This summer, The Kentucky Center hosted more than 250 eager, young artists from every region of the Commonwealth, as he Kentucky Center Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) took place at he University of Kentucky from June 23 to July 13.

During their three-week stay, more than 250 student artists from 53 counties were immersed in a rigorous schedule of daily seminars, master-classes, lectures, hands-on workshops and field trips to regional arts attractions.

Instruction was offered in nine disciplines: architecture and design, creative writing, dance, drama, instrumental music, musical theatre, film and photography, visual art and vocal music.

Graduates from Clark County include:

— Galen Arnett, George Rogers Clark High School, drama

— Ben Carpenter, George Rogers Clark High School, visual art

— Sarina McQuerry, George Rogers Clark High School, drama

— Caleb Robinson, Bryan Station High School, instrumental music.

Special performances for GSA 2019 included jazz pianist and author Harry Pickens, who serves as GSA’s main artist-in-residence, Martha Redbone Trio, GSA alum Kory Caudill as well as the dance company 10 Hairy Legs.

Since 1987, more than 6,100 talented high school sophomores and juniors have attended the GSA summer program.

The program culminated on July 7 with an all-day festival that celebrated the achievements of Kentucky’s young artists.

Additionally, 30 colleges and universities currently offer scholarships to alumni of GSA, including 23 in Kentucky.

GSA is a public/private partnership inaugurated in 1987 by The Kentucky Center, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and numerous private supporters. Today, the vital funding required to make GSA a reality is provided by the state through the leadership of the Governor’s Office and the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, as well as The Kentucky Center Endowment Fund, Toyota Motor Manufacturing and more than 300 corporations, parents, educators, alumni and friends of GSA.