The US Bank Celebration of the Arts exhibit opens Sunday, February 28 at the Kentucky Museum. The exhibition, which runs through April 3, is the largest of its kind in South Central Kentucky.
“Our bank is proud to once again be the title sponsor for Celebration of the Arts,” said Craig Browning, Regional President for US Bank. “This art show has become a pinnacle event for many regional artists over the years. We’re pleased to partner with WKU and the Kentucky Museum to offer this unique and valued exhibit to our region.”
The art show originated in US Bank’s downtown office several years prior to its current location at the Kentucky Museum. According to Browning, they were forced to face a critical reality after the 1999 show—it had outgrown the facility. Being an Advisory Council member of the Kentucky Museum at the time, he approached museum officials about the possibility of taking ownership of Celebration of the Arts. The rest is history.
“The museum is absolutely the right venue,” said Browning. “The building is absolutely beautiful, the space is more appropriate for a show this size, and one of the things I’ve been most pleased with is the length of time the artists’ work is on display. The bank was only able to display this magnificent show for a few short days. The Kentucky Museum has been able to incorporate this show as a major draw for more than a month.”
“We look forward to this show every year,” said Timothy Mullin, Director of the Kentucky Library & Museum. “It’s well-received with hundreds of wonderful pieces displayed by community people as well as WKU faculty and students.”
This year’s exhibition has more than 360 entries said Donna Parker, Exhibits Curator for the Kentucky Museum. “We’re pleased that so many regional artists participate in the show. It’s truly a summary of the tremendously talented individuals we have within our area,” said Parker.
Parker said art show patrons will see a wide array of art pieces that are divided into seven categories: painting, watercolor, works on paper, fiber arts, ceramics and glass, sculpture and photography. All artwork will be judged in amateur or professional divisions in each respective category.
US Bank Celebration of the Arts is an open art exhibition for Kentucky residents, 18 and older, within a 65 mile radius of Bowling Green. Select works from the exhibit will be available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds from sales will benefit the Kentucky Library & Museum and the WKU Visual Arts Department Scholarship Fund. An opening reception will be held Saturday, February 27 for the artists and friends to enjoy the kick off and announce the top winners for each category. For more information, visit wku.edu/library/museum/artshow or call 745-6083.
Explore your creative side. Join quilter Nancy Baird in piecing together a variety of nine patch designs to create a wonderful wall hanging or table runner! All fabric will be provided. Participants must bring their own sewing machines, pins, and white or tan thread. 
Dr. Ron Fritze, Dean of Arts & Sciences at Athens State University, spoke on “Prince Madoc and the Welsh Indians: A Myth” and other topics on pseudohistory and pseudoscience in this month’s Kentucky Live! talk at Barnes & Noble this Thursday, February 11th. Ron is the author of ten books on a variety of topics including: Legends and Lore of the Americas Before 1492 and New Worlds: The Great Voyages of Discovery, 1400-1600. His newest book Invented Knowledge: False History, Fake Science and Pseudo-religions has been drawing international attention including a featured review in the Times Literary Supplement in London. Ron will be signing copies of his new book following his presentation. This talk series is sponsored by the Friends of WKU Libraries and the Kentucky Museum.
