FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky’s first ever public sculpture park is celebrating 15 years since its founding. Josephine Sculpture Park in Frankfort opened in 2009 and is free to the public to appreciate art while simultaneously taking in nature.

What You Need To Know

  • Josephine Sculpture Park is celebrating 15 years of being open 

  • Sunday, the park is hosting a free, family-friendly 'thank you' party to donors, visitors and volunteers 

  • The park has over 70 sculptures on 40-acres and is free to the public 

  • Josephine Sculpture Park is open everday from dawn to dusk

Melanie VanHouten opened Josephine Sculture Park 15 years ago on 10-acres of her family’s farm. Now, with over 70 sculptures, the park is 40 acres of native meadows, fields and trees.

“All of this 40 was originally part of my grandparents’ farm and their farm goes on the other side of 127 too and the farm was kind of split in half,” VanHouten said.

Right now, the park is in its annual seven days of giving. Their goal is to raise $85,000 to keep the outdoor art adventure free and open to the public. It culminates Sunday at their second annual Joy Full-Gratitude Gathering where the park is open after dark.

“Last year we really wanted to say thank you to all of our donors and volunteers for everybody that has come out to the park because we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for everybody that came out to visit,” VanHouten said.

The sculptures are from local artists to world renowned artists. Some are permanent features while others are rotating exhibits.

“We do have a handful of things that have been donated to the park mostly that are made by pretty well-known artists,” VanHouten said.

VanHouten studied sculpture in college and was inspired to open the park after moving back to Kentucky from Minnesota. She says art brings people together.

“I can’t say it enough how much it fills me with pride for our community that they’ve come together and rallied around something that really just brings good to people and the people appreciate that and they need it,” VanHouten said.

Hoping to continue sharing her love for her grandparent’s farm and art with everyone for another 15 years.

“It fills my heart with joy that we’ve been such an important place for so many people for 15 years and we are committed to doing that for a long time to come,” VanHouten said.

Sunday’s Joy Full-Gratitude Gathering is free and takes place from 5 to 8 pm ET.

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