Louisville Visual Art Association, Louisville

In 1909, a group of local art enthusiasts banded together to foster a community appreciation for art and further the practice of creating art. More than three decades later, they moved from their home at the old Water Tower, and now fill their new space with workshops, classes, and exhibits. Louisville Visual Art Association remains dedicated to promoting local artists, artistic styles, and contemporary culture. A team of instructors instills painting and sculpting skills in children of all ages with the [Children's Fine Art Classes](http://gr.pn/IAW8i7) program, which lets kids hone their understanding of color and technique during nearly 40 classes and camps. They also teach [adult art classes](http://gr.pn/IDDe5B), and help economically and socially disadvantaged students exhibit their artwork through [Open Doors](http://gr.pn/HyMagR). Six to eight annual [exhibitions](http://gr.pn/HvU2uW) often showcase work from these programs, but may also display fabric and knit pieces from local artists, or house events such as custom plates, cups, and utensils fashioned by 16 national ceramics artists to recreate Salvador Dali’s themed dinner parties. Each year, staff also fill two galleries with up to 800 works from its children’s programs, and celebrate local restaurants and music at the annual Bacon Ball.