Kentucky Life walks on the wild side when it explores the "Purple People Bridge , " which span s the Ohio between Newport and Cincinnati , in the next program, airing Saturday, May 19 at 8/7 p.m. CT and Sunday, May 20 at 4:30/3:30 p.m. CT on KET1 and Sunday, May 20 at 7/6 p.m. CT on KET2. Hosted by Dave Shuffett and his dog Charlie, the program also features unique Royal Thai fruit carving and the creations of bronze fine art sculptor Russ Faxon of Bell Buckle, Tenn.

Originally known as the L&N (Louisville & Nashville) Bridge, it's officially called the Newport Southbank Bridge -- but everyone knows it as the Purple People Bridge . At 2,670 feet, it's the longest connector of its kind in the country that links two states. The bridge , which was built in 1872, closed to cars and pedestrians in 2001 and re-opened in 2003 after a $4 million restoration, to pedestrians only. As for the color ... it was the top choice for a local citizen focus group.

Next, Kentucky Life introduces Maki Takahashi, an artist and expert of Royal Thai fruit carving, who creates unique pieces of edible art. Maki, a Japanese citizen who immigrated to the U.S., was interested in creating art that wasn't permanent and was attracted to Royal Thai fruit carving. One of perhaps 10 people in the U.S. trained in this art, she also creates Celtic pattern cookies and art nouveau movie posters out of royal icing and cookie patterns.

Finally, viewers can experience the bronze work of sculptor Russ Faxon. After a teaching stint, he studied in Italy, experiencing the works of the great European masters. Today his work graces museums, parks and universities and is infused with his own unique sensibilities.

Kentucky Life is a KET production, produced by Joy Flynn. Segment producers for this program are John Schroering, Brandon Wickey and Cheryl Beckley. Some Kentucky Life programs are now available for on-demand videostream viewing at www.ket.org/kentuckylife.