Bryce Hudson was one of a handful of local artists at the beginning of this decade who was taking responsibility for contemporary art in Louisville . . . before anyone seemed to care. 

With social struggles and modern American culture as his issues, Bryce would stage shows in downtown warehouses with peers who were aching to do the same thing. This proved to be an exercise in perfect timing and soon a community grew up around the scene with curators and collectors seeking local talent. 

“We took that attention and ran with it,” says Bryce who has recently opened one of the only alternative art spaces in the city. Plexus Contemporary had its first show this year on Feb. 1 in the Portland historic district. It was a long time coming as Bryce used his skills as a web designer as well as his talent as an artist to make the space a reality.

“I would do a web site and then replace all the windows,” he explains, “then I’d sell a painting and renovate the bathroom.” His renegade, DIY style is formidable and he says he doubts that he would have been able to pull off such a vision in a place like New York City. “Locals artists have so much support here right now,” says Bryce “we are a small, progressive set but we are influential and put what we want out there.”

If Bryce were a tour guide for the city he says he would be sure to take visitors to the Asian grocery stores, peddlers markets where he once found an Eames chair for $9 and the Belvedere where you can literally walk on water over the Ohio River.