Couples Time, by 2021 Regional Artist in Residence Norman Spencer, is now on public display in the Visitor Center.
In 2021, Bernheim welcomed artist and printmaker Norman Spencer to create a series of linocuts celebrating Black joy in the Bernheim wilderness, to increase representation and inspire Black people to explore the natural world. The mission of Spencer mirrors the ideals of our founder, I.W. Bernheim, who envisioned Bernheim as a place for everyone, regardless of race, creed, or social status. When asked about his personal history with Bernheim, Spencer responded, “I have had a love for Bernheim since I was first introduced to the Arboretum, and I always felt welcomed here. I want to share that feeling with others who look like me.”
For the print Couples Time, Spencer describes its inception, “I came across this beautiful couple outside of the artist studio at Bernheim and I had to take their picture. They had been coming to the forest for a while to exercise and spend time together. I loved their realness and how picturesque they were.”
The inspiration for this project comes from Spencer’s own love for nature, which was developed as an adult. The images made at Bernheim contributed to his larger series showcasing Black joy at natural landmarks throughout Kentucky and was featured in the solo exhibition Black in Bluegrass at Garner Narrative in downtown Louisville in 2021.
I want to show Black people represented in the natural world in a positive light, to show ALL people that nature is an inclusive place for everyone. I hope that a project like this can positively influence people in my community to enjoy nature and see that this is a place for them too.”
