'THE SPIRIT OF WOMEN' Documentary Shines Light on Female Distilling Pioneers
Publisher: Bourbon with Heart, Inc.
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT: Morgan Hancock
LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER: Dick Arnspiger
Contributing Visuals Editor: Jessica Piasta
Contributing Writer: Chahta Noir
Contributing Photographer: Andrew Kung
Bourbon with Heart Board Members: Rebekah Brizendine
Kathy & Jon Thuerbach
Andrew Kung
On the Cover: Rob Cameron (@Meeting.Minutes)
Learn more on page 64
LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Annalisa Gumbrecht
LEAD WRITER: Rocko Jerome
Arts & Spirits Magazine is a Bourbon with Heart publication. Bourbon with Heart's (501c3) mission is to leverage the influence and popularity of Bourbon to raise awareness surrounding Kentucky's art community, provide Kentuckians with better access to first-class arts experiences regardless of age, race, class, gender, or ability -and raise funds for other non-profits.
Bourbon with HeART would like to thank the talented artists, generous sponsors, and passionate supporters who made 2023 an incredibly successful year!
84 - Spotlighted the work of 84 local artists (ages 18 to 102).
100+ - Received over 100 features from local and national media outlets.
35 - Donated to 35 local non-profits.
1 - Released the first issue of Arts & Spirits Magazine.
$127K - Raised a total of $127,000.
50 = Gained the backing of over 50 local and national sponsors
6 - Hosted SIX unique art exhibits.
We look forward to continuing our mission: to raise awareness about Kentucky's art community, provide Kentuckians of all ages, races, classes, genders, and abilities with better access to first-class arts experiences, and to raise funds for other non-profits.
Join us in making 2024 even more impactful! …because
www.BourbonWithHeart.org
Dear Readers,
Welcome to Arts & Spirits Magazine!
It's a pleasure to have you with us as we delve into the intriguing blend of artistic expression and the craft of spirits.
Our magazine is a celebration of creativity, offering a window into the worlds of both visionary artists and innovative spirits makers. Each issue is thoughtfully curated, presenting engaging profiles, in-depth features, and visually stunning galleries. From the texture of a painting to the taste of a well-aged whisky, we're here to stimulate your senses and ignite your imagination.
We cater to art lovers, spirits enthusiasts, and those who simply appreciate the beauty of life.
Dive into our pages and let yourself be transported by the stories and flavors that define the unique blend of Art & Spirits.
I hope you enjoy every page down to the last drop!
Cheers,
Morgan Hancock Founder & President, Arts & Spirits Magazine
Max Savaiko
IG: @maxsavaikoart
FB: @TheBourbonPainter
484-354-4808
Max Savaiko
"I believe that whisky is the new wine, and I love telling the stories of this new era of bourbon with my art."
“I was painting watercolors at the dinner table with my twin daughters, and it felt natural. I said to myself, I can do this." That's when Max Savaiko realized he could paint. "They were two at the time, and they're now twenty-four, to put that in perspective. My sister reminded me that I had taken lessons as a kid and recommended I try using oils. I painted traditional still life for a while, but I felt it was unoriginal. I was searching for something."
The moment of inspiration came in an unlikely place. "Five years ago, in a liquor store. I noticed how the light from the sun was shining through the window and hitting the whiskey bottles, giving them this beautiful glow. It created a unique feeling, almost otherworldly. I knew right away that's what I wanted to paint."
With a renewed vigor from that moment, Max got to work. "The first I painted was one of Bulleit Bourbon. I posted it online, and it sold very quickly." From there, Max got an education in bourbon from a close friend. "I learned the difference between
the whiskeys, how they have different tastes and flavor profiles. I found that I like Blanton's, and when I finished the bottle, I kept it. It has become one of my most popular models, sitting for hours and never complaining."
Next, Max got engaged in the community, and Dr. Pat Heist, CoFounder, Co-Owner, and Chief Scientific Officer of Wilderness Trail, hired him to do a few bottle paintings. He was off to the races. "I believe that whisky is the new wine, and I love telling the stories of this new era of bourbon with my art. Each distillery has its narrative. I personalize every painting in almost subliminal ways. I enjoy the paintings and how they turn out, and I see how they're being embraced. That's exciting."
Max says everyone is blessed with different talents. "You just need to listen. Time and the spirits will reveal them. I love to paint and sell my art, but I also love to give back to the community and use my talents to help others. I think that is what Bourbon with HeART is all about.
Written by: Rocko Jerome
Kaitlin Hennessy
Kaitlin Hennessy is living proof that formal training is not necessarily required for an artist to succeed creatively and professionally. "As a kid, I had trouble paying attention in school, and I was always doodling," she recalls. "Looking back, it's always been a way to express emotions and an outlet for feelings."
Kaitlin went to college but didn't find that she enjoyed art classes. She instead achieved her Master's degree in social work and counseling with a side of art therapy. "I think of myself as an introvert, and art is a way that I can communicate," she reflects. "It's such a powerful way to connect with other humans, to bring that connection and evoke that with art."
She enjoyed her work in these fields, but things transpired that allowed her to become a full-time artist. Her paintings of bourbon barrels, in particular, have been very popular since 2020. At first, attention for those came from collectors. Still, in time, she would find herself making commissions for major clients, including Makers Mark, Watershed, Noble Cut, Basil Hayden, and Garrison Brothers. This, in addition to clothing she's created and sold on Etsy and pet portraits she made for Chewy, has led Kaitlin's side job to become her "real" job.
For inspiration, Kaitlin finds it in music. "Music inspires, lyrics that feel real and make a connection moves me. I enjoy the storytelling in country music, especially. But really, inspiration is everywhere. It's all around us."
Written by: Rocko Jerome
"I think of myself as an introvert, and art is a way that I can communicate."
"I've made a commitment to a greener planet. Taking trash and turning it into ornate art items is very rewarding."
Herb Bradshaw
Artists work in many mediums, but Herb Bradshaw might be the only one who uses the one he chose: the common beverage can.
"More than a decade ago, I was on the clean-up committee of my family reunion," Herb recalls. "I ended up with several large trash bags of cans. I said to myself, oh Lord, what does one do with all these cans? Well, later, The Spirit hit me: do art. Create something." The idea for how that would look in actual practice came quickly. "A little after, I was playing with my granddaughter, Emily. We were cutting out paper dolls. Bingo! It all came together. My can art was born."
Starting with rudimentary shapes but quickly graduating to complex depictions and designs, Herb can present anything anyone could make with any paint, only with shiny, reclaimed cans in many colors. Animals, people, flowers, you name it- Herb can create it on a canvas alive with tin.
" When the ambient light reflects off the art, you will be amazed how it delights the visual sense," he observes. "The colors of the cans are brilliant. The embossed and detailed work I do really brings the details out."
This incredibly unique process is very time-consuming and results in every creation being one of a kind. "The embossing and distressing and cutting techniques are applied by hand," says Herb. "No paint is used on the can, I chose the colors of cans as needed for each project. Each work is original, as there is always a slight variation in each design and process." Herb also takes great pride in his positive impact on the environment. "I've made a commitment to a greener planet. Taking trash and turning it into ornate art items is very rewarding. I also collect discarded picture frames and recycle them into my work. I have found beautiful wood frames that would have otherwise gone to the landfill."
Herb is an Army Veteran who retired from IBM as a computer service tech. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, but Louisville has been his residence since 1979. The selftaught artist has been proudly doing this work for over a decade. "For custom work," he says, "I am willing to accommodate! I have given many images -and cans- a new life."
Written by: Rocko Jerome
Photos by Dick Arnspiger
Jason Lois
"I spent years searching for my artistic identity. In the last decade, I've found it."
Jason Lois' artistic endeavors elude conventional categorization, often falling under the umbrella of "neo-expressionism/modern contemporary." Yet, Lois himself remains aloof from such labels, too engrossed in the act of creation to dwell on nomenclature. "I don't classify it that way. It's all emotive. I can't prescribe what you should feel. Your life experiences, trials, and tribulations shape your interpretation. Hope, joy, despair—whatever resonates with you—it's not solely within my control. What I strive for is to make it resonate. If my work evokes a particular emotion or fosters evolving feelings, then we've achieved something."
His creative philosophy seamlessly flows as he expounds, "My work emanates from the depths of my heart. I invest my essence into every piece, drawing inspiration from my past and present experiences. By infusing myself into these creations, I aim for people to derive meaning and carry it with them—to connect."
And connect, he undoubtedly does. Lois's artistic portfolio has traversed borders, finding a home in the collections of enthusiasts across several countries. His pieces, characterized by experimentation with epoxy resins, chalk, acrylic, oils, and mixed media, continually push artistic
boundaries. Reflecting on his journey, he muses, "My artistic evolution has led me to diverse realms. I've been an artist since my formative years, using it as my mode of communication. Initially, it was akin to the 'happy little trees' of Bob Ross, influenced by my supportive family. However, that didn't fulfill me. It's always been about progressing towards something new. My artistic influences—be it in art, music, or fashion—fuel my desire to embark on new creative ventures."
Many discern a maturation in Jason's art, a transcendence from his graffiti roots to commissioned works globally and locally. Notable among these is a pop art-inspired piece featuring Jack Harlow and substantial projects for the Mercury Ballroom on its tenth anniversary, local mural projects, and collaborations with national and international Bourbon brands.
"I spent years searching for my artistic identity. In the last decade, I've found it," Lois concludes, encapsulating a profound artistic journey marked by evolution, introspection, and an unwavering commitment to forging connections through his emotive creations.
Written by: Rocko Jerome
Photos by Dick Arnspiger
Lianne Alcon
There has never been a time that Lianne Alcon wasn't passionate about art. "When I would look at paintings as a kid, I would find them completely transporting," she recalls." I was lost in colors and forms, considering what inspired them. I saw it, even then, as a way one could express themselves without talking."
It naturally followed that she would create art on her own. "I was always artistically expressive, but that especially became the case when I was introduced to painting in sixth grade. I found that paint allowed more freedom than drawing. It's less about the specifics of lines than the flow of the brush. I knew then whatever I would do in life would have to be art related. My parents were insistent that I put something practical with that."
And so, Lianne went to college for both fine art and commercial, without much pursuit of the latter. "I didn't want to be the hands for someone else's vision," she says directly. "I like to paint with a sense of intention. I know what I want the canvas to give back to me. I'll give in to the moment as I work, but I always have an idea as a starting point. To me, painting is all about emotion. If it isn't flowing, I won't keep going."
But that's not to say that Lianne shies away from growth or experimentation. She's never afraid to break molds in color and form, and she's created work evocative of the gamut between expressionism and pop art. "Painting for me is often a purge of emotions," she says. "But I like to paint things in very different styles. My work nourishes my soul like literal food, and just like I can't eat the same thing every day, I can't paint the same thing," says Alcon, "I have to constantly keep changing and evolving to keep myself engaged as well as the public."
Lianne has found success in selling her work online and in galleries. "I rarely get to talk in depth with the people who buy my work," she says. "They usually want to know what inspired me, but I'm always curious on what level did the work speak to them or was it just that it matched their couch. Either way, I'm always grateful when a piece finds a new home."
Written by: Rocko Jerome
"My work nourishes my soul like literal food, and just like I can't eat the same thing every day, I can't paint the same thing."
Photo of the artist | Chris Hicky
Paula Haynes
"Just as no painting means just one thing, no two are the same. I cannot replicate any of them and wouldn't want to."
Photos | Andrew Kung Group
"My art tells a story," says Paula Haynes. "What I'm saying, what it means, it's all there on the canvas. It's how I process things. We all go through things in life, and I believe the process of making art is one of the ways I deal with it. I feel the point of all art is seeing what it means to you, not just how the person who made it sees or feels. Your own life experiences will influence what you see. It's not limited."
One of Paula's works is particularly autobiographical, and it's even something of an origin story. "There's a little girl in front of a chalkboard," Paula says of the painting. "She represents me. My mom would help foster my interest in art, and that was further cemented by my first grade teacher, who bought colored chalk for the classroom and would let the children use it to create. Colored chalk was fascinating to me at that age! I had never seen anything like it or the possibilities it created. A whole world was opened up."
As Paula's talents and abilities have grown, she's reached across different mediums. "I work in layers of color and texture, often with no idea where it will end from the beginning. Layer on top of layer, leading to an intriguing end product. I've learned it's all part of the process."
Paula uses literary influences, quotes from others that speak to her as well as her own writing in creating each unique piece. "My process is never the same twice," she says with a laugh. "Just as no painting means just one thing, no two are the same. I cannot replicate any of them and wouldn't want to. I never want to be in a niche. I always want to grow and develop, but I think my work remains recognizable even as the depth changes. Each piece becomes like someone I know, with each of them feeling different."
There's a story in each piece, reflecting what's important to Paula at the time she makes it. But one thing is ever present. “I give all credit to God for my gift of art.”
Written by: Rocko Jerome
Jenna Woodford
Globally, art is a multi-billion dollar industry, but Black art only accounts for 2% of sales. In honor of Black History Month, Arts & Spirits is featuring two emerging artists–one youth and one adult–from right here in Kentucky.
Writer's Bio:
Chahta Noir (AKA Shauntrice) is a multimedia artist from Kentucky. She is known for her exploration of African and Indigenous traditions through sculpture, textile, and photography. She was the inaugural Speed Art Museum Artist-InResidence and a Great Meadows Foundation curatorial grantee. Her work has been featured at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Center for Art and History, Muhammad Ali Center, Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, Roots 101 African American Museum, the Moremen Gallery, and the University of Louisville.
Most of us were just playing with dolls or playing sports when we were ten years old, but little Miss Jenna Woodford was selling her first $500 painting at the tender age of 10. She uses vibrant colors to express joy and her artwork is a mix between Faith Ringgold, CJ Fletcher, and Emma Amos. Jenna got into drawing a few years ago through free art classes at Play Cousins Collective. “I really liked the classes because I could create anything, and I got to try new techniques like painting, pastels, and collage.” Since then, one of her paintings, “Blue Skies” became part of the Sweet Fire permanent collection as part of Louisville Visual Art’s curate. purchase.inspire program. She also earned an internship with Okike–a local arts equity company.
Jenna says that she is inspired by Rachel Isadora, winner of the Boston Globe-Horn Book honor. “I want to continue learning. There are a lot of museums I haven’t visited yet, but I hope to have my paintings hanging in galleries.” One day, we may see Jenna’s art winning awards too. We are excited to see what Jenna does next.
Kenyatta Bosman
If you’ve ever experienced one of their art shows or visited Blak Koffee, then you know Kenyatta Bosman just has a vibe about them. Their reflecftive work has already been featured by NPR, Ruckus, and the University of Louisville. Kenyatta grew up in the now torn down Clarksdale Projects and always had a deep connection to art. Kenyatta’s photographs are provocative, captivating, and culturally relevant. Their “Guilty Until Proven Innocent” collection hit the scene at a time when the whole was reacting to the death of Breonna Taylor. These images show a dark face covered by a thin veil that gives W.E.B. Dubois ‘double consciousness’ energy. Delicacy is brilliantly mixed with a rough/coarse interpretation of the world in their work. Kenyatta is definitely one to watch in 2024.
Kenyatta’s art is on display at the Moremen Gallery along with 30+ Black artists as part of the “Perspectives” exhibition. You can follow them on Instagram: @ KenyattaBosmanArt to keep up with a very promising art career.
Redefining Art AppreciationThrough Comics
Written by Rocko Jerome
It's equally interesting and distressing to me that for so many people, there's a barrier to entry on art appreciation. The notion that we don't know enough to glean some meaning from any given painting or that abstract art is there to mock us for not getting it. "If people would just look at the paintings, I don't think they would have any trouble enjoying them," said Jackson Pollock, best known for putting canvas on the floor and dribbling paint all over it. "It's like looking at a bed of flowers, you don't tear your hair out over what it means."
It's with the intent to square that circle that I write and produce an ongoing comic book series called GHOST Agents. Because few expect comics to deliver big ideas, they can meet people where they are and serve as a conceptual Trojan horse, sneaking past the viewers' pretension detectors and/or inferiority complexes to deliver interesting new art on pulpy newsprint paper. I've perhaps lowered your expectations, but if the work you see here makes you feel something, it works.
Over a couple of years and seven different projects, I've conspired with fifty unique artists worldwide to get their work seen. It's a simple process. I spot some work I like online (Usually on Facebook- never let anyone tell you that social media is useless) and ask if they want to get paid to collaborate. The answer is usually yes. I talk to them about what they like to draw or not, then I lay on my couch, have a Delta 8 gummy, and write short stories for them. They do the hard work, and a few months later, our beautiful babies are born. The artists have their art seen by a lot of people, they make a little money, I have a lot of fun.
Art is all around us. It surrounds us every day. It's a gift for us to enjoy and live inside. When Morgan asked me to write the artist profiles for this Arts & Spirits Magazine issue, I agreed without hesitation. We're doing similar things, her and I, with a mind toward the curation, presentation, and advocacy of art.
When you were a kid, a blank piece of paper and a way to put a mark on it was the most exciting thing there was. I hope the pages of my comic book and this magazine deliver you back to that. All you need is an open mind.
GHOST Agents products are available via GHOSTagents.net or locally at the Great Escape, as seen here.
Donna's Hideout - Ben Perkins
Italy, 1965 - Chris Anderson
Jack Infinity! - Barry Tan
Photo by Dick Arnspiger
Sponsor Nick Schneider, Artist Matthew Dicken, and son Matthew Dicken.
Artist Tim O’Connell and Chef Jackie Joseph
Bourbon with Heart Board Members: Bekah Brizendine, Jon and Kathy Thuerbach
Artist Marty O'Daniel (center), Churchill Downs Bugler Steve Buttleman, and friends.
Artist Winkie Dawkins (center) and friends.
Emily Rapp and Bourbon with Heart Board Member Andrew Kung
Photography by Dick Arnspiger
Artist Ken Burney
Artist Makara Thach Sernett and Patrick Sernett
Left to Right: Rayna Kelley, Celine Wilkinson, Cathy Darst, Morgan Hancock, Cris Carter
Right to left: Artists Marty O'Daniel, Janet Hoard, David and Terri Sierra, and friend.
Within the heart of Kentucky's bourbon legacy, Christopher Singleton stands as a steward of history. About a year ago, when a building near downtown Louisville that had been built in 1898 was demolished, he launched into action. This place was once part of Anderson-Nelson Distilling Company, which had been one of the oldest bourbon rickhouses in the state of Kentucky. Although the building had been condemned, more than 85% of the main structure was saved, including approximately 4,500 beams of Longleaf Heart Pine, a rare and now protected species. There were several tons of this wood scavenged, produced from centuries-old trees.
Christopher feels he’s carrying a beacon with this project. "That building had generations of history," he says. "I think that it's important that all of it that I could salvage goes to build something for future history. It's an absolute one of one opportunity to create a very unique atmosphere."
His goal is clear: to find a developer ready to partner in birthing a concept called “The Rickhouse™.” It will be a hospitality distillery that embodies Kentucky's bourbon legacy. To use this old material, once so integral to the maturation of decades’ worth of good bourbon, to build a new bourbon-centric establishment.
Christopher says it isn't just about repurposing; it's about crafting an immersive narrative that marries history with modern hospitality. “People want an experience, and they want it to be authentic," he says. "The essence of the old rickhouse lingers within these reclaimed relics, waiting for a visionary developer's touch to mold it into an unrepeatable experience. I believe that when you do good, good comes to you. And as The Rickhouse™ stands now, it's not a physical structure but a canvas of endless possibilities.”
Written by: Rocko Jerome
"The essence of the old rickhouse lingers within these reclaimed relics, waiting for a visionary developer's touch..."
Welcome to 'Spirit Animals'! In this section, you'll find your zodiac sign paired with its spirit animal, each proudly holding their favorite cocktail. These fun AI-generated illustrations by Alana Makeda are sure to add a splash of joy to your astrological musings. But remember, they're just for laughs and art's sake. For any life-altering decisions, it's wise to consult experts, not our cocktail-loving spirit animals.
Written by: Morgan Hancock
by @AlanaMakeda
Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18): Aquarius, imagine you're an otter at a water park this month, sliding down the chutes of conversation with whimsical ease. Your dialogue could be smoother than a dolphin doing stand-up comedy. Ready to splash into a brainstorming pool party? Don't forget your floaties!
Cancer (Jun 21 - Jul 22): Like the stalwart crab with an invincible shell, steer through this month's family shindigs. Expect a sitcom's worth of laughter and maybe an arm wrestling match with Aunt Gertrude. Your vibe is like comfort food in brandy form—everyone wants a second helping.
(Mar 21 - Apr 19):
Illustrations
Aries
Picture this: you're sipping a blue martini at a networking event and bam, you're suddenly in cahoots with someone who thinks your wild ideas are genius. Be as sharp and stirring as that electric blue in your glass. Who says you can't mix business with a bit of blue curaçao?
Gemini (May 21 - Jun 20): This month, you're a cheetah on a vineyard tour—fast, curious, and with a nose for the finest reds. Your encounters are set to be as full-bodied and complex as a vintage cabernet. Dash from chat to chat, but remember to savor each sip and story like the connoisseur you are.
Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 22): This month, unleash your inner lion, Leo. Sip your bourbon like the king of the jungle, with regal confidence. Your charisma roars louder than a lion's roar, attracting opportunities and admiration. Embrace your power, and watch the world become your pride.
Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19): Your goat-like agility might just find you in a spontaneous conga line this month. Trade the mountain tops for flip-flops and sunscreen. Embrace the change of scenery like a goat in a swimsuit— awkward, but totally owning it.
Animal Spirits
Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22): You've got the grace of a cheetah on a balance beam this month, Libra. Your negotiation skills could defuse a toddler with a megaphone. Mix ambition and charm like a cocktail wizard. Cheers to schmoozing and snoozing in equal measure.
(Oct 23 - Nov 21): Plunge into the party pool with the gusto of a Scorpio on a slip 'n slide. Love's in the air, and it's moving faster than gossip in a small town. Grab a cocktail, tell your past it's not you, it's me, and ride the social jet ski.
Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21): Canter into your goals like a horse in a three piece suit—unexpected but classy. Treasure your wins like a connoisseur sipping on whiskey that's older than your playlist. Keep your eyes on the prize; just don't trip over the finish line.
Scorpio
Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20): This month, you're the bull in the china shop of life, dining with elegance. Feast on life's banquet; who knows, you might just butter your bread with love. Just remember to chew; we don't need any Heimlich maneuvers stealing the spotlight.
Animal Spirits
Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22): Embrace the meticulous fox in you, Virgo. Your month is a cocktail of self-help books and Marie Kondo marathons. Personal growth is your jam, and you're spreading it thick. Time to declutter your doubts and color-code your dreams.
Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20): This month, blend ambition with intuition like a koi with a flair for mixology. Let the currents guide your financial ventures as you navigate the streams of success. With each sip of opportunity, remember the best investments are like a fine martini: carefully concocted and served with a twist.
From Behind the Bar to National Stardom: Tiffany Marshall's 'Pretty Birdie' Takes Flight
Alittle over a decade ago, a friend suggested to Tiffany Marshall that she try bartending school. "It wasn't something I had ever considered before, and it seemed like kind of a left field recommendation," she recalls. "But the more I thought about it, the more it seemed like a great idea." And it truly was- combining her "people person" personality with what turned out to be a very natural aptitude in mixology has led to big things.
Like the Pretty Birdie. That's a cocktail, not a cockatoo. A concoction Tiffany invented containing flavored vodka and fruit juices that include pineapple, peach, and sour apple. "The rest," she says, "is confidential." From clubs to parties to concerts to brunches, people have fallen in love with this drink's smooth, delicious taste. One by one, word has flown that the Pretty Birdie is a delightful drink that goes down smooth.
The word was heard all the way to David Dafoe, founder of a company called Flavorman, devoted to taking drinks like the Pretty Birdie to the big time. "Someone comes to us with an idea, a dream," he says on the company's website. "We have a responsibility to that dream, to put the energy and expertise into developing an exceptional beverage that will be the foundation of future success in this industry."
And so it's been for Tiffany, whose very exact formula has been bottled, produced, and on its way to consumers everywhere. "I just got back from a trip to Utah, where I saw the drinks getting ready to go out," she says. "It's been an incredibly moving experience, and I'm very excited. But it's not been an easy process. When people meet me, they often think I'm just a brand ambassador. They often are slow to believe that I formulated this herself! But it can be done, and I'm proof."
This year looks to be an amazing one for Tiffany and Pretty Birdie. Her words of advice to anyone chasing their own dream? "Don't give up," she says. "There will be setbacks and disappointments. But it's all part of a process."
Written by: Rocko Jerome
Dick Arnspiger
Photos by:
"It's been an incredibly moving experience, and I'm very excited. But it's not been an easy process."
IG: tiffbird
FB: Tiffany Bird / Pretty Birdie, LLC.
LinkedIn: Tiffany Marshall
Reviving Heritage: Kentucky Senator Damon Thayer
Brings Vintage Bourbon Back to
Life
"Our resolve is to deliver top shelf, super premium bourbon that looks beautiful on your shelf and tastes good in your glass," says Damon Thayer of Kentucky Senator Bourbon, the brand he co-owns with Andre Regard. Kentucky Senator was revived from a bourbon formerly distilled and bottled by Crigler & Crigler around 130 years ago.
"Details are hard to come by, but we believe the last prior bottles with that label were made around the 1960s," Damon says. "It made sense to revive this vintage whiskey to its glory days." It especially tracks when you consider that Damon is, himself, a Kentucky Senator- with a long history of supporting and championing the business and culture of bourbonism. "With my job in the legislature, I've devoted my efforts to removing artificial barriers to free enterprise," he says. "There are a lot of laws that date back to the prohibition era that just don't make sense; we've done a lot of work to move past that."
Damon found that he had developed a taste for bourbon via social events and gradually accumulated an excellent selection for himself. "I was a comic book kid. I've always enjoyed collecting things," he says. "Then, once I learned that there had been this particular brand, it just made sense."
The first new Kentucky Senator Bourbon was released in 2021, named in honor of Senator Alben W. Barkley. The very small batch of bourbon was aged 15 years and was followed by another honoring Senator William J. DeBoe, then Senator John Griffin Carlisle, and, most recently, Senator John Sherman Cooper. "You can see the trend," Damon quips. "Kentucky has had 50 senators, so we have a lot of potential. Our growth plan is for a steady but reasonable velocity. We've made it imperative to work with Kentucky distributors like Kentucky Eagle and sourced our bourbons from different distilleries so that we can offer different flavor profiles. We've held each bottle to a standard of 107 proof, and none are newer than six years old. And, if I say so myself, it's a nice tasting, high profile bourbon for the money."
Written by: Rocko Jerome
"With
my job in the legislature, I've devoted my efforts to removing artificial barriers to free enterprise..."
Photos by Richie Wireman
During the past holiday season, Bourbon with HeART teamed up with Lights on Main and the Frazier History Museum to present an unprecedented Christmas tree exhibit! Seventy-five trees were beautifully decorated for the holiday season and placed throughout all three museum floors. The exhibit successfully raised funds for 'I Would Rather Be Reading'(IWRBR), supporting free after-school programs for 300 children in the city of Louisville.
The highest-level sponsors were matched with Bourbon with HeART artists, who were given the unique task of custom-designing their respective trees. In the following pages, you'll have the opportunity to discover these artists and sponsors. Additionally, you'll learn about a very special tree that Bourbon with HeART created in honor of local heroes.
Left to right: Ally Ogle & Ashley Dearinger (Co-Founders of IWRBR), Andy Treinen (CEO of Frazier Musuem, Morgan Hancock (Founder of Bourbon with Heart), Alan Lewis, Andrew Kung (Bourbon with Heart Board Member).
The Louisville Downtown Partnership, a nonprofit entity, dedicates itself to enhancing Downtown Louisville. Its mission centers on fostering the redevelopment, vitality, and economic growth of the Central Business District and adjacent areas. The organization focuses on creating a safe, clean, and enjoyable environment. With a vision to collaboratively transform Downtown Louisville into an economic hub for the entire city, it aims to be recognized for growth, innovation, and as a captivating destination. This effort positions Downtown as a dynamic urban core, driving economic and social progress.
Supporting Heroes/ Artists: Marty Osbourn O'Daniel & Cris Carter
This “Hero Tree” was a poignant and heartfelt tribute to our local heroes and was part of the Lights on Main exhibition at the Frazier History Museum. It was a special dedication to over 200 fallen first responders from Kentucky and Indiana.
In creating this tribute, Bourbon with Heart collaborated with two incredibly talented artists, Cris Carter and Marty O’Daniel. Cris brought her tree-decorating expertise to the project, while Marty’s artistic skills were showcased in her hand-painted custom ornaments.
These unique ornaments depicted our local first responders as superheroes, a fitting tribute to their courage and selflessness. At the base of the tree, Marty had also crafted a wooden display spelling out “HEROES,” featuring the names and photos of these 200 brave individuals who had given the ultimate sacrifice.
All proceeds from the tree went directly to Supporting Heroes, whose mission is to honor the service and sacrifice of public safety heroes who give their lives in the line of duty—by caring for the loved ones they leave behind.
Photography by Dick Arnspiger
Supporting Heroes/ Artists: Marty Osbourn O'Daniel & Cris Carter
Photography by Dick Arnspiger
bonhomia | Artist: Lynn Davidson
Bonhomia, a company rooted in rural Guatemala, specializes in ethically made goods featuring repurposed artisanal textiles. More than just leather and textile crafters, they represent a network of artists, communities, and families. Bonhomia's mission is to celebrate cultural beauty and honor traditional practices in a contemporary context, focusing on storytelling and the preservation of heritage. Their products are a tribute to the rich traditions and skilled craftsmanship of Guatemalan artisans, blending modern design with timeless techniques.
Left: Catherine Jones, Owner of bonhomia and Right: Lynn Davidson, Artist
Photography by Dick Arnspiger
Mercedes-Benz | Artists: Stephanie Batts and Ken Burney
Mercedes-Benz of Louisville excels in realizing automotive dreams, serving not only Louisville but also nearby Elizabethtown, New Albany, and Jeffersonville. Renowned for their stylish, feature-rich, and capable lineup, the dealership offers a wide selection of new MercedesBenz models, ensuring an effortless match for every client. Their dedicated sales team prioritizes a personalized driving experience, guiding customers through the selection of the ideal model and trim to suit their unique preferences.
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Mercedes-Benz
Artists: Stephanie Batts and Ken Burney
Mercedes-Benz of Louisville Team
Photography by Dick Arnspiger
The de Paul School stands out with its unique, individualized, and customized approach to education, backed by proven success. This institution prides itself on understanding that each child's learning journey is distinct. With a team of expert educators, the school tailors its teaching methods to meet the diverse needs and strengths of each student. The de Paul School offers a nurturing environment unlike traditional educational models, focusing on the specific challenges and abilities of its students. This approach addresses common frustrations in learning, such as difficulty with complex subjects, and transforms them into opportunities for success, ensuring every child's educational needs are met daily.
Dr. Laurie Bottiger, Head of School
Mr. Phil Howell, Associate Head of School
The dePaul School/ Artist: Sara Contreras
The DePaul School | Artist: Sara Contreras
Photography by Dick Arnspiger
Wandering Spirits | Artist: D.J. Sturgeon
Wandering Spirits, Louisville's pioneering traveling bar, excels in the art of mixology and mobile bartending. With a longstanding passion for flavor combinations, their expert bartenders create memorable experiences for guests, specializing in weddings and events. Serving all of Kentucky and Southern Indiana, Wandering Spirits brings a unique and unforgettable touch to any occasion, ensuring that each event is talked about and remembered for years.
Owner, Wandering Spirits, Rachel Southard
Wandering Spirits/ Artist: DJ Sturgeon
Photography by Dick Arnspiger
IWRBR/
Artist: Veronica Stivers
I Would Rather Be Reading (IWRBR) provides equitable access to trauma responsive literacy support and socialemotional learning to children across greater Louisville.
IWRBR provides reading tutoring, summer camps, after school programs, family engagement sessions, enrichment experiences, and professional development for educators and out of school time providers.
Co-Founders
IWRBR
Ashley Dearinger and Ally Ogle
Artist: Veronica Stivers
Photography by Dick Arnspiger
Photography by Dick Arnspiger
'The Spirit of Women' Film Shines Light on Female Pioneers in Distilling
"I grew up in Lexington around bourbon, and although I always got the sense that it was a male-dominated field and historically reserved for men, I found the world around it very compelling," says actress, writer, and producer Leigha Kingsley. "Years later, I was hired for a show in LA that led me to investigate the art and alchemy of distilling. It brought me a new understanding of the elements involved and the vital roles played by women since the very beginning. There's a beautiful American story there to be told."
Leigha was working on a few other things then, so she placed a pin in that idea and moved along with other projects. But eventually, fate would reach out to her. "I was in a grocery store where I happened to see a copy of American Whiskey magazine with women on the cover, and I bought it immediately. Inside, I read about Fawn Weaver, Peggy Noe Stevens, and all the amazing things happening with Uncle Nearest. I took it as a sign and got to work."
Leigha is co-directing a documentary on the subject entitled The Spirit of Women. "I went down a few rabbit holes in my research," she recalls. "I've learned about many incredible women who were and have been the backbone of this industry and art form. Learning these stories has been empowering. Bringing these voices and faces from the shadows is a great privilege. There are such heroic stories there. We're all standing on the shoulders of these remarkable women who went before. People like Catherine Carpenter, who lived in the 1800s. She was twice a widow and had twelve children to support, and she more than did that by pioneering the first sour mash recipe. She was more focused on taking care of her family than building a legacy. So now, it's so important to reflect. To find these historically important ladies and shine a spotlight."
As of this writing, The Spirit of Women is nearing completion and has already attracted tremendous interest from entities like the Cannes Film Festival and South By Southwest.
Even so, Leigha's hopes remain grounded. "I just hope a young girl somewhere sees this and knows there is a place for her in this tradition," she says. "Women are the soul of this industry. It's time to let the world know."
Written by: Rocko Jerome
Leigha Kingsley on set interviewing Uncle Nearest
Photos I Morgan Blake
Sarah Moshman Co-Director
Leigha Kingsley & Sarah Moshman Co-Directors
Chromatic Spirits: A Journey Through Color and Light
Curated by: Jessica Piasta Visuals Editor
“Let this gallery take you on a transformative experience of arts and spirits through color and light.”
Tim O'Connell Nicks Big Six Ink and Graphite
Tim O'Connell
Old Town Liquors Ink with WaterColors
Bryan Hinkle hob·nob·bing
Acrylic on canvas with the background developed with pallet knives.
Jamie Craddock Johnson
Buffalo Trace
Watercolor and ink on vintage dictionary pages
Elizabeth Keller Blanton’s Bourbon Alcohol based marker & pen on paper
Marty Osbourn O'Daniel
Bardstown Collection
Acrylic on cradled birch panel.
Kim Perry
The Four Glencarins Oil on Canvas
Will Evans
The Boro Oil on canvas
Brittney Rice
Bricks & Bourbon Still Life Oil on canvas
Lynn Davidson
Aunt Millie’s Special Tea
Mixed media: watercolor, ink, colored pencil
David E. Reed Wild Turkey Distillery Oils, brush/palette knife
Jennifer L Vaughn
Angel's Envy
Acrylic on canvas
Erika Vazzana
Girl with a pearl earring and Bourbon Acrylic on canvas
Gary D. Curtis
A Wealth of Bourbons
Watercolor on mounted paper
Molly E. Whitt
Goldenrod Toddy
Watercolor, acrylic, color pencil, marker on marker paper
William Armstrong Night s at the Dollar Ink and acrylic over a collage of sheet music and an image of the fire station map found at the Silver Dollar.
Randy L Purcell
Disenthralled
Encaustic process: magazine ink transferred onto beeswax, and oil stick.
Beam Vets Team at Maker's Mark
Michael W. Hensley Bourbon With A Splash Of Desire
Acrylic on canvas
Andrew Kung
Bourbon Ballet
Digital Photography, High Shutter Speed with Strobe Lighting; Digital Composite
The Cover: Titled "Labelless'' - This mixed media composition is about celebrating the marriage of glass to liquid. Without a label being required you can admire the simple beauty of the reflections created in the whiskey from the vessel that caries it
Rob Cameron: From Automotive Design to Artistic Expression in 'Meeting Minutes’
Rob Cameron is a Detroit based artist. A graduate of College for Creative Studies with a BFA in Automotive Design / Industrial Design, is an active design leader in the automotive design industry. Meeting Minutes is a passion project allowing the external display of his work outside of the confidential day to day work environment, with a emphasis on developing new relationships and sharing new experiences, just like the spirt he enjoys.
Meeting Minutes is derived with a satirical approach. Stemming from black gel ink illustrations on covers of notebooks, the roaming thoughts are a result of countless hours of meetings and calls. By definition, meeting minutes are “informal notes that are an instant written record of a meeting or hearing; related to describing the events and participants of the gathering”.
Like bourbon, there is a story. The marriage of the daily creative life and challenges of styling the world's most iconic products, contrasting the corporate side of the design business, then blended with an empathic mindless style, yields the creative outlet to take the proverbial edge off. The illustration style and satirical link is the resulting work presented.
Sponsorships are very limited! Reserve yours today! Learn more at BourbonWithHeart.org.
"Bourbon, Ballet, and Benz," presented by "Bourbon with Heart," is a captivating art exhibit showcasing 20 hand-painted bourbon bottles and 20 hand-painted ballet pointe shoes, all designed by local artists. This special event, sponsored by community businesses, is set to open on April 11th at the newly renovated Mercedes Benz of Louisville showroom. It aims to raise funds for the Louisville Ballet and its Ballet Bound program, offering free classical ballet training to aspiring young dancers from Greater Louisville.
Presented by: Benefitting: In Partnership with:
Max Savaiko is a premiere contemporary artist, known for creating art pieces with stirring accuracy. His art explores the depths of glass, reflections and the abstract beauty they create. He’s celebrated for his unique style and ability to evoke emotions, and spark curiosity. He has completed numerous commissions; including three for Wilderness Trail Distillery and Nashville Barrel. Each artwork reflects his mastery and portraying the essence of these beloved spirits, making them a compelling addition to any space for collectors of bourbon and whiskey culture.
