Producer: Donna Ross

Makin’ Some Noise

Drum prodigy Shon Willis

Most toddlers like to bang on pots and pans, and most parents eventually get tired of the racket and lock everything up. But Shon Willis’ parents thought they heard some real talent in their son’s case and encouraged him to keep on banging.

By the age of 6 (which was when Kentucky Life met him, in 1997), Shon was something of a percussion prodigy, about to start formal instruction. We visited this Lexington family at home and at church, where Shon often performs.

Shon also plays piano and sings, and he has since gone on to attend Lexington’s School for the Creative and Performing Arts.

For more information:
• Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, 300 Coffee Tree Rd., Frankfort, KY 40601, (502) 564-8300

Producer: Stan Petrey

Capturing Kentucky in Wood

Bobby Reed Falwell’s map sculpture

As the state capital, Frankfort has its fair share of monuments and public art. One unique example is a 24-foot wooden sculpture of Kentucky made from the wood of 28 different trees found in the state.

In fact, these particular trees were all found on the property of Kentucky Historian Laureate Dr. Thomas Clark, who donated them for the project. The sculpture by Bobby Reed Falwell pays tribute to the diversity of the state’s natural heritage. Completed in 1982, it is located on the grounds of the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives at 300 Coffee Tree Road.

For more information:
• Terrapin Creek State Nature Preserve, c/o Lane Linnenkohl, WKU Ogden Dean’s Office, 1 Big Red Way, Bowling Green, KY 42101, (270) 745-7005

Producer/videographer: Gale Worth

Wet and Wild

Terrapin Creek State Nature Preserve

More of Kentucky’s natural diversity is on display in our final segment, a visit to Terrapin Creek State Nature Preserve in Western Kentucky’s Graves County. Joyce Bender of the state Nature Preserves Commission is our guide for a tour of this wetland habitat, which is home to several rare varieties of fish and amphibians.

The nature preserve, established with help from the Nature Conservancy, protects more than 200 acres in three separate tracts of land. Access is by written permission only.