Friends,

Four years ago I returned home to Louisville after more than three decades of living as a professor and painter in New York. What I found was a city buzzing with creativity and artistic growth. From the Speed Museum expansion and 21c Museum Hotel, to NuLu and the Green Building, Louisville had been making its way into new territory in the Arts.

As I looked at the growth taking place, it dawned on me that this was an outrageous opportunity to bring an innovative first rate school dedicated to the visual arts to Louisville. Louisville is open territory with fertile ground. Kentucky School of Art at Spalding University is an asset with the ability to create a hub of creativity and artistic wealth right here in our own city. With your support and collaboration with the community, Louisville will distinguish itself as a center of creative influence and value.

Under the guidance, leadership and support provided by Spalding University, we envision Kentucky School of Art as a school of excellence unto itself, not as a derivative of the existing art schools in New York or Chicago. Kentucky School of Art is our chance to create a curriculum that honors the unique needs of modern day art students, not held back by outdated rules and curriculum. By creating an organic environment, we nimbly navigate the rapidly changing times, establishing creative confidence in our students that will allow them to put their skills to use in the community. By nurturing awareness, curiosity and creativity, our students become part of the artistic evolution and revitalization of their own community.

The Kentucky School of Art sees talent, not socio-economic status. We have worked hard to keep the tuition costs low and build our scholarship offerings so that we can maintain an open door to students of all backgrounds and learning styles. Supported by the highest quality faculty, we prepare our students for careers while honoring their creative spirit. With enrollment increasing from 9 students at its start in 2009 to 100 students in the fall of 2013, Kentucky School of Art has established itself as a vibrant component of Spalding University. Having secured a Bachelor of Fine Arts accreditation in record time, we are eager to expand our reach both in student recruitment and donor support.

Join us in this extraordinary opportunity to bring an innovative and contemporary school of excellence to Louisville that will benefit us all.

Churchill G. Davenport