Harlan Hubbard Studio and Nature Preserve

The Harlan Hubbard Studio and Nature Preserve is run in honor of Harlan Hubbard’s legacy as an artist and naturalist. Hubbard was a Kentucky native known for his American Romantic painting style. While attending school at the National Academy of Art in New York City and later at the Cincinnati Art School, Hubbard began to find inspiration in the work of impressionist, especially Claude Monet. Hubbard became a fan of Henry David Thoreau’s writings on nature and philosophy and would later be referred to as “Kentucky’s Thoreau.”

Inspired by nature, Hubbard left city life and built this studio in Fort Thomas, Kentucky in 1938 which they would come to call Payne Hollow. Hubbard and his wife Anna Hubbard resided and worked in the studio while Hubbard’s mother lived in the home he built on the property. After just four years in the Fort Thomas Studio, Harlan and Anna left the property on a shanty boat. The two sailed down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers for several years before returning to their studio.

The one room studio offered no modern amenities and the pair chose to keep their home off the grid as a way of feeling closer to nature. The couple lived off of their land 34 years and had goats and a garden. They canned their own crops and scavenged for lost items in the river. College students and fellow artists would occasionally come visit Payne Hollow where the Hubbards would give tours of their home. Published in 1974, Hubbard’s book Payne Hollow: Life on the Fringe details his lifestyle and philosophical views on connecting with nature.

Hubbard’s work blended the American Romantic style with that of the Impressionists. Most of his paintings feature the Ohio River or Kentucky’s mountains and rolling hills. Those interested in Hubbard’s work can view a collection featuring over 60 pieces by Hubbard at the Behringer-Crawford Museum in Covington, KY. A collection of Hubbard’s work can also be found at the University of Kentucky’s art museum in Lexington. Hubbard was awarded the Governor’s Aware as recognition of his major contributions to art in Kentucky. 

Today, The Harlan Hubbard Studio and Nature Preserve helps to preserve the legacy of Harlan Hubbard. Run by the Fort Thomas Forest Conservancy (FTFC), the studio was restored and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. Throughout the restoration project, the FTFC kept the studio free of electricity and running water to preserve the authenticity of the Hubbard’s lifestyle. In 2017 the studio began to open to visitors. The FTFC offers open houses, craft events, and educational events focused on teaching visitors about the Hubbards and the importance of conservation. There are plans for writers groups and artists retreats to eventually be held at Payne Hollow. 

Keller, Charles. Harlan Hubbard Studio, National Park Service. Accessed May 27th 2020. https://heritage.ky.gov/historic-places/national-register/Property%20Listings/Campbell_HarlanHubbardStudio.pdf.

Mayhew, Chris. Harlan Hubbard Studio gains national historic status, Cincinnati. August 29th 2016. Accessed May 27th 2020. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/local/ft-thomas/2016/08/29/hubbard-studio-listed-nationalhistoricregister/89563336/.

Mayhew, Chris. NKY claims Hubbard's early years, Cincinnati. March 7th 2016. Accessed May 27th 2020. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/local/ft-thomas/2016/03/07/nky-preserving-artist-harlan-hubbards-legacy/81459332/.

Ward, Don. After 17 years, Hassfurder still vigilant, Harlan Hubbard. November 2005. Accessed May 27th 2020. http://www.harlanhubbard.com/Legacy/preservation.html.

Ward, Don. Payne Hollow still stands as a shrine to Hubbard legend, Harlan Hubbard. January 2000. Accessed May 27th 2020. http://www.harlanhubbard.com/History/lifeonthefringe.html.