This special edition celebrates five recipients of the 2001 Governor’s Awards in the Arts. Bestowed each February, these awards are the Commonwealth’s most prestigious in the arts.

The first recipient profiled is Barbara Kingsolver, winner of the National Award, which honors “a Kentucky son or daughter who has achieved national acclaim.” The best-selling author and Carlisle native has achieved both critical and popular success with books such as The Bean Trees and The Poisonwood Bible. (See the May 2001 bookclub@ket for more about the author.)

Next, Mixed Media turns its cameras on two recipients honored for their community focus. Diane Downs, founder and director of the Fabulous Leopard Percussionists, received the Education Award for her passion and commitment to the students of Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Louisville. The Community Arts Award went to the Covington Community Center for offering unique arts opportunities that promote active and creative cultural expression. The center has initiated a wide variety of arts programs, the most visible of which are the many mosaics and murals that dot Covington’s landscape.

In music, the Artist Award went to Melvin Dickinson, who founded the Louisville Bach Society almost 40 years ago and continues as its conductor. And the Folk Heritage Award, which recognizes a Kentucky artist who has made an outstanding effort to perpetuate and promote Kentucky’s unique artistic traditions, was given to bluegrass banjo master and bandleader J.D. Crowe.