The Kentucky Arts Council launched the Celebrating the Black Experience touring art exhibit this month. The fourth annual exhibit, presented by the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage (KCAAH), includes artists from all over Kentucky, and some from Indiana, Virginia, Tennessee, Illinois, Florida and Zimbabwe. Media includes fiber art, wood sculpture, textiles, copper, acrylic and oil paintings, drawings, and mixed media work with innovative materials.
This year’s exhibit celebrates the contributions of people of African descent through the visual arts, the rich legacy of Black artists and the transformative impact of Black art in the struggle against oppression and racism.
Artists were invited to submit works that reflect the diverse environments and traditions contributing to the fabric of the Black experience. Underrepresented imagery expressing joy, sorrow, love, creativity, and truth-telling is examined within the Black aesthetic.
Through a partnership with the Kentucky Arts Council, 20 participating artists allow their works to travel from July to December 2025. Kentuckians all over the commonwealth are invited to explore this outstanding collection, be inspired by it, and join in celebrating the Black experience.
Traveling Exhibit Schedule
July 3-Aug. 5, 2025
Gateway Regional Arts Center
101 E. Main St.
Mt. Sterling, Ky.
Hours: Tue.-Fri. 1-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Eastern
Reception Thur., July 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Eastern
Aug. 8-26, 2025
SKyPAC (Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center)
601 College St.
Bowling Green, Ky.
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Central, and during events on Sat. and Sun.
Reception Sat., Aug. 23, 5:30-7 p.m. Central
Sept. 2-21, 2025
Hazard Community and Technical College, Stephens Library
1 Community College Drive
Hazard, Ky.
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern
Reception Tue., Sept. 2, 11 a.m. Eastern
Sept. 24-Nov. 1, 2025
Berea Arts Council
444 Chestnut St.
Berea, Ky.
Hours: Wed.-Fri. noon-5:30 p.m., Sat.10 a.m.-3 p.m. Eastern
Reception and artist talk Fri., Sept. 26, time TBA
Nov. 5-Dec. 15, 2025
Kentucky State University
400 E. Main St.
Frankfort, Ky.
Hours: TBA
The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage aims to enhance public knowledge about the history, heritage, and cultural contributions of African Americans in Kentucky and the African Diaspora. In addition to preserving the traditions and accomplishments of the past, the Center serves as a vital, contemporary institution that provides space for exhibitions and performances of all types.