On March 2, the annual US Bank Celebration of the Arts opens at the Kentucky Museum. Artists from the Bowling Green region, both professional and amateur, bring their artworks to be judged and showcased, both to win awards and raise awareness of our region’s artistic talent. Now in its 32nd year, the show is a chance for our community to engage with artists and their work, become inspired, and – most importantly – celebrate our region’s incredible creativity.
“Over these years, we at the Kentucky Museum have felt truly honored to partner with U.S. Bank to present this yearly show as a community-based way to assist artists to grow in a nurturing environment that truly celebrates their evolving talent,” said Kentucky Museum Director Brent Bjorkman. “Like the US Bank Celebration of the Arts show itself, the Kentucky Museum takes great pride in celebrating the creative human experience as it relates to the culture, history and art of our world.”
This year will also be the first time that admission to the show is free. Thanks to a grant from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, the Kentucky Museum now provides free admission to individuals. (Groups of 10 or more pay a $5 per person fee.) Such funding is vital to the Kentucky Museum’s ability to welcome and inspire visitors of all ages. It also empowers emerging artists, including WKU art students, to showcase their talent and gain experience in presenting at art shows.
Most importantly, the US Bank Celebration of the Arts has, for over a decade, been focused on supporting those whose creativity keeps our region thriving. Eleanor Davidson, an emerging artist and sculptor, will showcase her work in the show for a sixth time. When asked about her favorite aspect of the show, Eleanor stated, “I always look forward to participating in this exhibition. It means a lot to have my work represented alongside so many talented artists in the area. I love seeing the care and passion that goes into making each work of art, and the wide variety of ideas people contribute.”
The Kentucky Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. An opening reception for the US Bank Celebration of the Arts will be held on March 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.wku.edu/kentuckymuseum/.
-by Tiffany Isselhardt
About the Author: Tiffany Isselhardt is the fundraising coordinator for the Kentucky Museum, where she uses her knowledge of museums and community collaboration to foster greater opportunities for engagement. She and her husband, Michael, are art enthusiasts who love pottery and supporting emerging artists.
