Our History

The Arts Association of Oldham County (AAOC) was established in 1997 as the “Oldham County Arts Association” by initial founders David Pate, Pam Ludke, Walt Anderson, Robert Davis, Teresa Kinney, Patricia Michael, Donna Miller, David Phelps, Grace Temple and Cliff Whalin. Mary Klausing and Carole Logan joined the effort shortly thereafter.

The first Art Show was held that year. That August the Arts Association held a Chamber Music Concert on the Square. This tradition continued through the first few years with Spring Art shows held at the History Center and summer concerts held on the Courthouse lawn.

In 1999, the first Arts on the Green was held on the grounds of the Oldham County History Center in May and had 15 artist booths. 

In 2005, the Arts Association expanded and started the Bluegrass Film Festival and began offering a $1,000 scholarship to area high school seniors.

By 2006, the 2nd Annual Bluegrass Film Festival had already grown to attract 217 film submissions with 74 being selected for screening.  The scholarship offered was increased to $5,000 and member artists were able to exhibit in the Fiscal Court building in La Grange and the Oldham County Art Center in Crestwood.

On May 10, 2007, the Arts Association held a ribbon cutting ceremony with local politicians to celebrate the opening of Gallery 104 on Main Street, La Grange. 

With the opening of Gallery 104, the Arts Association expanded its reach within the Oldham community and began offering art classes, artist talks, and art shows.

In 2008, the Arts Association increased the number of scholarships awarded to area high school seniors to three.  Each scholarship is for $5,000 for a total of $15,000.  The Arts Association of Oldham County became and remains the largest supporter of continuing education in the Arts here in Oldham County.

In spite of the continuing success of the Bluegrass Film Festival, the Arts Association made the decision to stop sponsoring the film festival.

In 2012, the Arts Association in partnership with the YMCA in Buckner held the first “Oldham Arts on Quality Place” an indoor fine art show.

The Oldham County Singers joined forces with the Arts Association in 2013 to expand the reach of their organization.

The Arts Association of Oldham County has truly come to fulfill its mission
with the following:

• Gallery 104:  Home to over 35 member artists, classes offered for all age ranges and many art forms, over five different competitive arts shows held throughout the year.
• Arts on the Green:  Begun in 1999 with 15 booths on the History Center grounds it has grown to 120+ fine Artists booths and is one of the largest events held in Oldham County.
• Scholarships:  AAOC now awards three $5,000 scholarships for a total
  of $15,000 for continuing education in the Arts.
• Oldham Arts on CityPlace: Begun in 2012, the show has replaced Oldham Arts on Quality Place and is held at CityPlace Expo Center in La Grange.
  It is one of the premier fall art shows in our area.
• Oldham County Singers: A partnership formed to promote choral music
  in Oldham County.

Please consider becoming a member of the Arts Association of Oldham County and join us in “Bringing the Arts to Oldham County".