Member Monday

Member Monday: Open Studio Weekend Artist Petersen Thomas

How did you first get involved with LVA?

I honestly do not recall.  LVA seems to be woven into the fabric of the visual arts in Louisville. I probably joined as a function of donating to a fundraiser.  

When did you first know that art was going to be a big part of your life?

I think this question has it backwards.  Children seem to have an innate desire to create images.  Like most kids, I could amuse myself endlessly by drawing. Those drawings evolved from scribbles to animals to cars to figures to portraits and back to scribbles.  At some point, probably in high school, I realized that art was never going to stop being a big part of my life.

What does LVA add to your life?

So many things: a framework for collaborative projects; opportunities to interact with patrons and the public (Open Studio Weekend!); the ability to give back through fundraising efforts that support worthy art projects (Open Studio Weekend!); and generally a feeling of being part of a larger community.

How else are you involved in the community?

I do my part to uphold the image of us as a bourbon soaked people.  And Forecastle.

Describe your perfect Sunday afternoon.

Being abducted by a race of space aliens who are fascinated by human creativity, and to study the phenomena, they put me in a clean well-lighted space with unlimited food and art supplies to observe me making all the art I possibly can until they get enough data for their study at which point they time warp me back to where and when I was. And then I get up, have a cup of coffee and work on the NYT crossword puzzle.

Who is your favorite local artist?

Bobby Benjamin

Where would you like to see Louisville 10 years from now?

38°13.52′N 85°44.5′W

What neighborhood do you live in? What are some of your favorite things about it?

Downtown.  I love the proximity to the bike trails along the river, Waterfront Park and NULU.

What three items would you bring to a desert island?

A fire extinguisher, a brick on a string, and some big warm blankets.

What advice would you give your past self if you could?

Don’t confuse punctuality with integrity.