Hey, y'all! I love anything Kentucky -- Kentucky food, Kentucky towns, Kentucky arts. The trifecta? When a town encapsulates all three and that's exactly the case for Shelby County, Kentucky. On a recent trip to the Saddlebred Capital of the World, I had the chance to experience the Shelby County Kentucky Sculpture Walk. To understate: it was an absolute joy. If you like charming downtowns + the arts, this is an activity for you.
Thank you to Shelby KY Tourism for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions expressed are my own. Thank you to my readers for supporting those that make JCP Eats possible.
Shelby County Kentucky Sculpture Walk
The Shelby County Kentucky Sculpture Walk is a top-shelf offering from Shelby Main Street, which is an organization under the Kentucky Main Street Program umbrella. Shelby Main Street is chock-full of amazing places to eat, drink, shop, and explore. It's also an arts epicenter, with both the Sculpture Walk and the community theatre within minutes of each other.
The Sculpture Walk is a wonderful family activity + is free of charge.
Stop 1: Stargazer Lily
Address: 625 Main Street
Sculptor: Ben Bridwell, Millennium Steel Werks
Features a giant stainless steel flower, petals, stem, and leaves all fabricated from stainless steel.
Stop 2: Reaching For Our Potential
Address: 618 Main Street, Stargazer Plaza
Sculptor: Dave Caudill, Caudill Art
Features a 30-inch stainless steel ball with a mirror-finish atop a column. It provides fascination through the reflection of the viewer + the artwork's colors, metaphorically symbolizing the marriage of community and individual potentials.
Stop 3: Butterly Bench
Address: 422 Main Street
Sculptors: Laura & Scot Kellersberger, Phoenix Creative Metal
A steel-constructed bench in the shape of a butterfly with a sandblasted, powder coat primer. This is one of my favorites, as you are allowed to sit on it for a photo opportunity.
Stop 4: Wings of the Phoenix
Address: 4th Street Median
Sculptor: Jenny Hager, Havic Studios LLC
The Wings of the Phoenix symbolize the story of rebirth, as in myth the phoenix rises from its own ashes. The wings are water jet-cut and gracefully adorn the top of an upward-sweeping abstract form. It is constructed of aluminum.
Stop 5: Reticulated Iris
Address: 419 Washington Street
Sculptor: Ben Bridwell, Millenium Steel Werks; Lisa Marie Fowler, Bead Artist
This eye-catching reticulated iris is made from stainless steel; however, it's unique, in that it is adorned with pearlescent, handmade glass butterflies. The butterflies dance above the flower in the breeze.
Stop 6: Wind Horse
Address: 315 Washington Street
Sculptor: Dustin Miller, Abstract Metal Design Gallery
The Wind Horse is sculpted from aircraft-grade aluminum and is professionally powder coated. It symbolizes the American Saddlebred Horse and its iconic beauty. Shelby County is the Saddlebred Capital of the World.
Stop 7: Picture Frame
Address: 429 Main Street
Sculptor: Ben Bridwell, Millennium Metal Werks
Ready for one last photo opportunity? The Picture Frame is highly-detailed with stainless steel flowers, vines, and leaves across a canvas. Visitors are encouraged to stand behind the piece, placing their head in the opening of the flower. The Shelby County Picture Frame enables you to become one with art.
While Visiting Downtown
Ready to embark on the Shelby County Kentucky Sculpture Walk? While downtown, don't miss out on the plethora of activities. Go antique shopping; grab a coffee (The Paddock, Sixth + Main); grab a meal at the Bell House, La Cocina de Mama, McKinley's, or the Red Lion; have a beer at the Barrel Room; grab a sweet treat at Spotz Gelato or Serendipity Kandy Kitchen; and simply enjoy your day in one of Kentucky's most special communities.
About Shelby County, KY
Shelby County, a community of small-town charm and world-class equestrian events, is the American Saddlebred Capital of the World. Home to 90-plus Saddlebred horse farms and breeding and training facilities, ShelbyKY gives visitors a rare peek into the world of the Saddlebred show horse. Attractions include Kentucky’s only designer outlet mall, The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass; the antique, home accessory and furniture shops comprising “Design Destination”; Jeptha Creed Distillery; Bulleit Distillery; Talon Winery; and the Shelby County Community Theatre. ShelbyKY’s dining landscape includes culinary icons Science Hill Inn and Claudia Sanders Dinner House; overnight choices range from brand-name chain hotels to downtown lofts; and there are ample outdoor adventures to enjoy.
Y’all come back now, ya hear?
My best,
JC
Keep Up With JCP Eats
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