Dear Stakeholders in the Arts,

It seems like summer was only yesterday and now we’re getting ready for the holidays. We can’t believe it either, but the calendar and the thermometer don’t lie.

If you’re ready to start your holiday shopping, or if you’ve already started, but are stuck for something unique to give to a friend or family member, check out our online guide, Give a Gift Made in Kentucky. You’ll find great gift suggestions from some of the best Kentucky visual and performing artists, holiday events (both virtual and safely in person) and other helpful links to help you find the perfect gift of holiday experience.

Purchasing art from Kentucky artists is especially important this year, with the COVID-19 pandemic having forced the cancellation of several fairs and festivals where Kentucky artists usually make big sales. If you’re receiving this newsletter, we know that the arts are important to you, so we hope you will purchase visual art, craft, CDs, DVDs and other work by Kentucky artists. Also, consider making donations to your favorite arts organizations as part of your holiday giving.

Recently Gov. Andy Beshear announced the nine recipients of the 2020 Governor’s Awards in the Arts. The awardees are:

• Michael Johnathon – Milner Award
• Silas House – Artist Award
• Tidball’s – Business Award
• Artists Collaborative Theatre – Community Arts Award
• Paducah Symphony Orchestra – Education Award
• Shelly Zegart – Folk Heritage Award
• City of Somerset – Government Award
• Al Día en América – Media Award
• Tom T. Hall – National Award

Although the ceremony will not be held in person, we look forward to celebrating in a virtual program in early 2021. The 2020 awards were made by Christian County folk artist Willie Rascoe, who received the 2015 Governor’s Awards in the Arts Folk Heritage Award. Be on the lookout here, on our website and on our social media for updated information on the Governor’s Awards in the Arts.

Our partners at South Arts recently announced the opening of the 2021 Southern Prize application period. Kentucky visual artists have the chance to be named the State Fellow, which carries a $5,000 prize. The Kentucky State Fellow will be one of nine State Fellows from South Arts member states to be juried for the $25,000 and $10,000 Southern Prizes. The deadline to apply is Jan. 11.

We hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving celebration, and do so in a safe and healthy way, and that you are looking forward to the upcoming holiday season, as we are.

Chris Cathers
Kentucky Arts Council
Executive Director

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Gov. Beshear announces 2020 Governor’s Awards in the Arts recipients
Gov. Andy Beshear announced that four Kentuckians and five Kentucky organizations will receive the state’s most prestigious arts award in recognition of their dedication to sharing Kentucky’s rich arts history with the citizens of the commonwealth.

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Nov. 26-27 – Thanksgiving holiday

Dec. 24-25 – Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Dec. 31-Jan. 1 – New Year's Eve and New Year's Day

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Kentucky Artisan Center calls for entries for ‘Reveal’ exhibit
Kentucky artists who work in large two-dimensional formats are invited to submit entries for the exhibit Reveal at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.

'Women of Influence': Celebrating the Year of the Woman
Declared the “Year of the Woman,” 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the United States’ 19th Amendment, which guarantees and protects women’s constitutional right to vote. The Kentucky Artisan Center celebrates this anniversary with the exhibit “Women of Influence.”