Artists & Architects

It’s hard to top Kentucky’s natural beauty, but some of the artwork and structures produced by Kentucky artists and architects make a good case. This impressive roster includes Pulitzer Prize winners and presidential portraitists, and has had major impacts on the world of civic arts, urban architecture and more. Learn about Kentucky's notable creators of form and design, and visit the Bluegrass State to see some of their award-winning architectural work and art.  John James Audubon* (April 26, 1785-1851) Ornithologist, artist. Began his work on "Birds of America" in Kentucky. Born in Les Cayes, Haiti, died in Manhattan, New York. Frank Duveneck (October 9, 1848-1919) Painter, sculptor, educator. Some of Duveneck’s works may be viewed at the Richmond, Kentucky Art Museum. Born in Covington, and was buried there. Fontaine Fox Jr. (June 4, 1884-1964) Famous cartoonist and illustrator. Originated the nationally syndicated cartoon "The Toonerville Trolley." Born near Louisville, died in Greenwich, Connecticut. Edward Norton Hamilton, Jr. (February 14, 1947- ) Sculptor, best known for his famous work “The Spirit of Freedom” in Washington, D.C., as well as “Abraham Lincoln” and "York" in Louisville on the waterfront. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, raised in Louisville. Matthew Harris Jouett (April 22, 1788-1827) Professional portrait artist who painted such notables as Thomas Jefferson and the Marquis de Lafayette during his career. Born in Lexington, buried at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville. Paul Sawyier* (March 22, 1865-1917) Landscape artist known for scenes of Frankfort and the Kentucky River. Born in Madison County, Ohio, buried in the Frankfort Cemetery. Gideon Shryock (November 15, 1802-1880) A prominent Kentucky architect and designer, introduced Greek Revival style to the West. Designed buildings such as the Old Kentucky State Capitol, state houses, courthouses, Transylvania University and other colleges in this period style. Born in Lexington, buried at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville. Moneta J. Sleet, Jr. (February 14, 1926-1996) Photographer during the days of the American Civil Rights Movement, and the first black American to win a Pulitzer Prize in photography, one of the field’s most prestigious awards, for his photograph of Coretta Scott King, widow of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at his funeral. Earned a master’s degree in journalism from NYU (1969). Born in Owensboro, died in New Orleans. Helen M. Turner (November 13, 1858-1958) Impressionistic landscape artist, portraitist. Born in Louisville, died in New Orleans. Enid Yandell (October 6, 1870-1934) The first female member of the National Sculpture Society. Studied at Hampton College in Louisville and Cincinnati Art Academy. Sculpture collection is at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville. Died in Boston, Massachusetts, buried at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, the city of her birth. *Denotes not born in Kentucky