Visual Arts Delights in Kentucky

Every work of art is a story, and Kentucky has many to tell. Our rich heritage of craftmaking goes all the way back to the pioneer days of the Commonwealth, when settlers living on the frontier learned to make the things they wanted or needed, and then passed those skills down through the generations. These traditions still thrive today, with a new class of Kentucky artisans crafting handmade music instruments, sculptures, intricate quilts, ceramics and pottery, textiles, paintings and many more objects of art.

Visit Berea, the “Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky,” for charming shops selling some of the finest folk art Kentucky has to offer, and stop at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea to peruse the work of more than 800 Kentucky artists. Travel to western Kentucky to discover just why Paducah has been designated a UNESCO Creative City, from the historic floodwall murals along the riverfront to the eclectic studios of the Lower Town Arts District. And other arts destinations, including the Appalachian Artisan Center in Hindman and the annual Kentucky Crafted Market, provide even more opportunities for visitors to bring home magnificent art and a fascinating story or two.

And if contemporary art is more your style, don’t miss KMAC and the 21C Museum Hotels in Louisville and Lexington, which showcase eclectic exhibitions from global artists.

New: . The Stephen Rolfe Powell Memorial Sculpture Garden and Outdoor Classroom at Centre College in Danville, conceptualized and led by one of Powell’s former students, Brook Forrest White Jr., owner of Flame Run Hot Shop and Gallery in Louisville, features a 25-foot-tall sculpture that spectators can walk through, as well as a garden and an outdoor classroom. The memorial serves as an endearing reminder of the Kentucky artist’s legacy by creating a landmark where visitors can experience and appreciate his profound impact on glass art, not only as an arts professor but as a preeminent artist of world acclaim.

Trip Inspiration

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How to Spend a Day in Berea & Red River Gorge

Bluegrass, Horses, Bourbon, and Boone Region

Have casual breakfast at Native Bagel Co, where you can indulge in their hand-rolled bagels. We loved the classic sausage, egg, and cheese bagel sandwich, but the surprise hit was the one our server recommended — a cheese bagel with rosemary honey cream cheese.

The classic sausage, egg, and cheese bagel sandwich at Native Bagel Co. in Berea.

Then, walk it off by heading to Red River Gorge, where there are several nice hikes in Natural Bridge State Park. For lunch, locals recommended Red River Rockhouse and Miguel’s Pizza. My fiance’s name is Miguel and one of his favorite foods is pizza, so we had to check it out. They let you customize everything! If you need a caffeine boost before leaving, stop by Daniel Boone Coffee Shop.

Head back to Berea, and stay the night at Boone Tavern Hotel. Explore the artisan shops and walk around this charming college town. After a long day, stay in for dinner at Boone Tavern Restaurant. They offer Kentucky classics like Spoonbread or Hot Brown at the hotel's restaurant.

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Caitlin Sakdalan

Caitlin is a social media influencer, storyteller, and content & community expert. She is the creator behind the hugely popular @befatbehappy Instagram page.

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