Kentucky.gov: - GovAwards_06

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The recipients of the 2006 Governor’s Awards in the Arts will each receive an art glass piece especially created by artist Dan Neil Barnes of Lexington, Ky. Governor Ernie Fletcher and First Lady Glenna Fletcher will present the awards at a public ceremony and celebration on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort.

The art objects, entitled Kentucky Ablaze, are mixed-media art glass constructions incorporating stained glass with turned eucalyptus resin burl wood and patina-finished copper, that creates a rugged elegance through the use of carefully combined textures.

“I love the challenge of moving beyond just capturing an image,” says Dan Barnes. “To me, glass is a textured medium that I can use along with wood and metal in sculptures to create original multi-dimensional works that uniquely blend color, light, texture and depth.”

Dan Neil Barnes, who was born to a family of builders and craftsmen, experienced early on the first-hand satisfaction of creating something from an idea or inspiration. Henderson County served as a backdrop for his education in art and craftsmanship as he worked along side his father and uncles. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design from the University of Kentucky. He currently lives and works in Lexington.

He began creating stained glass works in early 2000 and his craft has evolved beyond traditional approaches to lamps and window art to include treated metals, crafted wood and unique lighting, pushing his idea of glass art into new forms. Dan has exhibited widely in Kentucky and has been juried into many selective craft shows including the American Craft Council shows and Kentucky Crafted: The Market.

The Governor’s Awards in the Arts recipients are selected annually in nine different categories. The 2006 recipients are Patricia Neal (born in Packard, Whitley County, Kentucky), National Award; J. Alexander Speer, Goshen, Milner Award; LaVon Van Williams, Jr., Lexington, Artist Award; Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare, Metropolitan Louisville, Business Award; Kentucky Book Fair, Frankfort, Community Arts Award; The Russell Orchestra, Russell, Education Award; Lewis Lamb and Donna Lamb, Lancaster, Folk Heritage Award; Pike County Extension for Fine Arts, Pike County, Government Award; and Morehead State Public Radio, WMKY-FM, WOCS-FM, Morehead, Media Award.

The Kentucky Arts Council administers the Governor’s Awards in the Arts selection process. Nominations are annually solicited from the public, reviewed by a selection committee and presented to the Governor for final approval. Nominations for the 2007 awards will be accepted in September 2007. For more information about the Kentucky Arts Council or the Governor’s Awards in the Arts, go to www.artscouncil,ky.gov.

NOTE TO EDITORS: High resolution photo of award available at

http://artscouncil.ky.gov/Press_Images/Barnes_highres.jpg

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The Kentucky Arts Council is a state agency in the Commerce Cabinet that creates opportunities for Kentuckians through the arts. Every $1 in grant funds awarded by the Kentucky Arts Council helps grantees secure $15 in earned income and matching funds from individuals, philanthropic sources and other levels of government. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.