What to expect at Hopscotch House

Hopscotch House is a unique space where feminists and social change artists and organizational allies come to work in a supportive community that nurtures and inspires. The community experience at Hopscotch House can provide a basis of support for people to connect with others who share a dedication to art, feminism, the environment, and social justice.

The space at Hopscotch House provides opportunities for people who participate in retreats and residencies to create their own experience in the context of a community of people. Each individual contributes to a changing social landscape ripe with various types of creative expression and communication styles. Since each person has different needs for social and creative interaction, artists and activists participating in a retreat together are free to develop their own individual and group activities, balancing individual preferences and respect for others. Artists are free to organize meals, readings, walks, open studios and other group activities depending on the desires of those present. Participation in these activities is completely voluntary and shaped by those participating.

People who participate in retreats and residencies have walking rights to the Wolf Pen Mill Farm, which owns the meadows and woods that surround Hopscotch House. Participants may feel free to explore on their own, or can arrange for a tour of the trails by contacting Hopscotch House staff. Walkers should be careful to avoid the private residences, which include small parcels of land that are not part of the farm.

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The house has five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a large living room/dining area, a sunroom and a deck. Hopscotch House is home to a varied art collection by Kentucky women artists and a library with over 1500 titles, including a stellar collection of literary works by Kentucky authors.

The large kitchen is fully furnished and well equipped. Meals are not provided, but residents can prepare their own meals. Room and studio requests can be submitted, but Hopscotch House staff cannot guarantee any specific space unless an artist demonstrates a physical or artistic need for special accommodations that may be required during their visit.

Hopscotch House currently has three studios for artists, one in the house and two contained in an out building. Hopscotch House does not have darkrooms or ceramics facilities, but staff is willing to work with residents interested in bringing their own tools and supplies. None of the studios have running water. Studio space for artists is available upon request and assigned based on artistic need.

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Labyrinth on the grounds of Hopscotch House. Photo by Trish Lindsey Jaggers

Introduction and Brief History

Hopscotch House is a program of the Kentucky Foundation for Women. Hopscotch House is first and foremost an artist retreat center for feminist social change artists. It is also used by a variety of groups and organizations that are focused on the arts and positive social change, who are working to better the lives of women and girls in Kentucky.

Hopscotch House was purchased by the Kentucky Foundation for Women in 1987 and was first used by a group of women writers known as the Wolf Pen Writer’s Colony. In the early 1990’s Hopscotch House became available to other women artists and women’s groups. Over the years, Hopscotch House has served thousands of women including artists, activists, feminists, eco-feminists, art critique groups, drumming circles, quilting groups, social justice groups, girls’ empowerment groups, arts organizations, and social service organizations.

The property is considered a "classic" Kentucky farmstead and is located 13 miles east of downtown Louisville. A large renovated farmhouse, originally built in 1848, serves as the main residence, with converted outbuildings serving as artists’ studios. Wolf Pen Branch Mill Farm, comprised of more than 400 acres of breathtaking woodlands, rolling fields, and watersheds, surrounds the property. The farm is privately owned but permits pedestrian access to Hopscotch House guests.

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Why Hopscotch House is so Special

Hopscotch House retreats and residencies provide time and space for Kentucky women artists to create in an environment that inspires, nurtures, and rejuvenates. Stays there encourage self-exploration and personal growth through the land and house resources and the company of other women. It allows women to be artists and activists first, in a world where they juggle so many other roles and responsibilities. Hopscotch House offers a unique environment of natural beauty, creativity, and spirituality. Hopscotch House is also located in a natural environment that is protected from development and therefore the space is unique in providing a connection to nature as an element of the creative process. Hopscotch House is also a place to engage with a community of feminist social change artists and activists who convene in a nurturing environment. Many people find the sharing of common interests and goals in their work to be a great source of support and inspiration.

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Voluntary Donations

Hopscotch House is offered free of charge to groups and individuals who have been accepted for retreats and residencies. Donations are greatly appreciated, when they are financially feasible for artists, activists and allies. These tax deductible gifts make it possible for KFW to offer a limited number of stipends to women who require financial assistance in order to use Hopscotch House. Donations also allow the Kentucky Foundation for Women to maintain the services and amenities available at Hopscotch House.

Donations are voluntary.  For those making a donation, KFW staff and Board suggest $10 per day per person, or what is comfortable for each individual.  Envelopes are available at Hopscotch House for gifts made upon departure. Donations can also be made by mail at any time.

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Articles about Hopscotch House

"Raising Women's Voices" : Hopscotch House featured in the Alliance of Artists Communities newsletter.

"A Room of One's Own in KY" by Constance Alexander

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Contact Information

Hopscotch House
c/o Kentucky Foundation for Women
332 West Broadway, Suite 1215
Louisville, KY
(502) 562-0045
E-mail: erin@kfw.org