Uncommon Wealth Arriving at Whitley Extension Fine Arts

Kentucky is home to artists of all kinds — from traditional basket-makers and ceramists, to contemporary artists producing works that push the boundaries of art — as well as talented painters, photographers, sculptors, fiber artists, printmakers and jewelry artists.
Join us next Friday, April 11 at 6 p.m. for our opening gallery event of “Uncommon Wealth.” If you have not yet joined us for a gallery opening, what better way to spend a Friday evening than celebrating with our community? This exhibit celebrates 30 years of the Kentucky Arts Council’s Al Smith Individual Artist Fellowship Program and is on loan from the Kentucky Arts Council. The fellowship program was established in 1983 to recognize creative excellence and to assist in the professional development of Kentucky artists. 
This fellowship serves as a benchmark of excellence in the careers of the state’s artists. Whitley County resident Russell Weedman will be among several artists featured at the Extension Community Arts Center from April 11-May 9. We are so excited to have the opportunity to showcase a piece of Russell’s work and so lucky to have many talented artists within our region.
We will be hosting art workshops throughout the months of April and May to coincide with this exhibit. If you have ever wanted to learn the art of poetry writing, Al Smith Fellow Marianne Worthington will conduct a poetry workshop on Thursday, April 17 at 6 p.m. This is an opportunity for individuals aged 15 and up to work with an excellent local author on strengthening your poetry skills. 
We will also have an Earth Day celebration for all ages on Tuesday, April 22 from 3-6 p.m. with a Sidewalk Chalk art contest, book and tree giveaway, and wire leaf sculpture class. To participate in these workshops or to schedule a private tour of the exhibit for your school or community organization, please call 606-549-7373 to register or email melissa.bond@uky.edu. All workshops are free to attend and open to the public.

Melissa Bond is the Agent for Fine Arts at the Whitley County Cooperative Extension Service. For more information about upcoming programs and events, call 606-549-7373, visit facebook.com/whitleycountyfinearts or email Melissa.bond@uky.edu