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Upcoming printmaking exhibit at Appalshop

kentucky artists ken swinson and lacy hale at appalshop in whitesburg ky

Printmaker, painter and muralist, Lacy Hale invited me to ehibit some of my printmaking work and artZines at the Appalshop gallery in Whitesburg, KY. I have been a fan of her work ever since meeting her online. Not only is her art beautiful and magical, it also has social conscious, and is closely tied to her community. She recently finished a mural for the 2nd Mountain Mural fest in Harlan, KY.

still from lacy hale interview in corbin kentucky

She is interviewed as part of the news coverage of the event, and the story tells is a great example of why it’s so important to have art and artists in rural spaces. You can watch the MYMT segment here

Appalachian building with colorful mural
mural in Whitesburg, KY

As a rural artist, I’m interested in how we can help make a positive impact on our small towns. Whitesburg is an inspiring example of what is possible when creative people stay and make a positive change in their small towns.

panoramic photo of whitesburg kentucky
Whitesburg has a record store and multiple live music venues
photo of main street in whitesburg kentucky
busy downtown Whitesburg

For a small mountain town with only 2000 people, there’s a lot of creative type businesses, music venues, cafes and public art.

photo of public art on building beside creek in whitesburg kentucky
public art beside creek

Most of the main street buildings were occupied, and my first impression was that it has a good energy, and is the kind of place I would want to visit again.

appalshop in whitesburg kentucky

I had never visited Appalshop, but over my last 19 years as a Kentuckian, their documentaries have helped shape my understanding of our region.

antique video editing machine at appalshop
analog film editing machine at Appalshop

I consider Appalshop to be a national treasure. For 50 years, they have used the power of arts and culture to create meaningful social and economic change in our region. It was a thrill to see their studio and to meet some of the people who make it happen.

photo of appalshop building beside creek in whitesburg kentucky
Appalshop

Not only does Appalshop create documentaries — they also create filmmakers.

Across the street from their studio is another one of their programs: The Appalachian Media Institute (AMI).

exterior photo of the appalachian media institute in whitesburg kentucky
Appalachian Media Institute

AMI is a community-based arts and education center offering training and resources for young creatives and filmmakers.

the green room at the Appalachian media institute in whitesburg kentucky
One of AMI’s editing rooms

The program has been helping young artists and filmmakers for over 30 years. The current program coordinator, Willa Johnson is an alumni of the program.

portrait of wendell berry by misty skaggs
an artist/activist who i admire (Wendell Berry) painted by another artist/activist i admire (Misty Skaggs) hangs between 2 of AMI’s editing rooms

My printmaking exhibit will be at the Appalshop gallery from July 9 until August 22nd. I’m excited to announce that, at the closing of the exhibit (August 22), we are going to kick off our next artZine season by making one at AMI!

collaborative space for artists at the Appalachian Media Institute in whitesburg kentucky
A great space to work and collaborate at AMI

This will be an opportunity for YOU to visit Whitesburg, and get to know some of it’s people–while making art together!

Our theme for Summer’s ArtZine is:


Art Makes the World Better by…


so go ahead and start working on your entries! See you in Whitesburg!

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