For more information:
• David Rogers’ Big Bugs, PO Box 486, Glenwood Landing, NY 11547 (516) 759-6422
• Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, PO Box 22562, Owensboro, KY 42304 (270) 852-8925

Producer, videographer: Valerie Trimble
Videographers: Prentice Walker, Matt Grimm
Audio: Noel Depp
Editor: Jim Piston

Larger than life

Big Bugs

Imagine a preying mantis two stories high. Visualize ants so tall they can peer down at the humans underfoot.

Visitors to the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden took in these larger-than-life sights at sculptor David Rogers’ Big Bugs exhibit recently in Owensboro. It was David’s first visit to Kentucky with the fanciful exhibit, which has been touring the country for about 10 years.

The insects and spiders are made out of wood and placed in natural settings. The sculptures are created using various combinations of whole trees found standing or fallen dead, cut green saplings selectively harvested from the willow family, dry branches, and other forest materials. David believes that the shapes and textures of the materials provide these sculptures with character and a sense of motion.

The Western Kentucky Botanical Garden was established in 1993 with the donation of land from Dr. and Mrs. Bill Tyler. The Big Bug exhibit is gone now, but the gardens are open year-round. And if you look closely, you might spy a small bug or two—and think about it in a whole new light.

For more information:
• The Glass Studio, 217 Adams St., Berea, KY 40403 (859) 985-0150

Producer, editor: Cheryl Beckley
Videographer: David Brinkley
Production assistants: Jessica Gibbs, Helen Thompson

Possibilities in glass

glassblower Michelle Weston

From a 2,000-degree furnace, Michelle Weston draws out hot glass and transforms it into a work of art. Hand-blown glass, Michelle says, has the quality of frozen water: light plays intricate games through the colors and curves. In the ancient art of glass blowing, she sees a myriad of possibilities.

At the Glass Studio in Berea, Michelle works in traditional glass blowing techniques, creating glass ornaments, vases, and starfish right before your eyes. Art from the glass studio is exhibited in fine craft galleries across the United States.

Michelle earned her undergraduate degree from Hastings College in Nebraska and her master’s degree from Bowling Green University in Ohio. Her Madison County studio is part of the Old Town Artisans Village in Berea.

Producer, editor: Jason Robinson
Videographers: David Dampier, Jason Robinson
Audio: Brent Absher, Charlie Bissel

Rising Star

singer Jordan Leigh

The beautiful voice and country charm of a Kentucky teenager are winning her fans and fame across the state. At 15 years old, Jordan Leigh Young of Salvisa has embarked on a career in country music.

Jordan has been singing since she was a little girl. She plays the five-string banjo, and during her membership in the Kentucky Country Music Association she was given the 2005 and 2006 Female Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year awards for traditional country music.

She caught the eye of her idol, Dolly Parton, in 2007 when the CBS Early Show set up a “Magic Moments” meeting between the two. The country music legend arranged for Jordan to sing at the Grand Ole Opry, a dream come true for the Mercer County teen.

Outside of music, Jordan enjoys the life of a farm girl, raising champion goats with her sister and taking part in 4-H and church youth group activities. The stage beckons frequently, however, and she has performed at Renfro Valley, the Kentucky State Fair, and the J.D. Crowe Festival, among others. The singer has a web site where visitors can listen to her new songs, including “Revlon Red” and “God’s Coloring Book.”