Barn Raisin’: Conservation, Culture & Cuisine sponsored by Expree Credit Union is more than JSP’s annual fundraiser. It’s a showing of community support for the arts and nature in various forms. From the evening’s music to the unique auction prizes, every aspect of the event intentionally lifts up creativity. Learn more about the dynamic artists converging to amplify JSP’s mission to connect with each other and the land through the arts.

Guests of Honor: Karine & Matthew Maynard

Matthew and Karine Maynard, Barn Raisin' guests of honor, are celebrated artists, blacksmiths and architectural designers who use metal and architectural space as their media. They own and operate Maynard Studios Inc, in Lawrenceburg, KY. Exhibiting since 2017, the Maynards’ work has been shown across the U.S. such as at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN and Renwick Gallery, Washington DC. The duo has been honored by National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA), Kentucky Arts Council, Kentucky House of Representatives and more. Maynard Studios has fulfilled custom commissions across the United States and also work internationally. The Maynards were recently featured on Off the Beaten Path.

Conservation: Live & Silent Auctions

Creativity goes into conserving the natural landscape that Josephine Sculpture Park occupies. Countless hours are poured into stewarding the spaces that hold interactive artwork, while providing a sanctuary for humans and other animals. Park staff, volunteers and partners manage water run-off and soil erosion, replace invasive plants with native, wildlife-friendly species, create exhibition spaces, design paths and maintain them. To support land conservation, bid on uniquely Kentucky arts and culture experiences in our live and silent auctions. 

Auction packages will feature these art-filled experiences and more! 

• Take a deep dive into the sculpture studios at Lucky 7 Arts and spend the night at 21C with dinner at Proof on Main in Louisville.
• Immerse yourself in the sweet melodies of Ben Sollee and his cello at your own private concert.
• Treat yourself to a special tour of the sculptures on exhibit at Great Meadows followed by dinner at Barn8 on Hermitage Farm.
• Bring home your very own Maynard Studios sculpture, Curious Bunny, and witness their creative process with a behind-the-scenes private tour and catered dinner.

Culture: Kaia Kater

Kaia Kater's jazz-fueled voice and deft songcraft have garnered acclaim from NPR's Tiny Desk, The Guardian, Rolling Stone and No Depression. Through her artful banjo playing and lush songwriting, Kaia draws on influences rooted in Quebec, the Caribbean, and Appalachia, all of which reflect the diversity of her background; her ties to the Canadian folk music scene; her college years spent soaking up Appalachian music in West Virginia, her father’s experience growing up in Grenada, and her recent work in film composition. Kaia Kater’s new album, Strange Medicine (coming May 2024 on Free Dirt Records/ acrönym in Canada) was created during a period of deep self-reflection and reinvention. Taking the helm as co-producer, alongside Joe Grass (Elisapie, Barr Brothers), the album finds Kater expanding her creative scope with cinematic arrangements, and working with guest artists such as Taj Mahal, Allison Russell and Aoife O’Donovan. The album celebrates the power of women and oppressed people throughout history, while also sharing meditations on her own life. Enjoy this sample video of Kaia Kater in concert.

Cuisine: True North

Expect fresh, in-season cuisine skillfully presented by culinary artists to delight and satisfy. Chef Carlie founded True North Catering in 2015 after returning to Louisville, KY to bring her vast culinary expertise back home. True North works with local farms to bring fresh food made from scratch. The team takes pride in helping folks make memories over delicious food. Chef Carlie shares, "We work really hard to make every experience feel personal, and we can confidently say that we are really really good at what we do."

The menu for Barn Raisin’ reflects their attention to detail and passion to please everyone at the table.

• Mini green tomato toast with melted provolone, caramelized garlic, crispy Blue Dog bread
• Little gem wedge salad, pickled garlic scape ranch, crisp vegetables, crunchy seeds
• Sweet corn polenta with soft cheese, caramelized local mushrooms, herb and tomato reduction
• Smoked chicken with grilled peaches over a bed of lemony massaged kale
• Wisenberger Mills sweet cornbread
• Flourless chocolate tart with whip cream, dulce de leche and wine soaked berries

The meal will be served family style, inspired by the Kentucky summer, with options to please various dietary preferences. Save room for dessert! 

Thank You to our Generous Sponsors

Expree Credit Union, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Betty Barr and Don Kleier, Chenault & Hoge Insurance, Rick and Billie Faye Duvall, Harrod Concrete and Stone Co., Scott and Cindy Hampton, Hannah Helm, Investors Heritage, Taylor and Natalie Marshall, Chris Schimmoeller and Joel Dufour, Stewart Home & School, Harry and Teresa Suter, True North Catering, and Layne and Natalie Wilkerson

Originally published April 25, 2024 / Updated May 3, 2024