Arts Insider PADUCAH
welcome to Paducah a UNESCO CreativeCity
(only nine cities in the United States have received this designation)
The United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization designated Paducah, Kentucky, a Creative City of Crafts & Folk Art for the city’s important role in the connectivity of cultures through creativity, particularly quilting.
Creativity has always been a precious commodity for the city, and one that is still visible in everything its residents aspire to. The City of Paducah hopes you will feel that spirit when you visit, and that it inspires you even in a small way.
thrive here.
Paducah has always been a creative city. It could be because of its early history as a major hub for goods making their way across America’s inland waterways. Or maybe the city’s inherent creativity is distilled from the creative energy of the artists, entrepreneurs and innovators who call Paducah home. Whatever the reason, fine art, music, live performances and local entrepreneurship coexist to create an atmosphere of creativity, welcoming one and all to this river city.
L i v e om Paduca!
The Carson Center for the Performing Arts is a regional, multiple-use facility known for its beautiful event spaces. Superb staging and exceptional acoustics enhance a wide variety of entertainment and cultural performances. Come experience the best of Broadway this season with uplifting, feel-good classics and new musicals with universal appeal. Purchase tickets here:
Market House Theatre
Community theatre at its finest. This nationally recognized, award-winning institution has produced musicals, dramas and comedies for over six decades. In addition to the Main Stage Series, other popular programming includes fall ghost tours, murder mystery dinners and a Youth/Family Series.
Clemens Fine Arts Center
A vital part of the West Kentucky Community & Technical College hosting national touring shows on the main stage. Backstage Pass performances feature acoustic musicians in a listening room setting. The Gallery exhibits work by regional artists.
Music to your ears.
The local music scene is an essential element of Paducah’s culture. Live music pulses throughout the city almost every night of the week. From the “bar band” scene to musicians playing at local events and festivals, you’ll soon find your favorite jam with a talented regional artist.
Orchestrated Mag i c
Maestro Raffaele Ponti makes music come alive through an annual series of dynamic concerts. Encore Series performances feature the Symphony Choruses, Youth Orchestra and special guest artists while the PSO Off the Record series offers world-class musical experiences in intimate settings.
Maiden Alley Cinema
Founded from a deep appreciation and love of filmmaking, the nonprofit Maiden Alley Cinema goes beyond Hollywood blockbusters with screenings of foreign films, indie flicks, documentaries and cult classics — and is the only such theater in Western Kentucky. Stroll under the vintage marquee and share your adoration for the silver screen with your fellow film aficionados.
Sweet Madame Blue by Margaret Solomon Gunn.
Photo courtesy of the National Quilt Museum.
Infinity by Danny Amazonas.
Photo courtesy of the National Quilt Museum.
Fortuna — Roman Goddess of Chance and Fortune by Jean Brueggenjohann.
Birds of a Different Color by Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry. Photo courtesy of the National Quilt Museum.
Piece-ful asterpieces
Honoring today’s quilter.
With a renowned permanent collection and regular touring exhibits, the National Quilt Museum showcases the finest examples of today’s quilts from the United States and around the world. The museum and gift shop are open seven days a week and educational classes and workshops for quilters of all levels are offered year-round.
Mountain Chapel by Annette Kennedy. Photo courtesy of the National Quilt Museum.
Kids Fiber fun.
Workshops taught by expert instructors provide diverse learning opportunities for quilters of all ages and skill sets. Youth Education Programs, including the annual School Block Challenge and Quilt Camp, are designed to inspire a new generation of fiber artists.
Date Night. Girls Night Out. Family Fun.
Paducah’s creative community offers engaging, hands-on experiences to inspire and keep the creative spirit alive. National and international artists are featured in annual workshop series at venues like the National Quilt Museum and Paducah School of Art & Design. Local creatives offer custom workshops to introduce adults of all skill levels to new creative techniques and the benefits of artistic expression.
Photo courtesy of the National Quilt Museum
Schooled in Creativity.
The Paducah School of Art & Design is a vibrant hub of creativity and offers visual arts education in photography, drawing, painting, 2D graphic design, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, metals and 3D design. The ever-expanding campus features a Master Artist Workshop Series, frequent exhibits and lectures by nationally renowned artists. PSAD is a division of West Kentucky Community & Technical College.
Yeiser Art Center was established in 1957 to promote the appreciation of visual arts in Paducah. What started as a small, volunteer organization has grown into a permanent space that hosts several shows annually and is home to a collection of over 200 works. The center offers visual-art-based programming, including educational classes for children and adults, public gallery talks, and artist lectures.
Community Arts
The Art Guild of Paducah has been serving the Paducah community since 2009. As an arts organization, the goal of the AGP is to promote the visual arts and artists in all media in Paducah and the surrounding region. Additionally, the AGP works to expand art education through community events, educational activities and programs.
Buy Local Art. Be H appy.
The art galleries, artisan shops, supply stores and creative outlets in Paducah could keep even the most fervent art lover busy for weeks. Take a look at a few of our favorite local arts businesses.
Pinecone Gallery
This art gallery and fabric shop is located in beautiful Lower Town.
Terra Cottage Ceramics
A creative family crafting pottery, sculptures, paintings and digital art.
S&M Studios
A husband-and-wife team creates one-ofa-kind art pieces.
Messy Cat Creations
Artwork and handmade items created exclusively by local owners.
Jefferson Street Studios
Studio and gallery of Helene and Bob Davis, featuring quilts, hand-dyed fabrics and ceramic art.
PAPA Gallery (Paducah Area
Painters Alliance)
Gallery and shop offering diverse paintings by local artists.
Lepa Jewelry
High-quality, handmade jewelry for those looking for a truly special piece.
Bricolage Art Collective
Showcasing local art and unique gifts, this shop is a haven for creative types.
Artist Endeavors
Fiber arts supplies and hands-on workshops are offered here.
Barbara Veazey’s Antiques and Fiber Art
The owner mixes her love of weaving with quality, high-country antiques.
Broadway custom framing
Original art by owner Savannah Vincent and other local creators.
Stornoway House Gallery
This Lower Town gallery showcases fine art, handcrafted woodwork, artisan-made jewelry and other locally made goods.
August
