Artists to display works in bank lobbies

SHEPHERDSVILLE - Seeing the skills of local artists will be something customers can bank on if they are visiting area financial institutions over the next few months.

VABC (submitted)

Carole Powell hopes to continue to display local artists in more locations

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VABC (submitted)

Sharon Milliner with some of her works of art

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Artwork created by Visual Arts of Bullitt County members will be displayed in local bank lobbies through November as part of the organization’s “Art is Awesome in Bullitt County” campaign.

VABC president Carole Powell said there were very few secure places for local artists to display their work. The County Judge/Executive’s office and Ridgway Memorial Library in Shepherdsville were among the few places featuring public displays.

Powell said the “Art is Awesome in Bullitt County” idea came from the Central Kentucky Arts Guild, who also used banks for displays.

The VABC approached Park Community Federal Credit Union in Shepherdsville. The bank agreed to display the art, beginning with pieces created by Sharon Milliner.

Eventually Milliner checked with more Mount Washington area banks, while Powell checked Shepherdsville locations.

“The banks have all been very favorable,” Powell said.

With a number of banks in agreement of the program, Powell said various works could rotate to different lobbies during the event.

VABC members provide the artwork, along with their own easels, bios and business cards. Each artist displays two works at each bank.

Local artists currently participating in the “Art is Awesome in Bullitt County” program along with Milliner and Powell include Gail Bagwell, Jean Bailey, Nancy Rausch, Ben Reynolds and Tobee Taylor.

The VABC is an auxiliary branch of the Bullitt County Arts Council. With so many types of arts, Powell said the VABC was established to focus specifically on local artists.

VABC meetings take place on the fourth Monday of every month at Ridgway Library. Anyone interested in joining may attend, including photography enthusiasts.

“If photographers are interested, another branch of visual arts may develop,” Powell added.

Current VABC art displays may be viewed at the following “Art is Awesome in Bullitt County” participating bank locations:

- Park Community Federal Credit Union, 415 Adam Shepherd Pkwy., Shepherdsville

- First Federal Savings Bank, 279 N. Bardstown Rd., Mt. Washington

- Peoples Bank of Bullitt County, 100 S. Bardstown Rd., Mt. Washington

- First Federal Savings Bank, 1707 Cedar Grove Rd., Suite 1, Shepherdsville

- First Federal Savings Bank. 395 N. Buckman St., Shepherdsville

- Stock Yards Bank, 183 Adam Shepherd Pkwy., Shepherdsville

- Citizens Union Bank, 375 Oakbrooke Dr., Mt. Washington