I
had a disorientating introduction to the Elsmere, Ky., art gallery/studio known as 506 Ash. That is also its address on Ash Street, itself one of the more unusual streets I’ve come across in our metropolitan area.
It was a Saturday afternoon and just past the gallery — a well-kept single-story building with parking in front and big garage doors — a flatbed tow truck was blocking the street.
It was loading up a damaged racecar that had been inside the powder-blue garage of Kentucky Auto Service & Towing.
The car had no glass in its windows and a big 14 on its side.
Beyond this were auto-repair and body shops all along both sides of the street until it reached a cul-de-sac.
Some had names seemingly designed to be first in a phone-book listing — A-N-D Auto, A-4-A Auto Electric & Service, Asap Motors. Parked out in the open, either in lots or yards, were cars presumably awaiting work.
Some had dents; a van was missing a wheel.
There were also some trailers and even a boat.
Could this be any place to come see art? Being in Elsmere is different enough for a gallery visitor, but this block was positively surreal. Read the full feature here.
Art Driven at 506 opens at 506 Ash 3-10 p.m. Saturday. Show cars will be on display outside until dusk. It subsequently will be open 1-4 p.m. Sept. 20 and 27 and by appointment. More info: 513-919-5415.