The Governor's Awards in the Arts are coordinated by the Kentucky Arts Council and honor individuals, businesses and organizations that have made significant contributions and achievements in the arts throughout the Commonwealth, across the nation and around the world.
"Kentucky has a long history of producing renowned artists and arts influencers," said Gov. Steve Beshear. "The 2014 recipients of the Governor's Awards in the Arts represent the top of their fields of work in the arts as well as their contributions to community service. I congratulate them on their awards and thank them for their dedication to being ambassadors for the arts in the Commonwealth."
The Governor's Awards in the Arts are presented in nine categories. The Milner Award was the first award presented in 1977. It remains the most prestigious. The 2014 Governor's Awards in the Arts recipients are:
Milner Award
Judi Jennings, of Louisville, arts advocate and retired executive director of the Kentucky Foundation for Women.
Artist Award
Larnelle Harris, of Louisville, Grammy Award-winning gospel artist.
Business Award
Lexington Center Corporation Technical Services Department, which executes all technical aspects of events at Rupp Arena, the Lexington Opera House and the Lexington Convention Center.
Community Arts Award
Market House Theatre, of Paducah, which provides arts experiences to the people of western Kentucky and surrounding states.
Education Award
Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning, of Lexington, which empowers Kentuckians to read, write and nurture their imaginations through programs, events and services.
Folk Heritage Award
Bob Gates, of Frankfort, former state folklorist and founder of the Kentucky Folk Life Program.
Government Award
City of Danville, for facilitating an environment where the arts can flourish for its residents, businesses, organizations and visitors.
Media Award
Constance Alexander, of Murray, who has penned a regular column since 1989 for the Murray Ledger & Times focusing on the arts.
National Award
My Morning Jacket, band that has achieved international acclaim since it formed in Louisville in the 1990s.
The Governor's Awards in the Arts program starts at 10 am and is open to the public. A reception follows the ceremony on the mezzanine. For more information about the Governor's Awards in the Arts, visit http://artscouncil.ky.gov/KentuckyArt/GovAward2014.htm.
The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, fosters environments for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Information provided by the Kentucky Arts Council.
