This Kentucky Main Street Embraces Art Through Sculpture

Kentucky is a Commonwealth that boats food, charming towns, and world-class art. The trifecta? When a community encapsulates all three and that’s exactly the case for Shelby County, Kentucky. On a recent trip to the Saddlebred Capital of the World, I had the chance to experience the Shelby County Kentucky Sculpture Walk. If you like charming downtowns + the arts, this is an activity for you.

Parker Creative

Shelby County Kentucky Sculpture Walk

The Shelby County Kentucky Sculpture Walk is a top-shelf offering from Shelby Main Street, which is an organization under the Kentucky Main Street Program umbrella. Shelby Main Street is chock-full of amazing places to eat, drink, shop, and explore. It’s also an arts epicenter, with both the Sculpture Walk and the community theatre within minutes of each other.

The Sculpture Walk is a wonderful family activity + is free of charge.

Stop 1: Stargazer Lily

Address: 625 Main Street

Sculptor: Ben Bridwell, Millennium Steel Werks

Features a giant stainless steel flower, petals, stem, and leaves all fabricated from stainless steel.

JC Phelps

Stop 2: Reaching For Our Potential

Address: 618 Main Street, Stargazer Plaza

Sculptor: Dave Caudill, Caudill Art

Features a 30-inch stainless steel ball with a mirror-finish atop a column. It provides fascination through the reflection of the viewer + the artwork’s colors, metaphorically symbolizing the marriage of community and individual potentials.

JC Phelps

Stop 3: Butterly Bench

Address: 422 Main Street

Sculptors: Laura & Scot Kellersberger, Phoenix Creative Metal

A steel-constructed bench in the shape of a butterfly with a sandblasted, powder coat primer. This is one of my favorites, as you are allowed to sit on it for a photo opportunity.

Parker Creative

Stop 4: Wings of the Phoenix

Address: 4th Street Median

Sculptor: Jenny Hager, Havic Studios LLC

The Wings of the Phoenix symbolize the story of rebirth, as in myth the phoenix rises from its own ashes. The wings are water jet-cut and gracefully adorn the top of an upward-sweeping abstract form. It is constructed of aluminum.

Parker Creative

Stop 5: Reticulated Iris

Address: 419 Washington Street

Sculptor: Ben Bridwell, Millenium Steel Werks; Lisa Marie Fowler, Bead Artist

This eye-catching reticulated iris is made from stainless steel; however, it’s unique, in that it is adorned with pearlescent, handmade glass butterflies. The butterflies dance above the flower in the breeze.

JC Phelps

Stop 6: Wind Horse

Address: 315 Washington Street

Sculptor: Dustin Miller, Abstract Metal Design Gallery

The Wind Horse is sculpted from aircraft-grade aluminum and is professionally powder coated. It symbolizes the American Saddlebred Horse and its iconic beauty. Shelby County is the Saddlebred Capital of the World.

JC Phelps

Stop 7: Picture Frame

Address: 429 Main Street

Sculptor: Ben Bridwell, Millennium Metal Werks

Ready for one last photo opportunity? The Picture Frame is highly-detailed with stainless steel flowers, vines, and leaves across a canvas. Visitors are encouraged to stand behind the piece, placing their head in the opening of the flower. The Shelby County Picture Frame enables you to become one with art.

JC Phelps

While Visiting Downtown

Ready to embark on the Shelby County Kentucky Sculpture Walk? While downtown, don’t miss out on the plethora of activities. Go antique shopping; grab a coffee (The Paddock, Sixth + Main); grab a meal at the Bell House, La Cocina de Mama, McKinley’s, or the Red Lion; have a beer at the Barrel Room; grab a sweet treat at Spotz Gelato or Serendipity Kandy Kitchen; and simply enjoy your day in one of Kentucky’s most special communities.