Many know that Derby can bring out some rare and unusual jewels in Louisville, but what about the rest of the year?  Well,  pirates are pros at finding treasure, and the Space Pirates who have been invading derby events seem to think that the Trolley Hop will quench your thirst for wine and satisfy your hunger for experiences that can only be found by leaving the beaten path (and your cars) behind.  Dedicated art (and wine) lovers abandoned the Oaks after parties and enjoyed the opportunity to visit some of Louisville's art galleries along Frankfort Ave and at Mellwood Art Center. Why did the space pirates feel the need to storm Mellwood Art Center?

"It's chock full of all sorts of sparkling gems by local artists! That be real treasure," quipped Captain Divinity Rose as she handed out treasure maps to the Space Pirate Disco.

The atmosphere at Mellwood was  also lively thanks to Ashley Burchett rocking in the courtyard with her acoustic guitar and soulful voice. Burchett also plays keys for a band named "Ok Zombie".  Speaking of zombies, the undead gave the space pirates a run for their money on "invasion rights" of the art center. Izzy's Little Creepers debuted artist Eddie Whitlock, who inserts cut out zombies into  classical looking paintings from thrift stores. The work fits right in with Seth Grahame-Smith's best seller Pride, Prejudice and Zombies. If a zombie or space pirate invasion aren't your thing, don't worry. There's plenty of more traditional sights and sounds to enjoy. For example, local music duo The Sirens christened the opening of  a new neighborhood radio station on Frankfort Ave, Crescent Hill Radio, which can be heard online or on AM1650. Still not your thing? Did we mention that there's free wine?

 Photo courtesy Divinity Rose.