(Frankfort, KY) — Josephine Sculpture Park is grateful to announce that this fall of 2022 an endowment fund has been established that will help to secure the Park’s future. The endowment will be called the Rebecca Fund, named in honor of philanthropists Hank and Rebecca Conn, who have provided the fund's establishing gift of $100,000. 

Josephine Sculpture Park (JSP) was founded in 2009 by artist Melanie VanHouten on land that was her grandparents' farm. It is the only park of its kind in the state of Kentucky, and features over 80 ever-changing artworks spread across 30-acres. The Park’s mission is to connect people to each other and the land through the arts. JSP provides the community, and visitors from around the world, with creative arts and environmental education along with transformative opportunities to artists, all while conserving Kentucky’s rural and native landscape.

Hank and Rebecca understand the value of growing up on a family farm in Kentucky, and the benefits that exposure to nature can provide. Rebecca spent many days on her grandparents’ farm and shares Melanie VanHouten’s memories of the free afternoons left to roam and explore. 

Hank is a distinguished alumnus of the University of Louisville and spent two decades with global management consulting firm A.T. Kearney, launching over 25 start-ups, and co-authoring books on management and workplace culture. He and Rebecca founded the Conn Center for Renewable Energy at the University of Louisville and named the prestigious Conn Prize for their daughter Leigh Ann Conn. Although the Conns currently reside in Atlanta, they recognize the potential of JSP and the impact it can have on Kentucky residents, visitors, the arts, and the environment with the support of their philanthropy. 

First Lady Britainy Beshear, who participated in a press conference on November 3rd sharing this gift, offered, “As a long-time children’s advocate and a mother, I understand the value of FreePlay outdoors, and wild spaces for exploration and recreation. All children, but especially those who face adversity, can benefit from the healing power of art. JSP is a place for environmental education, access to arts and places to roam freely and explore. It is open dawn to dusk, 365 days a year, with free admission. There is no barrier to participation. Places like Josephine Sculpture Park are critical for Kentuckians and I am glad to be here today on behalf of TEAM Kentucky to thank the Conns for their investment.”

As Hank shares, “I believe in education and in the value of exploring new ideas. JSP is a place of inspiration and we connect it with Rebecca’s memories of good times spent on her grandparents farm. We want to help Melanie and the team ensure it is here for generations to come.”

Establishing the Rebecca Fund, and growing the endowment, will allow JSP to transition from a start-up organization to an institution whose future is secured for generations to come. The Park’s board intends to grow the endowment to $2.5 million over the next three years. 

Mayor Layne Wilkerson adds, “As the Public Art Capital of Kentucky, Frankfort, is so fortunate to have Josephine Sculpture Park in our community. Access to art offers the power to enhance our city’s image and make a statement to outsiders that creative people live here. It strengthens and defines Frankfort’s identity and improves our quality of life. It is truly inspiring to have patrons like the Conns make such a leadership gift. We are extremely grateful to them for making this bold statement about the importance of Josephine Sculpture Park.”

Hank and Rebecca Conn join dozens of donors that believe in the Park’s mission, and the JSP staff and board are grateful for each and every one. Adds Melanie, "Hank and Rebecca not only see the legacy that JSP could have, they are willing to help us get there."

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Jill Malusky, JSP Marketing & Communications Manager, marketing@josephinesculpturepark.org

Cell 330-416-4567