Kentuckians encouraged to submit photography and artwork for consideration by June 26 for next rotation in Capitol exhibit

FRANKFORT, KY - As summer begins in the commonwealth, Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear invite Kentuckians to create artworks and capture photographs celebrating “100 Years of Kentucky State Parks” and to submit their pieces to the Team Kentucky Gallery. The exhibit is located in a main hall of the state Capitol in Frankfort. Submissions are due by Wednesday, June 26.

The Beshears believe there is no better place than the Capitol to highlight Kentuckians’ voices as represented through art, and the fall 2024 exhibition will showcase the natural beauty and timeless adventures families can experience at the commonwealth’s 44 state parks.

“We can’t wait to spend time together as a family this summer, making new memories with our kids, especially as we celebrate 100 years of Kentucky State Parks,” the Governor and First Lady said. “Through this fall’s Team Kentucky Gallery, Kentuckians can share their favorite moments and the amazing views they’ve enjoyed at our state parks over the years while they plan for their next trip.”

Selected works will be displayed for a six-month rotation in the Capitol and on the Team Kentucky Digital Art Gallery, where the artists and photographers can provide additional information. After the rotation, the selected works will be returned to the artists.

The deadline to submit artwork and photos for consideration for the fall 2024 exhibit is Wednesday, June 26. Works will be chosen for the gallery by Monday, July 1, and selected artists and photographers will be notified shortly thereafter. The current rotation runs through June. The next rotation will begin July 8 and will run through December.

Artwork/Photo Submission Requirements

- Artists may submit one photo or artwork for consideration.

- Artwork and photographs should be framed.

- Artwork and photographs must have a minimum framed size of 14 inches by 16 inches and can be oriented either portrait or landscape. Artwork cannot exceed 48 inches in width. The maximum allowable depth is 4 inches, and the maximum weight is 25 pounds.

- The following information should be included with the submission: artist’s name; address, including city and county; phone number; email; title of artwork or photo; State Park(s) that the artwork or photo captures; and size of artwork or photo (including frame). Artists/photographers can also include a URL if they have a website where their art or photos are displayed.

- Artists may note whether the artwork is for sale. Photos and art will not be sold as part of the Team Kentucky Gallery, but interested buyers will be able to contact artists for information about a sale once the artwork is returned.

How to Submit

- Submit digital copies of your photo/artwork using the application on the gallery’s website.

In 1924, Kentucky’s General Assembly created a park commission led by Willard Rouse Jillson to seek out suitable park sites of unusual natural significance or with important state or national history. As a result of this search, Pine Mountain, Natural Bridge, Fort Harrod and Blue & Gray State Parks were entered into the 1926 legislative record as the first four Kentucky State Parks.

Kentucky is now home to 44 state parks that serve as major tourist attractions and employers for many rural communities, including 17 resort parks, 19 recreational parks, eight historic sites, one rail trail, one state scenic trail, 13 golf courses, 34 pools and beaches, 15 marinas, 30 campgrounds and Breaks Interstate Park (shared with Virginia).

The Beshear administration understands the significant impact that Kentucky’s arts and humanities industry has on the state’s economy. Generating more than $6.1 billion in economic impact, this industry plays a critical role in enhancing the commonwealth’s culture, education and tourism. The administration has been committed to investing in the industry as part of Team Kentucky’s initiative to build a better Kentucky through tourism and economic development. In 2021, the commonwealth invested nearly $1.7 million in federal funding to support recovery of the arts industry.

To learn more about the Kentucky state Capitol building visit, capitol.ky.gov. The site includes visitor information, Capitol building facts and an historical overview.