Opening the Doors to Art

By Kevin Murphy Wilson • Photos By Matt Johnson

As Director of Programming at Jasteka Cultural Center, Karen Gillenwater is helping transform a remarkable private collection into one of Southern Indiana's most welcoming public spaces.

For much of her creative journey, Karen Gillenwater has been asking a deceptively simple question: “Who feels welcome here?”

It is a question that has guided more than 25 years in museum education, exhibition development, and community engagement—during her prior stops at important venues such as the Denver Art Museum, 21c Museum Hotel, and the Speed Art Museum—and one that now shapes her work as Director of Programming at Jeffersonville's Jasteka Cultural Center.

Founded by Jim and Irene Karp, Jasteka grew from an ambitious idea: transform a corporate headquarters filled with world-class contemporary art into a cultural center where everyone feels invited to participate. Today, the collection features work by more than 70 artists exploring themes ranging from identity and equality to the environment and personal reflection, while free public programming encourages visitors to experience the collection in ways that extend far beyond traditional gallery tours.

For Gillenwater, the mission feels deeply personal.

Growing up in Southern Indiana, she immersed herself in books, theater, music, and history before discovering art history in college. That experience revealed how artists respond to the social realities of their time—and how art can help people better understand themselves and each other. She went on to study museum education and has spent her professional life creating experiences that lower barriers to participation.

"Unfortunately, there are large groups of people who don't participate in art and culture because they aren't welcomed into those experiences," she says. "I've devoted my career to creating welcoming opportunities for anyone to add more art and culture to their lives."

Since joining Jasteka earlier this year, Gillenwater has quickly expanded its public offerings. Programs such as “ABC's: Art, Books, and Coffee” pair literature with works in the collection, while the monthly “Creatives Connect” series brings together artists, writers, musicians, and curious community members to exchange ideas and inspiration. Family activities, senior tours, artist conversations, and “Fine Art Fridays” further reinforce Jasteka's commitment to accessibility.

The programming reflects Gillenwater's belief that culture isn't something to observe from a distance—it's something to experience together.

The collection itself provides no shortage of inspiration. Visitors regularly stop in amazement before Olafur Eliasson's “Collective Decision,” a dazzling installation composed of 181 glass spheres that constantly shifts color and reflection. More contemplative moments emerge inside James Turrell's “Aaron, Elliptical,” where changing light transforms an ordinary room into a meditative environment. Gillenwater also points to Titus Kaphar's “Savage Escape (H.M.S. Savage 1781)” as one of the collection's most emotionally resonant works, offering visitors an opportunity to confront history through contemporary art.

Yet for Gillenwater, the greatest measure of success isn't a favorite artwork—it's hearing someone say they'll be back.

"The thing I hear most often is, 'I didn't even know this was here,'" she says with a smile. Her goal is to change that. She envisions Jasteka becoming a regular gathering place where people of every background know they belong—a place where art sparks conversation, friendships form, curiosity grows, and a healthier, more connected community takes shape.

If her first several months are any indication, that vision is already becoming reality.

For more information visit: jasteka.org.