Companions’ to unite under one roof

     (AAPNW-KY)  – The Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft (KMAC) will present two companion shows, “Collecting Kentucky” and “Artists Collect” opening on Saturday, January 22 and remains on view through March 12, and in conjunction with the First Friday Trolley Hop on Friday, February 4, the official opening reception is from 5:00-9:o00 pm.

     “Museums are the keepers of the natural and cultural heritage of America and its people,” says curator Brion Clinkingbeard. “We reflect the rich diversity that makes our nation so vibrant and the KMAC permanent collection is in a small way a reflection of the visual arts heritage of Kentucky.”

     “Artists Collect” features art and other objects owned by local artists. Glassblower Brook White has placed on loan several works as well as a piece by the Swiss-American partnership of Monica Guggisberg and Philip Baldwin; a blown glass “Spaceship” by Rik Allen; a very early bowl by glassblower Stephen Powell; African and American studio pottery from designer and photographer Julius Friedman; masks from C.J. Pressma; Louisville artist Caroline Waite, a collage and assemblage artist, will be installing a wall piece composed of hundreds of collected objects she uses to create her art work. 

     “Collecting Kentucky” showcases a selection of works from KMAC’s permanent collection, which since the museum’s founding in 1981, has been the recipient of most of the pieces on exhibit as well as those purchased that depicts the visual heritage of Kentucky, such as works by Marvin Finn, Noah and Charlie Kinney, Carl McKenzie, Tim Hall, Ron Isaacs and Earnest Patton. Other artifacts is a Biwa, a traditional Japanese made stringed instrument; a whimsical ceramic and mixed media figure by Gayle Cerlan; an iconic fruit bowl from Sara Frederick; and a mixed media sculpture/self-portrait by Jacque Parsley.

     For more information, call 502.589.0102 or see www.KentuckyArts.org.