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©2026 Lenihan Real Estate, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty Logo are service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Lenihan Real Estate, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC nor any of its affiliated companies.

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{Louisville’s Finest}

January/February 2026

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54 Anguilla Resort 62 Aurora & Golf Club

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Jan/Feb 2026

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Clutch Player: Cult Gaia Kalea dress ($1,598) and Taylor choker ($298; cultgaia.com). Image courtesy of Cult Gaia.

Design Without Borders Sexual Health in 2026 From Builder Grade to Custom Made Greener Pastures Ones to Watch Curves Ahead Vroom Vroom Rooms Cheers to the New Year! Happy in Healdsburg Clutch Players Cupid's Choice Highpoint Highlights Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club State of the Arts Sophisticated Wedding Sophisticated Society Calendar Butterflies in Motion Taste of Louisville Black Chef Showcase Books and Bourbon Impact 100 Seeing You Seeing 10 Taste Salute Celebrating Land, River & Legacy Holiday Cheer 100 Wise Women Bourbon and Bites Shine Gala Rocks & Roses Twisted Pink Davis Jewelers x David Yurman Snow Ball

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EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Bridget Cottrell ______________________________________________ ASSOCIATE EDITOR EMERITUS Kay Matton ART DIRECTOR Jason Yann

Every rug has a story. Let’s find yours!

CONTRIBUTORS Writers Patti Bailey Matthew Cottrell Tracy Cottrell Vicki Denig Colin Dennis Elliott Greene Claire Williams Photographers Tony Bailey Chad Henle Juovanie Mathieu Ashley Stinson Bill Wine ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE 502.582.6563 ______________________________________________ CEO/PUBLISHER Eric Williams Sophisticated Living is published by Sophisticated Living, LLC, P.O. BOX 1229, Prospect, Kentucky 40059 USA. All Rights Reserved. Sophisticated Living is published six times a year. All images and editorial are the property of Sophisticated Living, LLC and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. Annual subscription fees are $25.00; please add $5 for subscriptions outside the US. Single copies may be purchased for $5 at select fine retail outlets. Address all subscription inquiries to: Sophisticated Living, PO Box 1229, Prospect, KY 40059. To order back issues or reprints of 100 or more, call 502.582.6563.

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From the Editor-In-Chief During one of our weekly phone calls, my daughter said with exasperation, “Bridge [the name she has called me for as long as I can remember], I had to lose it on one of my friends today when he told me he asked ChatGPT for dating advice.” She added, “And I am not a fan of those AI videos of babies acting out famous movie scenes.” Ouch. I honestly thought she’d think that a baby version of Wallace Shawn’s Vizzini exclaiming “inconceivable”, as funny as I did. We trade video clips back and forth all the time, but any I sent that were made with AI elicited crickets, and now I knew why. In the past few years, my daughter has become much more vocal about her frustration over the growing predominance of AI in our daily lives, especially among her peers. In her mind, it causes the dumbing down of society, and the more I listen to her soapboxing, I understand her perspective, although I readily admit to dabbling with a few gadgets in the AI toolbox. I have friends whose children have bragged about writing term papers entirely with artificial intelligence, not even having to edit, since there are apps to do that as well. I think if I were an academic, I’d be tempted to have my students turn in handwritten essays, so that at least while they were copying the plagiarized work, they might at least retain some of the material. Like a modern-day Hans Brinker, she’s leading a one-woman charge against AI’s gradual seep into her daily life by eschewing its seemingly innocuous suggestions to write emails or other business correspondence for her. To stem the tide of cognitive offloading that’s widely believed to reduce reading, critical thinking, and comprehension skills, she’s committed to read some of the world’s most famous novels. And, she is always quick to remind her friends that real people with real-world experience who really care about them are far superior to an AI chatbot. In a world already beset by a loneliness epidemic, how sad would it be for us to surrender even more opportunities for authentic connection with an entity that doesn’t even have the capacity to care about our well-being? The need for interpersonal connection was front and center during a roundtable discussion I recently held with local performing arts leaders (see “State of the Arts” starting on page 66). The idea for this came about during a lunch with Randy Blevins, founder of Think Tank Marketing and a lifelong champion of the arts. He generously offered to use his connections to facilitate the roundtable, which was held at Actors Theatre. Something AI can never replace: the Irish gundog experience with Willie Forde at Adare Manor. Complementing this article is our annual charity register special section; having spent the first 15 years of my career in the nonprofit sector, this initiative is near and dear to my heart. We’re also introducing a new feature, “Last Call,” a Proust-like interview with Louisvillians of note. This month’s interviewee is Dr. Angela Hagan, Executive Director of Louisville Visual Art. I met Angela in my early 20s during a budgeting class we were taking as part of the Master of Public Administration program at the University of Louisville. She finished that degree and went on to obtain a Ph.D. in Urban and Public Affairs, while I put advanced studies on hold to coach men’s and women’s cross country at Bellarmine University before motherhood, and then the magazine put me on a different trajectory. Fortunately, our paths crossed again years later, courtesy of Sophisticated Living, when she jogged my memory about our shared history. Finally, be sure to check out the unique features in our Lexington edition (slmag.net/lexington). Thanks to a connection made by another local PR dynamo, Debra Locker Griffen, a lunch with Lee Milward about editorial turned to a constructive conversation about strengthening our presence there, with Lee agreeing to become Associate Publisher. She hit the ground running, and her contagious enthusiasm for the magazine was just the spark I needed going into our 23rd year of publishing.

Bridget Cottrell, Editor-In-Chief

bridget@slmag.net @SOPHISTICATED_BRIDGET

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INTRODUCING LOUISVILLE’S NEW STANDARD IN LUXURY AUTOMOTIVE Blue Grass Automotive is now Germain Louisville—led by fourth-generation family ownership committed to a truly high-touch experience. With the resources of a larger automotive group, you’ll enjoy greater access to exclusive models and events, along with an elevated, more personal service experience. Because for us, it’s all part of delivering an exceptional experience one customer at a time.

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At Mariner, the people behind the people make all the difference. That’s why our advisors have access to even more advisors for a wealth of support for their clients – for tax strategy, insurance, estate planning and more. All working together to solve your complex wealth management challenges and everyday needs. Access our team at mariner.com Louisville: 502-233-1970 | New Albany: 812-542-1018 | Lexington: 859-205-6154 Mariner is the marketing name for the financial services businesses of Mariner Wealth Advisors, LLC and its subsidiaries. Investment advisory services are provided through the brands Mariner Wealth, Mariner Independent, Mariner Institutional, Mariner Ultra, and Mariner Workplace, each of which is a business name of the registered investment advisory entities of Mariner. For additional information about each of the registered investment advisory entities of Mariner, including fees and services, please contact Mariner or refer to each entity’s Form ADV Part 2A, which is available on the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov). Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

DESIGN WITHOUT BORDERS

Paul Lechleiter taps interior designer Grace Lawson of Bittners as a creative partner for a whole-house renovation in Cincinnati's Indian Hill neighborhood. Written by Bridget Cottrell / Photos by Tony Bailey

It all started with a fridge on the fritz. The ailing appliance put the empty nest homeowners at a crossroads: replace or embark on the major renovation they had long pined for. Choosing the latter, they called on friend and neighbor Paul Lechleiter, who was also amid a second-act journey of his own. After spending more than two decades as the Chief Creative Officer at FRCH (now Nelson Worldwide), an international architecture and design firm, Lechleiter, a Louisville native, wasn't quite ready to quit flexing his creative muscle once he retired from the corporate world. "Commercial design isn't that personal, and I always wanted to be an interior designer; Bittners and Hubbuch & Co. were my idols growing up," he recalled. Being in an enviable position to be picky about the projects he chooses to take on, Lechleiter was excited about the transformation of this Indian Hill home, in large part because of his collegial working relationship with the homeowners. "They really gave us free rein," he said. Serving as the project's architectural designer, Lechleiter spearheaded the physical changes, intending to round the corners of the preexisting contemporary elements of the spacious early 20 slmag.net

2000s-era home situated on a park-like lot. "It was all about adding a little personality in a familiar way," he said. Replacing the existing casement windows with true divided-light windows hints at the significant changes inside, affecting nearly every surface from floor to ceiling. When the renovation dust had settled, Lechleiter had no doubt that Bittners would be his collaborator of choice for finishing the interiors. Still, he had one big caveat: he wanted everything finished and furnished within a tight six-month timeframe. "Douglas [Riddle, President & COO of Bittners] has a cut-through-it directness that I really love," said Lechleiter, adding that being able to pull available products directly from the Bittners’ showroom inventory was "a game changer". Following his conversation with Lechleiter, Riddle selected designer Grace Lawson for the project. Lawson, who earned a degree in Interior Design from the University of Kentucky, was a kindred spirit with Lechleiter, as she had also worked for an architectural firm early in her career while living in Boston. "My experience there helped me to seamlessly maneuver between historic and modern elements," she said.

slmag.net

While time constraints prevented Lawson from having the luxury of custom-ordering pieces, she said she never felt they had to make any compromises. "I like playing with texture, and the home's limited color palette allows for that," she said. Ample trim and molding, introduced in the entry and carried throughout the first floor, adds interest in the absence of a busy color palette and emphasizes the artwork. In the living room, an intentionally edited and arranged assortment of books, art, and objects populate the built-ins added on either side of the fireplace, emphasizing the ceiling height. A pair of custom rugs, layered one atop the other, was sourced from Carpet Specialists. Accent pillows on the sofa and sculpted wood armchairs provide a pop of color and pattern. 22 slmag.net

Open to both the living and hearth rooms, the renovated kitchen and casual dining area offer a mix of modern and rustic design elements. Adding ceiling beams and resurfacing the fireplace surround with stone in the hearth room adds to its cozy, casual appeal, reinforced by a subtly textured rug, a faux bois floor lamp, and varied textures in the upholstery and pillows. What had been a niche to accommodate an early-2000s tube television was converted into a built-in display for books and art. In the dining room, casement windows were replaced with French doors. The homeowners' existing dining room table and chinoiserie hutch are among the few pre-renovation furniture pieces to remain. Suspended above the table is a pair of Arteriors Rittenhouse 6-Light chandeliers.

A Bittners-made table separates the bar from a seating area in the lower level.

slmag.net

An art-filled corridor leads to the primary suite. The bedroom's wall color, a subtle lilac hue, creates a restful atmosphere, as do supporting soft case goods, including a tufted headboard and a pair of Baker Barbara Barry Bubble chairs upholstered in a textured boucle fabric. The renovated primary bath kept the same footprint, trading stepped vanities for those with more elegant lines and swapping an inset jetted tub for a free-standing one. The lower level was renovated to the wife's specifications. A French-bistro-inspired area near the bar is a preferred spot to host friends for cocktails. A pair of small round marble-topped tables is surrounded by classic rattan bistro chairs on one side and a 24 slmag.net

cushioned banquette along the white-wainscoted wall. The art, depicting a white egret in flight, was a group pick among friends. A Bittners-made table with an X-shaped trestle base separates the bar from a seating area. A black steel-framed window divider distinguishes the pool table area while sharing an abundance of natural light with the entire entertaining area. Looking at the "before" photos, it's hard to believe that this elegant abode, which effortlessly embraces the rarified air where casualness and elegance harmoniously co-exist, is the same house. The unanimity also reflects the project's collaborative nature. "It was a great, fun group effort," said the wife. sl

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SEXUAL HEALTH IN 2026 Yes, let’s talk about it.

By Terri Paige, CEO and Co-founder, Medical Transformation Center Terri Paige is CEO and co-founder of Medical Transformation Center with her husband, Dr. Carl Paige. Under Terri's leadership, the Kentucky-based MTC has become a regional hub of innovation, advancing optimal health through cellular medicine and helping the body heal itself. Working from a state-of-the-art medical center in Louisville, MTC offers regenerative approaches to healthy aging, optimization, longevity, and restorative care. Terri is a Fellow of the International Seeds Scientific Research and Performance Institute and a regular speaker at Institute symposiums; a Certified Lifestyle Coach through the American Academy of Anti-aging, Regenerative and Functional Medicine in conjunction with the Metabolic Medical Institute; and a Certified Professional Performance Coach through SourcePoint Training.

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My last article declared that menopause is having a moment. Well, in 2026… it’s sex. More than 30 years ago, Salt-N-Pepa suggested “Let’s Talk About Sex,” and it felt downright scandalous. Now here we are, decades later, finally having grown-up conversations about it. And thank goodness, because sexual health isn’t frivolous or embarrassing. It’s foundational to overall health. Yet, I meet people quite often who tell me they still struggle to talk about sexual challenges and end up suffering silently. Or they turn to dubious online peddlers that promise the world and deliver very little. The National Institutes of Health reports that 43% of women and 31% of men experience sexual dysfunction at some point. But here’s the hopeful part: real, effective solutions exist. We just have to talk about the problems first. So… let’s talk. Common Struggles (and Why They Happen) First off, I often tell people to make sure they like the person they are looking to be intimate with because that can help quite a bit. Obviously, there is much more to it, but it needs to be acknowledged that relationships are complex and can be challenging (take it from someone who has been married for over forty years and has eight kids!). Clear communication, actively combating resentment, and deliberately making time for each other are all actions that can go a long way toward keeping two busy people connected over the long term. But liking - even loving - someone doesn’t guarantee the desire is always present. People often chalk low libido up to stress or exhaustion (and those are certainly part of it), but it can also be an early sign of a deeper medical issue. Hormone imbalance is common for both men and women, but the approach to addressing it varies between the sexes. For men, you’ll often hear talk of testosterone replacement. This can be a viable option, but there are many things to consider before jumping in. Men can maintain their male hormones well into what might be considered “old age”. We find that environmental and lifestyle factors create the “imbalance” and prefer to work on optimizing metabolism and cell function before we go straight to testosterone replacement. Approaches exist to help the body start making more testosterone, which can lead to better overall health outcomes. It’s good to try this first because once you start hormone therapy, it will need to be maintained. It will cause your body to stop making it on its own. Talk to a medical professional and make sure you understand this option. For women, hormone replacement is often more necessary and needed earlier once perimenopause sets in. In my experience, adding progesterone helps with a lot of concerns - and makes you feel a lot better about life and those you are spending it with. Again, talk to your doctor. Not Just a Female Thing Speaking of menopause, again… Women aren’t the only ones who see functionality shift with age. Andropause

is often referred to as “male menopause,” and at the top of its list of symptoms sits low sex drive (along with fatigue, brain fog, loss of muscle mass, and weight gain). A diagnosis is based on symptoms and bloodwork - especially a morning testosterone draw. But again, there are plenty of treatments that work. Lifestyle changes and targeted therapies can make a dramatic difference if you are feeling these effects in your own life. Keeping (Bladder) Control Yes. I know no one loves discussing this stuff, but bladder control affects confidence and quality of life. And almost half of women dealing with these struggles say it has clearly had an effect on intimacy. And again - it isn’t just women who report this struggle (though childbirth often causes it to surface earlier.) After hearing story after story from patients about how this affected their sexual wellbeing, Medical Transformation Center invested in a groundbreaking technology in 2022: Emsella. Emsella strengthens and rebuilds the pelvic floor using highintensity electromagnetic energy - basically Kegels on superpower mode. You sit fully clothed on the chair for 28 minutes while it stimulates deep contractions. Most people need six bi-weekly sessions. And this really gets results. Many report they aren’t just feeling more confident about their trips to the toilet - things have improved in the bedroom, too. Laxity Can Cause Anxiety As already mentioned, childbirth and menopause do force some intense changes on women. These extend all the way to the vaginal opening. Vaginal looseness is something many women are never told about, and many physicians hardly address. But it can affect sensation and sexual satisfaction. Because this is rarely discussed, many don’t realize how simple the solution can be. There has been significant success in improving collagen, moisture, and tightness in women by using heat and high intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy. Talk to us at Medical Transformation Center or ask your physician about EmFemme 360. There’s no downtime, no discomfort, and a series of treatments can make a significant difference in confidence and enjoyment. Treating Sexual Health as Health What it really comes down to is this: sexual health isn’t something that should be treated in isolation. At Medical Transformation Center, it’s part of our broader Cellular Medicine approach. We look at the entire system: hormones, metabolism, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, lifestyle, and mental well-being. From there, we seek to put together a plan that addresses all these things, knowing that when you are wholly healthy, many things fall into place. When we address the whole person, sexual health often improves naturally. If something in this article made you think, “That sounds like me,” then I want to encourage you: you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure this out by yourself. Sexual health shouldn’t be taboo. It should be talked about honestly, addressed thoughtfully, and supported compassionately. sl Let me invite you to explore Medical Transformation Center's many offerings or reserve a free consultation. Call 502.443.9962 or visit medicaltransformationcenter.com/

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FROM BUILDER GRADE TO CUSTOM MADE KP Designs' Kristen Pawlak guides the gradual transformation of a '90s-era home. Written by Bridget Cottrell / Photos by Dick Arnspiger If you've spent any time perusing real estate listings recently, you know there is no shortage of outdated design hallmarks that persist in suburbia; think bright brass fixtures, honey-colored oak cabinets, recessed TV nooks, and faux finishes, to name a few. When the owners of a similarly styled abode decided it was time for an upgrade, they knew they needed professional guidance, which marked the first time they worked with an interior designer. After a thorough search, they selected Kristen Pawlak, Founder and Lead Designer of KP Designs/Decorating Den Interiors. The project, encompassing nearly the entire main level, unfolded in carefully timed stages, beginning with the kitchen. Pawlak recalls that the homeowners came to the table with a list of wishes, wants, and dislikes, but didn't have a specific design perspective in mind. After an initial meeting at Pawlak's design studio to review samples, she said it became clear that what the couple initially said they didn't want, namely a white kitchen, didn't ring true. "We narrowed in on a 'Euro feel' that's elegant

and slightly rustic and carried that theme throughout the project," explained Pawlak. RK Renovations, owned by Pawlak's husband Ralph, served as the project's general contractor, and her affiliation with Decorating Den Interiors opens the door to an extensive network of high-end suppliers. In this instance, she worked directly with manufacturers to create bespoke kitchen cabinetry. The long, narrow kitchen configuration presented unique design challenges, and Pawlak recounted that, to add an island, they had to eliminate a small eat-in area. They also had to design shallow-depth pantry cabinets and creatively conceal essential appliances. Pawlak said that projects like this, in which they took the kitchen and primary bath down to the studs, are preferable to retrofitting spaces, as it allows them to rectify any shortcomings from the initial build. With the kitchen complete, Pawlak recounted that the homeowners were confident in her grasp of their preferred style, so she was able to "zoom" into transforming the adjacent rooms. slmag.net

Interior designer Kristen Pawlak

A cozy reading nook in the primary bedroom

In the living room, existing built-ins were painted in a blue hue reminiscent of the kitchen's island and beverage center. Subtly textured wallpaper applied to the backs of the bookshelves and to the wall above the refaced hearth adds visual interest without being busy. The homeowners are avid travelers and have sprinkled in souvenirs among the carefully styled shelves. Placed on the wall opposite the 30 slmag.net

fireplace is an inlaid display hutch with leaded-glass doors, a treasured family antique. Grounded by a neutral Greek-key patterned rug, the seating area is mainly monochromatic, except for a pair of striking armchairs with a carved wood frame and lively suzani-print upholstery. Dramatic floral custom drapery panels hang above the peak of a radius window, framing the view of the deck and mature trees beyond.

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Pawlak had to do a little convincing to get the homeowners to agree to a floor-to-ceiling wallpaper in the dining room to replace an outdated half-wall style beneath the chair rail. "As soon as it was installed, they became wallpaper believers," she said, adding that she quickly got the green light to "go wow" with wallpaper in the powder room. "These spaces are 'A #1' to go bold and colorful," Pawlak added. Surmounting an oak buffet in the dining room, the sinuous lines of an antique Rococo-style mirror, another family heirloom, are right in step with the ogee edge of the table. The damask-printed drapery represents another variation of a recurring theme. In the primary bathroom, a black recessed jetted tub and carpeted floors gave way to heated tile floors (which extend into the closet), a freestanding soaking tub, and an intricate, repeating quatrefoil-patterned wallpaper. An ill-placed door to a sitting room with two access points was closed off to create a linen closet. Pawlak said "all the bells and whistles" were included in the custom closet organization system. "The homeowners are supremely organized, and considering the aesthetics 32 slmag.net

of organization was important to them and me," Pawlak explained, adding that she can't bear to look at mismatched closet hangars. The wife is an avid reader, and in the primary bedroom, Pawlak created a cozy nook to one side of the fireplace with a comfortable small-scale sofa. Another casual hangout is the sitting room, where they removed a "dust-catching" partial wall to breathe new life into a formerly little-used space. New furniture, lighting, and artwork in the foyer introduce a design aesthetic that is now consistent throughout the first floor. At the same time, a custom-upholstered bench ties the entire color scheme together. Today, Pawlak recounted, the renovated home is "a whole lot of [the homeowners], filled with what they love and reflective of how they live." She is grateful that the homeowners trusted her guidance and said that the greatest reward is hearing that, while they love to travel, the homeowners are equally excited to return home. sl About the designer: Kristen Pawlak, DDCD, brings unshakable style and a get-it-done attitude to every Louisville home she transforms. Since founding KP Designs, a Decorating Den Interiors franchise, in 2008, her award-winning work has been featured in House Beautiful, Elle Décor, HGTV, and more. Combining a background in marketing research with design expertise, Kristen balances creativity with flawless execution to deliver timeless, on-trend interiors. When she's not crafting beautiful spaces, she enjoys traveling, the outdoors, and time with her family and beloved dogs.

Photo by Jack Hardy

GREENER PASTURES After a comprehensive renovation, Ireland's Adare Manor, host of the 2027 Ryder Cup, is ready to shine for a global audience. Written by Bridget Cottrell Ireland is a different kind of green. Even Johnny Cash, famously dubbed "The Man in Black," pined for the moorlands and the midlands in his gravelly bass-baritone for the song "Forty Shades of Green." I like to think that the verdancy of the Emerald Isle is Mother Nature's consolation prize for frequent rain and cloud cover, creating a beguiling beauty of a landscape renowned for scores of scenic walking and hiking routes and a passionate golf culture dating back to the mid-19th century The latter will put Ireland at the epicenter of the world golf stage when the 2027 Ryder Cup comes to Adare Manor in County Limerick from September 13-19, marking only the second time the prestigious event has been held in the country. While the lead-up no doubt will be enough to prompt golfers of all abilities to add the storied property to their travel bucket list, one would be remiss in thinking that the Adare Manor's manicured greens are the sole attraction. Current estimates put the number of castles and castle ruins in Ireland at 30,000, second only to France, which has 45,000. And, while it certainly bears all the hallmarks of a castle, Adare Manor, named after the adjacent storybook village, is actually

an opulent family manor house. It sits on an 842-acre parcel of land (just one acre shy of Central Park) with a settlement history dating back to the 12th century. Construction of the manor house commenced in 1832 under the auspices of Lady Caroline Wyndham, who was inspired by the cathedrals of Europe and passionate about Gothic architecture. Interestingly, Caroline's husband, Wyndham Henry Quinn, the second Earl of Dunraven, was a descendant of a modest landowner named Donagh Quinn, who in the 1600s laid the foundation for his family's ascent from humble beginnings to nobility. A great many of the world's castles and great estates seem to share stories of rise and ruin, and Adare Manor is no different. In 1897, Adare Manor hosted the Duke of New York, later King George V, cementing its status as one of Ireland's greatest estates. The expense of maintaining the estate weighed heavily on subsequent generations, and Adare Manor gradually fell into disrepair. In 1982, the seventh Earl, unable to afford its upkeep, sold the property to a group of investors who, five years later, sold it to Tom Kane, a stockbroker from New York City. slmag.net

Adare Manor’s Great Hall, a grand reception area, now serves as the hotel’s lobby. Photo by Paul Lehane

Kane made considerable investments to transform the property into a 62-room luxury hotel. He turned 230 acres over to Robert Trent Jones to create an 18-hole golf course, which went on to host back-to-back Irish Opens in 2007 and 2008, but failed to attract the desired large number of American golfers. Enter JP McManus, described by my airport driver as "a local lad from Limerick." McManus' own ascent from humble laborer in his father's contracting business to a billionaire mirrored Donagh Quinn's rise. He acquired the property in 2015 with the intent of attracting one of golf's most high-profile events, the Ryder Cup, and, in turn, celebrate his hometown before a global audience. A 22-month renovation, employing some 800 workers from mostly local firms, touched every space within the original structure and added a ballroom and a new wing with 41 bedrooms. Just as significant was the remaking of the parkland golf course. McManus retained Tom Fazio, his senior design associate Tom Marzolf, and a team of 150 professionals to reimagine Jones' original course without rerouting any holes. Frequent Irish rain showers will be a non-issue courtesy of a SubAir turf management system, sand-capped fairways and roughs, and more than 50 miles of drainage pipe. As part of Adare Manor's lineup of complimentary activities, on Mondays, guests can tour the final 34 slmag.net

holes of the golf course (and take a shot or two). According to an overview in the in-room newsletter, the par 5, 9th hole is the longest at 633 yards. "It rewards bravery and punishes greed," Andy McMahon, Director of Golf Operations. Even if you're not gaga for Gothic, and its more is better ornamentation, you can't help but appreciate the craftsmanship, particularly in the original section, which is a rare example of a 'Calendar House,' meaning it has 365 leaded windows, 52 ornate chimneys, seven stone pillars, and four towers. Walking to my accommodation in the historic wing, I became a bit concerned when, turning a corner, the ceiling height lowered, temporarily leading me to imagine being squirreled away in an old maid's quarters. As soon as the door opened, my fears vanished at the revelation of the spacious room's vaulted ceiling and tall leadedglass windows overlooking the manicured parterre. A half-wall separated the sleeping area from dual vanities, a deep-soaking tub, and a pair of towering wardrobes. Feeling a bit like Alice, I pushed open a curiouser and curiouser small door, which revealed the water closet with a shower and a modern toile hunting scene wallpaper. In keeping with the rest of the hotel, form and function receive equal billing, creating an ethereal equilibrium that appeases everyone from antique aficionados to technophiles.

Breakfast and afternoon high are served in 132-foot-long Gallery, filled with works of art collected over time by the Dunraven family during tours of Britain and Northern Europe.

Dunraven king stateroom. Photo by Jack Hardy

Bathroom in a Dunraven stateroom. Photo by Jack Hardy

Sitting room in the Lady Caroline Signature Suite. Photo by Jack Hardy

Sitting room in the Lady Augusta Signature Suite. Photo by Jack Hardy

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Infinity pool in the Padel Club. Photo by Paul Lehane

Falconry is one of many on-site pursuits historically befitting a sporting estate. Photo by Bridget Cottrell

Willie Forde has been leading Irish gundog experiences since the mid-1970s.

After decimating the stash of Irish shortbread cookies in my room's complementary snack and refreshment station, I sank into the cloudlike bed for a quick jetlag-busting nap, interrupted by the clippity-clop of horse hooves on the cobblestones beneath my window. My regal repose inspired a self-indulgent moment of imagining myself as a middle-aged Rapunzel, letting down my hair for rescue by a knight in shining armor on horseback. But alas, the dream was short-lived, as the crank windows wouldn't allow me to poke my head out. Not content with simply creating one of the best golf courses in Ireland, McManus also elevated Adare Manor's culinary program. In 2019, the Oak Room, under the direction of Chef Mike Tweedie, became the first-ever Michelin Star restaurant in County Limerick. The candlelit setting is as refined as the tasting menu that celebrates the best of what's local with decadent flourishes. The thoughtfully compiled wine list affords a unique pairing experience, while those who choose to abstain from alcohol can opt for deliberate mocktail pairings. Lady Caroline assuredly possessed a taste for life's finer things, drawing inspiration from Versailles to create The Gallery, a 132-foot-long cathedral-like space with delicate tracery windows and 17th-century Flemish choir stalls. But unlike the "tone-deaf" reputation of Marie Antoinette, during the Irish famine, Lady Caroline established a school of needlework to support local women. Today, a bounteous breakfast buffet and elevated afternoon tea, served on bespoke china designed to match the detail of the ceiling inset, are hosted in the grandiose space. 36 slmag.net

A glass-walled yoga studio in the Padel Club seems to float above the trees. Photo by Paul Lehane

The Carriage House. Photo by Bridget Cottrell

Bespoke draperies fashioned from 18th-century French brocatelle match the opulence of The Drawing Room, which serves morning coffee and light meals and refreshments throughout the day. The subterranean Tack Room is a chic and cozy spot for elevated craft cocktails. Whiskey hounds can arrange a tasting from Adare Manor's library of more than 160 rare bottles procured from around the world. Oenophiles can book a similar experience in the private wine cellar. A short stroll leads to The Carriage House, an impressive space with a greenhouse-like glass-walled dining room overlooking the golf course, a lawn hosting the whimsical "Adare Bear," the largest figurative bronze sculpture ever made in Ireland, and an adjacent walled garden where roses tumble over the granite walls. Here, amid the subtle touches of Art Deco, I enjoyed my idea of a "girl dinner": beef tartare and a Negroni. Slightly further still is Harry Lowes Cottage, a historic stone cottage-turned-chocolaterie named in honor of its last resident. This chocoholic's dream opened in 2024 exclusively for guests. In addition to the most gorgeous retail space, it offers guided chocolate tastings, conducted similarly to a wine tasting, where you learn to discern a coca bean's terroir. With a relatively tiny footprint for an operation that uses two tons of chocolate annually, the kitchen, under the direction of French chocolatier Cedric Rivière, employs state-of-theart technology to go beyond chocolate bars and bonbons to create complex architectural pieces, including a scale replica of the Adare Bear. Just outside the estate's stone walls lies the charming Adare Village, complete with thatched-roof cottages, a community park,

The Oak Room. Photo by Jack Hardy

Exploring colorful confections at Harry Lowes.

In 2020, the Oak Room, under the direction of Chef Mike Tweedie, became the first-ever Michelin Star restaurant in County Limerick.

the ruins of Desmond Castle, the 13th-century Triniarian Abbey, shops from couture (Aoife Mc Namara) to kitsch, and no shortage of pubs, including Pat Collins Bar, Aunty Lena's, and Bill Chawke's Bar. Back on property, Deirdre Moore, Adare Manor's boutique manager, sources luxury sustainable handicrafts and oversees a bespoke collaboration with storied Irish clothing brand Jack Murphy. There is more to Adare Manor than dining, although I could have happily filled my days by consuming my weight in warm Irish soda bread generously lathered with salted butter. Pursuits include those historically befitting a sporting estate—falconry, shooting, carriage rides, archery, fishing—alongside modern interests like Padel. The contemporary and architecturally striking Padel Club opened in 2021 as a center of wellness and recreation. The facility encompasses two custom-built indoor padel courts (the first of their kind in Ireland), a 17m infinity pool with sauna and steam room, a glass-walled yoga studio that seems to float above the trees, a massive fitness room, and a sports simulation room with a swanky lounge for waiting your turn. An absolute highlight of our myriad outdoor activities was the Irish gundog experience with Willie Forde, who founded Adare Country Pursuits in 1975. In addition to being a masterclass in obedience training, Forde dished out plenty of life lessons. "Dogs become self-employed very easily if not trained properly," he said, stressing the importance of consistency, something that applies to both man and beast. It's little surprise that Ireland's lush landscape has given rise to fairies, Leprechauns, and elves. Near the Carriage House, a

The architecturally significant Gallery is adorned with five remarkable stained glass windows designed by Thomas Willement, heraldic artist to King George IV. Photo by Bridget Cottrell.

lovely woodland meditation walk is also a fairy forest, complete with little buildings, miniatures, and signs with poetry. It's also an excellent place for rambunctious kids to burn off some pent-up energy and delight in discovering a menagerie of ogre-like wire sculptures engaging in various hijinks from golf to serving a platter of forest delicacies. Even if you aren't sore from your first padel lesson, as I was, The Spa at Adare Manor — the only outpost of the acclaimed London brand 111Skin in Ireland — is a restorative destination for an hour or an afternoon. The cocoon-like space is a haven for relaxation, with a private pool and infrared sauna, a relaxation room with starrysky illumination, and a unique menu of face and body treatments inspired by ancient Celtic wisdom and its Ogham alphabet. In a place that garners no shortage of superlatives, I appreciated the focused attention to even the most minor details, for instance, the thick stock of the in-room stationery and the custom monogram imprinted on the head of my Guinness. However, amid all the luxurious amenities, time and again I found myself transfixed by the landscape and the simple in-room pleasure of admiring how the clouds cast shadows on the verdant lumps and bumps of the meticulous golf greens, playing out like a time-lapse video. "This charming spot was my home of unclouded happiness for 40 years," wrote Lady Caroline. "May heaven's choice blessings be poured with equal abundance on its present and future possessors." The fair lady would no doubt be pleased to see the joyful legacy of her treasured family assured for generations to come. sl For more information, visit AdareManor.com.

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ONES TO WATCH Moda Productions opens Paris’s most exclusive runways to independent designers Photos courtesy of Moda Productions

Mazini

NÜ CZN

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Alersundi

Aleen Sabbah

Molmauni

JEEVAN

Ragged Romances

Sagio

RAXXY

This past Paris Fashion Week, Hôtel de Maisons, Pozzo di Borgo was abuzz as Moda Productions staged a group SS26 runway of independent designers. Each show represented a single thread of a larger garment that celebrated individuality, craftsmanship, and modern femininity. Sophisticated Living was thrilled to have a frontrow seat to the future of fashion, and a reflection of the creative world Moda intends to build across Europe’s fashion capitals.

SAGIO by Alexander Sagio Living and working in Budapest, Alexander Sagio draws on his background in architecture to create sharply intelligent designs. The SAGIO woman embodies power, sensuality, and a sense of balance—a modern vision built on contrasts: soft yet structured, restrained yet daring. His collection featured architectural minimalism brought to life through fluid tailoring and sculptural silhouettes. Sagio’s ability to blend intellect with allure makes his presentation a study in strength—clean, magnetic, and unforgettable.

Jeevan by Hussain Rehar The designer showcased clean structures and precise linework, highlighting meticulous surface details that reflected both tradition and contemporary influences. The color palette felt both grounded and sophisticated, weaving together cultural richness in a modern, urban style. Each tailored piece exuded a calm confidence, allowing the skill in technique and craft to shine through. The overall effect was an elegant exploration of simplicity and sophistication, in which the quality of craftsmanship conveyed a subtle form of power.

Alersundi by Alejandra Lersundi From Mexico to Paris, Alejandra Lersundi brought glamour with discipline. Her Alersundi Collection shimmered with the elegance of redcarpet heritage, gowns that honored tradition while celebrating the freedom of form. Each look was made-toorder and hand-finished with hours of intricate craftsmanship that translated effortlessly onto the runway. In Paris, Lersundi showed that true sophistication is found in the balance between beauty and intention.

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MAZINI by Maria Mazina Marking its 10th anniversary, Ukrainian label MAZINI delivered an ode to elegance — a masterclass in tailoring and timeless design. Founded by Maria Mazina and guided by brand director Tatiana Prosnitskaya, the brand embodies quiet authority through impeccable fit and natural fabrics. The collection speaks to women who lead with grace and strength, using suiting as soft armor and silhouettes that move seamlessly between the boardroom and the boulevard. MAZINI’s Paris debut was not just a milestone; it was a portrait of resilience, crafted with the precision and spirit of Ukrainian artistry. 40 slmag.net

NÜ CZN by Judy and Nikki Murdock Founded by acclaimed Hollywood makeup artist Judy Murdock alongside her daughter Nicole “Nikki” Murdock, the brand blends cinematic precision with streetwise luxury. Their SS26 collection featured gender-fluid tailoring and upcycled fabrics crafted into bold, expressive silhouettes that moved with confidence and emotion. With its mix of artistry, rebellion, and refinement, NÜ CZN’s Paris debut captured the essence of modern identity and sustainability— transforming raw energy into elevated design and redefining what it means to be a true citizen of style.

Aleen Sabbagh Aleen Sabbagh made a graceful and heartfelt debut, presenting a collection that embodied soulful couture grounded in care and conscience. With a focus on longevity and emotional connection, Aleen’s work redefined what modern luxury means, where sustainability meets sentiment and beauty becomes an act of responsibility. Her SS26 collection was a quiet triumph of refinement and purpose, inviting the audience to see couture not only as fashion but as a living expression of empathy, artistry, and enduring grace.

RAXXY by William Shen The SS26 collection revealed RAXXY’s signature language of structure and sensitivity—where technology meets artistry, and precision breathes with purpose. It was a study in controlled beauty that transformed down-filled design into living sculptures. It is a vision of modern luxury built on intellect, emotion, and craft in perfect equilibrium.

MOLMAUNI x Nuki Cosmetics Molmauni x Nuki presented a moving and poetic debut, revealing a collection that felt like a quiet symphony of strength and grace. The collaboration embodied a duet of gentle power and radiant beauty, where fluid silhouettes were shaped with emotional precision and understated confidence. With luminous fabrics, sculpted lines, and a profoundly human sensibility, Molmauni x Nuki celebrated the woman who remains centered—resilient, expressive, and softly commanding in her own light.

Rosii Nguyen & Ragged Romances Rosii Nguyen and Ragged Romances brought a breath of light and emotion with a collection that reimagined bridalwear through movement, color, and joy. Their presentation unveiled color-lit gowns with layered sheers, painterly dyes, and buoyant tulle that shaped stories into silhouettes. Each piece felt expressive and candid, capturing the spirit of love in flux—playful yet profound, spontaneous yet intentional. The collection radiated a joy-forward energy that transformed tradition into art, offering a vision of modern romance that was as heartfelt as it was luminous. slmag.net

CURVES AHEAD Compiled by Bridget Cottrell

Clockwise from top left: TEJEN Rock Sugar Croissant Pendant (tejen-collection.com). Type Jewelry LEGGO 2.0 Riviere Tennis Necklace (typejewelry.com). Maison Tabbah Aquatica Cuff (tabbah.com). Bondeye Jewelry Kalisa Bracelet (bondeyejewelry.com). Mattia Cielo Bracelet (mattiacielo.com). Tabayer Limited Edition OERA Bracelet (tabayer.com). Walters Faith Thoby Spiral Earrings. Available through Ylang Ylang Jewelers in St. Louis and waltersfaith.com. Opposite page clockwise from top left: Sig Ward Jewelry Infinity Necklace (sigwardjewelry.com). Lagos The Drop Embrace Two-Tone XO Diamond Pendant Necklace. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, and Lagos.com. Verragio Scallop Necklace. Available through Genesis Diamonds in Nashville and verragio. com. Francesca Villa Fantasia The Mermaid Has Her Cherries Ring (francescavilla.it). Boochier Slinkee Icon Ring (boochier.com). FOPE EKA Collection Flex’It Bracelet with Onyx. Available through Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, Chesterfield Jewelers in St. Louis and fope.com. Mindi Mond New York Celestial Diamond and Tourmaline Detachable Earrings (mindimondnewyork.com). David Yurman Snake Amulet. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis, and davidyurman.com. Marco Bicego Twisted Irregular Hoops. Available in Indianapolis from ReisNichols Jewelers, in Lexington from Schiffman’s Jewelers, in Louisville from Davis Jewelers, in Nashville from Diamond Cellar, in St. Louis from Simon’s Jewelers and Clarkson’s Jewelers, and at us.marcobicego.com. Etiq Jharokha Hoops (etiqdesign.com). Everlee Bezel Wrap Ring. Available through Welling & Co. Jewelers in Cincinnati, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, and everleejewelry.com. Melissa Kaye Large Aria Jane Ring. Available in Indianapolis through Moyer Fine Jewelers and shop.melissakayejewelry.com.

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The indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum reopened in April 2025 after a $60 million renovation.

VROOM VROOM ROOMS A roundup of notable motoring museums around the world. Written by Matthew Cottrell From the sleek lines of a vintage Ferrari to the mighty roar of a muscle car, car museums around the world serve as temples to automotive history, showcasing a captivating blend of engineering, design, and cultural impact. These institutions range from sprawling national collections to specialized, privately-run havens, each offering a unique journey through the evolution of the automobile and its influence on modern society. A visit to these museums provides an immersive experience into the technology, artistry, and heritage that define the world's long-standing love affair with the automobile. United States The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Leeds, Alabama (barbermuseum.org ), is the world's largest motorcycle museum, according to Guinness World Records. Situated on the 880-acre Barber Motorsports Park, it houses over 1,800 motorcycles, with more than 1,000 on display at any given time, alongside the world's most extensive collection of Lotus race cars and other vintage race cars. T h e Br um o s C o l l e c ti on i n Ja c k s o nv i l l e , Fl o r i d a (thebrumoscollection.com) focuses on the evolution of the automobile through competition, with a significant emphasis on the legacy of Brumos Racing and Porsche, and on showcasing cars tested in iconic 44 slmag.net

races like Daytona and Sebring. Visitors can explore a wide range of vehicles, including rare open-cockpit racers dating back to 1894, vintage Indianapolis 500 cars, Grand Prix machines, a vast selection of Brumos Porsches. Notable vehicles include Steve McQueen's Porsche 917K from the film Le Mans. A national historic landmark, the 250-acre complex of The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan (thehenryford.org ) offers five distinct attractions, including the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation (home to Rosa Parks' bus and JFK's limousine, among other exhibits), the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, and the Benson Ford Research Center. Located inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum (imsmuseum.org) is fresh off a $60.5 million, 17-month renovation, its first significant renovation in 40 years. The addition of 40,000 square feet of made room for new immersive and dynamic experiences, including seven permanent and three rotating galleries, a new mezzanine dedicated to displaying nonvehicle artifacts, The "Starting Line Experience," an immersive video space showcasing the pageantry leading up to the start of the "500", state-of-the art racing, and a "pit stop challenge" for guests to learn the tools and equipment of the racing trade.

Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.

Jaguar Gallery at the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire, UK. Photo by Karam Ram The "Driven to Win: Racing in America" exhibit at The Henry Ford museum

BMW Museum in Munich, Germany Aerial view of the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

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Museo Enzo Ferrari in Modena, Italy

Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany

Housed in a converted former bakery, the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, Tennessee (lanemotormuseum.org), offers a unique and extensive collection of over 500 predominantly European automobiles, with a focus on unusual and innovative designs. Notably, it is one of the few working museums in the U.S. that strives to maintain nearly all its vehicles in running order. For a deeper dive, the museum offers weekend "Vault Tours" of the extensive reserve collection stored in the basement. The LeMay-America's Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington (americascarmuseum.org ), is a 165,000-square-foot, four-level facility that showcases the history and culture of the American automobile. The museum's collection, which includes over 300 cars, trucks, and motorcycles, is based around a core group of vehicles from the private collection of Tacoma businessman Harold LeMay. Located across the street from the only GM assembly plant that builds Corvettes, the 115,000-square-foot National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky (corvettemuseum.org ), provides a chronological journey through all eight generations of the Corvette, from the first 1953 models (C1) to the current mid-engine C8s. More than 80 cars are on display in nostalgic, periodic settings, such as a 1950s-style service station and soda shop. With a striking façade composed of a red aluminum rain screen overlaid with a series of 308 undulating, "angel hair" stainless-steel ribbons, the Petersen Automotive Museum (petersen.org) is an architectural marvel on Los Angeles's famed Miracle Mile. Inside, the museum features over 300 vehicles across 25 galleries, with exhibits organized thematically across three floors. The collection spans the entire history of the automobile, from early horseless carriages and pre-war classics to modern hypercars and alternative-fuel vehicles. 46 slmag.net

August Horch Museum located in Zwickau, Germany.

Musée de l'Automobile, Mulhouse, France. Photo by Alexis Toureau

Europe Housed in the Audi's original factory in Zwickau, Germany, and named to honor the founder of the manufacturing giant that eventually became Audi, the August Horch Museum's permanent collection showcases roughly 160 large exhibits. Vehicles, including early Horch and Audi models, DKW, Wanderer, and the iconic Trabant, are displayed in recreated historical settings that contextualize their place in history. In the heart of Italy's "Motor Valley," the Automobili Lamborghini Museum in Sant'Agata Bolognese (lamborghini.com/ en-en/museum#val-tab) is dedicated to the history, innovation, and iconic models of the brand. Visitors can see a rotating collection of classic and modern supercars, including historical models like the Miura and Countach, as well as recent and one-off vehicles like the Sesto Elemento, Veneno, and Sián. They can also tour the factory production lines and test their skills in a driving simulator. The BMW Museum in Munich (bmw-welt.com/en) is one of the oldest car museums in Germany. The permanent exhibition is split into seven theme-based exhibitions housing nearly 125 original exhibits from over 100 years of BMW Group history. In the Rotunda, temporary exhibitions highlight the company's brands or notable contemporary themes. The BMW Junior Museum offers interactive tours and a selection of workshops on topics such as design, architecture, art, and sustainability. The British Motor Museum in the small village of Gaydon, Warwickshire (britishmotormuseum.co.uk) brings the story of British motoring to life with the world's largest collection of historic British cars, featuring more than 400 vehicles from the classic,

British Motor Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire

Motorcar Museum of Japan, located in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan

Musée de l'Automobile, Mulhouse, France. Photo by Alexis Toureau

vintage, and veteran eras. Visitors can explore exhibits on the history of the British motor industry, see iconic movie cars like the FAB1 and the James Bond Land Rover. With over 400 vehicles, the Cité de l'Automobile in Mulhouse, France (musee-automobile.fr/en/), is a national automobile museum renowned for housing the world's most extensive Bugatti collection. Beyond the exhibits, visitors can experience interactive road-safety simulations, a race-car demonstration area, and, for an extra fee, drive classic cars on a private track. Assembled over two generations by the Louwman family, the Louwman Museum in The Hague (louwmanmuseum.nl/en/) owns the world's largest collection of cars built before 1910. It displays some of the earliest patented motorcars, including a Benz Patent-Motorwagen from 1886 and a De Dion Bouton & Trépardoux from 1887. Architect Michael Graves designed the purpose-built structure, which was opened in 2010 by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. The unique double-helix structure with two spiral-like ramps guides visitors of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, through the nine floors. The museum's interior has no enclosed rooms or straight walls, creating a dynamic flow for all the exhibits, which trace the history of the Mercedes-Benz brand and the automobile industry from its origins in 1886 to the present day. Mark your calendars for May 2026, when the Musée des 24 Heures du Mans (lemans-musee24h.com/en), a motorsport museum located at the famous Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France, reopens as the M24 museum after undergoing a significant expansion.

The Museo Ferrari in Maranello, Italy (ferrari.com/en-EN/ museums/ferrari-maranello) is dedicated to the history of Ferrari, located near the factory and focusing on iconic road and track cars, as well as the company's motorsport successes. In contrast, the Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari in Modena (ferrari.com/en-EN/museums/enzoferrari-modena) centers on the life of Enzo Ferrari, featuring his birthplace and a futuristic building for temporary exhibitions. While both are Ferrari museums, the Maranello location is the marque's official company museum, showcasing its modern and historic cars. Founded in 1933, the Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile in Turin, Italy (museoauto.com/en/mauto/) is considered one of the world's best car museums. It's collection of nearly 200 cars from over 80 different brands, arranged chronologically and thematically over three floors, tracing the car's evolution from its earliest models to modern concepts. Asia The Motorcar Museum of Japan, located in Komatsu City (motorcarmuseum.jp), is Japan's first and largest automobile museum, housing a vast collection of over 500 vehicles from the 1900s to the 1970s, including many early commercial vehicles that were crucial to Japan's post-war economic recovery. The first dedicated automotive museum in China, the Shanghai Auto Museum, located in Jiading District (shautomuseum.com), it has over 100 cars from around the world, including many classic European models, as well as significant Chinese-made vehicles such as the Hongqi CA770 and the Shanghai SH760A. The museum, notable for the flowing curves of its exterior, sits adjacent to the Shanghai International F1 Circuit, China's first racing complex for Formula 1 cars. sl slmag.net

CHEERS TO THE NEW YEAR! A globetrotting wine expert shares five recent standouts. Written by Vicki Denig Bonjour, Sophisticated Living readers! My name is Vicki Denig, and I’m a wine and travel journalist, as well as a Certified Specialist of Wine, based between New York and Paris. With each issue, I’ll be sharing five of my top recent wine discoveries with you, in hopes that you’ll enjoy them just as much as I did. Check out this edition’s selection below and be sure to let me know what you think! Follow along on Instagram at @vickidenig/www.vickidenig.com. Hambledon Vineyard Classic Cuvée Brut NV (Hampshire, England – SRP: $49.99) Sparkling wine and the holiday season go hand in hand, though not all that glitters must be Champagne. This year, I was excited to try out this Classic Cuvée Brut from Hambledon Vineyards, located in the heart of Hampshire, England—yes, you read that correctly. While not a traditional winemaking country, England’s cool-climate conditions are highly conducive to growing grapes for sparkling wine production, especially in the wake of global warming. This flagship wine is made from the signature grape trio of Champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier) and is aged for an impressive minimum of three years on the lees prior to release. Elegant and well-balanced, the wine is dominated by flavors of baked apple, citrus, magnolia, and toasty brioche. Pop with fresh seafood or your favorite salty snacks for a seriously satisfying pairing. 48 slmag.net

Domaine Rougeot Bourgogne Côte d'Or Clos des Six Ouvrées 2023 (Burgundy, France – SRP: $64.99) Burgundy is known for producing ethereal wines that promise to age gracefully over time—and this captivating bottle from Domaine Rougeot is no exception. Rooted in Meursault, winemaker PierreHenri Rougeot organically farms 13 hectares of vines in and around this revered Côte de Beaune village. In the cellar, Rougeot beautifully meshes a low-intervention mentality with strong respect for regional tradition, resulting in beguiling wines that leave a lasting impression. Clos des Six Ouvrées is made from 100% Chardonnay cultivated at the base of the hill of Meursault and is fermented with native yeasts in concrete vats before aging for 18 months in French oak barrels. Luxurious and round, the wine’s notes of yellow apple, peach, honeysuckle, and baking spice are balanced by ample amounts of refreshing natural acidity. Pax North Coast Syrah 2023 (California, USA – SRP: $37.99) Pax Mahle is one of the original faces of the ‘New California’ wine movement, one that prioritizes balance and restraint over excessive ripeness and new oak. He moved to California with his wife in 1997 to source wine for Dean & Deluca, though just a few years later, he decided to start his own brand. Over the past 25 years, Pax has inspired

an entire generation of winemakers with his minimalist philosophy, believing that “great wines can only be made from great vineyards.” This varietal Syrah comes from a handful of organically farmed sites across northern California and is vinified with 100% whole cluster prior to aging for 10 months in neutral French oak. Notes of wild berries, cracked black pepper, olive brine, and lavender lead to a long, palate-coating finish; if you tend to gravitate towards wines from the Northern Rhône, this bottle is certain to blow your mind. Giulia Negri Serradenari 'Pian delle Mole' Langhe Nebbiolo 2023 (Piedmont, Italy – SRP: $39.99) Nebbiolo has become one of my favorite grape varieties, and expressions from Langhe are perfect for enjoying as ‘daily drinkers.’ Hailing from Piedmont, these “baby Barolos / Barbarescos” are youthful and bright—and contrary to their older siblings, are almost always suitable for immediate consumption. This bottling from Giulia Negri hails from high-elevation vineyards in the hills of La Morra, which are characterized by cool-climate conditions and marine sediment soils. In the cellar, the wine is fermented with native yeasts and aged for 14 months in a combination of stainlesssteel tanks and large tonneaux. Lifted and aromatic, the wine’s supple palate is driven by notes of sour cherry, cedar, forest floor, and a touch of cooling balsam. Serve slightly chilled for maximum enjoyment!

Bastian Wolber Côte de Nuits-Villages 2023 (Burgundy, France – SRP: $155.00) Although Burgundy is known for its prestigious grand crus and big-name producers, what I find most exciting about the region is its plethora of up-and-coming young winemakers crafting exciting bottles from lesser-known areas—cue Bastian Wolber and the Côte de Nuits-Villages. Born in Germany, Bastian honed his winemaking skills at Domaine Leflaive and Domaine Ganevat before ultimately setting out on his own in 2020. This Côte de Nuits-Villages comes from two parcels (Aux Vignottes, located across the street from the Clos de la Maréchale, and Aux Fauques in Comblanchien) and is vinified with 100% whole clusters with native yeasts prior to aging for 10-18 months in used barrels. Bright and energetic—just like the hands that make it—the wine exudes flavors of wild strawberry, cherry, rose petal, and sweet spice. I enjoyed this bottle at Lei, a new-to-the-scene wine bar in Chinatown from restaurateur Annie Shi; if you find yourself in New York anytime soon, it’s an absolute must-visit. sl Vicki Denig is a wine / travel journalist based between New York and Paris. Her work regularly appears in various industry publications, including Decanter, Food & Wine, and WineSearcher. In addition to journalism, Vicki also works with a handful of wine-focused clients, including Paris Wine Company, High Road Wine & Spirits, and more. When not writing, she enjoys running, indoor cycling classes, petting dogs, and popping bottles on her rooftop with friends.

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The Restaurant at Farmhouse Inn. Photo by John Troxell

HAPPY IN HEALDSBURG Come for the wine, keep coming back for so much more. Written by Bridget Cottrell Some meals are so good, they're worth making a mess of yourself. That was the case at Arandas, the all-day dining spot at boutique hotel 27 North (hotel27north.com), located on the charming square in Healdsburg, California. As soon as I took one bite of their Quesabirria tacos, the warm, rich, savory, and slightly spicy birria consommé dribbled down my wrist, prompting a quick clean-up before quickly diving in for more messy deliciousness. For this visit to the heart of Sonoma's wine country, we enjoyed one moment of culinary decadence after another (along with some outstanding wine). From the pistoriophile's perfect ham and gruyere croissant at Quail & Condor (quailandcondor. com), rivaled only by Parisian pâtisseries; to DIY after-dinner s'mores at Farmhouse Inn (farmhouseinn.com), where we didn't mind sticky fingers courtesy of their homemade marshmallows; a repeat visit to famed vegan restaurant Little Saint (neighbor's with 27 North; littlesainthealdsburg.com), whose culinary plantbased wizardry is flavorful and filling enough to make even the most ardent carnivore eschew their meaty ways for a meal; and sampling our way through a farmer's market, even dry travelers will find there's so much to love about this region. I love Sonoma County—my list of "saved" homes on Zillow (which grows after each trip there) peeks at my pining for a California 50 slmag.net

contemporary lifestyle. Having visited in all four seasons and all types of weather, I firmly believe there's no "wrong" time, as each month offers unique experiences. Summer is ideal for outdoor activities; fall ushers in the busy harvest season; and temperate winter offers fewer crowds for exploring wineries before bud-break on dormant vines heralds the return of spring. In a crowded hospitality market, Foley Entertainment Group has quietly been making significant inroads, most recently acquiring and rebranding the former Hotel Le Mars, a 20-year-old French chateau-inspired property, sited directly on Healdsburg's bustling square. It reopened this past summer as 27 North, offering outsized amenities for a 16-room boutique property. A refreshing watermelontequila cocktail offered at check-in was a primer for a top-notch, finger-licking dinner at Arandas, which serves a solid menu of Mexican staples done exceptionally well. Throughout 27 North, classic French country touches are juxtaposed with contemporary artwork sourced specifically for the property. As the door to our third-floor room opened, I was surprised to discover a stately canopy bed beneath a beam-vaulted ceiling. Placed next to a gas fireplace with a faux limestone hearth, an eightfoot-tall wardrobe with pleated fabric behind the perforated grille on its doors elegantly serves as the room's closet.

The Library at XXVII North. Photo by Anna DaMommio,Hey Honey Photography

Guest room at XXVII North. Photo by Anna DaMommio, Hey Honey Photography

27 North is located in the heart of Healdsburg on its bustling square.

The Tasting Room at Aperture Cellars. Photo by Bridget Cottrell.

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Buildings at Farmhouse Inn are designed to resemble agrarian structures.

Foley Family Wines owns over 25 wineries and distilleries, including both well-known and historic brands in California, Oregon, Washington, and New Zealand, which consistently garner 90+ point scores from reviewers for Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator. Guests of Foley-owned properties can participate in a sommelier-led tasting across their portfolio in the elegant library at 27 North, which notably includes Chalk Hill and Roth Estate in Sonoma and Foley-Johnson in nearby Napa. The experience is ideal for oenophiles on a shorter sojourn, offering a comprehensive tour of the terroir sans travel time between wineries. While you can amply fill an afternoon or two perusing the small businesses, including clothing, home and jewelry boutiques, tasting rooms, restaurants, and art galleries that line Healdsburg Square, grab a sandwich to go from Troubadour (troubadourhbg.com), Quail & Condor's sibling, to fuel a day of exploring Sonoma County's 425 wineries spread among 19 different wine areas. This past October, Sonoma County Tourism 52 slmag.net

(sonomacounty.com) launched LOU, an AI tool and personalized trip-planning assistant for visitors. Getting recommendations the old-fashioned way—from the people who live and work in the area—is still our go-to, as is a stop at Aperture Cellars (aperture-cellars.com). Winemaker Jesse Katz was recently named Wine Enthusiast's 2025 Winemaker of the Year, and the estate has been selected for The World's 50 Best Vineyards list, ranking at number 14. Splurge on the "Devil Proof Experience", which offers a private tasting of Malbec and Malbec blends that have earned Katz significant critical acclaim, including multiple 100-point scores from top wine critics. Although it's just a few miles from Healdsburg, Farmhouse Inn, nestled in among towering trees in the Russian River Valley, feels worlds away. A former 19th-century family homestead, the boutique property, also part of Foley Entertainment Group, maintains a homelike appeal with just 25 rooms generously spaced around the wellness barn and garden pool.

King Deluxe Guestroom at Farmhouse Inn. Photo by Jay Graham.

Treatment room in the Wellness Barn at The Farmhouse Inn

The Restaurant at Farmhouse Inn. Photo by Sean Mattimore

The Wellness Barn at Farmhouse Inn

At check-in, guests are invited to pack a goodie sack from the bath bar to take to their room. I opted for a brown-sugar scrub that smelled good enough to eat and chunks of locally made soaps in rainbow hues. All guest rooms and suites, decorated in a modern farmhouse style with slipcovered upholstery and a soothing color palette, are equipped with a steam shower and soaking tub, making an indulgent spa day possible without ever leaving the confines of your suite. The casualness of a plethora of plantings, some with heavy blooms that graze the knees of guests traversing the pea-gravel paths between the various buildings—all designed to resemble agrarian structures with galvanized milk bucket light fixtures and corrugated metal roofing—belies their careful manicuring. Also abundant is the sound of running water, courtesy of rustic fountains and features that enhance the overall aura of tranquility. Sonoma artist Marci Davis was tapped to create striking blackand-white horse murals in the treatment rooms within The Wellness Barn, which sits adjacent to the pool. The holistic spa, with plenty

of alfresco relaxation areas, offers a range of treatments using local, seasonal ingredients and specialized practices, such as a CBD, herbal, and Milk Moon baths and a farm-to-beauty facial that incorporates fruits, herbs, raw honey, goat's milk, and infused olive oil. The Restaurant at Farmhouse Inn, located in the original circa 1879 farmhouse, is a celebration of California cuisine, existing in the rarefied air of fine dining establishments presenting multiple courses that feel indulgent yet still healthy, thanks to the preponderance of locally sourced ingredients, including their onsite Chalk Hill Culinary Gardens. Our dessert course was a showstopper. The ser ver approached our table with a lidded cut-crystal box that opened to reveal a gaggle of white truffles, carefully nestled on a bed of muslin. He proceeded to shave a generous portion of the pungent fungus atop a petite, puck-shaped date cake sitting in a pool of plate-licking caramel sauce. It was fitting finale to a quick trip punctuated by scores of elevated experiences. sl slmag.net

The Dolli Bag by Marina Raphael is the result of a unique partnership between THE DOLLI and acclaimed designer Marina Raphael, celebrating the timeless elegance of old Athens and the bold creativity of young Greek visionaries ($1,500; thedolli.com/shop).

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Silvia Furmanovich Marquetry Red Rose clutch ($7,480; SilviaFurmanovich.com) Malone Souliers May Leopard Calf Hair clutch ($1,525; malonesouliers.com)

Cult Gaia Grape clutch ($598), Jamisha gown ($2,498) and Suni choker ($398; cultgaia.com).

Judith Leiber Couture Collection’s Edition Dragon’s Eye Fan handbag ($4,995; judithleiber.com) From Shanghai-based jewelry designer Grace Tang, this bejeweled “Starry Sky” clutch was crafted from hand-textured 18k yellow gold, mined diamonds and hand-cut onyx (price upon request; gracetangfinejewelry)

Anguilla Lola in Gold Alligator from Piper & Skye ($1,890; piperandskye.com)

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CUPID'S CHOICE Compiled by Bridget Cottrell

Clockwise from top left: Renato Cipullo Cupid Ring (renatocipullo.com). Chris Ploof DesignsxAnthony Lent Earrings (chrisploof.com). Jemma Wynne Love Notes Pendant (jemmawynne.com). Temple St. Clair Large Rock Crystal Heart Pendant. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Ylang Ylang in St. Louis and templestclair.com. Eden Presley Love Luck Ring. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and edenpresley.com. Opposite page clockwise from top left: Ana Katarina Pierce Your Heart Drop Earrings (anakatarina.com). Bangelle Abacus Valentine Cuff (bangelle.com). Heavenly Vices Love Lock (heavenlyvicesfinejewelry.com). Bee Mine: Elizabeth Locke Cushion Banded Agate Bee Ring. Available through Elleard Heffern Fine Jewelers in St. Louis and elizabethlocke.com. Fred Leighton Circa 1870s Cupid Pendant Earrings (fredleighton.com). Zahn-Z We Clicked Set (zahnzjewelry.com). Dorian Floating Teardrop Engagement Ring by Angie Marei (mareinewyork.com). Shahla Karimi Jewelry Zaha Two-Stone Cushion Curve Engagement Ring (shahlakarimi.com). Claudia Mae Watermelon Tourmaline Heart Earrings (claudiamae.com). Seal & Scribe Two Hearts Together Forever Ring (sealandscribe.com). Lionheart Jewelry Cassandane Multi Heart Charm Bracelet (lionheartjewelry.com). Yvonne Leon Je T’aime Bracelet (yvonneleon.com).

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Eclipse chandelier from Regina Andrew (reginaandrew.com)

Hickory Chair debuted an exclusive collection created in collaboration with Britsh design house Liberty fabrics; the 11 bespoke colorways of its iconic fabrics marry Liberty’s rich heritage in textiles with Hickory Chair’s 114 years of American furniture craftsmanship (hickorychair.com)

HIGH POINT HIGHLIGHTS Twice a year, more than 75,000 interior designers, architects, and home furnishings buyers coalesce at High Point to take the pulse of the interior design industry as presented by 2,000-plus exhibitors and emerging makers spread across 11 million square feet of showroom space. Leading the way among the discernible trends are organic silhouettes, tactile surfaces, comfort through refinement, rich color palettes, artisan-made pieces, cultural collaborations, sustainability, and burgeoning customization options. While it’s impossible to share everything that commanded our attention, our editors hand-picked a few of their favorites.

Madheke The Charles Serving Credenza (madheke.in)

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Jamie Young Co. Anguilla handcrafted wood chandelier (jamieyoung.com)

Moe’s Home Collection Segment stone dining table and Elise dining chairs (moeshome.com)

The Fleur Collection designed by CLAUDIO BELLINI Studio for Caracole (caracole.com)

The Solenne collection from Brown Jordan (brownjordan.com)

Mayu sconce in Midnight Steel from Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting (finearthl.com)

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Madheke Duma Lounge chair and ottoman (madheke.in)

Ellen Robinson Studio terra-cotta Sea Garden table lamps (ellenrobinsonstudio.com)

From Danao Living, the Dock collection by Claudio Bellini blends sculptural woven panels with solid wood (danaoliving.com)

New England-based plunge pool manufacturer Soake Pools unveiled their Check + Stripe collection. Any of Soake Pools’ five plunge pools can be specified with small checks (8”x8” pattern), large checks (16”x16” pattern), or a chunky 16” stripe. Eleven colorways are available (soakepools.com).

Greenington Wynn solid bamboo writing desk (greenington.com)

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Floating Flowers Blue Wall Covering from Liora Manné’s Lamontage® Collection (lioramanne.com)

Jamie Young Co. Zinnia chandelier (jamieyoung.com)

Jaipur Living’s Majnun rug is hand-knotted and inspired by the Cintamani motif (jaipurliving.com)

Calligaris Edgar Sofa (calligaris.com)

Mr. And Mrs. Howard Benjamin bar cart (sherrilldesigncenter.com)

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Rendezvous Beach

AURORA ANGUILLA RESORT & GOLF CLUB A beachfront property with something for all ages

By Tracy Cottrell / Images courtesy of Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club The word "Caribbean" is rife with vibrant tropical colors and textures, evoking balmy breezes, soft white beaches, temperate waters, and exotic fruit beverages to savor. The island of Anguilla embodies the Caribbean at its finest. Guests of the Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club (auroraanguilla.com), located on one of the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, are brought to the British Overseas Territory by speedboat, adding a touch of adventure to the abundance of glorious views of surrounding islands, villages, and ports along the way. Upon arrival, it is a brief ride from the port to the Aurora Anguilla, where a welcoming corps of hospitality connoisseurs awaits to greet guests. The abundance of amenities, services, activities, and entertainment at this luxury resort is broad and deep and solely focused on enhancing guests' every experience. Eco-friendly transportation enables guests to access all areas of the resort quickly and easily. Aurora Anguilla is a large resort on more than 300 acres, including two-and-a-half miles of beachfront. The hotel offers a 62 slmag.net

multitude of accommodations, providing guests with just what they need for their dream vacation. The multi-storied Merrywing Tower, in the style of a traditional hotel à la Mies van der Rohe, is a more intimate facility, close to the new Aurora Entertainment Park and a delightfully broad range of activities, including events at the Amphitheatre, a waterpark, an activity center, and 11pickleball courts, the most in the Caribbean. The Merrywing Beach enclave hosts a collection of private suites, as well as multibedroom seafront suites and private estate homes. Many include kitchens for vacationing gourmets and would-be chefs. Merrywing Beach is also home to diverse dining options, including D Richard's Steakhouse, where I went against the grain, opting for a delicious vegetarian entrée made with exquisitely fresh vegetables, grains, and legumes. Enhancing my meal was an unexpectedly beautiful view of the Aurora International Golf Course (an 18-hole, par-72 championship course designed by Greg Norman), illuminated to bring out the vibrant greens and the darkening dusk sky, rendering the scene abstract and painterly.

Aurora International Golf Course

Merrywing Tower

Beachfront Villa Bedroom

Breezes Restaurant

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Hydroponic farm

C Level Bar

Rendezvous Beach is a more private niche, close to the shore and nearby pool, with C Level and Chef's Table restaurants easily accessible. The more casual, open-air C Level is directly on the beach, with front row seats to the ebb and flow of the transparent turquoise sea. Listening to the rush of the waves while enjoying a fresh snapper fillet is a memory underscored by the softness of the breeze and the fluid watercolor landscape of the sky and setting sun. For swimming aficionados, Chef's Table, open for much of the day, is right next to the pool and within walking distance of the beach. The morning breakfast buffet, laden with colorful tropical fruit and freshly baked pastries, never disappoints. Less well known, but equally impressive, is Aurora Anguilla's commitment to sustainability and wellness. Intentional interior design dually minimizes environmental impact while enhancing guests' experience. The onsite hydroponic farm provides a continuous and inspiring supply of fresh fruit and produce for resident chefs. Beyond the luxurious accommodations, excellent dining, and pristine beaches, Aurora Anguilla offers guests access to 64 slmag.net

almost every water sport and vacation activity imaginable. Reveling in the spectacular Caribbean Sea surrounding Anguilla will be the central focus for visitors of all ages. Diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, Hobie Cats, snorkeling, and aqua aerobics are available to every guest and can also add a unique element to weddings, family reunions, milestone birthday celebrations, or annual business meetings. For guests such as newlyweds or families desiring an intimate experience, privacy is readily available. The newly opened Aurora Entertainment Park appeals to children of all ages with a zero-entry swimming pool, lazy river, three thrilling water slides, a kids' splash pad, fullservice cabanas, and a swim-up bar Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club is a sprawling property with diverse accommodations and an abundance of amenities available at any time. Guests transition seamlessly from activity to activity, seeking out the next adventure and joyful event. A strong undercurrent is Aurora Anguilla's sustained, deeply felt, warm, and genuine hospitality that embraces every guest throughout their stay. sl

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Opposite page: Standing, L - R: Teddy Abrams, Louisville Orchestra; Matt Wallace, Kentucky Shakespeare; Sarah Bushman, Kentucky Opera; Anthony Krutzkamp & Leslie Smart, Louisville Ballet; Nathaniel Koch, Louisville Orchestra. Sitting, L - R: Amelia Acosta Powell, Actors Theatre; Kim Baker, Kentucky Performing Arts; Emily Tarquin, Actors Theatre

STATE OF THE ARTS A conversation with Louisville’s leaders in the performing arts. Written by Bridget Cottrell / Photos by Tony Bailey

Looking ahead to 2026, the performing arts sector in the United States presents a mixed picture. While 2025 presented solid numbers and a strong overall economic contribution, along with growing demand for new experiences, many organizations face significant financial struggles post-pandemic, particularly around funding gaps, rising costs, and the challenge of engaging younger, tech-savvy audiences. Sophisticated Living recently hosted a roundtable discussion at Actors Theatre with Amelia Acosta Powell, Artistic Director and Emily Tarquin, Managing Director of Actors Theatre; Ben Robinson, General Director + CEO, and Sarah Bushman, Director of Advancement for the Kentucky Opera; Matt Wallace, Producing Artistic Director of Kentucky Shakespeare; Leslie Smart, Chief Executive Officer, and Anthony Krutzkamp, Artistic Director of the Louisville Ballet; Nathaniel Koch, Interim Executive Director and Teddy Abrams, Music Director, of the Louisville Orchestra; Kim Baker, President and CEO of Kentucky Performing Arts; and Andrew Harris, Producing Artistic Director of StageOne Family Theatre, to get a pulse check on the state of the arts in Louisville. During our wideranging discussion, several topics emerged: the need for authentic connection and constructive collaboration, the challenges of fundraising, and the importance of the performing arts to overall well-being at all ages. Louisville is one of only a dozen U.S. cities that have a full-time opera, ballet, symphony and theatre, driving substantial economic impact, fostering community identity, offering extensive arts education, and serving as a significant tourism draw. Invoking one of Louisville’s most famous sons, Tarquin said that the city “punches 66 slmag.net

above its weight” when it comes to the arts, pointing out that there are more than 30 non-profit organizations dedicated to theater alone. She added that this fosters a culture of unique synergy between professional groups and their community counterparts, as well as supporting a robust pool of talent that has grown exponentially over the past decade. This past December, Actors Theatre brought back A Christmas Carol, after a six-year hiatus, showcasing all local actors reflective of Louisville's diversity. All agreed that this vibrant cultural ecosystem has created a unique opportunity for those with career aspirations in the arts to pursue them without leaving the city. Early in his career, Kentucky Opera’s new CEO Ben Robinson, who most recently served as general director of Alaska’s Anchorage Opera, participated in the Kentucky Opera’s studio artist program, which offered training and apprenticeship. “This company shaped my path as an artist, and I'm honored to help shape its future,” he said in a November 2025 press release announcing his appointment. “When I moved here 25 years ago, I was blown away to discover that Louisville was considered an arts city,” said Harris. With institutions like the Louisville Orchestra and Louisville Ballet closing in on the century mark, most of us have never known our city without them, and we discussed how this comfort with the familiar can be a double-edged sword. “A long-standing legacy is a point of pride, but it can cloud judgment and affect donations,” explained Acosta Powell, eliciting nods from among the group. “People assume that when you’ve been around for a long time, that you are swimming in funds,” remarked Wallace, who has been Artistic Director of Kentucky Shakespeare, which was founded in 1960, since 2013.

Bridget Cottrell, Editor-In-Chief, Sophisticated Living

Ben Robinson, General Director, Kentucky Opera;

Matt Wallace, Producing Artistic Director, Kentucky Shakespeare

Nathaniel Koch, Interim Executive Director, Louisville Orchestra

Sarah Bushman, Director of Advancement for the Kentucky Opera

Anthony Krutzkamp, Artistic Director of the Louisville Ballet

Emily Tarquin, Managing Director of Actors Theatre

Unlike commercial theatre (e.g., Broadway), nonprofits aim to serve the whole community through robust programs and services that extend beyond their seasonal performances. The Louisville Orchestra’s Creator Corps, which invites creators to live in Louisville’s Shelby Park neighborhood, not just as visiting artists composing new works for the orchestra, but as active members of the community; the Louisville Ballet’s Ballet Bound initiative, which seeks to diversify the city’s dance scene by opening up new avenues of access; the Learning and Creative Engagement program at Actors Theatre; “Play It Forward” and kindergarten readiness programs through StageOne; Kentucky Shakespeare’s Shakespeare with Veterans; “Awakenings” discussions presented by the Kentucky Opera that connect opera with cultural health; and, Kentucky Performing Arts’ ArtsReach programming, which aims to expand community access to arts events, resources, and spaces, are just a few examples of the robust roster of community engagement initiatives offered. While it’s common for nonprofit performing arts organizations not to cover their full budget with ticket sales, in some cases, earned revenue covers only about half of operational expenses. “The arts have relied on a fairly limited donor pool over the years, and we need a broader community of donors,” said Tarquin. While both Actors Theatre and Louisville Ballet were in the midst of a season of strong holiday ticket sales during our discussion, Smart said the arts have lost footing in the philanthropic space for several reasons, primarily because more groups are vying for a pie that hasn’t grown any bigger. Acosta Powell said that a shift in charitable giving, particularly among younger donors adopting a more entrepreneurial, hands-on approach

to philanthropy, has posed a challenge for arts organizations as they adapt to this mindset. Smart, who has been Executive Director of the Louisville Ballet since 2023 and has an extensive background in leadership roles in both healthcare and the nonprofit sector, remarked that fundraising in this era has been the most challenging at any point in her career, citing an overall level of “donor fatigue.” She cited the statistic that Kentucky ranks 45th in the nation for per capita arts funding (about 40 cents per person in FY 2024), down from 19th in 2008. Collaboration is one tool local arts leaders are relying on to help navigate challenging times. Krutzkamp, who joined Louisville Ballet this past October, remarked that, compared with other cities in which he’s worked, the level of communication and collaboration among performing arts organizations in Louisville is unprecedented. Harris added that collaboration alone isn’t a cure-all. “We are all unique entities, so the idea of collaboration as a way to combine everyone under the same umbrella won’t work; it has to be a distillation of ideas,” he explained. Baker cited the Kentucky Center’s recent collaboration with México Lindo, a community-based Mexican folkloric dance troupe, to present México: A Resilient Nation Built on Dances and Traditions, as one way they are encouraging engagement with new audiences. “Removing elitism,” “the joys of shared spaces,” and “removing barriers by bringing art into the community” were among the comments that surfaced when discussing unique partnerships. “We need to invite people to come as they are, not who we expect them to be,” said Harris. slmag.net

The Louisville Ballet’s production of Dracula this past October, which resulted in their first sold-out run in four decades and adding members of the local LARP (Live Action RolePlaying) community to their audience roster, demonstrated that there is an eager performing arts audience beyond what is considered the traditional base. With pre- and post-show events, including working with the American Red Cross for a Draculathemed blood drive, Smart said that they invited patrons “to an experience, not just a transactional event.” Ask a roomful of arts leaders why their organization matters, and the reasons will flow like a faucet on full blast. Everyone agreed that, as COVID gradually fades into the rearview, there is an honest and earnest desire among people to seek out the unique, in-person, out-of-the-house experiences offered by the performing arts. Harris cited “digital fatigue” as a driving force behind a need for connection, while Bushman said that they are guardians of spaces that let people be “human together.” There is a growing body of research showing that the performing arts offer significant mental, cognitive, and physical health benefits, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression while improving memory, social skills, creativity, and overall well-being for all ages, with evidence suggesting impacts from music, dance, and theater can even slow cognitive decline and reduce healthcare burdens. “In a time when people are struggling, the arts may not seem important, but research shows that it’s an essential part of the human experience, and we need to have exposure from an early age,” said Harris. Through her Sound Health initiative, celebrated soprano Renée Fleming, who returned to Louisville last April for an impactful performance with the Louisville Orchestra, supports 68 slmag.net

research that explores the powerful neural circuits connecting music, emotion, and health, and its potential clinical applications, including treating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, stroke, chronic pain, mental illness, and more. Adding to the body of research, Smart cited the Ballet’s recent five-week adaptive dance class, conducted in collaboration with Norton Healthcare and Bellarmine University, for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or caretakers of someone with that diagnosis. By the end of the program, participants not only made measurable physical gains but also reported fewer feelings of isolation, which is essential in an era when roughly half of U.S. adults report feeling lonely, a condition that poses serious risks to physical and mental health, like smoking or obesity. The Louisville Orchestra’s December Buy One, Give One campaign pledged that for every ticket purchased, they will donate a ticket to a community member who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend a concert. “This initiative speaks to the heart of what we do,” said Koch. “The Louisville Orchestra belongs to the community, and music has the power to create connections and foster belonging.” Everyone agreed that increased competition from streaming services and social media means that their messaging must evolve. “The performing arts land in a space where some people feel ‘they should go’ out of civic duty rather than ‘I want to go,’ so we need to lead with the experience,” said Tarquin. “When I talk with people after a performance, they not only remember the show, but comment on who they were with or where they went for dinner beforehand; no one remembers the events surrounding a streaming binge,” said Baker. sl

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Audi Louisville is now part of the Germain Family of Companies

SOPHISTICATED WEDDING

BLAIR LANGFORD & ANDREW DIXON Photography by Emma Goble, photographybyemmag.com

Their love story is straight out of a Hallmark movie: he lives on a farm in the Kentucky countryside, she lives in the city, and he would drive two hours each way just to take her on a date. Their very first date was dinner, Christmas lights, and meeting Santa—an unexpectedly magical evening that set the tone for everything that followed. At the River Road home of Melanie and Steve Langford, on a perfect fall evening and surrounded by family and friends, Blair and Andrew celebrated a wedding that radiated warmth and effortless beauty. Guests traveled from across the country, from the groom's 70 slmag.net

hometown of England to right here in Louisville, to witness a day that blended local charm with soft English touches, honoring both families and the life the couple has built together. They said their vows outdoors at the front of the property, where the trees arched overhead, and the autumn light settled perfectly around them. Their two boys, Bodi and Jack, stood proudly beside them as they exchanged handwritten vows. Emotional, genuine, and deeply personal, the vows left hardly a dry eye among the 200+ guests gathered to share the moment.

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Cocktail hour unfolded throughout the gardens, where live music drifted in the background, and a magician moved from group to group, surprising guests with close-up tricks that sparked laughter and awe. The atmosphere felt light, joyful, and full of movement, carrying the excitement into the night. Dinner and dancing continued behind the estate, where the reception overlooked the river and glowed with warm lights and fall air. A band kept the dance floor packed from the first song to the last, giving the evening a lively, electric energy. Friends reconnected, families blended together, kids danced in circles, and the couple soaked up every moment surrounded by the people who mattered most. 72 slmag.net

The night ended with a spectacular surprise. As the final song faded, the bride's family revealed a massive fireworks display over the Ohio River. Bursts of color lit up the sky and reflected across the water as guests gasped and cheered. It was dramatic, breathtaking, and the perfect cinematic finale to a day filled with love, emotion, and unforgettable moments. sl The crew behind the “I Do”: Wedding Coordinator: Abby Palazzo, Palazzo Weddings and Events; Decor and florist: Millennium Events ; Invitations: Cartwheels Paper and Gifts; Reception Band and happy hour DJ: Vinyl Richie; Makeup: Katelyn Justice Icsman and Kadee Thompson; Caterer: Crushed Ice; Hair: Taylor Bradshaw ; Bakery: Rose Bakery; Officiant: Kendra Clayton Wharton; Magician: Richard Dashwood; Fireworks: Josh Stephens and Allen Brown; Wedding Singer: Molly Heady; Rehearsal Dinner: Gaffney House

The invitations you choose for your wedding are your guests’ first look at the style or theme of your big day. Your wedding stationery and invitation suite reflects your style as a couple and truly sets the stage. At Cartwheels, we are honored to help couple’s select the perfect suite for their wedding festivities.

3919 Chenoweth Square Louisville, KY 40207 | (502) 895 - 1800 iDo@shopcartwheels.com

Scan to view this month’s collection of featured properties

SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY

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Hosparus Health Guided Meditations for the Grieving Heart; hosparushealth.org/events US Equestrian Annual Meeting, Omni Louisville Hotel; usef.org/annual-meeting Catholic Charities ROULER; cclou.org/events/ Louisville Visual Art Artists’ Breakfast at LVA; louisvillevisualart.org/lvacalendar/ab30-panel-discussion-2 ALEF Hope Breakfast, 8am, Omni Louisville; alphalambda1906.org/a-l-e-f Restaurateur’s Gala, 6:30; Savor at River House; kyra.org/events Hosparus Health Southern Indiana Chilli Cook-Off; hosparushealth.org/events Louisville Mortage Bankers Assoc.Awards Gala, 5:30pm,The Olmsted; mbalou.org Maryhurst Bowling for Hope, 6pm, Ken Bowl Lanes; maryhurst.org Metro United Way Live United Day in Frankfort; metrounitedway.org/events/ Heritage of India Foundation India Fest, Ky Expo Center; heritageofindiafoundation.org/india-fest-2026

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Francis Parker School Imagine! Art Auction, 6pm, Mellwood Art Center; francisparkerlouisville.org Metro United Way Build-A-Bed Southern Indiana; metrounitedway.org/events/ Shakespeare in Love Gala, 7pm, 21c Museum Hotel; kyshakespeare.com/gala/ KET February Fanfare, 6:30pm, The Olmsted; ket.org/event/february-fanfare/ Catholic Charities Rouler, 5:30pm, Mellwood Arts Center; cclou.org/stories-events/ TEDxBellarmineU; bellarmine.edu/conferences-and-events/tedx Kentucky Opera Rhapsody Gala, 6pm; kyopera.org/opera-rhapsody-gala/ Louisville Collegiate School Enchanted Garden Gala, 6pm; Louisvillecollegiate.org RMHCK Red Tie Gala, 6pm, Louisville Marriott Downtown; rmhc-kentuckiana.org/events/ Asia Institute Lunar New Year Dinner & Auction, 5:30pm, Crane House; crane-house.org/event/lunar-new-year-dinner-auction/ Metro United Way Beyond Buzzwords with Dorothy A. Brown; metrounitedway.org/events/ UofL School of Music Jazz Fest; music.louisville.edu/community/events/jazz-fest Junior Achievement Kentuckiana Business Hall of Fame, 6pm, Louisville Marriott Downtown; kentuckiana.ja.org/events/index Metro United Way Your, Community Your United Way; metrounitedway.org/events/ Dupont Manual Growing the Mission Gala, 6pm, The Ice House; thecrimsonmission.org Heart Ball, 6pm, Galt House; ahalouisville.ejoinme.org Sacred Heart Schools Interlude Gala, 6pm, Louisville Marriott Downtown; shslou.org

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Photos by MB Flashez

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BUTTERFLIES IN MOTION

The Heuser Hearing Institute hosted its 11th annual Butterflies in Motion event at The Brown Hotel, uniting many of Louisville’s most generous supporters for a celebration of creativity and community. This year’s theme paid tribute to a decade of dazzling decorations, imaginative costumes, and unforgettable fun, honoring ten years of movie and television-inspired tables that have made Butterflies in Motion a beloved tradition. 2 1

Photos by Chad Henle

TASTE OF LOUISVILLE

Presented by the Kentucky Restaurant Association, this 51st annual event brought together 40+ chefs and 20+ beverage purveyors, with proceeds benefitting Feed Louisville.

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Butterflies in Motion 1) Brett Bachmann, Debbie Woods, Emily Cheshire 2) Clue The Movie: Bonnie Taylor, Rita Bell, Gail Russell, Kay Matton, Diane Thurmond, Linda Steder; front row, Helen Hord 3) Secretariat: Allison Brown, Peggy Duane, Sarah Snyder, Lori Duval, Laura Duane, Gayl Bonnarens, Evie Edinger, Jeannie James, Rosemary Palmer-Ball, Cindy Dickman 4) Emcee Shannon Cogan, Kaye Bowles-Durnell Taste of Louisville 1) Lisa Cain, Bill Wade, Ni Douglas, Chona Camomot, Jamie Jorrisch 2) Nick Sosby, Eri Ray, Garrrett Ferrell 3) Gracie South, Krissy Davis 4) Camile Sears, Jenny Beth Willis 5) Lexy Broadway, Mackenzie Barnes

Photos by Chad Henle

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BLACK CHEF SHOWCASE

More than 400 guests attended this third annual tasting event honoring the culinary excellence of Black chefs throughout metro Louisville. Proceeds will benefit the Iroquois High School Culinary Program, which provides scholarships, equipment, and other resources to over 100 students.

Photos by Chad Henle

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BOOKS AND BOURBON

The Louisville chapter of the Imagination Library celebrated the mailing of its 500,000th book with a celebration at the speakeasy within the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. Inspired by her father’s inability to read, Dolly Parton founded the Imagination Library in Sevier County, TN, in 1995. The program aims to foster a love of reading by mailing high-quality, age-appropriate books at no cost to children from birth to age five. The program has since expanded to serve children in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland. Black Chef Showcase 1) Paul Sant, Lindsay Cook, Dawn Urruitia, Luisa Miranda 2) Joann James, Shannon Wilson, Dr. Ruth Wilson 3) Jasmine Causey, Danille Burbage 4) Gary & Kandyce Groves 5) Terrine Oneal, Anthony Odell Books and Bourbon 1) Melanie & Rowan Claypool 2) Ann Heeter, Jessica Osteerneck, Antoniette Cogan 3) Mary Michael & Dan Corbett 4) Sony Steier, Shannon Cogan 5) Steve & Summer Bearance

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Photos by Weasie Gaines

IMPACT 100

At its annual awards event, the Louisville chapter of Impact100 awarded $100,000 Impact Grants to the Louisville Academy of Music, The Louisville Lightning, New Americans Initiative, Steam Exchange Community Arts Center, and Wellspring. Three additional finalists each received a $10,000 Merit Grant, helping to advance innovative projects. The event also highlighted the $2,588,000 that the Louisville chapter has donated to the local nonprofit community in just six years, continuing its mission of transforming the community through collective giving.

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1) Jeanne Zurkuhlen, Sara Callaway, Kenny Vaughn, Rebecca Reed 2) Top Row: Sara Callaway, Kenny Vaughn, Katherine Dobbins, Kimberly Spaw Johnson, Surekha Kulkarni Bottom Row: Caitlin Kannapell, Rachel Mauser, Kristen Hamrick, Laura Duncan, Nima Kulkarni 3) Harriet Thomas, Phyllis Connelly, Lucy Holzer, Paula Campbell, Latha Ummaji, Debbie Tuggle, Aline Meeker, Denise Martin, Leslie McNulty 4) Jess Anderson-Block, Monalisa Tailor, Latha Ummaji, Debbie Tuggle 5) Musicians from the West End School 6) Brett Friedman, Latha Ummaji, Kim Hansford, Angela Singla, Melissa Lowe 7) Carey Goldstein, Dani Kannapell 8) Standing: Marcelle Gianelloni, Shary Loewy, Marcia Souza Sitting: Gail Gilbert, Sandra Diamond, Rosella Rudd 9) Marcelle Gianelloni, Allison Duncan

Photos by Chad Henle

SEEING YOU SEEING

Bittners hosted a cocktail reception at their design studio to celebrate the opening of "Seeing You Seeing," a unique collaborative photographic exchange between artists Natalie Christensen and Jim Eyre. The outdoor installation featured photographs displayed on glass panels, which were mounted with low-profile, rusted metal hardware. The design, with one image positioned above another, encouraged viewers to consider how visual language evolves over time.

1) Anne Hanekamp, Ron Wolz, Judy Hanekamp, Stephen Lewis 2) Artists Jim Eyre & Natalie Christensen 3) Sandy & Mark Hammond, Harry Wall 4) Laura Lee Brown, Douglas Riddle, Jane Welch 5) Barbara & Alex Burgers 6) Angela Tafel, Jane Walker 7) Crystal & Ryan Smith 8) Laura Strier, Shayne Brill 9) The installation in the Bittners’ courtyard.

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CARPET SPECIALISTS INC. KENTUCKY 2101 STANLEY GAULT PKWY., LOUISVILLE, KY 40223 502.245.0221 ULYANA ESPRESSO RUG CARPETSPECIALISTSONLINE.COM

Photos by Chad Henle

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10 TASTE SALUTE

This fifth annual event supports Apron, Inc. by raising funds to provide financial relief for food and beverage industry workers in metro Louisville during times of crisis. Guests enjoyed a multicourse tasting menu prepared by a group of acclaimed local chefs, complemented by custom cocktails crafted by local mixologists.

1) Participating chefs 2) The Board of Apron, Inc. 3) Jamie Freidman, Jennifer Gage 4) Karen & Jerry Zegart, Rhonda Hippos 5) Michel Sailor, Christian Sailor 6) Cindy & Ray Carcione 7) Karen Smith, Andrea Ferriell 8) Paula Barmore, Chef David Hunter, Mary Marrow 9) Tim Laird, Damon Garrett, Lori Laird, Stacie Grate, Joe Steier, Amber Thompson, Sony Steier

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Photos by Chad Henle

CELEBRATING LAND, RIVER & LEGACY

Held at Savor at River House, River Field’s annual party with a purpose was another sold-out event. Proceeds support the work of the oldest river conservancy advocacy group working along the Ohio River.

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1) David & Nancy Laird 2) Sheri Sharp, Alycia & Dan Hayes 3) Owen Ronald, Robert Whayne, Tom Halbleib 4) Ricki Frindel, Paula Abell 5) John & Deana Booker, Tom & Karen Sweets 6) Christina Bell, Charles Stewart, Melanie Van Houten 7) Brian & Lynda Hope 8) Michelle Flowers, Jean West 9) Louise Gardner, Meme Sweets Runyon

Photos by Chad Henle

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HOLIDAY CHEER

The Louisville Portfolio team, REALTORS Josh Laughlin, Pamela Lawson, Lynette Masterson & Crystalyn Noland, held a cocktail reception for clients in the festively decorated Summer Classics showroom in Westport Village. 1

Photos by Ashley Stinson

100 WISE WOMEN

Kate Latts, Co-President of Heaven Hill Brands, wrapped up Leadership Louisville’s 2025 Wise Women series. The sold-out event was held at The Olmsted. Holiday Cheer 1) Mary Easterling, Camilla Schroeder, Jennifer Kramer 2) Michael Burris, Josh Laughlin, Douglass Pfendler 3) Ann-Marie Howell, Angie Gaddie 4) Lori & Vince Tyra 5) Karen Masterson, Lynette Masterson 100 Wise Women 1) Megan Tivitt, Morgan Simpson, Ann Marie Maldini, Ashley Hembree 2) Laura Melillo Barnum, LP Wood 3) Michael Fine, Cynthia Knapek, Jill Wilcox, Holly Prather 4) Kim Halbauer, Scarlett Shine

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Photos by Chad Henle

BOURBON & BITES

Presented by the Woman’s Club of Louisville, the event united bourbon enthusiasts with more than a dozen distilleries, with proceeds going to the WCL’s Community Grants Program.

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1) Terri & Tom Lewis 2) Lisa & Greg Morsman 3) Caroline Robinson, Delene Taylor 4) Herb Warren, Vicki Chase, Richard Harris 5) Annalee Worthington, Candace Cato, Linda Steden, Bonnie Taylor 6) Charlie Barrett, Trudy Wheeler 7) Corky & Rebecca Heim 8) Hugo Pavon, Jason & Amy Stuber

Photos by Chad Henle

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THE SHINE GALA

Held at the Speed Art Museum, the debut Shine Gala, Kentucky’s first-of-its-kind Pride celebration, raised funds to create an endowment fund that will support LGBTQIA+ voices and initiatives across the region.

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Photos by Chad Henle

ROCKS & ROSES

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation rebranded its annual 65 Roses Gala as Rocks & Roses, a lively “Southern Casual” celebration. The Shine Gala 1) Richard Thomas, Rodney Coffman, Celeste DeChardonnay, Billy Madden 2) Jason Butler, Ned Siri, Darrin Sylvrra, Josh Robbins 3) Brian Maddox, Craig Banks 4) Brett Trager, Yunifer Alfonso 5) Jason Chadwick, Jim MacMillan, Josh Tejefa Rocks & Roses 1) Alex & Sarah Wolf 2) Mark Workman, Sarah Foushee 3) Logan Keenan, Chef Geoffrey Heyde 4) Triston Senn, Pam Senn, Mabel Mischers, Taya Senn

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Photos by Chad Henle

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TWISTED PINK

“An Evening Inspired” was the theme of the annual Twisted Pink gala—proceeds from the event help to fund metastatic breast cancer research.

Photos by Chad Henle

DAVIS JEWELERS X DAVID YURMAN Davis Jewelers hosted a chic and intimate cocktail reception at Hotel Bourre Bonne, with David Yurman representatives showcasing their newest designs just in time for the holiday shopping season.

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Twisted Pink 1) Brad & Betsy Warren 2) Greg & Jenny Vinje 3) Brooke Corbin, Alex Clark, Kristen & Chris Clark 4) Tecia Timmel, Dr. Robert Alderman, Riley Alderman, Jan Williams 5) Ryan & Mallory McCauley, Cori & Ben Benson, Darrin McCauley, Michelle & Sean Spellman Davis Jewelers x David Yurman 1) Scarlett Shine, Terrance & Peggy Cody, Kim Hartlage 2) Cory Forsythe, Steve Humphrey & Janice Carter Levitch Humprey, Sarah Carter Levitch 3) Travis Ngo, Kris Jones, John Rawlings 4) Jennie Martin, Angela Prescott 5) Ashley Davis, Kristen Jensen, Monica Browning

Photos by Chad Henle

SNOW BALL

2025 marked the 36th year of this elegant black-tie holiday gala, the largest annual fundraiser for Norton Children's Hospital. Benjamin and Sarah Michelle Boes, parents of three-year-old Meadow, acted as honorary chairs. Meadow has been diagnosed with a congenital condition that affects blood flow to her lungs and heart, and is one of more than 215,000 children who continue to receive care from Norton Children's Hospital and its affiliated facilities on an annual basis, regardless of their families' ability to pay.

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1) Patrick & Kelly Saltzgaber 2) Sarah Ramage, Elizabeth & Robert Strojan 3) Christie Buopane, Agela Edwards, Tiffany Wright 4) Helen Vice, Claire Tidmore, Lee Receveur,Anna Vice 5) Debbie & Henry Kelsey, Chapin & Dana Collins 6) Dee Ann Crush, Ann Jones 7) Julie McDonnell, Candice Gentry 8) Bobby, Anna, Helen & Robert Vice 9) Kendall & Shannon Cogan

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Land Rover Louisville is now part of the Germain Family of Companies

CHARITY REGISTER 2026

from the publishers of

ACTORS THEATRE OF LOUISVILLE

Who We Are: Actors Theatre has been a cornerstone of our city's cultural landscape since its formation in 1964, and a leader in the national and international arts community for half a century. Now in our 61st year, we are unwavering in our mission to unlock human potential, build community, and enrich quality of life by engaging people in theatre that reflects the wonder and complexity of our time.

as Kentucky Shakespeare, Redline Performing Arts, Drag Daddy Productions, and more into our home. • Cultural Belonging: We provide a range of access services—including Open Captioning, ASL Interpretation, Assisted Listening Devices, wheelchair-accessible seating, and Audio Description—so that audience members of all abilities can fully engage with our work.

What We Do: Actors Theatre continues to serve audiences by producing impactful theatre that uplifts marginalized voices in our community for the benefit of all. We evaluate our programming with a focus on three impact areas: • Be a community hub that is a space of belonging for all • Serve as the state theatre of kentucky by activating experiences throughout our state, representing our communities through the stories we share, and hiring local artists • Cultivate lifelong learning and creative engagement through student matinees, in-school residencies, adult classes, and family programming

How You Can Help: There are many ways to support Actors Theatre’s mission and deepen our impact: • Make a Donation or Become a Member: Contributions—at any level— sustain our productions, education programs, and community initiatives. Memberships begin at no cost and help keep theatre accessible for all. • Become a Volunteer: Volunteers help welcome guests, support frontof-house operations, assist with special events, and serve as essential ambassadors for our work. • Corporate & Foundation Partnerships: Businesses and funders can sponsor productions, special events, and education programs. • Attend Our Performances & Events: Simply showing up and sharing the experience of theatre strengthens our community.

Why We're Important: As the State Theatre of Kentucky, Actors Theatre plays an essential role in the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of our region. By developing Kentucky artists, amplifying diverse stories, and ensuring that hundreds of students experience live theatre each year, we strengthen the civic fabric of our community and expand access to the arts. Our programs support emotional wellbeing, creative expression, and lifelong learning— critical elements of a thriving and connected society.

Actors Theatre of Louisville 316 W Main St., Louisville, Kentucky, 40202 (502) 584-1205 www.actorstheatre.org Facebook: Actors Theatre of Louisville Instagram: @actorstheatre

How We Serve the Community: Learning and Creative Engagement: Hundreds of students across the state experience theatre each year through student matinees and classroom residencies that support literacy, social-emotional learning, and creative confidence. • Community Partnerships: We strengthen Louisville’s creative ecosystem by sharing our resources and welcoming partners such

Executive Director: Amelia Acosta Powell Email: aacostapowell@actorstheatre.org Board/Chair President: Mac Thompson

ANIMAL CARE SOCIETY, INC.

How We Serve the Community: By rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals, your support strengthens the entire community. Adoption programs create lifelong family bonds while opening space to help more animals. Outreach, education, and partnerships promote responsible pet ownership, compassion, and safety. Volunteer initiatives engage local youth groups, businesses, and civic organizations in service-driven collaboration. Facility improvements and medical care reduce community animal suffering and lessen strain on local resources. Every act of generosity contributes to healthier neighborhoods, kinder communities, and a shared culture of advocacy where both people and pets thrive together.

Who We Are: Founded in 1984, Animal Care Society offers second chances to dogs and cats in need. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the organization protects the voiceless, providing lifesaving care for neglected, abused, senior pets, and animals with complex medical needs. ACS operates independently and isn’t affiliated with any other humane organization. The mission is powered entirely by grants and generous community support from Louisville and surrounding areas. Every day, ACS rescues animals from crisis, saves lives through adoption, and transforms uncertainty into safety, trust, and love. ACS remains a pillar of compassion and action for the community it serves. What We Do: The organization rescues animals from crisis, provides comprehensive medical treatment, and delivers individualized behavioral enrichment and socialization plans. Through adoption programs, foster networks, and partnerships, animals receive the time and support needed to transition into safe, loving homes. Community outreach supplies resources such as pet food support, humane education, microchipping , and collaborative service initiatives. Fundraising fuels facility improvements that enhance animal wellbeing. Every initiative is driven by compassion, stewardship, and a commitment to creating lasting change for animals and the community they share.

How You Can Help: Volunteer opportunities range from daily animal enrichment and care to event support, advocacy, and foster programs. In-kind donations such as blankets, pet food, toys, cleaning supplies, and other essentials help meet immediate shelter needs. Monetary donations directly support medical care, facility improvements, and lifesaving programs, while recurring giving sustains long-term outreach and rescue efforts. You can also support through workplace giving, sponsorships, and service days. Every hour, item, and dollar moves the mission forward—thank you for being part of a community that protects, heals, and loves vulnerable animals.

Why We're Important: Animal Care Society deserves your attention and support because this work changes and saves lives. Every animal who enters the shelter receives medical care, enrichment, behavioral support, and a second chance at family. Beyond rescue and adoption, the organization provides community resources, education, and partnerships that keep pets with the people who love them whenever possible. The mission reduces local animal suffering, strengthens families, and builds a more compassionate region. When you support this work, you invest in safer neighborhoods, stronger community collaboration, and lifesaving care that impacts animals and people alike. This support makes transformation possible.

Animal Care Society, Inc. 12207 Westport Rd louisville, KY, 40245 502.426.6303 animalcaresociety.org Facebook: Animal Care Society Instagram: animalcaresociety Executive Director: Sara McWaters Email: sara@animalcaresociety.org

THE CABBAGE PATCH SETTLEMENT HOUSE, INC.

How We Serve the Community: Serving the community means opening our doors to any child who is looking for a place of belonging, growth, and learning. Membership to The Cabbage Patch is free to all children; there is not a test for income or ability, and no requirements for where your family lives or what they do. We serve hundreds of students each year, most of which come from West End zip codes, a historically underserved part of Louisville. We strive to serve our community intentionally and holistically, believing that every person is a beloved child of God, deserving of our best efforts.

Who We Are: The Cabbage Patch is a local nonprofit, empowering children, youth and families to reach their full potential since 1910. Our mission is to provide life-changing academic, recreational and mentoring opportunities through Christ-centered values. Our vision is to empower youth and their families to achieve success and create a better world. The Cabbage Patch was founded in 1910 by a pioneering young woman named Louise Marshall, who was determined to serve people in need in her community. Since then, thousands of Cabbage Patch kids have come through our doors, finding a safe place to learn and grow.

How You Can Help: The Cabbage Patch welcomes your support through donations or volunteer service. You can make an impact by making a one-time donation, becoming a monthly donor, or including us in your planned giving. Our year-round fundraising events are also a way to come together with the community for fellowship and fun, offering another meaningful way to support our mission. It is only because of supporters like you, that we are successful. We also love to partner with individuals, student groups, and corporate teams. Projects range from campus beautification and garden preparation, to direct support for the children and families we serve.

What We Do: Children and youth ages 8 to 18, and their families, are served through three main areas of emphasis: education, recreation and family development. The Cabbage Patch operates after-school programs throughout the year and summer camps. Kids come to The Cabbage Patch to participate in clubs, academic tutoring, sports, visual and performing arts, and more. We have a thriving college scholar program with an average student GPA of 3.09. Each year, we support approximately 40 college scholars both financially and emotionally. Families have access to resources that help them work toward family and household stability. Why We're Important: The Cabbage Patch has been a constant presence in the community for 115 years, offering connection, belonging and opportunity to the children and families we serve. Through world wars, the Great Flood, the Depression, racial integration, recessions, the COVID pandemic and more, we have adapted to the needs of the present moment. But the core of our mission has always remained: serving children and families to the best of our ability. The programs offered by The Cabbage Patch through educational opportunities, leadership and post-secondary education are keys to breaking the cycle of poverty and helping people lead successful lives.

The Cabbage Patch Settlement House, Inc. 1413 South Sixth Street, Louisville, KY 40208 502.634.0811 cabbagepatch.org Facebook: The Cabbage Patch Settlement House Instagram: cabbagepatch1910 Executive Director: Corey Miller Email: cmiller@cabbagepatch.org

CEDAR LAKE

Who We Are: Cedar Lake was founded in 1970 by Louisville-area parents of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Cedar Lake Lodge began providing intensive supports in 1974, and added community-based support options, Cedar Lake Residences, in 1989. Cedar Lake is the largest private provider of residential and community-based services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the state of Kentucky.

residential care, life skills training, and recreational activities that foster independence and personal fulfillment. Cedar Lake’s programs are designed to provide individuals with meaningful social experiences, friendships, and connections to the wider community. By promoting inclusion and accessibility, we create a stronger, more compassionate community. Our work helps break down barriers, increase understanding, and ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has a place to contribute and belong.

What We Do: At Cedar Lake, we provide compassionate, comprehensive support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our programs are designed to empower each person to live a fulfilling, independent life with dignity. We offer residential services, day programs, recreational opportunities, and community-based support to ensure that each individual’s unique needs are met. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to help individuals reach their fullest potential, promoting personal growth, life skills, and community integration. By creating a safe, nurturing environment, we give each person the opportunity to thrive and build meaningful connections with those around them.

How You Can Help: There are many ways to support Cedar Lake’s mission and make a difference in the lives of those we serve. You can contribute financially, whether through a one-time donation, monthly giving, or by purchasing tickets to events like our Bourbon Raffle. Volunteering your time and skills is another impactful way to get involved, helping us with events, programs, or one-on-one activities with individuals. Attending our events and spreading awareness of our mission also helps expand our community of supporters. Your generosity, time, and advocacy enable us to continue providing exceptional care and support.

Why We're Important: Cedar Lake plays a vital role in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We provide stability, security, and opportunities for personal growth that allow individuals to live a life full of abundant possibilities. Our work ensures that each person experiences a sense of belonging, dignity, and purpose. By addressing both basic needs and personal goals, we help bridge gaps in care, fostering a life filled with joy and accomplishment. Through our supportive programs, we not only enrich individual lives but also create stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone has the chance to shine.

Cedar Lake 9901 Linn Station Road, Suite 901, Louisville, KY 40223 502.495.4946 cedarlake.org Facebook, Instagram, X: @CEDARLAKEKY

How We Serve the Community: We serve the community by creating programs that encourage inclusion, growth, and lifelong learning for individuals with disabilities. Our services include

HOSPARUS HEALTH

How We Ser ve the Community: Throug h the Places of Compassion campaign, we’re expanding care and support across the region. The Harshaw Family Grief Counseling Center and William B. and Janet B. Schmidt PACE Center in Elizabethtown are already transforming lives. In 2025, we broke ground on the region’s first freestanding Hospice Care Center, a purpose-built facility designed to feel like a peaceful retreat. Set to open in 2027, it will provide specialized care for patients with complex needs and a sanctuary for families. With nearly $10 million raised toward a $13.2 million goal, this milestone reflects a shared commitment to compassionate, community-centered care.

Who We Are: For nearly five decades, we’ve helped individuals and families facing serious illness find comfort, dignity, and peace. Founded in 1978, our mission is to enhance the quality of life for everyone impacted by serious illness through compassion, dignity, and excellence. With nearly 700 employees and 500 volunteers, our team delivers holistic care that honors each person’s wishes and circumstances, regardless of their ability to pay. Today, we serve more than 14,000 people each year across 41 counties in Kentucky and Indiana, ensuring that compassionate care is always within reach when it’s needed most. What We Do: Our interdisciplinary teams bring comfort and relief through hospice and palliative medicine, symptom and medication management, and grief counseling. We provide community-based support at the Republic Foundation YMCA Resource Center in Louisville and through our New Albany office serving Southern Indiana. In 2024, we opened the Harshaw Family Grief Counseling Center, expanding access to therapy and mental-health resources for grieving individuals of all ages. Every program is designed to help patients and families live fully, creating meaningful moments together wherever they call home while ensuring that no one faces serious illness alone.

How You Can Help: Volunteers have been at the heart of our mission since day one. Opportunities range from patient companionship and family respite to bereavement support, crafting , administrative assistance, deliveries, and veteran initiatives. Training is provided, and no experience is required. Visit hosparushealth.org/volunteers to get started. You can also support the Places of Compassion campaign, which funds transformational projects like the new Hospice Care Center—creating a peaceful, healing space for patients and families for generations to come. To make a lasting difference, visit placesofcompassion.com.

Why We're Important: Care at the end of life is about more than medicine—it’s about meaning. Our teams help families focus on what truly matters, making each day as fulfilling as possible even in difficult times. The Places of Compassion campaign, a $17 million investment in our region’s future, is creating spaces of healing, peace, and dignity for all. Supported by generous donors, these projects ensure that high-quality, compassionate care remains accessible to everyone, regardless of financial situation, while strengthening our community’s capacity to care for one another with grace and humanity.

Hosparus Health 6200 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville, KY, 40205 800.264.0521 hosparushealth.org Facebook: @HosparusHealth1 Instagram: @HosparusHealth X: @hosparushealth

LOUISVILLE VISUAL ART

How We Serve the Community: LVA serves the larger community by making art accessible, engaging, and meaningful for people of all ages and backgrounds. We empower students with skills that build problem-solving abilities and self-expression. In 2026, we are piloting our first class for students with neurodivergence or learning differences, with smaller class sizes for extra support. By supporting artists, we enrich Louisville’s cultural landscape and economy by helping artists thrive in their careers. Our public art initiatives foster connection and pride across neighborhoods. Through these efforts, LVA strengthens social bonds, inspires creativity, and ensures that art is a vibrant, unifying force in our city.

Who We Are: Founded in 1909, Louisville Visual Art (LVA) has championed creativity in our community for over a century. Guided by our mission—To nurture our city’s diverse artists throughout their creative lifecycles with youth art education, professional artist development, and art in public spaces—we provide More Art for More People in More Places. Our programs provide meaningful art experiences for youth, uplift working artists and connect neighborhoods through creativity. Every class, exhibition, and partnership reflects our belief that art strengthens communities and enriches lives across Greater Louisville. What We Do: We put our mission into action through dynamic, citywide programming. Our Children’s Fine Art Classes provide hands-on learning for students of all backgrounds throughout the city, with over 40% attending at no cost. We support local artists through professional development, exhibitions, and mentorship opportunities that help them thrive creatively and professionally—and 100% of exhibition sales go directly to the artists. Our public art initiatives and community collaborations bring creativity into neighborhoods, fostering engagement and belonging. From classrooms to galleries to streetscapes, LVA ensures that art is not just seen, but experienced, shared, and celebrated across Greater Louisville.

How You Can Help: You can help LVA bring More Art for More People in More Places by supporting our programs with a monetary donation. Contributions directly fund youth art classes, scholarships, artist development, and public art initiatives that enrich our entire community. Every gift, large or small, helps ensure that students can access hands-on creative learning, artists can thrive, and public spaces are transformed through art. Donations are the most powerful way to sustain our mission and expand our impact citywide. By giving to LVA, you become a vital partner in making art accessible, inspiring, and transformative for everyone in Greater Louisville.

Why We're Important: LVA is a place where creativity thrives, barriers are lifted, and art connects us all. From individuals to collective neighborhoods, art is integral to wellbeing. Our youth programs nurture creativity, confidence, and critical thinking in young people, shaping the next generation of leaders and makers. We provide local artists with the resources, opportunities, and community they need to grow and sustain their practice. By bringing art into public spaces, we strengthen neighborhoods, foster connection, and inspire civic pride. Your generosity keeps art visible, accessible, and powerful in every corner of our community.

Louisville Visual Art 1538 Lytle Street, Louisville, KY, 40203 502.584.8166 louisvillevisualart.org Facebook, Instagram: LouisvilleVisualArt Executive Director: Angela Hagan Email: angela@louisvillevisualart.org Board President: Beverly Cote

METRO UNITED WAY

How We Serve the Community: We develop and invest in innovative initiatives that address the most pressing issues facing our community, including affordable housing, kindergarten readiness, affordable, quality child care, homelessness, and much more. Our team is committed to finding solutions to these issues to ensure kids have what they need to thrive, families find their way from poverty to prosperity, and to ensure zip code doesn't determine a person's health, wealth, and wellbeing. Our 2-1-1 helpline is also available to assist with non-emergency needs such as housing, transportation, food, child care, and more. It is open 24/7/365 and is available in multiple languages.

Who We Are: Metro United Way strives every day to support thriving kids, strong households, and an equitable community. These priorities focus our impact on the root causes of systemic issues that affect everyone. Because systemic community challenges are most often rooted in multiple causes, Metro United Way harnesses the power of donors, volunteers, thought leaders, experts, other nonprofits, and government at all levels to ensure positive, sustainable change. We serve Jefferson, Bullitt, Oldham, and Shelby counties in Kentucky, and Clark, Floyd, and Harrison counties in Indiana. What We Do: We work with community partners to advance kindergarten readiness, support the success of school-aged young people, and help young men of color get into and complete college. We address families’ basic needs and improve their financial stability, invest in programs that help families buy homes for the first time, and offer home repairs to keep families housed, protecting their generational wealth. We invest in Black-led nonprofits through an innovative program that addresses inequities and builds capacity for community-level change. We educate the public on systemic issues. We advocate for better policies at every level of government to support these goals.

How You Can Help: Help us lift 260,000 people from hardship to hope by 2030! This could mean an additional 15,500 people in the workforce and $776 million impact on our local economy. We aim to raise $75 million over the next five years, and we need your support! • Donate to make an impact at metrounitedway.org. • Visit volunteer.metrounitedway.org for current opportunities to help area nonprofits, no matter what cause you care about. • Refer those in need to the 211 helpline so they can get connected to resources in our community. • Sign up for our advocacy alerts to lend your voice to our cause: metrounitedway.org/advocacy

Why We're Important: For those who want a strong and equitable community, Metro United Way is the change agent that fuels our spirit of unity by building lasting, transformative opportunities for all. We convene dozens of organizations into collective action that is more impactful than any one organization on its own. And we are nimble in responding to community needs in real-time, like when we launched our Hardship to Hope Food Relief program. Within a matter of days, we were able to offer Kroger gift cards to thousands of SNAP-eligible families whose benefits were delayed during the government shutdown.

Metro United Way 334 East Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202 502.583.2821 metrounitedway.org Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads: MetroUnitedWay Executive Director: Adria Johnson Board/Chair President: Tommy Wallace

NORTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

How We Serve the Community: We help to provide the medical care children need to live long, healthy lives. When children need medical care, the entire family is often involved. It can be a stressful situation. If that medical care is not available close by, it requires long drives and a disconnect from home. By ensuring that Norton Children’s Hospital and its related facilities have all of the specialties and necessary care, it reduces the burden on families.

Who We Are: The Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the not-for-profit Norton Children’s, raises millions of dollars each year for Norton Children’s Hospital, Kentucky’s only full-service, free-standing pediatric hospital; Norton Children’s Medical Center; and pediatric services at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital. Funds raised support programs, equipment and facilities, research, advocacy and education. In 2024, the community provided more than $27.9 million in donations, which allowed the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation to fund millions of dollars in projects to drive innovation and support the more than 215,000 children who visit annually.

How You Can Help: There are many ways to support Norton Children’s Hospital and its related facilities – all aimed at providing children with the healthcare they need, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Donations can be made in the form of cash donations or planned gifts, and you can even start your own online or in-person fundraiser. You can also volunteer at or attend a variety of events held throughout the year.

What We Do: Norton Children’s Hospital and its related pediatric facilities are not for profit and rely on the community’s support to provide medical care for all children. This funding is vital to advancing groundbreaking research, providing new technology, enhancing programs, helping bring new medical providers to Louisville and even expanding and renovating facilities – all to ensure the children you love continue to have the health care they need.

Norton Children's Hospital Foundation 4965 US Highway 42, Suite 1000, Louisville, KY, 40222 502.420.4286 HelpNortonChildrens.com Facebook, Instagram: NortonChildrens

Why We're Important: Norton Children’s remains steadfast in our advocacy for the health and well-being of all children, and in our commitment to provide care regardless of families’ ability to pay. From watching a child ring the end of treatment bell after finishing their cancer treatment to providing a child with new heart to helping a preemie grow into an active toddler, Norton Children’s is here for the moments that matter most. We help to provide medical care close to home and to imagine a healthier and more hopeful future for the more than 215,000 kids that pass through our doors each year.

Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer: Lynnie Meyer, RN EdD CFRE FAHP Board/Chair President: Mark Prussian

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Society CHARITY CALENDAR

For To Be Announced (TBA) events, check out Sophisticated Living’s event calendar closer to the month

May 14 Metro United Way Your Community,Your United Way; metrounitedway.org/events/ 15 Animal Care Society Barkin’ Through the Decades Gala; animalcaresociety.org/events 18 Cedar Lake Golf Tournament and Golf Ball Drop, Hurstbourne Country Club; cedarlake.org/events/golf-tournament-golf-ball-drop

January 9-18 Kentucky Shakespeare presents Emma at Actors Theatre; actorstheatre.org/events/emma 13 Hosparus Health Guided Meditations for the Grieving Heart; hosparushealth.org/events 17 Louisville Visual Art Artists’ Breakfast at LVA; louisvillevisualart.org/lvacalendar/ab30-panel-discussion-2 27 Hosparus Health Southern Indiana Chilli Cook-Off; hosparushealth.org/events 29 Metro United Way Live United Day in Frankfort; metrounitedway.org/events

June 1 Norton Children’s Home. & BMW Raffle; (Through Nov. 21) nortonchildrens.com/foundation/events 1 Animal Care Society Pars for Paws Golf Scramble; animalcaresociety.org/events/ Norton Children’s Bourbon & Bowties; 4 nortonchildrens.com/foundation/events 6-7 Norton Children’s Wings for Kids at the Bill Fluke Airfield at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park; nortonchildrens.com/foundation/events 8 The Cabbage Patch Settlement House Golf Tournament at Audubon Country Club; cabbagepatch.org/events/golf

February 7 Metro United Way Build-A-Bed Southern Indiana; metrounitedway.org/events 24 Metro United Way Beyond Buzzwords with Dorothy A. Brown; metrounitedway.org/events 26 Metro United Way Your, Community Your United Way; metrounitedway.org/events March 4-15 Fiasco Theatre and Actors Theatre of Louisville present Fiasco Theatre’s The Comedy of Errors; actorstheatre.org/events/comedy-of-errors 5-6 Norton Children’s Hospital Radiothon in partnership with the Children’s Miracle Network 7 The Cabbage Patch Settlement House Bowling Bash at Vernon Lanes 8 Actors Theatre The After Show Show; actorstheatre.org/events/the-after-show-show 18 Heart of Cedar Lake Awards Breakfast, Mellwood Art Center, cedarlake.org/events/hearts-of-cedar-lake-awards-breakfast 20 Louisville Visual Art Honors Gala at Germantown Gables; louisvillevisualart.org

August 20 Metro United Way Your Community,Your United Way; metrounitedway.org/events September TBD Hosparus Southern Indiana Stars at Huber’s Orchard & Winery; hosparushealth.org/events 12 Norton Children’s Bike to Beat Cancer; BiketoBeatCancer.org 19 Animal Care Society Bark in the Park; animalcaresociety.org/events 24 The Cabbage Patch Settlement House Champions Event at The Olmsted; cabbagepatch.org/events/champions 24 Metro United Way’s The Greatest Give Back; metrounitedway.org/events

April 2-13 Actors Theatre’s Storytelling Revolution Festival; actorstheatre.org/events 3 First Friday Theatre Tour at Actor’s Theatre; actorstheatre.org/events 6-10 LVA Spring Break Art Camp; louisvillevisualart.org/lvacalendar 21 Immies, Metro United Way’s Community Impact Awards; metrounitedway.org/events 27 Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation Golf Outing at Hurstbourne Country Club; nortonchildrens.com/foundation/events

October TBD Norton Children’s Sip, Savor, Soar at Clark Regional Airport; SipSavorSoar.org November 12-16 Norton Children’s Festival of Trees & Lights at Louisville Slugger Field; nortonchildrens.com/foundation/events 19 Metro United Way Your Community,Your United Way; metrounitedway.org/events 21 Norton Children’s Snow Ball; nortonchildrens.com/foundation/events TBD Hosparus Health Celebration of Compassion:An Evening of Gratitude and Recognition; hosparushealth.org/events

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SINCE 1947, EXPERIENCE HAS SET US APART Warren Germain didn’t just open a dealership in 1947— he set a standard. Earn trust. Deliver more. Create an experience people can’t imagine leaving. Nearly eight decades later, that philosophy still drives us. The world has changed. Expectations have changed. But the power of an unforgettable experience never has. At Germain Louisville, we honor that legacy with exclusive events, elevated partnerships, and a culture designed to put you at the center of everything we do. Experience what’s next. Follow along: @germaincars @porschelouisville @audioflouisville @landroverlouisville

Last Call Dr. Angela Hagan

For the first installment of our Proust-inspired interview, the Executive Director of Louisville Visual Art (LVA) muses about her idea of perfect happiness, being “addicted” to art, and the one talent she’d like to have.

What makes you happiest about your work? Working with curious and creative thinkers on my staff, on our Board, local artists, and with our community partners. Getting to be a part of a collective community impact. What is your greatest challenge related to work? Changing people's minds about art not being a luxury, but being integral to vibrant, thriving people and places. It's a challenge, but I enjoy using all the research methods and data literacy I learned from my doctoral program to make the case. If you could add any piece of art to your home, what would it be? I'm intrigued by video installations, and I don't have any. Perhaps a piece by Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson that I saw a couple of years ago at the Louisiana Museum in Denmark. If you could have only one piece of art in your home, what would it be? If you mean keeping only one piece that I currently have, I'd select a set of nine pieces by Louisville artist Letitia Quesenberry, treating them as one colorful installation in our bedroom. What is your earliest memory related to art? Accompanying my mother to her weekly painting classes when I was a child, and doodling or reading. Her profession was as a nurse and later a healthcare administrator, but she has, in retirement, reconnected with her passion for creating. Which artist/historical figure do you most identify with?Yayoi Kusama can be a controversial figure, but I admire her "happy art" aesthetic and the ethos of "making art to spread the joy and the love." She has struggled with mental health issues and is impacted by the darkness in the world, yet focuses on the light. Change comes through hope.What is your idea of perfect happiness? The feeling I get when I'm out rowing or hiking , and don't have anywhere else to be—that meditative state of body, mind, and spirit. What is your greatest regret? Not taking off more time when my second daughter was born. Which living person do you most admire? Perhaps Mackenzie Bezos, for her commitment to using her great wealth to invest in communities and people who deserve opportunities.

What is your greatest extravagance? Buying as much art as I do, it's an addiction. I also include in that list a Yayoi Kusama x Louis Vuitton bag I requested and received from my husband a couple of years ago when the latest collaboration came out. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? "Align on," "are aligned..." It's a corporate speak holdover. Which talent would you most like to have? Songwriting. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My natural hair color. I always wanted to be a redhead. What do you consider your most outstanding achievement? Finishing my PhD while holding down a full-time job and parenting a three-year-old and a one-year-old at the time. Shoutout to my husband and parents for their support and encouragement. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Patience. Sometimes people wait too long to dig in to change things that shouldn't be tolerated.If you could be reincarnated and could come back as a person or thing, what would it be? One of the giant old redwood trees in California; they've seen so much.Where would you most like to live? Iceland! I've been three times! What is your most treasured possession? My engagement ring from my husband: a special trillion-cut diamond set in a custom band with gold stars. Who are your heroes in real life? Community change makers in Louisville like Sadiqa Reynolds and Theresa Reno-Weber. These highly educated and visionary women could be leading Fortune 500 Companies yet have devoted their time to making an impact through the public sector, non-profit organizations, and now ( Theresa) star t-up te chno lo g y services that make interior spaces navig able for p e ople who face sensory and mobility challenges.How do the visual arts make Louisville a better place for everyone? At the individual level, making and viewing art supports healing and mental and spiritual health. At the community level, it's placemaking and culture, economic development, and a sense o f c onn e c ti on , b e l ong ing , a n d safety that come with art in public spaces. What is your favorite adult beverage? My husband would be disappointed if I didn't say his Left Bank bourbon. ;-) but I'll go with a glass of champagne. slmag.net 105