The Speed Art Museum

The ever-growing museum hopes to become one of Louisville's finest

By: Donna Kapfhammer

Published On: August 31, 2010

The excitement is contagious. The Speed Art Museum is a flurry of activity these days because the second annual 100 Paintings, 100 Parties event is scheduled for Saturday, September 11.

Patron Circle Members will host 100 themed dinner parties at their homes that are inspired by works from the museum’s art collection. The evening concludes with the hosts and guests traveling to the museum for entertainment and dancing.

“The mission is to expose people to the museum. “Our goal is to be one of the finest museums and not necessarily the largest or richest,” said Lisa Resik, Director of Capital Campaign and Strategic Initiative. “This is our recruitment event for the year.”

Apparently this concept works. Lisa said that in 2008 there were 75 household unit memberships and that increased to 225 in 2009.

Merry Daugherty along with Don Wenzel chair the steering committee. “The art world is difficult and in order for it to thrive it must have community support,” she said. “I just love being part of it.”

Merry, an artist, was pleasantly surprised after moving here because the people of Louisville recognize the importance of art. She believes it’s important to educate people about the ever-changing museum including the children education program. “We are doing all that we can to get people to join because we have a lot of programming slated for the year.”

The museum goer can view The Andy Warhol - Myths which is currently on display through October. Works from the Opposites Attract Collection are displayed through February 7, 2011 and the European, African and American Exhibit will be displayed October 11 – March 31 of next year.

There are different levels of membership from which to choose including individual, family/dual, reciprocal and supporter. Within the Patron Circle there are silver, gold and platinum memberships.

Lisa said the goal is to convey that the museum is a fun, lively place where visitors can be comfortable.

There is an expansion project brewing and the initial steps enabling that project will begin next year.

The Speed Museum is located at 2035 S. Third Street. You can access their website at www.speedmuseum.org or call them at 634-2700. Advance tickets are required for the 100 Paintings, 100 Parties event.