Frankfort, Kentucky, November 25, 2025
Governor Andy Beshear revealed the honorees of the 2025 Governor’s Awards in the Arts, recognizing significant contributions to Kentucky’s vibrant arts community. The awards highlight individuals and organizations, including Steve Wilson and Laura Lee Brown, Sam McKinney, and Teddy Abrams, who have made remarkable impacts through their work in the arts. These awards are vital for acknowledging the role of the arts in boosting the state’s economy and fostering community engagement.
Frankfort, Kentucky – Governor Andy Beshear has announced the recipients of the 2025 Governor’s Awards in the Arts, celebrating individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to Kentucky’s arts community. The awards highlight the integral role that the arts play in the state’s economy, which stands at $6.9 billion, as well as their importance in community engagement and enrichment.
2025 Governor’s Awards in the Arts Honorees
- Milner Award: Steve Wilson and Laura Lee Brown, founders of 21c Museum Hotels, recognized for their transformative work in contemporary art engagement and revitalizing Hermitage Farm.
- Artist Award: Sam McKinney, an Appalachian sculptor, acknowledged for his hand-carved art that reflects the landscapes and culture of Eastern Kentucky.
- Community Arts Award: Owensboro Art Guild, Kentucky’s oldest visual arts organization, awarded for promoting a vibrant arts community through exhibitions and educational initiatives.
- Education Award: Wilma Bethel, a Louisville educator, recognized for over 50 years of commitment to arts education, inspiring countless students with creative programs.
- Folk Heritage Award: Lakshmi Sriraman, a Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer, lauded for her efforts in introducing Indian classical dance to Kentucky audiences.
- National Award: Teddy Abrams, music director of the Louisville Orchestra, celebrated for redefining American orchestras through innovative programming and collaborations.
Significance of the Awards
These awards underscore the vital role of the arts in Kentucky, contributing not only to economic growth but also enhancing community vibrancy and attracting visitors and businesses. Governor Beshear emphasized the necessity of supporting arts initiatives to cultivate job creation and community interaction.
Background
The Governor’s Awards in the Arts are the highest honors in Kentucky’s arts sector, acknowledging excellence across various disciplines. The Kentucky Arts Council oversees the nomination and awards ceremony process. Each year, a Kentucky artist is commissioned to design the award. For 2025, contemporary wooden collage artist Aleta Stone was selected, incorporating materials from debris left by a tornado that struck London, Kentucky, on May 16, 2025, to create a permanent remembrance for affected individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the Governor’s Awards in the Arts?
- The Governor’s Awards in the Arts are Kentucky’s highest honors in the arts, recognizing outstanding achievements across various disciplines.
- Who were the 2025 honorees?
- The 2025 honorees include Steve Wilson and Laura Lee Brown (Milner Award), Sam McKinney (Artist Award), Owensboro Art Guild (Community Arts Award), Wilma Bethel (Education Award), Lakshmi Sriraman (Folk Heritage Award), and Teddy Abrams (National Award).
- What is the significance of these awards?
- These awards highlight the integral role of the arts in Kentucky’s $6.9 billion industry, contributing to economic growth and community enrichment.
- Who created the awards for the 2025 honorees?
- Contemporary wooden collage artist Aleta Stone was commissioned to create the awards, incorporating pieces from debris left by the tornado that struck London on May 16, 2025, as a lasting remembrance for those affected.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 2025 Governor’s Awards in the Arts |
| Location | Frankfort, Kentucky |
| Governor | Andy Beshear |
| Honorees | Steve Wilson and Laura Lee Brown, Sam McKinney, Owensboro Art Guild, Wilma Bethel, Lakshmi Sriraman, Teddy Abrams |
| Significance | Recognizing contributions to Kentucky’s $6.9 billion arts industry |
| Award Creator | Aleta Stone |
| Incorporation in Awards | Debris from May 16, 2025, tornado in London, Kentucky |
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