Community Connections Artist-in-Residence

The Community Connections Artist in Residency Program is part of the Speed’s desire to invite everyone to celebrate art forever by intentionally supporting local artists and community Centers in Louisville’s Historic West End. The Residency consists of two main components: Supporting the Artist and Supporting the Community. Over the course of the Residency, the Artist receives a wide variety of Professional Development from the Speed Art Museum’s Curatorial, Learning Engagement and Belonging, Marketing and Philanthropy Teams. Additionally, the Artist will offer several community workshops in their area of expertise.  

This program is co-created with Legacy Artist in Residence, Shauntrice Martin and Ashlee Phillips, and in collaboration with our newest Artist in Residence, Demi Gardner. These women were chosen to be a part of this program because they are leaders in their community, in their art practices and harness the creative power of art making to serve their community. Through collaboration and deep listening, The Speed and our partners were able to develop a community art program that can be uplifting, progressive, and transformative for the artist and the communities being served through art.  

Demi Gardner - 2024/2025 Artist in Residence

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DEMI GARDNER: FINDING YOUR LENS 

The Speed Art Museum is excited to announce that Demi Gardner has accepted the position as the Museum’s Community Connections Artist-in-Residence. Funded by the Kentucky Foundation for Women, the community-based residency is designed to work in collaboration with the residents of Historic the West End of Louisville. This year, the residence focuses on exploring self-identity, community relationships, and storytelling through filmmaking. With workshops for students ages 12 to 55+, Ms. Gardner will share fundamental filmmaking skills, and opportunity to meet local professionals in the film community and craft short “Call to Action” video in the style of PSAs addressing social issues in their community. 

As a filmmaker, Demi is driven by the power of storytelling. Whether directing, producing, or working as a videographer, her focus is on capturing and amplifying the voices and experiences of those around her. Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Demi has a deep connection to her community, particularly the vibrant energy of the West End, which continuously inspires her work. She believes that storytelling is a bridge that connects us, fosters empathy, and strengthens bonds. For Demi, the act of sharing stories is not just about entertainment—it’s about creating a space for people to come together, understand each other, and celebrate the beauty in our shared humanity.  

Ms. Gardner’s workshops will be held at the Speed Art Museum for our Platinum Collective and then at Shawnee Public Library. Stay tuned for more information.

The Speed Art Museum wants to honor Ms. Gardner’s vision and passion for filmmaking by helping foster unique career connections, professional development opportunities, space in our museum to work, connections to teaching opportunities in the community and a final showing at the Museum. 

Demi Gardner’s Website

Demi’s LinkedIn 

Demi’s Instagram 

Artist In Residence Workshop Information

Finding Your Lens

REGISTER

Instructor: Demi Gardner 

Workshop Dates:
Platinum Collective group (this is now full) – 1/23;1/30; 2/6; 2/13; 2/20; 2/27
Ages 12-17: March 3 – March 6 and March 10 – March 13 at Shawnee Public Library

Workshop Description: 

In this workshop series, participants will explore the world of filmmaking by creating their own short educational videos – PSA’s – with the Speed Art Museum Community Connections Artist in Residency, Demi Gardner. This class will focus on developing an understanding of filmmaking, identifying social issues, and crafting a call-to-action PSA on their social topics. The eight sessions will explore self-identity, community relationships, and storytelling through filmmaking.  

 

Finding Your Department

SOLD OUT

Instructor: Demi Gardner 

Workshop Dates: 
Adult Workshop: March 8, 15, 22 at Shawnee Public Library

Workshop Description: 

In this workshop series, participants will explore the world of filmmaking by learning how to break into the industry. Participants will learn and interact with department heads of the film industry. The class will offer hands-on experience and networking opportunities for adults interested in working in film. Participants will also explore the world of filmmaking by creating their own Public Service Announcements about their communities. After meeting with industry professionals the class will focus on identifying social issues in their communities and crafting a call to action Public Service Announcements on their social topics.