A Solid Foundation: Sharon LaRue on Art + Activism at KFW

By Kevin Murphy Wilson • Photos by Taylor Killough 

Sharon LaRue told the VOICE-TRIBUNE that she always knew she wanted to dedicate her professional life to empowering women and girls through art and creativity. And along the way, that’s just what she has done. For example, as an Art Therapist, LaRue developed a children’s coloring book for use in child abuse prevention programs. Later, as the director of a program at the University of Louisville that was designed to eliminate interpersonal violence, she managed Arts as Activism endeavors utilizing the art-making process to generate dialogue between diverse populations, foster social change, and spark creativity. And in her current role as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Foundation for Women (KFW), LaRue boldly leads an entire organization that “honors the feminist perspective of collective strength and recognizes art as a powerful catalyst for transformational change” by facilitating grants and residencies for practicing (and aspiring) artists. Notably over the years, LaRue has also received a variety of awards and accolades [including the Liberation Award to End Human Trafficking, and the UNA USA Human Rights Civil Rights Award] for her efforts. We recently caught up with this proud Kentucky Colonel to discuss her journey and the ongoing work of KFW. 

VOICE-TRIBUNE: Are there any specific artists or activists who have inspired you? 

Sharon LaRue: “My grandmother was the first artist I knew. She created new works until she was 87 through the traditional arts of quilt-making, crochet, tatting, and embroidery. My mother taught me these too. Other artists, writers, and performers that have inspired me include Frida Kahlo, Nina Simone, Judy Chicago, Faith Ringgold, Alice Walker, Ruth Asawa, Amy Sherald, Loretta Lynn, Mickalene Thomas, Lisa Aisato, Jabani Bennett, [the musical duo] Rising Appalachia, Crystal Wilkinson, and countless others.” 

VT: How would you describe your own approach to practice? 

SLR: “In my own creative practice, art and spirituality are intricately intertwined. Making art provides a way of perceiving that unlocks the realm of possibility and opens a space for critical thinking so that we can ‘do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with my God’ [a reference to Micah 6:8]. I also recognize the Ayni principle of equality, respect, and the mutual flow of giving and receiving. Ayni is gratitude, and sacred reciprocity that honors the space between.”

VT: What attracted you to the role of Executive Director for the Kentucky Foundation for Women ?

SLR: “In my [prior] work at the PEACC Center [at U of L], we received two Arts as Activism grants from KFW. It was monumental to have a foundation here in Kentucky that focused on feminist arts and activism working on social change for women and girls. I wanted to be part of this movement! I started serving in this capacity in 2014, and KFW is still unique in 2026. There are very few organizationsnationwide that focus only on feminist arts and activism for women, trans, and gender nonconforming. It is still an honor to support the artists and activists in Kentucky whose work speaks to the times we live in, challenges the status quo, highlights a pressing need, and connects to a broader community dialogue, especially in light of recent anti-affirmative action, anti-trans/LGBTQIA+ legislation, challenges to democracy, bodily autonomy and other pressing issues.”

VT: Where is the Foundation currently headquartered and how can Kentucky artists access your resources?

SLR: “KFW has office space adjacent to the Kentucky College of Art + Design [in the historic Speed Mansion] at 505 West Ormsby Avenue. KFW is based in Louisville but funds four types of artistic expression [Visual, Media, Performance, Literary] across the state. Grant application information is found on our website and is accessible to all. We hold grant workshops across Kentucky and now remotely through online platforms, so applicants can ask questions of staff and peers and create movement to share resources for collaboration.”

VT: Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring artists out there?

SLR: “For all those feminist artists with dreams that refused to be buried, here is a quote from Sallie Bingham Award-winner [named for KFW’s founder, The Sallie Bingham Award recognizes Kentucky women who are leaders in changing the lives of women and girls across the state], Bianca Spriggs, ‘nobody knows what a woman like that - she who sees the unseen, yet no one believes - is actually capable of until you hand her a match.’”

For more information visit kfw.org.