Business Details
18 Years
experience
Community-Oriented Arts Nonprofit in Louisville, KY
Art Sanctuary is a community-oriented arts organization dedicated to fostering creativity and inclusivity in Louisville, Kentucky. Founded to address the lack of spaces for local artists, we provide studios, event venues, and educational programs that empower visual, literary, and performing artists. Our mission centers on creating an environment where diverse artistic expressions thrive through collaboration, exhibitions, and public engagement. With over a decade of service, we prioritize accessibility, ensuring artists of all backgrounds have resources to develop their craft.Our facility includes adaptable spaces for rehearsals, recordings, and large-scale events, alongside initiatives like live-streaming and curated performances. We uphold principles of free expression while maintaining civility, safety, and compliance with legal standards. Through volunteerism and community partnerships, we sustain our operations and amplify local artistic voices.
Services
Artist Studios
Event Rentals
Live Streaming
Va Va Vixens
Radio Arcane
Figure Drawing Classes
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- 20+ years supporting Louisville's arts community
- Inclusive environment for all artistic disciplines
- Versatile event spaces for weddings, concerts, and exhibitions
- Affordable artist studios with 24-hour access
- Comprehensive technical resources for live events
What people say
Inclusive environment
Versatile event spaces
Strong community support
Affordable studios
Professional resources
Services
Artist Studios
Private and open studios for artists to work, rehearse, and collaborate. Includes access to tools, Wi-Fi, and communal areas. Artists gain exposure through exhibitions and website features while contributing to a vibrant creative community.
Event Rentals
Flexible spaces for weddings, concerts, and corporate events. Accommodates up to 737 people with technical support, catering services, and ADA accessibility. Includes insurance requirements and dedicated staff for event coordination.
Live Streaming
Professional live-streaming services for performances and events. Utilizes advanced audio-visual equipment and technical operators to reach remote audiences while maintaining production quality and accessibility.
Va Va Vixens
Dynamic performing arts ensemble producing immersive shows that combine theater, music, and visual arts. Focuses on innovative, audience-engaging experiences that highlight local talent and creative storytelling techniques.
Figure Drawing Classes
Life drawing workshops for skill development, open to artists of all levels. Provides structured sessions with models to enhance anatomical understanding and artistic technique in a supportive environment.
People
Lisa H. Frye
Board President and Founder
Visual artist and founder of Art Sanctuary, Lisa H. Frye established the nonprofit to support Louisville artists. With a BFA from the University of Louisville, she also produces the Va Va Vixens performance group.
Shahn Rigsby
Events Committee Member
Artist and event planner with a BFA in Painting from Ringling College. Shahn coordinates events, books performers, and designs promotional materials while advocating for creative community engagement.
Langan Smith
Board Member
Multimedia artist and co-founder of Pedal Party band, Langan Smith contributes expertise in video production and audio engineering. He supports Art Sanctuary's mission to create spaces for diverse artistic expression.
Alexandra Rumsey
Board Member
Multimedia artist and entrepreneur, Alexandra Rumsey co-owns Pale Moon Tattoo and Aurora Gallery. She holds an MFA from Southern Illinois University and advocates for community arts initiatives.
Questions
What services does Art Sanctuary offer?
We provide artist studios, event rental spaces, live-streaming services, performance groups like Va Va Vixens, and art classes including figure drawing.
How can I rent event space?
Submit a rental request through our website. Review rates, insurance requirements, and stipulations, then contact us for availability and contracts.
Are studios available for artists?
Yes, we offer private and open studios with 24-hour access. Artists must complete applications and background checks for security.
Do you host live performances?
Yes, our main stage accommodates concerts and performances with professional lighting, sound, and video equipment operated by trained staff.
Is the facility accessible?
Our building is ADA compliant with accessible entrances, restrooms, and parking. We provide accommodations for events and studio access.
How is the organization funded?
We sustain operations through studio rentals, event fees, donations, and volunteer contributions while maintaining nonprofit status.
Reviews (4)
Kelly J.
Sep 11, 2019
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Art Sanctuary is a great event venue! We recently hosted a fundraiser here, and the space was perfect. The employees were also very helpful and made sure everything for our event was great! If you're looking for an event space, Art Sanctuary is a great spot! Also, for the size of the space, the rental fee is very reasonable.
Plus, the gallery is great, and everything displayed in the space is really interesting and cool.
Plus, the gallery is great, and everything displayed in the space is really interesting and cool.
Steff O.
Jun 16, 2019
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I went to an Alice Cooper cover band show here and while the band was so so, the venue was nice! Very cutely decorated and not too big to not feel intimate ,not too small to feel packed in. I wouldn't hesitate to return or rent the venue for an event.
Shahn R.
Dec 07, 2018
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Super cool venue for creative people. The space is run by artists, not big business, so it has an original style, not a cookie cutter, corporate feel like so many places these days. It's a non-profit and a community space, so the events vary depending on who is having the event. The space is not a flea market as mentioned by others. It's simply the building the flea market was held in. The space changes according to event specifics.
Kathy V.
Nov 13, 2018
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I stopped in for the first time during the open studio weekend. I live very close by, and am routinely kept awake at nights when they host events featuring DJs late in to the night/early in to the morning. As an oft-annoyed neighbor, I figured I should at least pay them a visit and see inside the place that disrupts my sleep. That said, of course visiting the gallery and studios, I am not seeing the things that are responsible for my lost sleep...that is from events and parties hosted in the front event space! The gallery takes up probably the back 1/3 of the ground floor of the building, and