Kentucky Muse: Previous Seasons
Encore Presentation: Mountain Born: The Jean Ritchie Story
In this vintage KET production, folk legend Jean Ritchie shares her life’s amazing journey, from her childhood in Eastern Kentucky to international recognition.
#203 | First Aired: January 1, 2009
Music and drama bring people in Harlan County together to talk about the life-and-death community challenge of prescription drug abuse.
#202 | First Aired: January 8, 2009
The vibrant glasswork of Stephen Rolfe Powell and the intricate, automata sculpture of Steve Armstrong reveal the distinctive energies of two gifted Kentucky artists.
#201 | First Aired: December 21, 2008
Visit the homes of three Kentucky writers for conversations on inspirations and the writing process. Sheila Williams of Newport is the author of “Dancing on the Edge of the Roof” and “On the Right Side of a Dream.” Kirby Gann of Louisville is the author of “The Barbarian Parade” and “Our Napoleon in Rags.” And Silas House of Eastern Kentucky is the author of “Clay’s Quilt,” “A Parchment of Leaves,” and The “Coal Tattoo.”
#106 | First Aired: February 24, 2008
Encore Presentation: Ellis Wilson—So Much To Paint
Follows the career of Kentucky native Ellis Wilson (1899-1977), an African-American artist whose passion for painting took him from his hometown of Mayfield to a successful career in New York. His work captured the daily lives of African Americans and helped open doors for many younger black artists. This update of a 2000 KET documentary includes a look at Ellis Wilson works discovered since the program’s premiere.
#105 | First Aired: February 17, 2008
The Affrilachian Poets, an ensemble of African-American and minority writers from Appalachia and the South, challenge the notions of an all-white region and culture and celebrate their African heritage and rural roots. Their work gives voice to the pleasures and power of family, land, good food, artistic community, music, and transformation.
#104 | First Aired: February 5, 2008
A behind-the-scenes look at the drama, suspense, and fun of the first International Mystery Writers’ Festival, held at Owensboro’s RiverPark Center in June 2007. This KET production follows several plays, including an award-winning entry by a Kentucky native, from rehearsals to final presentation.
#103 | First Aired: January 29, 2008
For more than three decades, players and fans of traditional music have assembled annually at the J.P. Fraley Mountain Music Gatherin’ in Olive Hill for performances by master musicians and rising young stars as well as come-one, come-all day and night jam sessions.
#102 | First Aired: January 22, 2008
Master of Still Life: Mary Ann Currier
The still lifes and other paintings of Louisvillian Mary Ann Currier are recognized as remarkable contributions to American realism. And her influence as a teacher has shaped generations of young Kentucky artists.
#101 | First Aired: January 15, 2008