A celebration follows and is free and open to the public, who are encouraged to attend on the mezzanine level as well as join the following:
Al Shands of Crestwood receives the Milner Award, the most prestigious award established and given to those for outstanding philanthropic, artistic or other contributions to the arts.
National Award is awarded to a Kentucky son or daughter who has achieved national acclaim in the arts, and this year it goes to Annie Potts of Franklin.
Danville’s Stephen Rolfe Powell is being given the Artist Award, which recognizes one for lifetime of achievement in the arts by an artist in any discipline.
The Business Award honors a Kentucky business or business person for outstanding interest in and support of the arts. Hilliard Lyons of Louisville was chosen.
Mayfield/Graves County Art Guild is the recipient of the Community Arts Award which is awarded to an individual or organization that has made a positive impact on the community through the arts.
Education Award goes to Melanie Wood of Louisville, established to recognize one for significant contributions to the arts in education by individual, school or organization.
For an outstanding effort to perpetuate and promote Kentucky’s unique artistic traditions, Loyal Jones of Berea is honored with the Folk Heritage Award.
The Government Award went to Mountain Arts Center in Prestonburg for their significant support for the arts through government action.
Lexington’s Rich Copley is honored with the Media Award for his outstanding commitment to bringing the arts to the attention of the public.
