Sounds of Home

A Symphony of the Immigrant Experience by Joanna Hay

River View Park, Frankfort Kentucky

“Sounds of Home” is an interactive sound installation that explores the stories of immigrants who came to Frankfort, Kentucky from around the world and made it their home. Thirty minutes of looped voices, music and sounds emanate from the upright canoe. Visitors can sit in it and watch the Kentucky River flow by as they listen. They can walk around it and pass by it. The sensory experience is augmented by the natural sights and sounds of River View Park .

The piece was created in 2026 by artist Joanna Hay in collaboration with sculptor Mollie Rabiner, artist Jeri Katherine Howell, Teal Turtle Studios and the stories of Masha Maina, Rowena Duff, Alda Diaz, Marcus Brothwell and Joanna Hay. The music Judah Thornewill, Joanna Hay and Bywater are woven into the sound.

Sounds of Home: A Symphony of the Immigrant Experience

1st Movement: The Journey

2nd Movement: The Nature of Frankfort

3rd Movement: Sounds of Home

4th Movement: Music Vibe

5th Movement: Language of Home

Thank you to all our partners for their generous contributions, including America250KY Commission, Josephine Sculpture Park, Frankfort Parks and Rec, and Visit Frankfort.

The piece was inspired by the America 250 theme of “We the People.”

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, supports “Sounds of Home” with state tax dollars from the Kentucky General Assembly in partnership with the America250KY Commission. For more information, visit history.ky.gov.

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