The Creative Class
They’re the diverse agents of change who are helping to form a creative economy while significantly affecting the success of the cities they live in.
Louisville’s creative class includes artists and business entrepreneurs, thinkers and doers who are stepping up to lay down an energetic, thriving culture downtown.
Our cover focuses on some of Louisville’s finest creative contributors.
Here’s who they are:
From left to right (in image above):
Stephen Irwin, Artist - New Center for Contemporary Art
info@new-center.org
Stephen is one of the pioneering artists in the gallery district along East Market St. He exhibits art for the imagination and senses and shows his work almost exclusively at galleries in Louisville, including the Speed Museum for his Skin Diary installation.
J. Page vonWheeler, CEO - Architectural Glass Art at Glassworks
www.louisvilleglassworks.com
Page serves as CEO for Architectural Glass, Inc. at 815 W. Market. She is the fifth generation in her family to carry on the tradition of glass art. Page focuses on sales, marketing and design for the company and recently opened two additional galleries at Glassworks; VonFire and the Walk in Workshop in addition to the main gallery.
Ken vonRoenn, Jr. - President & Lead Designer
- Architectural Glass Art at Glassworks
www.louisvilleglassworks.com
After earning a masters degree in architecture from Yale University, Ken went on to work as an architect and glass designer. In 1991, he launched Architectural Glass, Inc. where he serves as head designer and president. His glass sculptures and art appear nationally and internationally. He is credited with building the world’s largest glass sculpture which hangs at Wachovia Bank in Charlotte, NC.
Ed Hamilton, Sculptor - Ed Hamilton Studio, Inc.
ed@edhamiltonworks.com
Ed launched his career in sculpting in the 1970’s. Significant works created by Ed are displayed publicly and in private and corporate collections throughout the U.S. His heroic 8’ sculpture of York, the slave of William Clark, part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition sits on the Belvedere. Ed is currently working on an Abraham Lincoln project that will be displayed at the base of the Big Four Bridge.
Angie Fenton - Media Maven
www.courier-journal.com/buzz
Angie serves up celebrity scoop as “The Buzz” columnist for The Courier-Journal. She also dishes about the hottest happenings from Louisville to Hollywood on Louisville’s NBC affiliate, WAVE 3 TV, 99.7 WDJX, 100.5 Louie FM and 84WHAS. And when she’s not busy reporting, she’s training for her next bodybuilding contest, dancing for charity with local celebs or teaching composition at Brown Mackie College.
Chris Radtke
www.chrisradtke.org
Chris Radtke is a fine artist based in Louisville, Her work has been shown nationally and internationally including the Speed Art Museum , Washington D.C., in Mainz (Germany), Galerie Hertz , and most recently in a solo exhibition at Zephyr Gallery. Chris’ works appears in numerous private and corporate collections throughout Louisville.
Steve Wilson
21cmuseumhotel.com
From conservation and revitalization to contemporary art and urban culture, Steve has received critical praise for his ability to offer real alternatives to suburban sprawl. His vision for 21C Museum Hotel and Proof on Main restaurant have received praise from critics since the spring of 2006. And he made headlines with his vision for Museum Plaza, a one-of-a-kind 62-story skyscraper that will feature contemporary art collections, luxury condominiums, University of Louisville School for Fine Arts, and a Westin Hotel along with restaurants and shops. Museum Plaza is scheduled for completion by 2011.
Bryce Hudson - Bryce Hudson Studio
bryce@brycehudson.com
Bryce is a contemporary artist and an in-demand web designer who relocated to Louisville from Columbus, Ohio. He is best known for his paintings and mixed media photo-based prints. Bryce is among a new movement of artists moving to the Portland neighborhood, just west of downtown and he recently transformed an 80-year old abandoned medical clinic at 2318 Portland Ave. into his studio/art gallery.
Matthew Landan - Derby City Espresso
derbycityespresso@gmail.com
Matthew is the owner of Derby City Espresso which serves up fresh roasted coffees, micro-brewed beer, cool events and ways to connect at his East Market St. coffee café. Groups meet regularly to discuss politics, music, art and culture. Matthew has lived all over the world and loves Louisville for the opportunities he’s had in building his downtown business.
Dr. Stella Majozo - University of Louisville
Estella “Stella” Majozo is a published author, poet and playwright who also serves as an English professor University of Louisville. Her works center on the African American experience both here and throughout the world. She has participated in a number of multi-disciplinary public art programs dedicated to the issues that have and continue to confront African Americans.
Thanks to Craig Stephenson who graciously offered up his penthouse LoftBlu for our cover photo shot. LoftBlu, located at Glassworks, has a full river view and all the creature comforts. Craig rents LoftBlu out for parties and special events including Derby. If you’d like information on how to rent LoftBlu contact Craig at craig@loftblu.com
