In the years when our nonprofit Art Gallery was known as The Falls City Community Art Gallery, it was housed as a guest of the City of Louisville in the lower level of Founders Square when the unique glass-enclosed structure was located in a park-like area on Muhammad Ali Boulevard with the Cathedral of the Assumption sitting to the east and The Louisville Gardens to the west.
As Gallery Director, I had the opportunity of meeting many local artists and craftsmen who resided in the area. Presenting their creative works to appreciative audiences was an experience that provided both challenges and rewards.
The Upper Level of Founders Square housed the Louisville Visitor and Information Center at the front of the building and the Louisville Meter Maids in an office at the rear of the building.
The Gallery mounted a changing monthly display of artworks on the first floor panels that due to the circular building glass enclosure, were visible twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week. The Information Center drew visitors from around the world and our artists and craftsmen gained considerable sales and recognition from out of town individuals.
Our viewing area on the lower level was a dramatic round room with framed paintings hung from two levels of molding. Display cases with unframed works broke up the viewing area around the room with sculpture pieces sitting on columns and tables.
When an artist brought in a work, I stressed the importance of giving it a meaningful title. I often cited how a young librarian from New York was captivated by a mountain scene titled, “Kentucky Woman”. She stood in the center of the room staring at the painting hanging on the top tier across the viewing area. “Hmmm.” she said to no one in particular. “I can see her there.” She bought the painting and we shipped it for her back to New York.
On one fine winter morning, a visitor from France appeared in the doorway. My desk sat just inside the doorway so I looked up to see a shocked expression on the young man’s face. “You mean to tell me all these artists live here in Louisville?”
I assured him they did and thought to myself “Paris does not have a corner on the art market. Not today and not tomorrow either!”