A new grassroots effort in west Louisville is working to transform vacant land into a vibrant space for healing, fresh food and creative expression.In the Russell neighborhood, an empty lot on Vermont Avenue could soon become Arthur’s Earth Sanctuary, a community garden and art space designed to bring neighbors together. The project is led by Dre Smith, who says his goal goes beyond planting vegetables.”I want it to be a space of solace and solidarity for marginalized peoples,” Smith said. Smith plans to install 28 raised garden beds to help tackle the area’s food desert. He estimates the garden could produce more than 700 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables each year.”We’re ready to get this thing cleaned up, get the soil prepared, and start building the plant beds,” Smith said.The half-acre property will also feature a mural and painted garden beds created by local artists, blending agriculture with creativity.Plans also include a pollinator garden designed to attract bees and butterflies.”Some bees, butterflies and have some beauty swirling around too,” Smith said.A space for wellness and movement. In addition to the garden, the sanctuary will include a 900-square-foot wellness hub and a yoga pavilion.”My art is movement, and that art will be taking place in the yoga pavilion,” Smith said.He says the space will allow for workshops and programming centered on holistic health.”We haven’t had access to that and any type of adequate fashion,” he said. So far, Smith has raised about 30 percent of his $45,000 goal through private donations and fundraising efforts. He says the project is deeply personal.”I spent my youthful years running around from neighborhood to neighborhood all over the West End, and I want to stay in this part of Louisville as long as I’m here,” Smith said.For him, staying is about investing in the next generation.”The youth is electric and filled with potential, and they’re worth investing love and energy in. And anything that I’m building or doing it, I’m doing it in the hood, not going anywhere,” he said. To help turn that vision into reality, Smith is hosting “Groove and Grow Fest” at PORTAL + ARTPORTAL, 1535 Lytle St. in Louisville on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, starting at 3 p.m.The event blends music and yoga, and will raise funds for the project.Smith, who performs music as 10th Street Dre, will play at 8:25 p.m. Local artists Bendigo Fletcher, Future Killer, Lacey Guthrie and more are also on the bill.
WEST LOUISVILLE, Ky. —
A new grassroots effort in west Louisville is working to transform vacant land into a vibrant space for healing, fresh food and creative expression.
In the Russell neighborhood, an empty lot on Vermont Avenue could soon become Arthur’s Earth Sanctuary, a community garden and art space designed to bring neighbors together.
The project is led by Dre Smith, who says his goal goes beyond planting vegetables.
“I want it to be a space of solace and solidarity for marginalized peoples,” Smith said.
Smith plans to install 28 raised garden beds to help tackle the area’s food desert. He estimates the garden could produce more than 700 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables each year.
“We’re ready to get this thing cleaned up, get the soil prepared, and start building the plant beds,” Smith said.
The half-acre property will also feature a mural and painted garden beds created by local artists, blending agriculture with creativity.
Plans also include a pollinator garden designed to attract bees and butterflies.
“Some bees, butterflies and have some beauty swirling around too,” Smith said.
A space for wellness and movement. In addition to the garden, the sanctuary will include a 900-square-foot wellness hub and a yoga pavilion.
“My art is movement, and that art will be taking place in the yoga pavilion,” Smith said.
He says the space will allow for workshops and programming centered on holistic health.
“We haven’t had access to that and any type of adequate fashion,” he said.
So far, Smith has raised about 30 percent of his $45,000 goal through private donations and fundraising efforts. He says the project is deeply personal.
“I spent my youthful years running around from neighborhood to neighborhood all over the West End, and I want to stay in this part of Louisville as long as I’m here,” Smith said.
For him, staying is about investing in the next generation.
“The youth is electric and filled with potential, and they’re worth investing love and energy in. And anything that I’m building or doing it, I’m doing it in the hood, not going anywhere,” he said.
To help turn that vision into reality, Smith is hosting “Groove and Grow Fest” at PORTAL + ARTPORTAL, 1535 Lytle St. in Louisville on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, starting at 3 p.m.
The event blends music and yoga, and will raise funds for the project.
Smith, who performs music as 10th Street Dre, will play at 8:25 p.m. Local artists Bendigo Fletcher, Future Killer, Lacey Guthrie and more are also on the bill.
Dre Smith
Poster for Groove and Grow Fest
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