More than 50 works by Kentucky artists on display

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 31, 2022) – The Spring 2022 exhibition of the Team Kentucky Gallery is on display in two of the main hallways of the state Capitol. Whether simply sightseeing in Frankfort or following the legislative session, visitors to the Capitol building can view the works of more than 50 Kentucky artists.

“As I walk the halls of the Capitol each day, I find myself pleased by and proud of the fantastic artwork that Kentuckians have shared with us,” said Gov. Beshear. “Our people contribute every day to helping one another, and this is just one more example of how these folks, by sharing their stories through their art, can lift the spirits of their fellow Kentuckians and provide the rest of us with windows into their worlds.”

Two Hendersonians are included in this latest exhibition. 11-year-old Nancy Bruner is in her 5th year of art instruction from nationally renowned pen and ink artist Pem Pfisterer Clark. The 6th grader used watercolors and graphite to depict a moment from the 2021 Kentucky Derby when four horses were running in a perfect diagonal pattern. The second Hendersonian whose artwork was chosen is Chris Thomas who has had his work featured in several publications, displayed at the Evansville Museum of Art and in a number of corporate collections. His work is entitled “Buddy” and is a portrait of his wife’s late grandfather, Buddy Pearcy, that Thomas painted in 2001.

Originally envisioned as a way to express a sense of connectedness and feelings of pride in our commonwealth in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Kentuckians were asked to submit their stories as told through art.

“Art is just so important for our mental health and well-being – and it doesn’t matter whether you are creating it or viewing it,” said First Lady Britainy Beshear. “I am so grateful for the artists who decided to share their works in the Team Kentucky Gallery so that visitors to the Capitol can take a few minutes to lose themselves in these paintings and maybe even see themselves reflected in this amazing art.”

Selected artworks are displayed for a six-month rotation in the Capitol and on the Team Kentucky Digital Art Gallery, where the artists provide additional information. After each rotation, artworks are returned to the artists. The current exhibit began Jan. 1 and will run until June 30. Information on how to submit artworks for the fall 2022 exhibition will be available on the gallery’s website later in the spring.

The Beshear administration understands the significant impact that Kentucky’s arts and humanities industry has on the state’s economy. Generating more than $2.3 billion annually in economic impact, this industry plays a critical role in enhancing the commonwealth’s culture, education and tourism. The administration has been committed to investing in the industry as part of Team Kentucky’s initiative to build a better Kentucky through tourism and economic development.

Through the Kentucky Arts Council, Kentucky has supported arts organizations throughout the commonwealth by providing critical funding to support artists and stabilize the arts industry following the spread of COVID-19. The commonwealth has distributed $454,000 in CARES Act funding and $665,750 through the Kentucky Arts Council ARP grant to arts organizations in communities statewide.

To learn more about the Kentucky State Capitol, visit capitol.ky.gov. The site includes visitor information, Capitol building facts and a historical overview.

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