WKU News

The Kentucky Museum is delighted to open We the Artists, an exhibition of works by local artists held in the museum's permanent collection. Largely drawn from winners of the coveted Celebration of the Arts Purchase Award, the exhibition showcases the wide range and creativity of Kentucky's artistic community, including painting, drawing, prints, watercolor, fiber arts, and sculpture. 

The exhibition also aims to educate about the role of the arts - especially local artists - in communities. As detailed in the exhibition, research has shown how the arts contributes to personal and communal well-being. While looking at art can reduce stress and increase neuroplasticity, supporting local artists and museums contributes to the economy - a $65 billion global industry that drives over 68% of tourism in the United States.

"Moreso than statistics, though," stated Exhibits Curator Tiffany Isselhardt, "is that the arts contribute to creating strong social connections. Through art, we connect with each other, create meaningful public spaces, and ultimately produce communities that can thrive. For over 57,000 years, humans have been creating art - and in doing so, creating communities. That fact alone shows how powerful art can be."

Artists featured in the exhibition include:

• Jackie Abrams
• Betty Brogan
• Terry Caturano
• Dean Christensen
• Wickliffe Covington
• Joseph Dudley Downing
• Myra Dwyer
• Lynne Ferguson
• Charles Forrester
• Alice Gatewood-Waddell
• Alla Gilbert
• Agnes Gough
• Mitchell Granville
• Dorothy Grider
• C. David Jones
• Kim Jones
• William Herman Lowe
• Jacqui Lubbers
• Ebony Marshman
• Trini Morales
• Helen LaFrance Orr
• Shanna Paul
• Nell Peperis
• Neil Peterie
• Yvonne Petkus
• Tom Pfannerstill
• Christina Pollard
• Lynn Robertson
• Davonna Souza
• Vaughn Monroe Stevens
• Ivan Wilson
• Erin Brady Worsham

We the Artists is on view now through August 31. The Kentucky Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.