is Buckner.
But the "patrons" -- a gentleman in a top
hat and a woman in the mirror -- are actually Corner Cafe owners Rob
and Marjorie Fredrick. The 19-year-old restaurant at New La Grange and
Whipps Mill roads has a long-standing policy to display work by
artists, including Burchett.
Water world
Feb. 25 is the deadline for proposals for a
fountain competition for a courtyard at the Mellwood Arts and
Entertainment Center, 1860 Mellwood Ave. The purchase award is $3,500.
For information, visit www.mellwoodartcenter.com or call (502) 895-3650.
Regional events
Lexington:- The annual Arts Showcase Weekend on Saturday
and next Sunday runs true to form with dozens of cultural events from a
public collaborative "citizensCREATE!" to concerts, dance, Lincoln-era
music, "Arts of India" at the University of Kentucky Art Museum and "QX.net Nude International 2008" at the Lexington Art League.
Organized by LexArts, all events are in or near downtown Lexington. For a listing of the free events, visit www.lexarts.org or call LexArts at (859) 255-2951.
Regional openings
Wednesday: "Terrain," a new site-specific sound
installation by Julianne Swartz. Indianapolis Museum of Art entry
pavilion, 4000 Michigan Road. Reception: 5:30 p.m. with 6:30 p.m.
artist talk Wednesday. Ends mid-July. Information, (317) 923-1331 or www.imamuseum.org .
Saturday: "Selections from the LeWitt Collection,"
100 artworks acquired by Sol LeWitt and Carol Androccio from 1960 to
the present. Cincinnati Art Museum, Eden Park. Ends May 4. (513)
721-2787.
Don Burchett's "Bar at the
Corner Café" parodies Edouard Manet's "Bar at the Folies-Bergere." The
barkeeper is Kim Buckner of the Corner Café, where the painting hangs.
Also in the painting are Café owners Rob and Marjorie Fredrick.
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