Dear Stakeholders in the Arts,

It’s been a busy beginning to 2018 at the Kentucky Arts Council. A few weeks ago, we honored 11 recipients of the prestigious Governor’s Awards in the Arts in a ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion. It was a pleasure hosting these honored guests, who do so much in their respective communities and disciplines to further the mission of Kentucky artists and friends of the arts.

The ceremony was livestreamed on the internet for the first time in Governor’s Awards history, and if you missed it the first time, you can see it again on our Facebook page. For biographies of each of our winners and more information on the Governor’s Awards in the Arts, see the Governor’s Awards in the Arts section of our website.

On Feb. 20, we look forward to hosting representatives from our Kentucky Arts Partnership (KAP) grant organizations as they come to Frankfort to thank their legislators for continuing to support the mission of the Kentucky Arts Council. There are 93 KAP groups for the 2018 fiscal year, so it’s always a special time when we have so many of them together under one roof.

The biggest event on our calendar is also less than a month away! The Kentucky Crafted Market is March 2-4 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. For the first time in Market history, we have added public hours on Friday, 5-8 p.m. Public hours will continue on March 3, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on March 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There’s something for everyone at The Market: the best in Kentucky-made art and craft, fantastic live music on The Kentucky Stage by acts from our Performing Artists Directory, amazing culinary creations from Kentucky Proud food vendors, a Hands-On Activities area and a photography exhibit from the Kentucky Photographic Documentary Project. Come on out, stop by your favorite artist’s booth, listen to some tunes and enjoy unique Kentucky tastes during this three-day celebration of Kentucky creativity.

See you at The Market!

Chris Cathers
Kentucky Arts Council
Interim Executive Director

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Feb. 20
Arts Day in Kentucky

March 2-4
The Kentucky Crafted Market

Campbellsville University, Taylor County Library Jointly Host Arts Council’s ‘Makings of a Master’ Exhibit
For the first time in its history, the Kentucky Arts Council’s traveling exhibit “Makings of a Master” will be hosted by two separate organizations in a single community.

The Kentucky Crafted Market Set for March 2-4 in Louisville
The best opportunity to purchase Kentucky artwork will be when the largest number of Kentucky artists gather for the 36th Kentucky Crafted Market, March 2-4 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.

Kentucky Artists Featured in Annual Capitol Annex Exhibit
The work of 17 Kentucky artists will grace the hallways of the Capitol Annex during the legislative session.

Glasgow Artist is Arts Council’s Featured Artist for January, February
Steve Clay of Glasgow has been selected as the Kentucky Arts Council’s Featured Artist for January and February.

Gov. Bevin names 2017 Governor’s Awards in the Arts Recipients
Gov. Matt Bevin has selected six individuals and five organizations whose contributions have raised the level of quality and awareness of the arts in the state as recipients of the 2017 Governor’s Awards in the Arts.

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Feb. 15 – Application deadline
Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship grant

Feb. 15 - Application deadline
Al Smith Individual Artist Fellowship

Feb. 15 - Application deadline
Emerging Artist Award

Feb. 15 - Application deadline
Performing Artists Directory

April 9 - Application deadline
Teaching Artists Directory

April 16 - Application deadline
Teaching Art Together

April 16 - Application deadline
Showcasing the Arts

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March 30 – Good Friday (office closes at noon)

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Basketmaker Jennifer Zurick Receives Governor’s Award - Kentucky Artisan Center Celebrates Artist’s Achievement
The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea celebrates Basketmaker Jennifer Zurick who received the Governor’s Award in the Arts, Folk Heritage Award in a ceremony at the Kentucky Governor’s Mansion Feb. 2 in Frankfort.

Realism Meets the Abstract: Kentucky Artisan Center Opens Third "Reveal" Exhibit
The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea announces its third exhibit introducing two new artists in, “Reveal: David Stratton and Trent Altman.” This exhibit will continue through April 30 in the lobby of the center. Both artists work in large two-dimensional formats.

Student Nominations Sought for EcoArt Contest
It’s that time of year again! The Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection (DEP) is soliciting nominations for the 2017–18 EcoArt Contest. The contest, which is in its ninth year, provides an opportunity for students to gain statewide recognition for their artwork as it relates to Kentucky’s environment. Deadline is Feb. 16.