The Carson Center has been selected as one of several venues across Kentucky to host the Kentucky Arts Council’s traveling exhibit: Native Reflections: Visual Art by American Indians of Kentucky. The Carson Center, located at 100 Kentucky Avenue in downtown Paducah, will host the exhibit February 25 through March 9, 2021. The Carson Center will follow its CDC-compliant protocol, which requires: masks, social distancing, limited attendance at any one time, and other public health procedures.
“We are honored and excited to host the Native Reflections exhibit, which takes place during the 17th anniversary of the opening of The Carson Center,” said Executive Director Mary Katz. “We invite our community to experience this shining example of visual and performing arts, fascinating culture, heritage, and education. No admission will be charged.”
The exhibit features 23 works by 12 native-inspired Kentuckians who identify as American Indians of enrolled or unenrolled tribal membership. The submitted work was adjudicated by a panel of American Indian artists and members of the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission. A slideshow of the work in Native Reflections is available at http://artscouncil.ky.gov/KAC/Showcasing/NativeReflectionsExhibit.htm .
The Carson Center will host two opening receptions, both of which require reservations by calling (270) 450-4444. The Carson Center will host its contributing Members at a reception on March 5 at 5 p.m. (If you are not currently a Carson Center Member, join for $50 and up when you make your reservation.) The public is invited to a reception March 6 at 10 a.m. Both receptions will include an hour to view the exhibit followed by a live performance by flute maker Fred Nez-Keams of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. He performs original compositions and other music on Native American flutes, most of which he creates by hand. He is an enrolled member of the Dine (translated People) of the Navajo nation. KET Kentucky Life featured him in 2019 https://www.ket.org/living/yellowknife-flutes GEO Consultants is providing sponsorship support to The Carson Center to include activities in conjunction with the exhibit.
From February 25 to March 9 the exhibit will be open to the public on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or by appointment. Afternoon, student, and group tours are available by calling (270) 450-4444.
The Carson Center’s CDC-compliant and security protocol includes: No large bags or backpacks will be allowed inside. All guests will complete touchless temperature check and COVID-19 screening questions before entry. The number of visitors viewing the exhibit at any one time will be monitored and limited. Face masks are required upon entry (for guests age 5 and older) and must be worn for the duration of the visit. Social distancing will be required throughout the visit. Hand sanitizer will be available at multiple locations.
Artists whose work is included in the Native Reflections traveling exhibit, listed by name, county, tribal affiliation, work title and medium, are:
Sponsored by: 
