Homecoming: A Revelry Reunion

In Bloom Together; acrylic on canvas, by Tyla Maiden

"In 2018, during my junior year of college, I found myself questioning how I would make it as an artist in the “real world” after graduation. That summer, I interned at Revelry, and the experience completely shifted my perspective. Working alongside Mo and the team, I witnessed a beautiful balance of individual creativity and collective support. Their commitment to collaboration—both in business and in art—showed me a more sustainable and inspiring way to live as a working artist.

This painting is a reflection of that pivotal time in my life. It’s a celebration of sisterhood, shared growth, and the idea that collaboration will always take you further than competition. It’s a visual reminder that the journey is richer—and more powerful—when you don’t walk it alone." -Tyla Maiden

 I Left the Light on For You; watercolor on canvas, by Christina Scherer

"When I had my first solo show at Revelry three years ago, I was standing at a threshold—in art, in love, in life. One month before my wedding, I created The Meeting Place as an exploration of union, not just between two people, but within the self. I used moon-charged water and sound bowls tuned to the heart and throat chakras to guide my painting process. Blue and green flowed together without resistance, giving form to the balance of feminine and masculine energy I was learning to hold.
Revelry was the first place that invited me to explore that kind of vulnerability in my work. Being part of the community there shaped me—surrounded by artists, encouraged by Mo, I felt safe enough to let intuition lead.

I Left the Light On for You is an offering to the soul that wanders and wonders. It speaks in the language of water and light—whispers of wholeness, invitations to soften. A reminder that we are never too far gone, and there’s always a glow waiting to guide us home." -Christina Scherer

Rev on the Rocks; acrylic and varnish on wood panel, by Tommy Rallis

"Rev on the Rocks is a cinematic, poster-style artwork that captures the raw, unfiltered spirit of this gallery—bold, vibrant, and unapologetically alive. At its core is Rev, an electrifying embodiment of chaos and charisma: the sexy, dangerous, adventure-hungry life of the party, astride a pink great white shark named Gladys. Why do these characters represent the energy of the gallery? Honestly, I can't say for sure. I followed instinct, chasing a feeling rather than a formula—pure visual instinct and kino. Stylistically, the piece draws inspiration from Frank Frazetta’s heroic fantasy compositions and the glossy, over-the-top aesthetic of 1980s and 1990s airbrushed product advertisements." -Tommy Rallis

Blue Bird; mixed media collage with wheatpaste on a wood panel, by Joshua Jenkins

"This mixed media collage is part of my ongoing series Guerrilla XL, created in celebration of the 15-year anniversary of the gallery that has supported and represented me—and so many other local voices—over the years. At its core is the iconic bluebird, a tribute to the gallery’s logo and the spirit of community, creativity, and resilience it represents.

Layered into the piece are fragments of my personal artistic journey: photographs of past works sold through the gallery along with scraps from my on-going Guerrilla blocks series. The collage also includes subtle nods to the space itself—like the image of the gallery owner's beloved dog, who has become the unofficial mascot, and snippets of local street art and graffiti that can be seen around town.

This work is both a thank you and a reflection—on how far we've come, what we’ve built together, and the textures of a shared creative life that continues to evolve." -Joshua Jenkins

Botanica verdigris; by Megan Tierney

"This piece has elements that represent my journey over the last decade. When I started working at Revelry way back in the Barrett Avenue days, my work was fully focused on metal fabrication. I spent countless hours tinkering with jewelry and loved being able to see my pieces go to their new homes. Over the years my focus transitioned to flowers and now I spend endless hours tinkering in the garden. I became more and more fascinated with varieties of flowers that can be dried and enjoyed year round. It is so rewarding to extend the life of the plants that you’ve worked so hard to grow from seed. Fabricating wood to encapsulate the flowers is a medium that brings me so much joy and allows me to work side by side with my partner Joe.
This work represents the accession of my passions." -Schnitzblumen

Hey Babe, Let's Go Out Tonight; acrylic, oil and paper collage, by Maya Joy

"This year marks 10 years since I first worked and joined the gallery as an artist. Revelry was the very first space to ever show my work and the place that cultivated my artistic career, something I never thought I would have. I still remember a quiet day in January of 2016, when I drew my first mountain portrait of David Bowie as Jareth, the Goblin King, shortly after his death. It was a quick sketch on the front desk but the start to a now 85+ collection of original drawings. I have always wanted to create a larger painting to commemorate the beginning and although I have done all my portraits in black and white, I decided to add a pop of color and incorporate my poetry collage work into the portrait as well. During 2020, I created my first poetry book which Mo encouraged me to sell, it was such an important moment of support for me to share something so personal and now the collection includes 12 books. This piece is the first to combine my portrait painting and love for poetry through a collaged poem narrative from David Bowie's lyrics. It's a cohesion of all the creativity I was inspired and supported to make while at Revelry!" -Maya Joy

Revel; resin, glitter, acrylic paint, cardboard, trinkets and treasures on wood panel, by Mo Mcknight

"REVEL was created in honor of Revelry Gallery’s 15-year anniversary, a milestone that feels both hard-won and surreal. As a small business owner, I’m often so immersed in the daily balancing act of running a gallery - supporting artists, managing a team, building community - that I forget to pause and truly celebrate what we’ve built.

This piece is that pause. It’s a personal and collective reminder to acknowledge the bold act of survival, of creativity, and of choosing an unconventional path in a world that doesn’t make it easy. Inside the resin, you’ll find small objects I’ve gathered over the years - bits of memory, meaning, and material that mark moments of this journey. It also serves as a quiet nod to my earlier resin works that found a home within these same gallery walls.

REVEL honors not just my own journey, but the artists, employees, and supporters who have helped shape Revelry. It is a celebration of our shared resilience and a return to our mission: to uplift creators doing bold, scary, beautiful things - and to remember that simply continuing is worth celebrating." - Mo McKnight

A Bird in the Hand; wood, wood stain, and palo santo, by Delancey Vela

"This piece is my love letter to Revelry. The hand, made from Palo Santo, feels like an offering for every artist who has graced this space, helpful and uplifting, while the scent is pure nostalgia. It’s comforting and grounding, reminiscent of days spent here with its aroma lingering through the gallery. I didn’t notice until after it was complete that the hand resembles Revelry’s old bird logo, which felt like the gallery leaving its mark on the piece.

You can light the Palo Santo to bring a little of that magic to life. Just be sure to blow it out before you walk away." - Delancey Vela

Birdie; oil on canvas, by Kate Dunlap

"My painting is an exploration of home and a sense of place. Twelve years ago, I moved to Louisville for a summer internship at Revelry. Originally from the mountains of South Carolina, I knew very little about Louisville, but I was drawn in by the creative energy and vibrant community I experienced. That internship turned into my first job; I fell in love with Louisville and began building a life here.

Throughout the years, I’ve worked in interior and lighting design, real estate, and now carpentry and construction, restoring historic homes. Each creative chapter has deepened my appreciation for the ways we shape space and how, in turn, space shapes us. To me, home is more than a structure; it’s a source of energy, inspiration, and freedom.
This painting offers a glimpse into my own Old Louisville home, featuring my cat, Birdie, in front of one of the many stained glass windows. Birdie is a rescue and spent months in shelters before finding her place in the world. Through this piece, I hope to share the magic of finding home and the quiet beauty of belonging." - Kate Dunlap

Aura of Whimsy; felt, beads and string, by Molly Huffman

"The wild horse is a self portrait of how I’ve felt over the last couple years on an unintentional creative hiatus. Magic is bursting out of my heart and I’m ready to run, steadfast, right into the creative flow. In addition to being a self portrait, the horse also represents the heritage of Kentucky. The birds are inspired by Revelry’s iconic logo, highlighting both personal forward momentum and a sense of community; as each bird leads another. The birds represent the twists and turns in life, illuminated by stars along the way." -Molly Huffman

My Heart is My Home; handmade paper (cotton, daylily, kozo), natural dyes (chicory, copper oxide, Douglas fir bark, cochineal), and acrylic, by Danielle Myers

"My Heart is My Home traces my journey as an artist based on proximity and connection. Each heart represents a time and a place that impacted my identity as an artist. Moving left to right: Buffalo NY, Louisville KY, Portland OR, and Oaxaca MX.

My journey began as a papermaker and letterpress printer in Buffalo, NY. As an owner and operator of Petrichorpaper from 2011 to 2018, I ran a small-scale handmade paper mill out of my home. In 2018, I made the difficult decision to close my business and sell my mill. Shortly after, I found myself relocating to Louisville, KY, for my then-partner's job.

During my brief time in Louisville, I was introduced to Revelry. I loved the eclectic artwork and could not resist applying for the seasonal position when it was announced. Our time together was short and sweet, however, incredibly impactful. It was a reminder that although I was not actively producing art, I could tell my time as an artist was far from over.

My identity as an artist cannot exist without the people and the places I have encountered along the way. Indelible memories that have shaped my heart, weaving the texture that I call home. Every person and every place is a communal ceremony.

My materials are based in intentionality, down to the bookbinder's thread that holds the piece. The handmade paper hearts (my foundation) are made of cotton rag & daylily (the first fibers I ever worked with). Each heart/location is represented by a natural dye tied to each place. Buffalo = chicory, Louisville = copper oxide (Rev blue!), Portland = Douglas fir, and Oaxaca = cochinilla (cochineal). The threads begin and end with sequential dyes based on time and place. As I am resettled in the Buffalo area, my journey brought me back to where I began. Kismet? Without a doubt." - Danielle Myers

PEST; mixed media utilizing crushed pearl, hand mixed pigments, and brass emulsion, by Shelley Vaughn Hulsey.

"My work explores the intersection of beauty, craft, and narrative through an eclectic blend of mixed media. Rooted in a background of decorative and theatrical painting, silversmithing, and design, I seek to distill these disciplines into layered, tactile compositions. Drawing from traditions of adornment and storytelling, my practice is both intuitive and intentional—an evolving dialogue between material, memory, and meaning." - Shelley Vaughn Hulsey

Shelley has exhibited work at Revelry Gallery, LOT (Land of Tomorrow), The Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, and The Cultural Arts Center. In 2010 she was awarded – in conjunction with Artist/husband Russel Hulsey – a Public Art Grant issued by the Center for Neighborhoods P.A.I.N.T. program. She is Co-founder of The Hulsey Studio, located in the warehouse district of Irish Hill, Louisville KY.

A Simple Life on the Seine; made with popsicle sticks, preserved moss, preserved reindeer moss, dried flowers, faux flowers, sand, and acrylic paint; by Imani Burns.

"Though simple, this piece has had such an impact on me. While making this I came to the realization how much my work is a reflection of my roots. I am Belizean, with ties to the small village of Seine Bight. When I am there I feel a sense of peace, comfort, and belonging. These emotions are at the heart of everything I create.

While I’ve journeyed to some of the world’s most vibrant and bustling cities, nothing compares to the beauty of a hut by the sea, wrapped in the rhythm of nature. This piece is both an origin story and a vision of return. 

It is a tribute to the place that grounds me." -Imani Burns

Revelry Jockey; oil on linen, by Susan Howe

"Going back to the early days, I was more a helper than an artist. I mostly painted dog portraits, horses, and tons of Jockey Staves!! I am painting the Rev Jockey and including my staves of jockeys with my painting. This was my begining... I started helping less and painting more when people seemed to want my art. But going back to pre-show, Rev set me on track to be a gallery artist, no pun intended, from my involvement in just trying to make the gallery successful. Hopefully it will be a winner!" - Susan Howe