The Kentucky Center for the Arts

Written by Julie Greiner

Funding for the Kentucky Center for the Arts finally became a realization in 1980 and the Center is officially dedicated at a gala in Whitney Hall in November of 1983. The guest list read like the Who's Who of stardom - Charlton Heston, Diane Sawyer Lily Tomlin, Jessye Norman and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. were among the attendees.

History in a Glance of The Kentucky Center for the Arts

The Kentucky Center for the Arts took a national spotlight when it hosted one of the 1984 Presidential Debates between Ronald Reagan and Walter Mondale. In 1986 the Bank One Lonesome Pine Specials Series taped its concerts for airing on KET. In 1987 the Boyd Martin Experimental Theater was dedicated. In 1988 The Philp Morris Companies,

Artist Alexander Calder, 1975

Inc. New Directions in Dance Series is inaugurated at the Center. Alexander Calder's sculpture "The Red Feather" is placed on the front steps of the Center. The ArtsReach Louisville program is initiated in 1990. Stage One, among the nation's oldest and most successful children's theaters, joins the Kentucky Center for the Arts. Michael C. Hardy becomes the Center's President and the Center becomes the manager of the newly-renovated W.L. Lyons Brown Theatre on Broadway. The Kentucky Center for the Arts undergoes a $4.5 million renovation, adding 5,900 square feet to the lobby and reconfiguring the main entrance off Main Street.

Kentucky Center for the Arts in Louisville

Although the Kentucky Center does not have a "gallery", an array of 20th century works of art are on permanent public display throughout the facility. Works of world-renowned artists like Alexander Calder, John chamberlain, Jean Dubuffet, Louise Nevelson, Joan Miro, Malcolm Morely and Tony Smith are among the permanent display throught

Courtesy The Kentucky Center For The Arts

the facility. The acquisition of artworks was guided by Mr. Wendell Cherry and made possbile by generous donations.

Upcoming Season Plans for the Kentucky Center for the Arts

The Center is hosting a year long season of the Midnite Ramble series. The 2002/2003 season will offer audiences a mix of blues and jazz, funk and pop and a stage musical about a rock and roll legend. The season started with the Jackie Wilson Story, "My Heart is Crying, Crying". The 2002/2003 Season of the Parthenon Capital Management Jazz Cabaret series has been announced. The Jerry Tolson Quartet will open September 15th at 6 p.m. in Clark-Todd Hall with classic jazz standards and some original compositions. For information on times and dates of upcoming events and the purchase of tickets contact David Holland at 502-562-0157. Also check on the open hours of the Center when you may visit to observe the art exhibits.