Arts & Eats

Janice Mason Art Museum is pleased to present the inaugural season of the Arts & Eats series. These unique events provide an opportunity to enjoy private homes, gardens, and art collections of area residents. Special entertainment, local cuisine, and informative programs will enhance each of these events and offer memorable and engaging social experiences. This series is a rare opportunity to be immersed in the vision of other art enthusiasts in our community.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

  • Saturday, June 28, 2025, 5-7:30 pm
  • Hosted by Paul Fourshee
  • Heavy appetizers by Red Brick Inn
  • Performances by Kentucky Shakespeare
  • Music by 2nd Street Duo and Herb Blair
  • Plein air artists on site
  • Valet parking provided
  • Limit 40 guests
  • $150 per person (all 3 events $400 per person)

 

Seven Gables, home of Paul Fourshee, is the location for the initial event in the Arts & Eats series. While this 1944 home is certainly impressive in its own right, as it stretches across three lots on Main Street, it is the five acres of amazing grounds that hold a special charm for this evening. Seven Gables will be open for touring along with Fourshee’s curated art collection. 

Guests will enjoy select scenes by Kentucky Shakespeare of Louisville which will take place in a tented venue on the back lawn. Musicians in the garden and in the home will entertain guests who are certain to be delighted by the culinary expertise of Joey and Alison Ruff from The Red Brick Inn. Adding to the charm of this event, visitors will enjoy watching as plein air artists paint scenes of the evening.

Join us for entertainment, appetizers and signature drinks as we are transported to the theatre in the garden. This promises to be a lively event and space is limited.  Purchase your tickets in support of JMAM now!

The Art of the Country Ham

  • Saturday, October 4, 2025, 5-7:30 pm
  • Hosted by Todd & Melissa Wallace
  • Kentucky themed appetizers
  • Bourbon tasting
  • Bluegrass and contemporary music
  • Valet parking provided
  • Limit 40 guests
  • $150 per person (all 3 events $400 per person)

 

This special event in our Arts & Eats series serves as a precursor to the annual Trigg County Country Ham Festival.  An evening celebrating the history and art of country ham in our community will be showcased at the Main Street home of Todd and Melissa Wallace. Their recently restored 1890 Queen Anne Victorian house is the setting for an evening of Kentucky food, beverages and entertainment. The Wallace home will be open to guests for tours with an emphasis on art collected from their travels around the world.

Not all art has to be hung on walls and this special evening is dedicated to the art of Trigg County’s most famous export, the country ham. Come prepared to learn more than you ever dreamed about country ham in an elegant and refined setting with a renowned chef and expert in curing this prized commodity.  Also, an experienced small-scale distiller and a brewery owner will be pairing Kentucky bourbon and craft beers with the food choices for the evening.

The entertainment for this evening complements the culinary aspects with local flavor. Expect bluegrass and contemporary classical with a twist.  This promises to be an exceptionally fun culinary and educational event.

Off to the Races: a Pre-Derby Celebration

  • Saturday, April 25, 2026, 5-7:30 pm
  • Hosted by Gregory & Nan Waldrop and Rick & Karen Clement
  • Heavy appetizers and mint juleps 
  • Special Derby-themed mini art exhibit
  • Music (TBD)
  • Limit 40 guests
  • $150 per person (all 3 events $400 per person)

 

Kentucky is well known for its fast horses and beautiful Bluegrass and the first weekend in May is always anticipated for the most watched two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby! While Churchill Downs always hosts the Derby its festival and associated events, Thurby, and Kentucky Oaks, Cadiz will celebrate its own pre-Derby festivities with an event to remember.

Join us at Fairholme, the 1885 Victorian museum in Cadiz, to celebrate the 152nd Derby festivities. This third event in the Arts & Eats series will provide heavy hors d’ouerves, Derby-themed beverages and special entertainment that you won’t want to miss.

It will also showcase the beautiful John L. Street family home along with its period art and furnishings. An exclusive on-site exhibit is also planned to celebrate all things Derby. This is your opportunity to enjoy Fairholme and learn about its place in Trigg history while mingling with friends celebrating the greatness that is the Kentucky Derby.

Here is an extra opportunity to show off your Derby finery, hats and bowties!  The evening entertainment will be a musical ensemble with an emphasis on Kentucky and contemporary music.

This series is sponsored by the Janice Mason Art Museum (JMAM).  In addition to exhibiting visual art, JMAM adds valuable art experiences to west Kentucky by sponsoring classes and hosting receptions for every artist exhibit, community events like Dinner on Main, Chocolate Affair, and ARTalks as well as productions with the Southern Kentucky Independent Theatre (SKIT), like Dining with the Dearly Departed.