May 30 - June 29, 2019

     Enchanting troupes of fantastical beings dance within colorfully surreal worlds. “My Thoughts on Everything” is a solo show of over 20 drawings by nationally renowned artist, Bob Lockhart. This new body of work highlights the artist's unique perspective of our current times, through his own symbolism and creative lens. Not only are these drawings visually spectacular, they challenge the viewer with tounge-in-cheek humor, pop culture references, satirical word play, and surreal introspection.

     While it's been nearly a decade since Bob Lockhart retired from teaching at Bellarmine University, he's as prolific as ever. This collection of new drawings marks a turning point in Lockhart's work with increased political commentary. His drawings spark joy through imaginative dreamscapes of vivid hues and layered texture, while also challenging the viewer with controversial statements. Through his own distinct voice, Lockhart taps into a universal psyche of our current era. As a cathartic way to cope with and make sense of the world today, the artist incorporates references to pop culture, such as phrases overheard from the news. Within the context of his whimsical characters, such statements are laced with satirical humor. Various phrases can be found written around the perimeter, weaving in and out of the background, surrounded by speech bubbles, or adorning picket signs. “My Thoughts on Everything” is sure to delight viewers while demonstrating the artist's important role of holding a mirror to the world around them.

     As the grand finale for Kaviar Gallery, we are pleased our final exhibition celebrates this incredibly talented artist. After the close of this exhibition, Kaviar Gallery will transition from a fine art exhibition space to a by-appointment-only showroom for the artistic metalwork of Craig Kaviar. We are grateful and take great pride in the work we've accomplished over the last 15 years with hundreds of wonderful local, regional, and national artists.

- Kayla Bischoff, Gallery Manager

February 22 - April 6, 2019

      Words have intertwined with visual artwork for millennia. In the latter half of the 20th century, artists began using text as the primary pictorial component of their work. This group show highlights work by 26  artists from 8 states exploring written language in their visual art practice. 

      Text-based art can be categorized into two groups. The first group includes words alongside representational imagery to narrate or re-contextualize the subject. Bob Allen juxtaposes text and retro imagery of business men smoking in his mixed media collage, “Zero, Jack, Dick.” This piece utilizes dark humor and wordplay to comment on the predatory advertising of a bygone era. Jenny E. Balisle repurposed a standard braille sign and the words of our current President into a feminist battle cry, “Fire & Fury.” 

​      The second group utilizes text as art object and the primary visual component.  In his acrylic painting, “Fuck You Pick Me #1,” John Bissonette uses written word and irreverent humor to comment on the artists' plight of seeking validation and navigating the often exclusive art world. Megan Kociscak's mixed media text painting, “ Nothing Is Ever Really Black and White,” explores the nuances of truth-seeking in an increasingly complicated world. 

      Image & Word addresses the way we use art and written word to make sense of the world around us, both past and present. Through the eyes of this talented group of artists, we invite you to join us as we celebrate this thought-provoking and timely exhibition. 

​- Kayla Bischoff, Gallery Manager

November 30, 2018 - January 19, 2019

       Feminist art seeks to abolish stereotypes, influence societal standards, and incite change toward equality. Kaviar Gallery is hosting an invitational show of artwork celebrating recipients of the Kentucky Foundation for Women Artist Enrichment Grants. The Artist Enrichment grant provides opportunities for feminist artists and arts organizations to further their artistic development to create art for positive social change. “Feminist Expressions” features 17 artists from throughout Kentucky working in a variety of media.

       An early champion for feminist art, Lucy R. Lippard stated in 1980: feminist art is “neither a style nor a movement but instead a value system, a revolutionary strategy, a way of life." In keeping with that sentiment, “Feminist Expressions” offers a wide variety of artwork that is playful, political, celebratory, reverent, irreverent, inspiring, satirical, and challenging. 

       Historically, some feminist artists embraced materials connected to the idea of “women's work,” and transformed the way we view these art forms through conceptually-charged art. Jennifer Hart is doing just that through her series of quilted works, “Black & White #3” and “Black & White #5.” In response to pornography, Hart seeks to re-humanize the dehumanized nude female body. Lori Larusso explores traditional domestic practice and everyday activism; Her whimsical painting, “Eating Animals: Green Grapes Porcupine,” addresses our society's disconnect with the origins of our food and animal abuse.

- Kayla Bischoff, Gallery Manager

August 31 - October 13, 2018

As summer comes to an end each year, we savor the beauty of letting go through the symbolic dropping of Autumn leaves. Kaviar Gallery is hosting a juried group exhibition of artwork celebrating the upcoming season through a variety of media and subject matter. “Fall of the Leaf” features 25 artists from 3 states.

We feel the arrival of fall in the shorter days and cooler temperatures, though the visual cues are most evident in the brilliant hues of changing foliage. Fran Redmon captures this transitional sight through her pastel drawing, “Scattered Gold.” Redmon places the viewer at bug's eye view among the fallen orange leaves, greatly contrasting with the lingering green flora. Bill Whorrall reminds us of the seasonal journey of local birds in his acrylic painting, “Migration.” Whorrall depicts a flock of geese taking to the sky, and soaring over the vermilion canopy below. The reaping of nature's harvest is featured in Elizabeth Clare Taylor's drawing, “Demi-Gourd-gon.” Taylor also highlights the festive treats of Halloween in her drawing, “Candy Corn.” Tomas Howie turns his lens to a ground blanketed in crumpled brown leaves, beautifully juxtaposed with two black-eyed Susans. Howie's photograph, “All Saints Day” pays homage to the solemnity of the season. Autumn is nature's last hurrah before the dormancy of winter. We celebrate the season of bounty, change, and somber beauty.

- Kayla Bischoff, Gallery Manager

March 17 - April 28, 2018

The Kentucky Watercolor Society is proud to announce the opening of their annual exhibition, AquaVenture 2018: A Water-based Media Show. Kaviar Forge & Gallery is thrilled to host this Juried Group Show, which was open to artists working in watercolor, acrylic, or gouache. The Kentucky Watercolor Society was founded in 1977 to promote the art of watercolor painting in Kentucky. 

​

The 23 artists in this juried exhibition are from all around Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia. The following artists are Kentucky Watercolor Society “Signature Artists”, in that they have been accepted to the Kentucky Watercolor Society national show (Aqueous), 3 times or more:  Susan Christensen, George Gow, Luci Mistratov, Sue Hinkebein, Rita Montrosse, Thomas Powell II, and Judy Mudd. In addition to the array of established artists, we are pleased to exhibit emerging artists as well. Such as Judy Mudd student, Stan Sternberg, who says this will be his first exhibition.

​

The juror for acceptance and awards was sculptor/blacksmith Craig Kaviar, owner of Kaviar Forge & Gallery, where he has juried numerous exhibitions. Located on the same premises as Kaviar Forge in the Clifton neighborhood, the public can see examples of Craig Kaviar’s iron work as well as paintings, ceramics, jewelry, judaica, and other works by over 100 professional artists.

- Kayla Bischoff, Gallery Manager

January 26 - February 24, 2018

Abstract art encompasses endless opportunities and inspires the imagination of viewers. The practice of this art form manifests itself within a spectrum of representational abstraction and non-objectivity. Tangible objects are visually broken down to their essential shapes in representational abstraction. Design aesthetics, compositions and sometimes pure emotion become subject in non-objective, or non-representational abstraction. In celebration of this pervasive art form, Kaviar Gallery is hosting a juried exhibition, “Abstract in Kentucky” highlighting various forms of abstract art. This show features 24 artists living and working throughout the state of Kentucky.

​

A variety of diverse media are present in this exhibition, including: acrylic, oil, watercolor, drawing, encaustic, metalwork, printmaking, fiber, wood, stone, photography, mixed media, and digital art. Abstraction is captured amid the beauty of shadows in Ku Hone’s black and white photograph, “Lines in Decay.” Hand dyed and hand painted felted wool provides a delightful visual and tactile quality in Sylvia Brestel’s fiber wall hanging, “Sky and Water.” John Begley explores painterly abstraction through a digital means in his work, “Abstraction, Figuration, and Appropriation.” Begley states, “Abstraction seems to be making a comeback. All kinds, hard edge, color field, action painting, op, expressionism. The starting points seem to begin everywhere. It’s also unapologetic, backward looking, re-historical, a scrutinizing of past styles in light of new contexts.”

- Kayla Bischoff, Gallery Manager

October 27 - December 30, 2017

Artists in Our Midst celebrates the diverse artistic heritage of Louisville and surrounding area. The visual arts are deeply ingrained in our city and culture. Observing 26 emerging and established local artists, this show is just a glimpse into the vibrancy of our homegrown talent!

Whimsically imaginative characters frolic amongst a colorful composition in the Neo-color drawings of Bob Lockhart. Ann Stewart Anderson celebrates elegance and aging gracefully in her paper mosaic portrait series, “WOW: Wonderful Old Women.” Julia Davis is exhibiting her larger than life oil painting, “Remember Her;” Davis challenges the traditional still-life by juxtaposing a whimsically graphic flower symbol over a realistic depiction of a dying potted plant. Intricate patterns and textures abound in Amy Chase’s abstract porcelain sculptures, which capture nuances of the human condition. “Island in the Stream” colorfully merges landscape and abstraction in Billy Hertz’s mixed media painting.

​

There is a great range of artistic vision to exemplify the vitality of the Louisville-area art scene. Works in this exhibition greatly vary in subject matter and media, including: ceramic, collage, painting, drawing, photography, glass, and mixed media. John Brooks explores mixed media techniques in his gouache on found magazine piece, “Into Blue.” Text and semiotics take center stage in KCJ Szwedzinski’s conceptual mixed media sculptures comprised of acrylic, wax thread, and ink.

- Kayla Bischoff, Gallery Manager

August 25 - October 7, 2017

     Words have intertwined with visual artwork for millennia. In the latter half of the 20th century, artists began using text as the primary pictorial component of their work. Image & Word highlights work by 20 artists from 6 states exploring written language in their visual art practice.

​

     Text-based art can be categorized into two groups. The first group includes words alongside representational imagery to narrate or recontextualize the subject. Cheryl Kinderknecht’s mixed media painting, “Mimsy Crashed Her Bike,” places text alongside a mangled bicycle, allowing the viewer to place the imagery within a greater narrative context. Words have the ability to draw a viewer in, allowing one to see phrases in a new way. “Get Lost” is often an impolite way of telling someone to leave, but Raul Barquet interjects this phrase within a globe formed of repurposed road maps. This pairing creates wordplay, taking on a more positive message of encouraging wanderlust.

     The second group utilizes text as art object and the primary visual component. Abstracted bubble letters take center stage in Erin Hoffman’s glass work, “Verbose.” Karen Warwick utilizes text as subject in her contemplative acrylic painting, “Superseding Ego.” Elizabeth Clare Taylor highlights seemingly mundane Post-It-Notes in her colorful acrylic painting, “Stacked Realities #1.”

- Kayla Bischoff, Gallery Manager

May 26 - July 29, 2017

     Medicine and its practitioners have worked to improve the lives of people for millennia. Since the advent of medicine, there have also been visual artists to document procedures, illustrate manuals, and create works exploring the emotional aspects of the field. Kaviar Gallery is providing a showcase for visual artists addressing the various components of health and medicine in their work. Through “Donate without Loss” we hope to raise awareness for blood/bone marrow stem cell donation, and the fact that it’s no longer an invasive procedure in over 90% of cases. There is a critical need for donors; the average person currently only has a 60% chance of finding a match. For non-Caucasian ethnicities, the chance of a match falls to only 20%.

     This juried group exhibition showcases artworks featuring the various components of health and medicine. This may include but is not limited to works addressing medical science, medical equipment, anatomy, cellular structure, health personnel, patients, healing, & wellness. Allie Jensen is exhibiting an anatomical painting exploring the inner structures of a human heart in “Heart No. 5.” Shae Goodlett highlights medical equipment in his vibrant screen prints, “Tangle” and “Clip.” Cellular structure is augmented in Luke Seward’s chemigram series titled, “Chance.” While many artists explore the scientific side of the medical field, Connie Vice turns her focus to health personnel and patient care in her painting, “Compassion Knows No Barriers.”

- Kayla Bischoff, Gallery Manager

March 31 – April 29, 2017

     Encouraging young artists is an investment in a future rich in culture. Through this show we hope to embolden the next generation of our budding Kentucky artists to continue and pursue their artistic practice. “The Next Generation" is a juried group show presenting artworks by student artists currently enrolled in Kentucky colleges or high schools in the following counties: Jefferson, Fayette, Jessamine, Warren, Taylor, Campbell, Oldham, and Marion.

​

     Artistic media and concepts vary greatly in this show consisting of 26 artists from 14 Kentucky schools. The works in “The Next Generation” include painting, sculpture, book arts, embroidery, encaustic, photography, graphite, watercolor, assemblage, ink, pastel, ceramic, monoprint, and mixed media. Performing artists dance joyfully in Daryna Pohorilets’ ink drawing, “Masked.” Burned pages and intricate folds emerge from an open book sculpture in Mary Kathryn Helm’s “Escaping the Page.” A portrait rendered in shades of blue is the subject of Irene Mudd’s hand-knit fiber work, “Untitled.” Mudd explores women’s history through craft traditionally taken up by females; she states, “I am interested in elevating the way in which fiber art and “domestic” crafts are viewed in the art world, and exploring and challenging why these media have been, and continue to be, devalued.”

​

- Kayla Bischoff, Gallery Manager

November 25 - February 2, 2016

     Renderings of the human body have been observed since prehistoric times, and it has continued to inspire artists for centuries. While the subject matter is of the traditional genres in art history, our 4th Biennial Nude Exhibition explores the theme of the nude figure through a contemporary lens. “The Enduring Figure" is a juried group show presenting artworks surrounded around this ever persistent theme. While the subject matter is the nude form, the content of the individual works go beyond skin deep to study the psyche and the human condition.

     Artistic voices and media vary greatly in this show consisting of 25 artists from 8 states. The works in “The Enduring Figure” include painting, photography, charcoal, intaglio, fiber, ceramic, stone, ink, and mixed media. A stylized, elongated figure sits coyly amongst a floral backdrop in Gloria Kemper-O’Neil’s fiber art quilt, “Secret Garden.” The viewer is confronted with the sitter’s self-assured gaze in David B. Johnson’s intaglio print, “Homesteader.” A woman emerges from the base of a tree in Fred DiGiovanni’s playful photographic study of the body in nature, “Nude in Tree.” S. Adrienne Elder’s ink and colored pencil drawing, “Sex Changes” addresses gender identity and anatomy through the depiction of paper doll imagery. Debra Lott portrays the female body in an exaggerated pose to satirize mass media feminine ideals in her oil painting, “The Will Make You Beautiful.”

​

- Kayla Bischoff, Gallery Manager

September 30 - October 29, 2016

     “Printmaking in Kentucky" is a juried group show exploring traditional and contemporary forms of the process. By focusing on Kentucky artists, we seek to celebrate our state’s rich heritage and excellence in the arts. 

     Anthropomorphic rabbits loiter outside a nightclub in Georgina Kleinhelter’s narrative mezzotint. A line of warplanes fly over a vivid abstract backdrop in Jackson Taylor’s lithograph, “Swarm City.” Debbie Shannon creates one of a kind, vibrant surfaces through the use of paper marbling. Printmaking can also be carried out without ink, as seen in Jacqlynn Marie Hamilton’s blind embossing series, “White Rabbit.” Although this exhibition focuses on the art of printmaking, there is much diversity evident in both technique and subject matter among the 18 artists included. Like many means of creating, the process is just as important as the finished work. The processes utilized here include etching, woodcut, collagraph, mezzotint, intaglio, lithograph, blind embossing, monotype, and paper marbling.

     There are even works in the show utilizing printmaking methods juxtaposed with other art forms to create intriguing mixed media works. Amy Chase is exhibiting two abstract ceramic sculptures that incorporate the use of silkscreen. An etched image of a young nestling is printed overtop a cyanotype (an alternative photographic process) in Adrian Rowan’s work, “Nest.” Carole Winters combines hand-written text and found-object assemblage stitched to her engraved print, “Menifee County III.”

- Kayla Bischoff, Gallery Manager

May 19th - August 6th, 2016

     There is a compelling link between the arts and mental illness that has been anecdotally observed for centuries. Does the archetypal tortured artist create despite or because of their affliction? Touched with Fire explores that link in a provocative and exciting way through the visual arts. The works included in this exhibition were created around the theme of mental health, some of which were inspired by personal experiences.

       Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. Partnering with Bridgehaven Mental Health Services, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to this organization. Through this juried group show we hope to educate the public, fight stigma, and raise awareness of recovery services that support those touched by mental illness.

     An abstract, evocative scene plays out in Andrew Murray’s painting, “Scream, Then Set Yourself Free.” A functional piece created within a fine craft tradition boasts a deeper conceptual depth in Alan Mill’s “Press on Regardless;” the wood and ceramic candle set features an accompanying dish displaying powerful words such as “anxiety, fear, and worry.” While many of the works in the show feature an individual or exemplify an autobiographical tone, Kathryn Lipsitz’s encaustic piece “Trois Visages” brings to mind images of brain scans to highlight diagnostic tools and the science of psychology. The title of the show pays homage to the book “Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and Artistic Temperament” by Kay Redfield Jamison.

- Kayla Bischoff, Gallery Manager

October 30 - December 26, 2015

     Artists in Our Midst celebrates the diverse artistic heritage of Louisville and the surrounding areas. The visual arts are deeply ingrained in our city and culture. Observing 36 emerging and established local artists, this show is just a glimpse into the vibrancy of our homegrown talent!

     While this juried exhibition was open to all media and subject matter, many of our Louisville artists have gathered inspiration from the world around them. Renowned Louisville portrait artist and regular exhibitor at Kaviar Gallery, Sharon Matisoff pays homage to one of the city’s most renowned art festivals in her work, “Gig at St. James.” Pastel artist, Barb McDevitt, depicts a lively scene of shoppers amongst a Baxter Avenue boutique in, “Window Shopping”. Plein air painter, Lynn Dunbar, recreates an impressionistic street scene titled “Hancock Street.” Her handling of paint and surface quality brings to mind landscape works of Paul Cézanne. Liz Coomes highlights the performing arts in her oil painting, “Surround Sound,” depicting the Louisville Orchestra. Other artists tapped into the history and pop culture of Louisville. Meg Wicke is exhibiting a tiny ceramic pig titled, “Butchertown Pig.” This is in reference to the historic Louisville neighborhood of Butchertown, which began in the early 1800s. Graphic designer and illustrator, Andy Perez also creates mixed-media collage works; “Colonel Sanders” is Perez’s vibrant Pop Art portrait of the iconic businessman.

​

- Kayla Bischoff, Gallery Manager

September 25 - November 7, 2015

 Exhibition held in conjunction with the Louisville Photo Biennial: Louisville's Premier Photographic Festival

    Arms stretched, a man stands on a cliff’s edge, gazing out at the vast landscape below. The scale of the figure in contrast with the mountainous scene emphasizes just how small we really are. This body of work by Jay Mather not only celebrates the geographic beauty of the American west, but also humans’ relationship with the terrain. As Mather puts it, “everyone who comes to the park is a visitor, if only for a day or a decade. Yosemite is a landscape of life.”

      Jay Mather has a deep love and respect for the environment. He has hiked and climbed while photographing throughout the western United States for projects on Yosemite National Park, the Desert Protection Act in California, the declining health of the Sierra mountain range, and the ongoing drought in the Colorado River Basin. His book, “Yosemite, A Landscape of Life,” was published by the Yosemite Association in 1990 for the centennial celebration of the park. Yosemite National Park celebrates its 125th anniversary this year as a unique geographical place in the world. Towering granite walls, cascading waterfalls, grassy alpine meadows, flora and fauna dominate the landscape. There is also another element that is ever present—the human landscape. It is the beauty of the human experience that Mather believes is equally special.

April 24 - July 11, 2015

     Art rooted in botanical subject matter has been observed from the earliest of civilizations and continues to inspire a magnitude of traditional, transitional, and contemporary artists. This exhibition celebrates the rich artistic tradition and captivation with the natural world. The diverse works of 50 local and national artists reveal themselves in a variety of techniques, mediums, and styles. Fine craftsman, Paul Buhrmester incorporates an oak leaf motif in his intricate gourd pyrography piece, “Fall Entangled.” Luke Seward raises awareness about our positive connections and simultaneous disrespect for the earth through his digital photo composites from the series “Dear Mother.” Featuring the work of Louisville artist and educator, Debra Lott, whose monumental diptych offers a detailed observation of curled leaves in her signature painterly style. New York artist, Rachel Abrams utilizes botanical subject matter in her alternative process photograph. Andrew Kozlowski of Alabama will be showing a relief monoprint comprised of precariously perched plants and various objects atop an impossible structure. Eileen Doughty offers a fiber sculpture made entirely of stitched threads; “Cherry Blossom Tea” is delicately stunning and also quite interesting in that it is a completely non-functional teapot, leading us to view the vessel in a new way.  These artists are just to name a few of the astounding excellence of works culminated through the observation, contemplation, and meditation with nature. A portion of the proceeds benefits Botanica: Louisville Waterfront Gardens.

- Kayla Bischoff, Gallery Manager

October 31 - January 3, 2014

      Abstract art dominated the avant-garde scene in mid-20th century America, and is often associated with being a uniquely American art form. This exhibition celebrates this history as well as Kentucky’s rich tradition of excellence in the arts.  Abstraction is often absent of any realistic representation, yet achieves truth in breaking down reality to the essentials of feeling, memory, sensation, emotion, and symbolic ideas. A whimsical crowd of onlookers rendered in abstract figuration delights the eye in Robert Halliday’s three-dimensional wall hanging, “Intermission.” An energetic, red conglomeration captivates the viewer with its lustrous surface quality in Beverly Glascock’s sculpture comprised of furniture-grade PVC. An artistic interpretation cultivated through the micro-examination of nature presents itself in the abstract, tree-based oil paintings of Claire Pope. Liz Richter incorporates repeating stamps and symbols into her paintings in order to raise questions about gender and social issues, while Tonya Vance uses the medium of wet felted wool with silk to create her intriguing fiber sculptures. From the breadth of diverse local artists, the group show “Abstract in Kentucky” at Kaviar Gallery celebrates the wealth of contemporary abstract art currently being created in Kentucky. Over twenty artists have work appearing in the exhibition, which was open to all media. The wide range in media, technique, and underlying concepts featured in this exhibition provides a glance into the rich art scene within the great state of Kentucky. 

- Kayla Bischoff, Gallery Manager

March 28 - May 31, 2014

      Artists hailing from Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio are assembling for the juried group exhibition “The Figure Revealed” at the Kaviar Forge & Gallery, celebrating the interpretation of perhaps the most provocative, beautiful, and emotional visual subject matter. Participating artists and their artwork seek to achieve a diverse plethora of goals, whether it is to instruct, fascinate, challenge, or seduce the viewer. Both the female and male nudes are expertly addressed in this exhibition.

      Visitors to “The Figure Revealed” will find themselves surrounded by work created by artists possessing heightened understanding, perspective, talent, and, of course, a connection to the spirit of the nude body. The group show of 34 artists will consist of stunning collage work, ceramic sculpture, polymer clay portraiture, photographs, oil and acrylic paintings, and charcoal, pastel, and pencil drawings, all of which pay homage to the sanctity of the human figure. 

      “I’m drawn to portraying the human form in all of its beauty and complexity. Since it is impossible to truly know another person completely, I paint faces and bodies as a form of communication.”

–Sharon Matisoff

September 27 - December 28, 2013

      Photographs featuring a headless, legless and armless female mannequin will haunt the viewer in this daring solo exhibition. Using still photography Lee Ann Paynter introduces the star of SHE, a mannequin named Rosi. Within SHE, Lee Ann invites the onlooker to confront Rosi and the demons created by gender inequality and their effect on the ‘space of liminality’ for the contemporary woman. Whether she is hidden behind a window, down a flight of stairs, or placed in front of a cage-like gate in a garage, Rosi’s headless torso continues to stare, both engaging and challenging the viewer. A sense of discomfort is achieved through Rosi’s recurring physical and contextual isolation while Paynter’s dramatic use of light successfully captures the overwhelming tension of each photograph. SHE sparks feelings of female empowerment and raises awareness of the restraints women endure as a result of societal gender roles.

     Born in Danville, Kentucky, Lee Ann Paynter spent several years in Southern California before returning home to Kentucky. She is now an adjunct faculty member at the University of Kentucky and KCTCS in Lexington. Paynter received an MFA in photography and media from California Institute of the Arts in 2011 and has since introduced those teachings within her work which mainly focuses on the role of media in the representation of social and political issues.

September 27 - December 28, 2013

      Expertly crafted, hand-made 18th century lantern reproductions by Joel Gregg boast hand-cut reclaimed glass panels surrounded by stained pinewood and exquisitely decorated tin accoutrements. Included in the design are Gregg’s own wax candles, a finishing touch that sends the viewer on a journey through history. Maiken Young’s skillfully woven garments shine in their simplicity and functionality while their lush fabric and draping creates a look of effortless beauty for anyone. Artists hailing from Kentucky counties near and far are assembling for the upcoming group show “Crafts in Kentucky” at the Kaviar Forge & Gallery, celebrating Kentucky’s deep rooted tradition in the production of fine crafts. 

     Visitors to the show will find themselves surrounded by work created by artists possessing heightened skill, dexterity, innovation, and, of course, a connection to the spirit of Kentucky. The group show will consist of stunning fiber sculpture, ceramics, woodwork, jewelry, woven garments, and swordsmithing, all of which pay homage to the ongoing rich tradition of fine Kentucky crafts and crafts people.  

      “Kentucky has a long tradition of fiber crafts and a vibrant contemporary community. As a feltmaker and Kentuckian, I am honored to bring my interpretation of this ancient craft to Kentucky audiences.”

–Tonya Vance

July 26, 2013

     Cornbread Mafia by author, James Higdon, is a true life account of the largest marijuana syndicate in American history, with its roots in Marion County, Kentucky. It is the story of Johnny Boone, Charlie Bickett and the band of Kentucky farmers dubbed the Cornbread Mafia by federal prosecutors. Over 70 arrests were made, and so much pot seized that investigators called the amount “inconceivable.” The strangest and most unique aspect of the story is that among all those arrested, no one agreed to cooperate with the police and name a kingpin or even testify in exchange for a shorter sentence.

     Author James Higdon’s journalistic efforts earned him the dubious honor of being the first reporter subpoenaed by the Obama Administration. He worked closely with the current fugitive Johnny Boone, digging through the history and the myth, uncovering the stories that have startled and captivated readers. Charlie Bickett, a character in Cornbread Mafia will have work on display as well. His painting style is standard folk art fare -- landscapes, flower designs and animal portraits -- if it weren’t for his surprising color choices that give his work a psychedelic quality. Two of Bickett’s brothers spent 20 years in prison for their roles in the so-called Cornbread Mafia. Having spent most of his life working as a prison guard and bartender, Bickett now spends his time painting found objects, both in two-dimensions like saw blades and in three-dimensions like rescued antique furniture.

April 26 - July 27, 2013

      Culled from the local artists of Jefferson and contiguous counties, the group show “Artists in our Midst” at Kaviar Forge & Gallery questions the ongoing prejudice against local art. Over thirty artists have work appearing in the exhibition, which was open to all media and genres. Featuring the work of Louisville favorites Steve Eilers, whose playful painting “Sunday with Seurat” reimagines the famous pointillist beach scene, and Lindsay Frost, whose woodwork surpasses craft and reaches an almost spiritual level of unity with nature, the exhibition also includes manylesser-known artists. Delbert Deatrick is an 83 year old who paints daily and has never displayed his work publically. Joanne Weiss uses embroidered silk and bamboo screens to create lush tapestries, while Jada Lynn uses digital photography to create the startling effect of her piece, entitled, “Bacon Wall.” The wild range in media and technique only prove the rich culture of the local arts scene.

      We are always surrounded by artists, and it is their work to reveal the mysterious in the banal of daily life. A visitor to the “Artists in Our Midst” exhibition may be caught squinting at several paintings on display, trying to understand his familiarity with the scenes depicted. The culture of the world at hand is portrayed, from the vivid colors of flowers for sale at Bardstown Market, to the zombie walk that occasionally catches tourists by surprise, to the wildlife of Louisville. The artists have reinvigorated what was familiar and made it strange. It is a reminder that all artists are local to someplace.

March 2 - May 19, 2012

     Spring’s hand has taken shape at Kaviar Gallery and the walls, pedestals and shelves show it with interpretations and explorations of the human form. With a range of work from nine different artists, spanning the gamut of mediums, Kaviar Gallery is Figured OUT. 

     This marks the second nude exhibition of Kaviar Gallery’s Nude Biennial after the inaugural show in 2010. Several artists add to existing historical conversations. Mark Selter plays on traditional religious imagery in his trio of oil paintings. Craig Kaviar uses the relief method of repousse to produce a copper derivative of Nicolas Poussin’s seventeenth century painting “Midas and Bacchus.” Penny Sisto’s artistically renown hand-dyed and sewn quilts piece together social commentaries. 3-D pieces include Chyre Boardman’s ceramic sculptures with a weight reflective of their purely solid state and emotive nature. Sergio Vettori’s delicate glass sculptures speak through touch: the unique interactive elements invite a hands-on experience.

     Painters included in the exhibition represent a variety of styles. New York painter Clinton Hobart’s background in animation subtly seeps through his pieces. Claudia Hammer fashions figurative renderings from oil paints. Contemporary realist Lloyd Kelly's representational recreation of a figure takes on an almost life-size scale. Painter Sharon Matisoff's uses pastels for her two figure pieces, capitalizing on the freer medium to create her characteristic dramatic hues.