SHIVELY
GALLERY
where art lives.
Independent gallery for bold painting, sculpture, photography and installation. We champion emerging voices from Kentucky and the world — 14 exhibitions a year, zero intimidation, 100% feeling.
A KENTUCKY
ICON WITH global pulse
From a Dixie Highway storefront to the region’s boldest art stage.
Founded in 1998 by collector Martha Shively, Shively Gallery began as a two-room space showing friends from Louisville’s art school. Today it’s a 2,800 sq ft gallery, project space and residency hub — still family-run, still fiercely independent.
We believe art should be touched by eyes, argued over, lived with. No white-glove snobbery. Come in jeans, bring kids, ask stupid questions — our mediators love them.
Foundation. First show “Five Painters from Portland Ave” — 80 visitors, all works under $300.
Expansion. New wing, education studio, first residency with 6 artists from the South.
Recognition. Named Best Commercial Gallery in Kentucky, launch of Shively Editions.
Today. 14 shows/year, art fair program, 40 represented artists, free public tours.
MISSION
Make museum-quality contemporary art accessible, collectible and joyful for first-time buyers and seasoned collectors.
VALUES
Artist-first contracts (60% to artist), transparent pricing, community programs for schools and seniors.
PROMISE
If you don’t feel anything in 10 minutes, coffee is on us. 97% of visitors stay over an hour.
Now, next & legendary
Night Archives: Louisville After Dark
Analog night photography, neon portraits and diner elegies. Opening with live jazz + print sale.
“River Hymns” drew 6,200 visitors
Our 2024 ode to the Ohio River — sold out editions, school tours, NPR feature. Archive viewing in the library.
View archive →
Open call 2026: Solo proposals
Emerging artists within 300 miles — send 10 images + statement by Dec 1. 3 solos + $2k stipend each.
40 voices, one roof
From painters who mix house paint with gold leaf to photographers developing film in river water — our roster is eclectic, rigorous and deeply human. Hover, click, fall in love, collect.
Maya Collins
Large-scale abstraction
Jonas Reed
Sculpture / assemblage
Priya Nair
Photo / textile
Theo Alvarez
Neon / installation
June Park
Ceramics
Samuel Okafor
Portrait painting
Ruth Adler
Works on paper
David Kim
Kinetic objects
Inside the white cube
Main Hall — Chroma Fields
Editions from $180Sculpture corner
New abstraction
Public tours dailyCollect with confidence
- Certificates + provenance for every work
- 60% goes directly to the artist
- Free delivery in Louisville metro
- 30-day home trial for paintings
Services
Art advisory for homes & offices, collection management, framing, installation, corporate rentals, gift cards, art leasing for staging.
Find us, feel it live
3920 Dixie Highway, Suite 101, Shively, KY 40216
Free parking behind building. TARC lines 18 & 23. 12 min from downtown Louisville.
Tue–Sat 11:00–18:00, Sun 12:00–17:00
Always free. Guided tours Sat 2pm ($5, kids free). Private tours on request. Closed Mondays.
Photos welcome, dogs on leash welcome
Touch with eyes only, but ask us — we do handling sessions monthly. Café next door gives 10% with gallery sticker.
Fresh from the gallery
Journal launching soon — exhibitions, interviews and behind-the-scenes.
Meanwhile explore current exhibitions and our story.
Questions? Answers.
Is admission really free?
Yes, always. Tours on Saturdays are $5, kids and members free. Openings are free with RSVP.
Can I buy art online or reserve a work?
Absolutely. Message us via the contact form below, we hold works for 48h, offer payment plans and ship nationwide.
Do you work with first-time collectors?
That’s our specialty. Free 30-min advisory, home trial, framing help. Start from $180 editions.
Can artists submit portfolios?
Yes — open call each winter + rolling review. Send 10 images, bio and statement via contact form.
Never miss
an opening.
First Fridays, studio visits, print drops. One email a month, no spam, unsubscribe anytime.