African American artists

Louisville native Elmer Lucille Allen discusses growing up attending African American schools and later working in mostly white environments. She worked at Brown Forman for 31 years. She didn't begin working as an artist until she attended art classes at UofL in 1981. Allen also mentions her connections to the Louisville Art Workshop and years spent travelling with sculptor Ed Hamilton along with her photographer husband.

Louisville journalist and civil rights activist Mervin Aubespin talks about his days as a student at Iowa, his brief stint as a middle school shop teacher, and his time as an active member in civil rights protests including those outside department stores which did not allow Black people to try on clothes. He then earned a position at the Courier-Journal, first on the art team and then as associate journalist and chief recruiter. This work allowed him to travel to many places. Merv also discusses his involvement with the Louisville Art Workshop. He identifies as an artist who incorporated painting into a life full of other responsibilities including work and family.

Coxe and Hamilton are local Black artists and their opinions on Black history in Louisville are discussed as well as their personal histories. The difficulties of training and establishing oneself as an artist are stated. The Louisville Art Work Shop and its importance to young artists is mentioned.

Duffy talks about his education, attending the Louisville Art Workshop, the Louisville School of Art, his friendships with Bob Thompson, G.C. Coxe, Fred Bond and Ed Hamlton. He discusses working at the Natural History Museum and for the Jefferson County Public Schools, creating a walking stick for a public art project, his commission for the Kentucky Arts Council, the mother and child theme in his work. He reflects on what public art is.

Duncan discusses his educational background, meeting Richard Hunt, creating Kae Mae--The Lesson from the Black Star for the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage in Louisiville, a bike stand he created at Fourth and Liberty, he reflects on public art versus art in a public place.

Long-time Louisville resident, C.J. Fletcher, created the Blight Out, Brighten Up project in 2012, a public art project in which community members created painted plywood boards used to secure vacant and abandoned buildings. Supported by Metro Louisville's Department of Inspection, Permits and Licenses and the Department of Public Works. Fletcher works in the Solid Waste Management Office of the Department of Public Works, Louisville Metro Government. Born in Nashville, TN, Fletcher was married to artist Eugene Fletcher. Eugene Fletcher died in 2014. More than 700 plywood boards have been painted to date. In addition to her employment with city government, Fletcher is painter who works in acrylic on canvas. Her husband, Eugene Fletcher was also an artist. C.J. Fletcher describes the project's origins, community involvement, and supporters. She discusses her art and Eugene Fletcher's art. She briefly mentions artists Ed Hamilton and William Duffy. Fletcher offers her views on public art and the creative process.

Louisville sculptor Ed Hamilton talks about his upbringing as the adopted son of a tailor (father) and barber (mother). He discusses the influential moments he had attending different schools and the teachers who encouraged him to pursue art. He attended art school at UofL and became involved with the Louisville Art Workshop. He formed a particularly close bond with G.C. Coxe who acted as a mentor and friend. A pivotal moment in Hamilton's life occurred when he met sculptor Barney Bright and began to work as his apprentice. He notes this time as being transitory, and afterwards, opportunities began to open up. He eventually achieved international recognition, sculpting pieces such as The Spirit of Freedom in Washington, D.C.

Louisville native Martina Nichols Kunnecke talks about her experience growing up and going to school in West Louisville. She discusses her time working for the Free Press of Louisville, her involvement with the Louisville Art Workshop, and her time as a member of the West Side Players. Kunnecke now works as an historian and is an advocate for the preservation and appreciation for the West End.