110 W. Chestnut Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
(502) 213-2388
Website:art.jctcfaculty.org Facebook: /JeffersonCommTechCollege, /artsanglevantage Instagram: @artsanglevantage
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00am – 9:00pm
HeARTStories
Dates: September 11 – October 15, 2025
Events: Opening Reception September 13, 3:00 – 6:00 pm
“I am so happy. You don’t know how happy this makes me.” One young person from Home of the Innocents said this in the middle of snapping photographs on a sunny spring day early in Arts Angle Vantage’s program. The program was part of Louisville Metro Government’s HeARTS Initiative, which supported arts programs in community centers and organizations across Jefferson County from 2022 through 2025.
Over six weeks, photographers Ayrica Bishop and Andrew Cenci guided participants in using DSLR cameras, while Elizabeth Kramer introduced them to storytelling about the arts through journalism. Participants learned about different aspects of taking photos — depth of field, the rule of two-thirds, and more. They also learned reporting techniques, observing and recording details, and noting quotes.
They did all this while meeting actors, musicians and artists on outings in these artists’ working world and in the young people’s weekly sessions. Several participants saw a play and an orchestra performance for the first time. Arts Angle Vantage intended these activities to align with its mission to provide young people from diverse backgrounds with access to the arts and empower them to use their voices and create stories. Doing this helps strengthen their critical and creative thinking skills and prepares them for success. The experiences allow them to tap creativity throughout the community and within themselves.
The Home of the Innocents’ staff and the many artists and arts organizations opened their doors and hearts to us. Arts Angle Vantage deeply appreciates the Fund for the Arts for pairing the organization with the Home of the Innocents for this fulfilling experience.