From the Village of Arts and Humanities in Philadelphia to the Genocide Memorial in Rwanda to the Dandelion School in China and now to Louisville, Lily Yeh of Barefoot Artists is a global artist who is fueled by a belief that art is a human right and that artists can create a foundation for profound social change.

For more information, contact Jennifer Ratoff with SYNAPSE at inspireleaders@gmail.com or 502-424-0241.

May 15-19

Actors Theatre & Galt House

583-3100 • festivaloffaiths.org

Free-$100; various times

This year marks the 18^th annual Festival of Faiths, hosted by the Center for Interfaith Relations. Because this particular festival is being constructed to honor the Dalai Lama’s visit to the city (May 19-20), it has been aptly named “Sacred Silence: Pathway to Compassion” and will focus on meditation, historical values and compassion. The fest is a conglomerate of faiths — Judaism, Islam, Christianity and, of course, Buddhism, among others — and will include lectures and hosts from different denominations, presenting films and lessons on spirituality, along with daily meditations. Louisville’s Center for Interfaith Relations has found the perfect way to welcome the Dalai Lama to the city in encouraging religious tolerance, understanding and peace. —Natalie French

The Louisville Visual Art Association’s “Food for Thought Lunch & Learn” will feature Martin Rollins on Tuesday, May 14 from 12-1:30 p.m. at the Louisville Boat Club, 4200 River Rd. LVAA Members $25, Non-Members $35; includes lunch, dessert & beverages. Call 584-8166 x100 or send check to: LVAA, 609 W. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202. Walk-Ins welcome after 12:30pm (no lunch) $10.00

Thursday, April 18

Louisville Free Public Library
301 York St. • 574-1611
lfpl.org
Free (tickets required); 7 p.m.

David Rohde has unique bona fides for authoring books on modern geopolitical conflict and its human cost. Not only has this journalist earned two Pulitzers, but he’s lived through months as a hostage of the Taliban. His kidnapping and escape were at the center of his 2010 book “A Rope and a Prayer,” and now he’s coming to the main branch of Louisville Free Public Library to discuss the just-published “Beyond War.” Rohde’s new book is a detailed look at recent events and possible futures for the Middle East and neighboring regions. What is to be made of the Arab Spring? What’s to become of the two countries that held tens of thousands of American troops for years of war, only to arrive at a “peace” that includes a continuing force of hand while drone strikes add tension to much of the populace? —T.E. Lyons

Saturday, April 13

Chao Auditorium, U of L’s Ekstrom Library
2301 S. Third St.
Free; 10 a.m.

“It’s not tyranny we desire; it’s a just, limited, federal government.” So said Founding Father Alexander Hamilton in 1787, the year our Constitution was adopted. The fight over federalism has been raging ever since, and on Saturday, a handful of local lawyers and political science professors will delve into the debate of national power vs. states’ rights at a symposium sponsored by the Alexander Hamilton Historical Society. Topics will include whether contemporary American politics reflect the Founding Fathers’ ideals; the impact of landmark Supreme Court cases (including the Affordable Care Act) on federalism; and the politics of fiscal federalism. It’s a lot to cover, and the panelists promise to leave ample time for questions and answers related to this perpetual point of contention in the United States. —Sarah Kelley

•Mighty Kindness Earth Day Hoot

Saturday, April 13

Waterfront Park
1217 River Road
mightykindness.org
Free; noon-6 p.m.

“To sustain life as we know it, we must all act. We must all become a mighty kindness. Our planet depends on it.” This is the motto of Mighty Kindness, an outreach program of the Clifton Universalist Unitarian Church. For six years, the group has been hosting biannual “Hoots,” determined to encourage awareness and strength in the community. This year, the Earth Day Hootenanny boasts a slew of activities and partners — Turners Circus and the Taoist Tai Chi Society, alongside several local musicians. During this entertainment, however, you will also have the chance to browse and buy from local artists, as well as participate in free workshops built to encourage an eco-friendly lifestyle. The Hoot is a family-friendly event, built to bring out the best in the community. —Natalie French

•By-BUY-BYE Auction

Saturday, April 13

PUBLIC Gallery
131 W. Main St.
louisvillevisualart.org
Sale: Free; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Auction: $65-$75; 7 p.m.

The Louisville Visual Art Association prides itself on being a “catalyst for education and participation in the visual arts,” and the By-BUY-BYE Art Auction and Sale is designed to benefit their mission. The Art Sale is a free public event, featuring dozens of local artists and more than 200 works of art. It is the auction, however, where things get classy — tickets are $75 for the general public, but the evening will include a cocktail party and live entertainment, alongside the auction. All of the proceeds benefit the LVAA’s very own art education program, the Children’s Fine Art Classes, which caters to “visually talented” students between the ages of 9 and 18. —Natalie French

•Janna McMahan

Sunday, April 14

Carmichael’s Bookstore
2720 Frankfort Ave. • 896-6950
Free; 4 p.m.

Kentucky-born author Janna McMahan is coming to Carmichael’s to promote the release of her fourth novel. “Anonymity,” available in trade paperback, is a saga of young drifters and those who interact with them — whether for exploitation or with the hope that lending a hand can make a positive difference. The setting is the gritty district of Austin, Texas, known as The Drag — worlds away from the Appalachian foothills that were one of the autobiographical elements of McMahan’s debut “Calling Home.” The new work shows other significant turns from her previous work — for instance, “Anonymity” is in many ways a psychological thriller — but reviews indicate that McMahan continues to deliver the sort of quality that made her a finalist for the Flannery O’Connor Fiction Award. —T.E. Lyons

•The Last Bison

Sunday, April 14

Uncle Slayton’s
1017 E. Broadway
uncleslaytons.com
$8; 8:30 p.m.

This close-knit group of family and friends from the marshes of Chesapeake, Va., has wooed the hearts of many with their self-described “mountain-top chamber” music since the release of their independent debut album Quill in 2011. Spiritual, folk-inspired sonic and lyrical qualities pair perfectly with carefully crafted aesthetics. Appearing equal parts Victorian and early American homesteader, this septet’s American folk rock sound is often compared to Mumford & Sons, The Decemberists or Fleet Foxes. Six weeks after releasing their first major label album, Inheritance, The Last Bison will be at Uncle Slayton’s, along with the Appalachian country quartet If Birds Could Fly, donning long hair, long dresses and an impressive musical arsenal that includes banjos, bells and even Bolivian goat toenails. —Sarah Duncan