Plexus Contemporary and Consuming Louisville's Neighborhood Project
by Michelle on February 15, 2008 for Consuming Louisville
A couple weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending an opening party for a new contemporary art space in the Portland neighborhood. Called Plexus Contemporary it's the brainchild of artist Bryce Hudson (and the product of lots and lots of his sweat equity). The party was fantastic, with fresh made crepes (so, so good) provided by Brian and Dana McMahan but it's the art space itself that I really want to talk about.
The space, a completely converted and remodeled medical building originally built in the 1920s, is fantastic, Bright, airy and open feeling with large and small spaces, big walls as well as nooks and crannies filled with art. When I first heard about the space I was a little skeptical, when I saw it in person I was completely impressed. It's well designed to showcase both large and small exhibits and flows really well.
Perhaps what I like most about Plexus Contemporary though is where it's located. I'll totally confess that I never before had cause to head to the Portland neighborhood. Isn't that shameful? Yes, yes it is. I had to print some Google maps directions to even find the place. I love that Hudson has built this fantastic art space somewhere other than downtown, Frankfort Avenue or the Highlands. As much as I love those neighborhoods there are other neighborhoods in this city and I'm all for anything that pulls us out of our cozy neighborhoods that we know so well. As a photographer I'm so grateful that Hudson got me to Portland because that place is a photographer's paradise and I can't wait for a chance to go shooting down there.
More than just being excited about photographing in a new neighborhood this is a wake up call to me to explore neighborhoods in Louisville that I don't know well or at all. I'm willing to bet you don't know a lot of these neighborhoods either. You've known me long enough to know that when I get inspired there's sure to be a new project coming soon. I've been inspired to explore more of Louisville's neighborhoods. Naturally the Louisville Neighborhood Project will be coming soon.
I'll be digging in to neighborhoods new and familiar (Portland, Highlands) general ( Germantown, Old Louisville) and specific (eg Belknap neighborhood and other tiny little sub neighborhoods that I don't even know about yet). I'm ready to dig into this project on my own but I'd really like some help. If you currently live in or grew up or just really love a particular neighborhood I invite you to be my neighborhood ambassador. Tell me about cool and interesting things in your neighborhood, you know that one hole in the wall restaurant that everyone needs to eat at, that really cool building or artwork (where is that giant bunny?), cool businesses and artists, the general neighborhood vibe, neighborhood history, community projects, etc. In other words: give us the scoop. I'd also like to organize photowalking tours of various neighborhoods and it'd be great to have knowledgeable guides for those as well.
I'm asking nicely, with sugar on top, for your help. No matter what neighborhood you live in in Louisville I'd love to explore it on Consuming Louisville. Even though I know the Highlands well I'd love to explore the neighborhood through someone else's eyes as well. So I say again no matter what neighborhood you live in I'd love to explore it with you for my and Consuming Louisville's readership's edification. So drop an email (info AT consuminglouisville.com), a comment, a carrier pigeon or use some other method to get in touch.
