Smithsonian Exhibition Explores Both Sides of the Fence
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Danville, KY -- Do “good fences make good neighbors, as Robert Frost said? If so, why? The Boyle County Public Library, in cooperation with the Kentucky Humanities Council, will explore this and other aspects of the cultural history of fences and land use as it hosts the local showing of Between Fences, a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition. Between Fences will be on view through July 26.

            The Boyle County Public Library and the surrounding community has been expressly chosen by the Kentucky Humanities Council  to host Between Fences as part of the Museum on Main Street project—a national/state/local partnership to bring exhibitions and programs to rural cultural organizations. The Boyle County exhibition is the final stop in Kentucky, though the exhibit will continue traveling the country for two more years.

            Through a selection of artifacts, photographs, and illustrations, Between Fences will surprise audiences with its exploration of the multiple meaning behind this everyday icon. Whether made of split rails, decorative white pickets, or tall chain link, a fence conveys information about the people who built it, how they view and use their property, and the nature of their relations with their neighbors. Such barriers speak eloquently about how we view our communities and country as well. Between Fences explores the implication of fences in Colonial America, around gated communities, and at our country’s borders with Canada and Mexico.

            “We are very pleased to be able to bring Between Fences to our area, said Karl Benson, library director. “It allows us the opportunity to explore this fascinating aspect of our region’s history and we hope it will inspire many to become even more involved in the cultural life of our community.”

            “Allowing all of our state’s residents to have access to the cultural resources of our nation’s premiere museum is a priority of the Kentucky Humanities Council,” said Virginia G. Carter, Kentucky Humanities Council Executive Director. “With this special tour, we are pleased to be working with the Boyle County Public Library to help develop local exhibitions and public programs to compliment the Smithsonian exhibition.” Through the generous support of the Kentucky Humanities Council, the library has planned eight special events, free and open to the public, during the six-week exhibition.

             Thursday, June 18, 6:30 pm – A reception with artist David Farmer. The library will exhibit a collection of Farmer’s paintings which incorporate fences of all sorts. Come view these specially selected works by the Community Arts Center’s Artist-in-Residence.

Thursday, June 25, 6:30 pm – “Are There Fences in Heaven? Fences at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill.” Susan Hughes, Manager of Museum Programs and Special Events, and David Larsen, Director of Strategic Development at Shaker Village explore the variety and grace of fences at Pleasant Hill, as well as the theology behind them.

Thursday, July 2, 6:30 pm – “The Fences of Perryville: Silent Witnesses to Battle.” Joan House, manager of the Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site, will present the history and purposes of the fences based on current research at the Battlefield.

            Thursday, July 9, 6:30 pm – “Living Fences: Osage Orange and Black Locust Trees in Kentucky.” Dr. Tom Kimmerer, plant physiologist, editor of Sustainability, and Fulbright scholar, will examine these two Kentucky natives as farm fences before barbed wire.

Saturday, July 11, 9-5 pm – “Demonstration of Dry Stone Fence Building.” Dry Stone Conservancy masons Lee Troutwine, Joe Bell, and Neil Rippingale, along with Conservancy members Jane Wooley and Chris Harp, will construct a 10-foot section of limestone fence on the library grounds and explain the craft and art of this process. The Dry Stone Conservancy of Lexington is dedicated to preserving existing dry-stone structures and promoting the craft of dry-laid stone masonry.

            Saturday, July 11, 3:30 pm – “Kentucky’s Dry Stone Heritage.”  Chris Harp of the Dry Stone Conservancy will present a slide show that outlines the planning and construction process of dry stone fences.

            Thursday, July 16, 6:30 pm – “Limestone Fences and Structures in Boyle County.” Carolyn Crabtree, local historian and genealogist, will explain the history of stone fences and structures in Boyle County and provide information on resources to restore and preserve these amazing examples of art and craft.

            Thursday, July 23, 6:30 pm – “A Fence for Martin Maher: A One-Act Play.”  Playwrights George McGee and John McArdle, along with actors from the Georgetown College Theatre department, will present a one-act play commissioned to compliment the Between Fences exhibit. The play will be performed outdoors beside the rock fence constructed on the library grounds by the Dry Stone Conservancy. The audience is encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs to sit on.

            Between Fences is part of the Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the Federation of State Humanities Councils. Support for the Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress, the John S. and James L. Knight foundation, and The Hearst Foundation. For more information visit www.museumonmainstreet.org and  www.kyhumanities.org.

            All programs will be held at the Boyle County Public Library, 1857 S. Danville By-Pass. The exhibit is open during regular library hours: Monday and Thursday, 9-8 pm; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9-5:30 pm; Saturday 9-5 pm; Sunday 1-5 pm. Contact the library for more information on Between Fences at 859-236-8466 or visit www.boylepublib.org.