Maker’s Mark distillery has unveiled a new 43-piece glass art exhibit by late artist Stephen Rolfe Powell.
Powell had a close relationship with the distillery following the sale of a rare commissioned piece of his to be displayed in Loretto several years ago. He had been planning the current Maker’s Mark exhibit for several years before his passing this spring. Although he did not live to see its completion, his family was determined to move ahead with the project in his honor. Throughout the many phases in his artistry, he retained pieces for his private collection. Thanks to his family’s generosity, these pieces will now be viewable by the public for the first time.
The exhibit, which opened August 2nd, will be open to distillery tour guests through November 30th, 2019. It includes not only Powell’s own work, but pieces from artists around the world who have designed and donated gorgeous glass bourbon bottles and decanters in his memory. At the close of the exhibit, these pieces will be auctioned off to help raise money for the Stephen Rolfe Powell Memorial Fund at Centre College.
“I’ve always admired Stephen’s unique vision, his attention to detail and total dedication to his craft,” said Maker’s Mark Chief Distillery Officer Rob Samuels in a press release. “Because we share those values with him, Stephen felt the distillery would be a perfect setting for this exhibition and we’re thrilled to host it.”
Maker’s Mark has hosted artists for striking glassworks exhibits before, notably Dale Chihuly, who created their brightly colored glass ceiling as a permanent installation entitled “The Spirit of the Maker.”
Click here to plan your trip to see the Maker’s Mark distillery and Stephen Rolfe Powell’s gorgeous exhibit.
