Bourbon with Heart is Kentucky’s first and only arts-focused bourbon charity. Kentucky is known worldwide as the leader of the bourbon industry but lesser known for its vibrant arts culture. I want to change that.
I founded Bourbon with Heart to leverage the influence and popularity of bourbon to raise funds, bring awareness, educate, provide better access to, and deliver a first-class arts experience to every person in Kentucky regardless of age, race, class, gender, or ability.
I deeply appreciate art in all its various forms, such as dance, design, music, photography, theater, or crafting a delicious bourbon blend. I believe art, like a good glass of bourbon, brings people together and encourages self-expression.
With a strong desire to see Kentucky’s thriving arts culture continue and grow, I am distilling ART right into the heART of my mission.
Art is more than a luxury or hobby; instead, art is the physical manifestation of everything that makes us distinctly human:
- imagination
- desire for autonomy
- sophisticated self-expression
- preservation of history
- appreciation for beauty
Art doesn’t merely accept the world as it is; instead, art harnesses human imagination to create its world.
As a young child, art was a way for me to recreate my world. I loved writing poetry and distinctly remember the feeling of vulnerability when sharing my work with others. Even more memorable was the intense sense of pride when my work was acknowledged and appreciated. The confidence instilled in me by others acknowledging my art has been invaluable. I hope that Bourbon with Heart provides a platform where people feel welcome to share their art and can experience that pride from acknowledgment and appreciation.
We will present our inaugural event, “Barrels of Heart,” at Frazier Kentucky History Museum in early 2023. Bourbon brands and local companies will sponsor the exhibit featuring twenty custom-painted bourbon barrels designed by local artists.
The museum exhibit will be open for eight weeks with the chance for the public to vote for their favorite custom-painted barrel. The winning artist will be awarded a scholarship and a donation to the artist’s favorite charity. The remaining proceeds will be divided among three area nonprofits.
I hope the “Barrels of Heart” exhibit will benefit individuals monetarily through the funds raised and send a message to the participating artists that they are seen, appreciated, and should be proud of their artistic contributions.
Learn more about Bourbon with Heart at https://bourbonwithheart.org
