Kentucky’s capital city is an ever-changing exhibit of public art. Thanks to Josephine Sculpture Park (JSP) and several community partners, 17 new sculptures have been installed through their Art in Public Places program for residents and visitors to explore and enjoy.

This fall, you may have seen JSP’s founding director Melanie VanHouten, park manager Mollie Rabiner, and volunteer Raychel Blackburn rotating artworks around town. Seventeen new sculptures are being installed throughout Frankfort before the end of the year, four at Expree Credit Union’s exhibition and thirteen in the Arts Downtown exhibition. Together, JSP’s park and Art in Public Places exhibition welcome over 130,000 annual visitors to explore more than 100 public artworks along 4.5 miles of trails across Frankfort/Franklin County!

You can help support JSP’s art and nature programs like Art in Public Places by donating during their 7 Days of Giving from November 28th through December 4th. Half of JSP’s budget relies on direct public support. “Donations from people like you and me allow us to provide access to free art and nature programs not only at JSP, but also with public art across the whole county,” Melanie shares, “We’re also excited and grateful to announce that longtime JSP supporters Richard and Anna Marie Rosen have very generously pledged $35,000 to match all 7 Days of Giving donations dollar for dollar!” Donations can be made online at josephinesculpturepark.org or via check mailed to Josephine Sculpture Park, 3355 Lawrenceburg Rd, Frankfort, KY 40601. 

In the spirit of giving, JSP invites all visitors, donors, members, partners, and volunteers to Joy Full, a Gratitude Gathering in the JSP event barn on Sunday, December 10th from 5-8pm. “Everyone is welcome to come join the fun!” shares Jeri K. Howell, JSP Assistant Director. “We’ll have a bonfire and smores, hot cocoa bar, sweet and savory treats, fire dancing by Hearts on Fire, grooves by DJ Always, and guided stargazing with Starpointe Astronomy.” This event is free and will be a great time for the whole family. More details can be found at josephinesculpturepark.org. 

Public Art in Frankfort would not be possible without the leadership of the Josephine Sculpture Park and dedication of the Franklin County Arts Council/FrankArts Jury Team. The project has received generous support from Richard and Anna Marie Rosen, City of Frankfort, National Endowment for the Arts, Expree Credit Union, Franklin County Fiscal Court, Frankfort/Franklin County Tourist & Convention Commission, Harrod Concrete & Stone, and the Kentucky Arts Council.

Published November 16, 2023