Open Studio

This week on Open Studio WUKY membership and marketing director, Robert Hansel joins Tom to talk about the mission behind the WUKY Gallery; including how the station goes about recruiting local artists for the space.

Tom's guests this week are Lucy Jones, founder of the Harry Dean Stanton Fest, which is July 10th through 12th in Lexington, and multiple award-winning actress, Sean Young, joining in over Zoom, who is part of the roster of guests coming to town to celebrate Kentucky native and acclaimed actor Harry Dean Stanton.

When the Lexington Philharmonic takes the stage next Friday for its annual patriotic concert celebrating Independence Day, it will be opening its 65th season here in central Kentucky. Tom Musgrave welcomes newly re-signed music director and conductor, Melisse Brunet, and executive director, Brooke Raby, for a preview of coming attractions.

Rachel Shane, department chair and professor of arts administration in the UK College of Fine Arts, has received the 2026 William B. Sturgill Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to graduate education at the University of Kentucky. She talks about the various programs on offer with host Tom Musgrave.

A Lexington musical tradition is opening one week from tonight. Produced by University of Kentucky Opera Theater, It's a Grand Night for Singing is Kentucky's longest running Broadway review. And it's running from next Friday June 12th through Sunday June 21st at the Singletary Center for the Arts on UK's campus. Tom Musgrave talks with Dr. Tedrin Blair-Lindsay, a member of the UK Opera Theater fa...

Dr. Gary Anderson, is wrapping up 35 years as the founding conductor and musical director for the Lexington Chamber Chorale. He talks about his long musical journey and previews what's scheduled to be his final concert as leader of the choral group on Sunday June 7 at Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate.

Brittany J. Green closed out her season as composer in residence with the Lexington Philharmonic. Prior to the world premiere of a new work “Black Dandelions” featuring the poems of Crystal Wilkinson, she talked with Tom Musgrave about her experiences and future career goals.

The University of Kentucky School of Music closed its academic year in grand fashion with a Celebration Weekend at Singletary Center for the Arts. It also marked the final concert for longtime choral activities director Jefferson Johnson who will retire this June. He talks about arriving at UK in 1995 and the maturation of the choral program over that span. Johnson says he plans to continue as art...

For more than 87 years, Lexington Children’s Theatre has been a safe, inspiring home for young people and families. To continue serving the Commonwealth, their historic home of 25 years on Short Street needs critical updates. This week on Open Studio Tom Musgrave talks with LCT Development Director Ashlee Collins to talk about their long history and new 'Building Dreams' capital campaign in honor...

The Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Harrison Elementary is a dynamic, lottery-based magnet school where creativity, collaboration, and academic excellence thrive. The program, now in its second year, offers a full spectrum of arts programming, including band, dance, music, orchestra, theatre as well as digital art forms. Tom Musgrave talks with Arts Magnet Coordinator & Curriculum Coach Aust...

All this month Open Studio features new interviews with Kentucky literary artists. For the final installment Tom Musgrave introduces us to Paulick Report Bloodstock Editor Joe Nevills. As part of his coverage of the thoroughbred industry, the Michigan native has made a name for himself as the 'Haiku Handicapper' where he analyzes a race's field or makes predictions on a race card or award show in...

Open Studio features new interviews with Kentucky literary artists to celebrate Kentucky Writers' Day April 24th in Frankfort. This week is a rare opportunity to hear one former Kentucky Poet Laureate interview another. Affrilachian poets Frank X. Walker and Crystal Wilkinson talk about their childhood influences, inspirations as well as aspirations in this in depth conversation.

All this month Open Studio features new interviews with Kentucky literary artists. To celebrate Kentucky Writers' Day April 24th in Frankfort, Tom talks with current Kentucky Poet Laureate Kathleen Driskell and you'll also get to meet and hear from Kentucky Youth Poet Laureate Esme Morris.

All this month Open Studio features new interviews with Kentucky literary artists. Ada Limon served as Poet Laureate for the United States from 2022 to 2025.

Bryce Oquaye is an illustrator, comic artist and animator. From comic to cover art for publishers like Z2 Comics, illustration for Zox and Netflix, and animation for companies like Group Nine Media, Bryce has placed a focus on story based illustration and sequential work. On March 30th, as part of the 'Ideas That Matter' series, Bryce will explore how comic books and visual art uncover cultural tr...

Set in and around the Ellis Island Immigration Inspection Station on a single day in 1921, the UK Opera Theatre's “A Nation of Others” offers a moving portrayal of the courage and determination of those who journeyed to America in search of opportunity and freedom. The American opera by Pulitzer Prize-winning team Paul Moravec and librettist Mark Campbell, debuts March 6-8, at the Lexington Opera...

Mark your calendars! The 2026 Kentucky Crafted Market takes place March 7 & 8 at the Kentucky Horse Park. Tom talks with Kentucky Arts Council Executive Director Chris Cathers about the annual showcase for Kentucky artists and craftspeople.

University of Kentucky School of Art and Visual Studies lecturer and Louisville native, Shae Goodlett has been named the artist for the official 2026 Kentucky Derby Festival poster. Goodlett’s design, which was unveiled earlier this month, will be featured on the festival’s 2026 official merchandise line, including clothing, accessories, glassware and mugs. Host Tom Musgrave talks with Goodlett ab...

For over 60 years the Kentuckians Chorus has been entertaining and keeping barbershop harmonies alive and this week on Open Studio Tom Musgrave talks with four long-time members of the local vocal group.

The University of Kentucky College of Fine Arts will present Violins of Hope UK, a weeklong series of performances, exhibitions and educational events February 10 - 14th. Violins of Hope features more than 70 violins, violas and cellos that survived the Holocaust — instruments once owned and played by Jewish musicians before and during World War II. Tom Musgrave talks with UK Symphony Orchestra mu...