Dec. 4, 2025
Dear Friends of the Arts,
As we move into the heart of the holiday season, I’m reminded of the remarkable creativity, generosity and entrepreneurial spirit that define Kentucky’s arts community. This time of year offers a perfect opportunity to support that spirit by buying local and choosing gifts crafted by small, Kentucky-owned businesses and artisans. Every handmade piece, every locally produced product, and every work of art represents a Kentuckian whose talent enriches our communities and strengthens our local economy. When you shop local, you’re not just finding meaningful gifts; you’re investing directly in the people who make our commonwealth unique.
Last week, we were honored to celebrate six extraordinary leaders in Kentucky’s arts landscape at the 2025 Governor’s Awards in the Arts.
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Steve Wilson and Laura Lee Brown, recipients of the Milner Award, have transformed how communities experience contemporary art through their vision for 21c Museum Hotels and their stewardship of Hermitage Farm, preserving Kentucky farmland while creating a cultural destination.
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Sam McKinney, honored with the Artist Award, is a master Appalachian sculptor, painter and teacher, whose hand-carved works capture the resilience and authenticity of Eastern Kentucky.
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The Owensboro Art Guild, recipient of the Community Arts Award, continues its legacy as Kentucky’s oldest continuously operating visual arts organization, offering exhibitions, education and community connection through more than six decades of volunteer-led leadership.
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Wilma Bethel, awarded the Education Award, has dedicated more than 50 years to inspiring Louisville students through arts education, building programs that nurture creativity and strengthen school communities.
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Lakshmi Sriraman, recipient of the Folk Heritage Award, has brought the beauty of Bharatanatyam and Indian classical arts to stages and classrooms across Kentucky, fostering rich cultural exchange.
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Teddy Abrams, honored with the National Award, continues to elevate Kentucky’s artistic identity through innovative leadership with the Louisville Orchestra, redefining what an American orchestra can be.
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These honorees remind us why the arts matter, and why the Kentucky Arts Council remains committed to supporting artists, educators, organizations and cultural traditions across the commonwealth.
As we close out the year, I encourage you to celebrate the season by uplifting Kentucky artists and makers. Your support, whether through attending an event, purchasing local work, or sharing your favorite artisan with a friend, helps sustain the creative spirit that makes Kentucky home.
Thank you for being part of our statewide arts community. We at the arts council wish you a joyful, art-filled holiday season.
 Chris Cathers
Executive Director
Kentucky Arts Council
Applications Now Open for the 2026–27 NEA Big Read, Celebrating America250.
Matching grants of up to $20,000 are available for community reading programs reflecting on American history and culture.
A mandatory Intent to Apply is due January 15, 2026, with final applications due January 29, 2026. Funded programs will take place between September 2026 and June 2027.
Read more about eligibility and how to apply in the guidelines.
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The Southern Prize and State Fellowships is open to visual artists in our nine-state region to support, expose, and celebrate the breadth, depth and diversity of artistic excellence. Deadline December 10, 2025
The Southern Prize and State Fellowships for Literary Arts acknowledge, support, and celebrate writers in our nine-state region with $80,000 in awards. The genre for the 2025 cycle is Scriptwriting. Deadline December 10, 2025
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