William and Elizabeth Shatner at the Frazier History Museum.

Captain Kirk has landed at the Frazier History Museum. Well, sort of.

On Tuesday, May 15, actor William Shatner, best known for his iconic character on Star Trek, stopped by the facility located on West Main Street to unveil a bronze sculpture he and wife Elizabeth donated to the museum.

Created by Kentucky artist Douwe Blumberg, the sculpture features a samurai warrior on horseback. The Shatners own a replica, which is displayed at their home.

“Today we’re celebrating the unveiling of a new statue by Douwe Blumberg, one of America’s great sculptors,” Shatner said. “The history of Douwe Blumberg is quite unusual. … He was a horse trainer and became a sculptor. …We have three pieces of his at our home, and we admired his work since he began.”

The donation and unveiling of the sculpture are in conjunction with the opening of the Frazier Museum’s new “Samurai” exhibition, which explores the warrior culture and how it shaped an entire nation. “We’re very proud to be able to donate this piece to Frazier Museum,” Shatner said. “And it will last far longer than any of us – especially me.”

Produced by the Frazier History Museum in partnership with the Kokusai Tosogu Kai, the 3,800-square-foot “Samurai” exhibit includes more than 200 objects, from armor and swords to rare textiles, artwork and religious items. Visitors will witness a diverse collection of artifacts spanning 1,500 years – including kimonos, wood block prints, theater masks, religious items and tea ceremony objects.

William Shatner with Executive Director of Frazier International History Museum Dr. Madeleine Burnside.

The “Samurai” exhibit opened in Louisville on May 12 and will run until Sept. 30. The exhibit was designed with children in mind, offering a number of interactive stations and hands-on elements. Kids are also admitted for free. “Samurai” is included in regular museum admission ($9.50 for adults).

The Frazier History Museum, 829 W. Main St., is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.fraziermuseum.org.

Photos by CHRIS HUMPHREYS | Contributing Photographer

While not actually human, the nude figure is a 30-foot statue that stands on a pedestal in front of 21c Museum Hotel, the company that obtained the piece, titled, David (Inspired by Michelangelo).

Sculpted by Turkish artist Serkan Ozkaya, who currently resides in New York City,  David (Inspired by Michelangelo) is an homage to the original Renaissance masterpiece and its cultural legacy.

The nearly 3,500-pound effigy was acquired in 2010 by Steve Wilson and Laura Lee Brown of 21c. In 2011, it was transferred overseas from Istanbul, Turkey, to New York City, where it then traveled on its side via truck to its permanent location in Louisville at the corner of Main and Seventh Street.

“Steve (Wilson) met (Ozkaya in Istanbul) and learned about his artwork after he had built his first version of David (Inspired by Michelangelo),” said Alice Gray Stites, the chief curator and director of art programming at 21c. “The first project that (Wilson) did with Serkan (Ozkaya) was actually in 2009 when Serkan collaborated in Art Without Walls. …Serkan hand drew the front page of the April 10, 2009 (Courier-Journal). … He has had a long-standing relationship with 21c.”

Ozkaya originally created a double-size, golden replica of Michelangelo’s David for the Ninth International Istanbul Biennial in 2005. Based on a computer model from Stanford University professor Marc Levoy, Ozkaya’s sculpture was constructed out of fiberglass, steel and spray-painted gold. It took  a team of six people to complete the project in the course of six months.

“Like a child learning the Western history of art from badly printed books, we do not have access to the world of originals,” Ozkaya said of his decision to replicate David. “We can only fantasize and learn about them, accept them as we accept the sun and the mountains. I wanted to take the 3D model as the idea for the thing and recreate the most precious man-made object ever made, and one which I had never seen for myself. I took the liberty to imagine it twice as tall and in gold.”

Prior to the opening of the Biennial, Ozkaya’s sculpture collapsed shortly after installation. Following that setback, he restored the damaged replica and cast two additional copies. One remains in Turkey, while the other was installed in May outside of 21c.

“The piece is clearly made to be shown outside,” Stites said. “It is a work that is meant to be integrated into the urban landscape. It really becomes part of the architecture of downtown.”

It has also become a popular topic of discussion.

Almost impossible to miss, David (Inspired by Michelangelo) has caught many people by surprise, prompting a variety of responses.

“(I’m) maybe a little (surprised the statue is outside), but not really considering it’s in front of 21c and they seem to like to do some more modern things,” said Odd Chrysis, a Louisville resident. “Honestly I want to see stuff like that down the whole street; set up art pieces all over downtown. … I think that would be great and encourage local artists and artists abroad to come do installation pieces.”

While Chrysis is a supporter, other passers-by have formulated a bit of a different opinion on the unclothed model.

“I was a little shocked to see it on the street,” said Megan Doak, a visitor from Ohio. “I’m used to seeing naked people all the time – I work in an ER – but not in the middle of the street. I’m not sure I would want any of my little kids seeing it out and about.”

John Dalusio from Sarasota, Fla. also expressed some dissent toward the artwork, but due to its glowing color. “(It’s) much larger and anatomically correct (compared to the original),” Dalusio said with a laugh. “The main thing that stands out is the bright gold guilding. If it was (made of marble), toned down, it would probably be less gauche – less controversial, too.”

His wife, Mariann, however, argued for the value of bringing the grandiose statue to downtown Louisville. Having traveled to Louisville for only her second time, she was impressed with the shocking monument and what it signified of Louisville’s progress.

“I was surprised at what’s happening here (in Louisville),” she said. “It’s bringing a lot more sophistication to the city. I think it’s a beautiful little city. It’s a little hidden treasure, and I think they’re doing a lot to try and bring it back, which I think is a really great thing.”

It may strike both a positive and negative chord in the public, but 21c isn’t so much concerned about harsh criticism. The museum brought the piece to Louisville so that it might incite conversation and opinions.

“We’ve had a wonderful range of reactions, which is what happens when you put a thought-provoking work of art in the atmosphere,” said Stites. “(It’s) encouraging people to react in a variety of ways and hopefully engage in discussion about that work of art and other works of art and our downtown. … We always seeks to encourage the growth of public art in Louisville and other cities, (because) public art adds so much to the life of the community.”

Responses to David (Inspired by Michelangelo)

“21c continues to bring an amazing level of creativity, entrepreneurship and energy to Main Street with attractions large and small. This replica of ‘David,’ an internationally-known larger-than-life piece of art, provides Louisville residents and visitors a rare opportunity to admire and revel in such skill and scale.”
– Mayor Greg Fischer

“Woah! I love this. What a fabulous, exquisite sculpture – in Louisville? As I turn 40, I have a new appreciation for this kind of art. To me, it represents the accomplishment of maintaining freedom and independence in who you truly are. Every day, I strive for that as one of my newest goals.  This sculpture inspires me to do exactly that.”
 – Charla Young Lipsey, “Power to Change”

“He’s all man, baby. I’m surprised those Kardashian harlots haven’t bought the building across the street just to savor the view.”
– Terry Meiners, Clear Channel Radio and WHAS11’s “Great Day Live!”

“I think the statue on Main Street is a hoot! It adds humor and draws attention to our city.  It makes me smile.”
–  Carla Sue Broecker, Columnist for The Voice-Tribune

“I think it’s wonderful. It, and 21c, makes our town more memorable. When it first went up, we were out to dinner with friends. My wife and all the ladies wanted to see it, so we drove downtown just to look at it. We wanted to know what all the buzz was about. … THAT is good for Downtown Louisville.”
– George Lindsey, Radio Personality on 102.3 The MAX

“It’s big, gold and shiny.”
– Letitia Quesenberry, fine artist in Louisville 

“Modern day David would have a manscape – a lighting bolt carved in his pubic hairs.  Other than that it just makes me want to hit the gym a little more.”
– Tony Vanetti, Radio Personality on 95.7 QMF and one half of the Afternoon Underdogs on 790AM WKRD.

“I think (the original) ‘David’ is beautiful, in part, because it is marble. This looks like David’s flashy cousin from Vegas.”
– Mandy Connell, Midday Host on 84WHAS.

“I bet ‘David’ wishes they had turned the air conditioning down while this was being chisled.”
– Matt Jones, founder of KentuckySportsradio.com and host of KSTV and KSR Radio.

“Athough the work wouldn’t be my first choice esthetically, I think that the conceptual nature of the sculpture can be yet another useful tool for 21C to educate a wider audience on the subject of contemporary art. Some can appreciate it for its scale and visual impact (or not), while others can choose to learn about the process with which it came to be. I find it a great addition to Main Street.”
– Bryce Hudson, contemporary artist in Louisville

Photos By CHRIS HUMPHREYS | The Voice-Tribune

Attendees enjoyed music, food, drink and children’s activities.

Photos by TIM GIRTON | Contributing Photographer

No one knows this adage more than the Falks, whose love for their home helped them through a nightmare remodeling to transpire into their very own “happily ever after.”

The Falks’ three-story, red brick, classic Victorian home was built in 1893. Robert and Stephanie became its sixth set of owners after they purchased it in 2007. Before that, it had been a historical museum and home to a series of single families.
Robert and Stephanie were eager to move from their modern, upscale Indiana condominium overlooking the Ohio River into a more practical place. Both work at Jewish Hospital – Robert as a radiologist, and Stephanie as a vascular technologist – and they wanted to live closer to work.

They looked everywhere for a home, including Cherokee Park and the Highlands. But it was love at first sight when they saw the Old Louisville beauty on South Third Street.

“We wanted something with charm and character,” said Stephanie. “It was definitely a draw that this house was downtown. Now work, Fourth Street and so many places are just five minutes away.”

The Falks knew the 119-year-old home would require major remodeling, so they set their move-in date for 2008 when the most grueling of renovations would be complete.

The Falk fairy tale isn’t too much unlike Cinderella’s. She had to be cleaned up and her wardrobe had to be changed for her true magnificence to be revealed. The Falks’ home, in essence, needed the same.

It’s obvious Robert and Stephanie have made modifications to the house. But they’ve managed to preserve many of its authentic fixtures, too.

“This is a historical home, so we wanted to keep some things that are original,” said Robert, “but we didn’t want the house to feel like a museum either.”

The home’s foyer flaunts an original built-in bench typical of Victorian style below its bay windows. In addition to the seating area, Robert and Stephanie also preserved an exquisite array of large, baroque mirrors; the home’s original windows, three of which are stained-glass; seven coal-burning fireplaces; a black claw bathtub with a white rim; a pot filler above the stove; oak hardwood floors; and elaborate woodwork.

Some renovations were large-scale. The entire kitchen had to be gutted and redone before Robert and Stephanie could move in. Jerry Robinson of Jerry Robinson Design oversaw the remodeling feat. With his help, the Falks constructed a kitchen that subtly blends the old with the new.

“We wanted to keep the oldness of the Victorian look,” said Robert. “But we wanted to add modern touches, too.”

The kitchen’s sand-colored tiles look like they’re made of stone from a long-ago era, but really they’re heated – and evidence that new age innovations can make even the oldest of homes exceptionally comfortable and up to date. In the same vein, the eton blue cabinets, designed by Robbie Walters of Walters Cabinets in Hodgenville, Ky., seem to merely be cabinets. But encompassed in them are the refrigerator, freezer and dishwasher. No modern appliances are readily visible in the kitchen, lending to its old-fashioned feel.

Robert was keen on keeping the home’s original windows because of their historicity. But not only were they too thin to withstand Louisville’s stormy weather, they also weren’t energy-efficient. So instead of completely discarding them, Robert had them refinished. He also added storm windows to their outsides for fortification.

If the Falks’ home were Cinderella, Jennifer Stetzler of Palazzina Interiors would be its fairy godmother. She helped Rob and Stephanie transform the home’s antiquated appearance into classic elegance.

“We have a thimble of design talent,” confessed Robert. “We knew what we liked, but we didn’t have the ability to put it all together.”

Before Robert and Stephanie had the whole house repainted, it was a murky mess of dark blues and reds. Now the colors are soft and mellow.

“We picked the color scheme: teal and cream,” said Stephanie. “Jennifer helped us pick matching furniture and draperies.”
The living room is a flawless fusion of modern and classical style. The plush, walnut-colored sofa and chairs are perfect accents to the sky-blue ceiling, which is adorned with a silver-finish crystal chandelier from Palazzina Interiors.

“My favorite room is the living room. It’s a very comfortable room. It’s not too formal or too casual,” said Robert. “It’s just right.”

The dining room pays homage to much history. Most of the woodwork is original, and the chandelier from Drexel Heritage Interiors appears so traditionally ornate, it seems like it should be original, too. But the real history is contained in one of the home’s original glass-display cabinets.

Franz Falk was the first member of the Falk family to travel from Germany to America. He settled in Wisconsin during the mid 1800s and opened the Falk Brewery, which he sold to Pabst Brewing Co. in 1892. Robert displays glasses and other rare memorabilia from the Falk Brewery in the aforementioned cabinet. He even possesses the brewery’s original mortgage papers.
It might seem like this is where Robert and Stephanie’s Cinderella story ends, but no fairy tale is complete without a Prince Charming.

Stephanie gave birth to Leo Franz Falk 16 months ago. He has a nursery that incidentally connects to the master bedroom. Its sea green walls are adorned with artistic black and white photographs of his mother and him, many of which Robert took himself.
The Falks’ newest addition Leo has placed further home additions on the backburner for now.  Within the next two years, Robert hopes to complete the unfinished third-floor bathroom, construct a garage and landscape the backyard. Nevertheless, with Leo as Prince Charming, the Falk fairy tale still ends happily ever after.

Photos By BILL WINE | Contributing Photographer

Moms and their loved ones feasted on delicious appetizers, beef tenderloin, chicken and Ghyslain Chocolatier confections among other cuisine.

Photos by TIM GIRTON | Contributing Photographer

Photo By CHRIS HUMPHREYS | The Voice-Tribune

Now that Derby is in the rearview mirror, it’s time to look ahead to everything else our city has to offer. You can do just that  without breaking the bank by participating in Louisville’s Hometown Tourist Celebration. Held in conjunction with U.S. Travel Association’s National Tourism Week, the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau is  encouraging Kentucky and Indiana residents to be a tourist in your own hometown.

In addition to 2-for-1 discounts valid through May at 42 area attractions, 28 restaurants and 10 hotels, the public is invited to half-a-dozen events.

Discounts are available simply by saying you’re “a Hometown Tourist” and showing your Kentucky or Indiana ID, local college ID or military ID.

“With so many people looking for ways to cut costs, but still seeking interesting entertainment experiences, this annual program provides an opportunity for Louisvillians to enjoy the wonderful array of attractions, restaurants and hotels in our own backyard,” said Jim Wood, President & CEO of the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau.

In addition to the special offers, Hometown Tourist Celebration includes several events:

• The Louisville Visitors Center’s “Picnic at the Waterfront” themed open house on Thursday, May 17, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., features mascot Catfish Louie and book signings by Rick Bell, author of Waterfront Park A Riverfront Renaissance. Sullivan University’s students will provide free samples of picnic-style food. Free to attend.
• Saturday, May 19, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., is the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau’s 101-style seminar “From Our Family to Yours: Family Reunion Workshop,” which includes a presentation by the CVB’s Family Reunion Service Specialists and a “meet and greet” with hospitality industry partners who specialize in family reunions. Admission is free to anyone who is planning a family reunion in Louisville, but seating is limited to two guests per reunion. Reservations are required; contact Saundra Robertson at srobertson@gotolouisville.com or 502.379.6110.
• PossibiliTours Walking Tours provide historical and architectural anecdotes about Possibility City while exploring the heart of downtown on foot. Held Fridays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m. (May through October), a local volunteer leads you on a free, one-hour walking tour (weather permitting) departing from the Visitors Center at Fourth and Jefferson. Call 502.379.6109 one day in advance to reserve your spot. Walk-ins are taken based on availability.

• 2 oz. Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon
• ½ oz. Simple Syrup
• 1 oz. Peach Puree
• 4 Mint sprigs

Muddle mint and simple syrup. Then, combine remaining ingredients. Pour over crushed ice. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Nick, Ollie and Don McNay on Easter of ‘92.

Mother’s Day has normally been melancholy for me. My mother and sister died in 2006, the same year my marriage ended. After they died, my nephew moved to Kentucky to live with me while he attended college at Eastern Kentucky University.

My mother and his mother were single mothers. We weren’t the Brady Bunch or the Waltons; our moms were all we had.

On 2007, Mother’s Day hit on my sister’s birthday, which also happened to be the anniversary of my crumbled marriage.

My nephew is an über macho guy but suddenly started crying. When he started, I joined him for the rest of the day.

No tears this year. I used  the day to reflect on what a terrific role model my single mother was.

And why Mother’s Day is a 365 day a year position for single mothers.

I’m surrounded by a lot of terrific single mothers. I am marrying one in a few weeks.

In the past ten years, she raised three children, became a highly acclaimed school principal and obtained a series of advance degrees and education honors.

I figured that after all that, she can tolerate my egocentric traits, or at least some of them.

My youngest daughter is currently engaged but has raised my 11-year-old grandson as a solo act. A key staff member is doing her first Mother’s Day as a single mom.

None of them complain about how hard it is, they just do it. The way my mother, Ollie McNay, did.

I was too young to appreciate the sacrifices my mother made. She went from being a homemaker in a comfortable suburb to loading boxes at night in a potato chip factory.

During the day, she went to nursing school.

Once she became an operating room nurse, she had the steady income and steady career to raise us. It also meant that she worked insane hours and normally missed major holidays.

Mom wasn’t a “soccer mom.” I didn’t play soccer and if I had, she didn’t have time to attend. She was lucky to catch a football game now and then.

Her focus was to keep us in our house, in a nice neighborhood, and to pay for me to attend a terrific Catholic high school.

The tuition was about 10 percent of her net income. I suspect she did it by juggling credit cards and all the things I tell you not to do in my book, Wealth Without Wall Street, but it put me in a position to receive a high powered education and successful career.

Thank you, Mom. I wish I had been mature enough to thank you then.

It’s easy to bash on the next generation as being self-absorbed, unable to communicate and happier interacting with technology than people.

Then I see the children of the single mothers who touch me.

My fiancée’s children spent the weekend fixing things around her house, doing yard work and gave her a big mother’s day celebration. They truly adore her.

My daughter posted on Facebook that her 11-year-old son made her breakfast in bed. I never thought about doing something that sweet and meaningful.

My staff member and her near teenage son did a mother-son outing where he did a number of things to make his mom feel special. I would have never dreamed of spending a day, or an out-of-town trip, with my mom  during my teen years.

Being the son of a single mother, I spent time feeling like I missed out.

I felt particularly isolated as one of the very few children of a divorced family in my neighborhood and schools.

I was lucky that my dad remained a strong part of my life, but divorce was a stigma that I felt every day.

Along the way, I embraced the idea that being “different” was one of the keys to my success and happiness.

It’s no accident that I fell in love with a single mother. They know how to give unconditional love in a way the average person can’t. Being a single mom was not really a choice. It was a decision made motivated by leaving an intolerable situation, losing most of her money and material possessions, and seeking a better life for herself and her children.

Just like my mother, it showed her that she had unique and special talents. It let her understand that she was smart, resourceful and has a work ethic that stuns and amazes people.

Like Nietzsche said, “That which does not kill us makes me stronger.”’

What I know is that single mothers are stronger than I am. They draw upon strengths they didn’t know they had.

It’s easy to say that I missed  my mother on Mother’s Day. Then I realize that she is part of me and always will be. Every day of every year.

Thank you, Mom.

Don McNay, who lives in Richmond, Ky., is an award-winning financial columnist for Huffington Post Contributor. You can learn more about him at www.donmcnay.com.

Photos by JAMES EATON | Contributing Photographer

Our fur-kid, Riley, has severe allergies. We tried treating him with sprays (he got smart and ran when he saw us with the spray bottle), topical creams (a tasty treat that got licked off) steroids (expensive!), antihistamines (didn’t work at all), several changes to his food ($60 for a bag of dog food?  Oy vey.) – all to no avail.

On any given day, you would still find him persistently scratching, licking and biting every waking hour to get relief. He would dig at his ears, then shake his head, sending blood spatters in a three-room radius.  Our home looked like a crime scene.  It was miserable for us all.

We finally broke down and invested in a $400 allergy test that showed poor Riley is allergic to just about every grass and tree pollen in Kentucky – including the grass in his own yard – and now he must have allergy injections several times a month.

Our vet trained us on how to give injections, and Riley doesn’t seem to mind at all. He has happily traded licking off the topical itch creams and sprays for chasing me around the house after my shower to try to lick the lotion off my legs. Did I mention that it can take up to a year for these injections to become effective?

If allergy symptoms aren’t treated, the constant licking and scratching will create sores that can become infected, creating MORE problems. Unfortunately, I know this all too well.

The good news is that if your fur-kid suffers with allergy symptoms less than three months out of the year usually antihistamines, steroids or medicated shampoos can help control their itching. Other methods to control seasonal allergies are much like human allergy controls: keeping grass and flowering plants cut back, keeping your floors vacuumed (including underneath where lots of dust can collect), keeping windows closed and installing an air purifier. Remember, medications for humans should NEVER be given to your fur-kid unless prescribed by your veterinarian.

If your fur-kid is like Riley and chronically scratches the fur right off his ears, neck, and chest or chews at his feet until he bleeds in spite of trying all of the above and everything in your power to keep them from doing so, you will more than likely have to have them allergy tested to see what they are allergic to and follow up with allergy shots to build up their immunities. In that case, get your checkbook ready; again, it’s not cheap. But it is well worth it – for all of us.

Beth Green is a Louisville native and owns Paws Pet Care, a local award-winning pet-sitting and dog-walking company. She is a self-proclaimed “animaniac.” On a typical day, you may find her caring for her fur-clients, spending time with her husband and three children, reading, writing, shopping or with her two boxer-babies – Maddie and Riley – who often walk her around the block.