Kentucky Humanities, in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, will be bringing the Spark! Places of Innovation exhibit to Kentucky! This exhibit explores innovation and invention in rural communities and features diverse stories gathered from across the nation. The exhibit will stop in 7 sites across the state, all selected as locations that may not ordinarily receive such a large-scale exhibit. The Spark! exhibit will be on display at Boyle County Public Library September 9-October 14.
What will people find at the exhibit?
SPARK! Places of Innovation explores the unique combination of places, people and circumstances that sparks innovation and invention in small/rural communities. The exhibition features stories gathered from diverse communities across the USA. Panels featuring photographs, interactive stations, games and videos will bring a multi-layered experience to reveal the leaders, successes, and innovation in each town.
Throughout the run of the SPARK exhibit, adults and youth can visit our Innovation Stations. These creative spaces will provide visitors with opportunities to explore their own inventiveness through a variety of hands-on activities. Library visitors will be invited to explore their own inventiveness and create, innovate and problem-solve through a variety of hands-on activities.
Community Partners in SPARK!
The Take Flight project is a series of murals that invites Boyle County residents to visit several of our innovative cultural and community organizations and businesses. Murals encourage people to slow down and take time to notice and admire their surroundings. Murals can also act as collective thought spaces by creating a dialogue around a subject through what they depict. We hope this series of murals will encourage our community to think about what our stories, community, learning, literacy and creativity mean to them. Brought to you by the Boyle County Public Library, and our partners at The Bluegrass Art Center; Grace Doherty Library (Centre College); Morley’s Backyard; the Hub; and Plaid Elephant.
Programs that are part of SPARK!
- Innovation Station: An all ages opportunity to get innovative and creative. In the Map Room and Multi Purpose Room, during Library Hours
- Innovation Expo: Wednesday, October 11, 2023 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Students K-12 will present an innovator or an innovation in a “science fair” type exposition.
- Community Art Project: Visit and take a picture in front of different sets of wings throughout town.