T
he revitalization of Paducah’s historic LowerTown neighborhood began with the creation of the award-winning Artist Relocation Program in March 2000. Eight years later through a collaborative effort between the City of Paducah, West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) and regional interests, the vision for a world-class art school to anchor the region and City of Paducah as an arts destination was launched. The vision is now a reality with the Paducah School of Art and Design (PSAD) campus completed in LowerTown. PSAD opened in temporary studios in August 2008 at 409 Broadway in downtown Paducah and immediately exceeded expectations in growth. The school’s 2-dimensional programs, which includes drawing, painting and digital photography, were housed in the historic high ceilinged storefront and former department store located four blocks from the riverfront. In 2010, WKCTC established the Commonwealth’s first Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) degree, preparing students to transfer to a four-year university or art school with Bachelor of Fine Arts programs. West Kentucky awarded its first AFA degree in May 2011.
Ceramics and Small Metals Building
2 | CREATING THE DIFFERENCE
In January 2013, the first phase of the PSAD LowerTown expansion process was completed with the historic 6,700-squarefoot studio building, which houses the school’s first-class ceramics and small metals programs. The Ceramics and Small Metals Building features separate studios for wheel-throwing and handbuilding, glazing and electric kiln rooms, as well as three studios with state-of the art equipment for the metals program.
PSAD opened its Sculpture Building in August 2014, creating the next significant change to the school’s LowerTown landscape. Completing the second phase of the PSAD campus, the 7,000-square-foot building incorporates the newest ideas and the
most up-to-date features with distinct studios for woodworking, metals fabrication and new technology, along with a wax and plaster room in support of an outdoor foundry.
Sculpture Building Groundbreaking, October 25, 2012 (L to R) – Dr. Barbara Veazey, WKCTC president; John Williams, Paducah Junior College Board of Trustees chair; Deborah Edmonds, WKCTC Board of Directors chair; Paul Aho, Paducah School of Art and Design dean; Mayor Bill Paxton; Anne Gwinn, Paducah Junior College Board of Trustees
PSAD Open House and Celebration, September 30, 2014 The event highlighted the completion of the first two phases of PSAD’s LowerTown campus with the 7,000-square-foot Sculpture Building and the adjacent 6,700-square-foot Ceramics and Small Metals Building.
Scultpure Building
CREATING THE DIFFERENCE | 3
The 2D and Graphic Design Building is the final milestone completing the full PSAD campus in LowerTown. The historic structure, formerly known as Kitchen’s Inc., was donated to West Kentucky Community and Technical College by the City of Paducah. The $10 million project was made possible by a community fundraising effort of $2.5 million and $7.5 million in state bonds. The 32,228-square-foot building houses an art gallery and studios for painting, drawing, digital photography, graphic design and multimedia. The building will also be home to the Kitchen’s Café and host guest chefs and a culinary arts series. Paducah School of Art and Design with its renown faculty, first-class arts programming and state-of-the-art facilities, has created a setting where talented students and community members can make their dreams a reality.
2D and Graphic Design Building
4 | CREATING THE DIFFERENCE
Check Presentation for PSAD’s 2D and Graphic Design Building, August 18, 2014 A $400,000 donation from the Carson-Myre Foundation to WKCTC helped the College reach its $2.5 million goal to complete the 2D and Graphic Design Building. (L to R) - Former President of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, Michael B. McCall; WKCTC President Barbara Veazey; John Williams, vice chair of the Paducah Junior College, Inc. Foundation Board of Trustees and Clay Howerton, Judge J. William Howerton, Rob Milford and Allison Ogden, all Carson-Myre Charitable Foundation trustees and Lesa Barks from Paducah Bank.
E
unsil Leem, a native of South Korea, first came to the United States as a foreign exchange student at Murray State University. Upon returning home, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in furniture design in 2011. Two years later, back in the United States, Leem began a new chapter in her life. She began taking classes at West Kentucky Community and Technical College and began thinking about studying construction technology, a program that would have been a good fit for her current skill set. But everything changed when she decided to take a sculpture class at Paducah School of Art and Design in 2014. “After the sculpture class, I also took my first jewelry class, and I have never looked back. I enjoyed furniture design because of the functionality of the art, but I was attracted to jewelry design because it is art that has both functionality and creativity at the same time. PSAD gave me a new outlook and changed my life focus.” In fall 2015, Leem was accepted to the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she is
working to obtain her degree in metalsmithing. She was awarded a graduate assistantship, receiving a tuition waiver while also earning a monthly stipend. “Graduate students from all across the country apply to Southern Illinois’ MFA program. Eighty percent of my small metals and jewelry portfolio was created at PSAD, and without that body of work, I don’t think I would have been accepted into the program. Lots of people have talent, but it takes the right people, the right place, and the right time to move forward. PSAD was all that for me.” CREATING THE DIFFERENCE | 5
Martens was quickly put at ease by the instructor and by the eclectic group of students who were sharing the studio with her. “My instructor was very aware of everyone in the class in a way that I feel I sometimes miss the mark in my own classes. I want to be more conscious of my students and want to make them feel as welcome as I was at PSAD. “When I walked into the class, there were students in their 70s, some right out of high school, and some in between. I began to feel more comfortable and was reminded that you can learn anything at any age.” However, the most important takeaway from her class at PSAD was remembering what it’s like to sit on the other side of the table and to be a student again.
A
melia Martens, an English and Creative Writing adjunct instructor at West Kentucky Community and Technical College stepped out of her comfort zone by taking a jewelry and small metals class at Paducah School of Art and Design. The experience gave her a renewed insight into ideas she wants to incorporate into her own classroom. “The class was full, and it was so strange walking into class and not being the teacher. But even though I was out of my element, I found out that it was an important step for me as an instructor. We as teachers need to remember what it’s like to study in a field that’s not what we’ve taught for years.” 6 | CREATING THE DIFFERENCE
“Taking a class, any class, but especially at the art school because it’s such a unique craft experience, is good for anybody who has been teaching for a number of years. Opening oneself up to learning something you know nothing about is a wonderful way to remember how to be a student and to help us all be better teachers.”
P
aducah School of Art and Design was the best option for Shanden Simmons. While the financial aspect of college can be a big factor for everyone, for Simmons who grew up with limited means, it was the determining factor for whether or not he could go to college at all.
encouragement and valuable attention, I built a wholesome portfolio - an artist’s resume for getting commissioned work. Without that portfolio, I wouldn’t have any pieces for the public to see and wouldn’t have been able to make the leap to becoming a full-time artist.
“Then came my opportunity to enroll at Paducah School of Art and Design. The art school is actually just a few minutes from my house, which saved me a lot of money because I didn’t have to commute to another art school hundreds of miles away. I graduated with an Associate in Fine Arts degree, and having had the experience at PSAD, I realize that my money was definitely well spent.
“Through social media, clients have seen my portfolio and hired me to create artwork for their businesses. I have completed a large mural for the Paducah Distilled Spirits and Piper’s Tea and Coffee in LowerTown. Everything was just perfect timing for me to have moved into producing my art on a full-time basis.
“Attending PSAD helped me not only develop my technical skills, but I learned how to market myself and my artwork, which is so important in being a successful artist. With my instructors’
“Taking that step was scary because, as with everything in life, there are no guarantees. I have momentum now and I’m not as scared anymore. I am able to support myself through my art because PSAD provided me with the opportunity to do what I love and get paid for my passion.”
CREATING THE DIFFERENCE | 7
S
trategically investing in communities is a critical element to long-term economic development and quality of life in the 21st century. Creative communities recognize that artistic enterprises create jobs, stimulate trade through cultural tourism, attract investment, diversify the local economy and improve property values. Joe Framptom, Paducah Bank Chairman/CEO “Paducah School of Art and Design is a perfect addition to Paducah’s commitment to arts and culture. The presence of PSAD in LowerTown is a tremendous benefit to the stability and growth of the neighborhood. As PSAD continues to grow and expand course offerings and programming, its LowerTown campus will draw students, faculty, guest artists and visitors who will participate in, enhance and support arts and culture, providing diversity and permanency to the economy of our City and region.” Sandra Wilson, Paducah Chamber of Commerce President “Paducah School of Art and Design is a true benefit to our community in more ways than one. The College’s excellent reputation as one of the top three community colleges in the nation continues to attract artists and visitors to our community providing additional support and economic growth in the region. And with its completed state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding programs, PSAD students will continue to receive a first-rate education that can help them create successful artistic careers. As these students and artists make Paducah their home and open their own businesses, our community will continue to grow.”
8 | CREATING THE DIFFERENCE
Mayor Gayle Kaler, City of Paducah “From our reputation in fiber art to the Artist in Residence Program to the designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Art, Paducah is a hub of artistic energy. Paducah School of Art and Design anchors that energy in practical instruction for students who want to excel in their field and be surrounded by the creative culture of our community. I am grateful to have PSAD as a place that draws in talent, produces professionals and promotes the artistic identity of Paducah.�
CREATING THE DIFFERENCE | 9
caused pain in her hands. She became lonely, and at one point in time, she thought she might just grow old writing and painting at home. “But I saw that beautiful new sculpture building and I knew I had to go back; I wanted it so bad. And when I signed up for classes again and attended my first sculpture class, everything just clicked. I am a new person with a new life; it’s a whole new world for me. I now know that if I had gone to college early in life, I wouldn’t have been a doctor or lawyer or even a painter or writer – I would have been a sculptor. I love it.” Speirbhain sees the world differently now. “I love my classmates, young and old. We’re a family. At PSAD I have found friendship, camaraderie, support and encouragement that I have never had to this point in my life. I’ve waited over 70 years to go to college; I don’t think I will ever stop going to school now.”
G
ay Speirbhain has been a folk artist for over 50 years and continues to sell and display her artwork in galleries in Paducah and throughout the country. But going to college was always a dream for her - one that was not realized until she stepped through the doors of Paducah School of Art and Design for the first time in fall 2012. “I always wanted to go to college. Now at 77 years old, it is my time to do that, and PSAD has changed my life.” Speirbhain’s first classes were in jewelry and small metals and ceramics, but she had to withdraw because those disciplines
10 | CREATING THE DIFFERENCE
A
s a young girl, Jill Westerfield developed her passion for art from her grandmother in their native Cologne, Germany. “My grandmother began teaching me when I was five years old. I painted with her everyday.” After high school graduation, Westerfield was ready to continue her passion in the United States. In fall 2013 at 19 years old, Westerfield moved to Paducah to live with her father who teaches at West Kentucky Community and Technical College and began attending Paducah School of Art and Design. “In school in Germany we were exposed a little bit to art with small projects and analyzing everything. But I never really fully experienced art until PSAD. I experienced ceramics, sculpture and painting with oils for the first time. PSAD has changed me. I feel like a flower that is opening up; I’m blossoming here.” The art school has also exposed Westerfield to the experience of selling her art. “It makes me feel I have really accomplished something with my art, and it’s a wonderful feeling to know somebody else will enjoy it.”
Westerfield’s drawing titled, A Cat’s View won the 2015 WKCTC President’s Choice Award. WKCTC President Barbara Veazey purchased the piece as part of the College’s permanent collection. Westerfield graduated with an Associate in Fine Arts degree in December 2015. She plans to stay and gain more experience at PSAD before transferring to a university in Germany to study art restoration or industrial design. “After that, I am open to what life has to offer. But whatever my future holds, art will be a part of it.” CREATING THE DIFFERENCE | 11
I
n November 2013, the United Nation’s Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated Paducah the world’s seventh Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art for the City’s important role in connectivity of cultures through creativity. Paducah is only one of three cities in the United States to be a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Mary Hammond, Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director “Education and sharing of knowledge are essential to make creativity a catalyst for urban development. Paducah’s commitment to promoting creative industry and cultural participation as a UNESCO Creative City is exemplified by Paducah School of Art and Design’s expanding campus and programming. WKCTC, through PSAD, contributes to the creation of a sustainable, inclusive and balanced future for our community.” Sharon Massey, Master Artist Sharon Massey from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, traveled to Paducah in May 2015 to teach a three-day workshop in jewelry fabrication to a full class of students and community members. Massey’s visit is part of the art school’s ongoing Master Artist Workshops Program that brings nationally and internationally recognized artists to the PSAD campus. “With all the equipment and tools that are available to students, PSAD is one of the best facilities I have seen as a Master Artist.”
12 | CREATING THE DIFFERENCE
Sharon Massey, Master Artist
Rosemarie Steele, Paducah Arts Alliance Member “Having PSAD in our community is definitely an enhancement to Paducah Arts Alliance’s Artist-in-Residence program. Our visiting artists know that Paducah is a community that encourages creative collaborations and the exchange of ideas.” Maria Safronova, Paducah Arts Alliance Artist-in-Residence in May 2015 Russian-born artist Maria Safronova came to Paducah in May 2015 to become an Artist-in-Residence for the Paducah Arts Alliance because she’d heard so much about the community’s success from other artists. Safronova, who now lives in Stockholm, Sweden, toured PSAD during her brief time in Paducah. “It’s hard to explain how amazed and impressed I was seeing the ceramics, metal and sculpture studios; they are fabulous. The studios are big enough to receive as many students as a whole bachelor degree program could contain. And for me as an artist, that’s an absolutely priceless experience to be surrounded by such skilled and well-knowledged artists, and to have access to their experience, works and studios.”
Maria Safronava, Paducah Arts Alliance Artist-in-Residence, May 2015
CREATING THE DIFFERENCE | 13
A
fter spending many years pursuing multiple career paths, Michael Copeland, in 2012, found himself underemployed and looking for a more fulfilling and sustainable career. That’s when he revisited the program offerings at West Kentucky Community and Technical College and discovered the Visual Communications program. “The more I researched, the more certain I became that returning to school to further my education was the ideal option to increase my skills, employability and ultimately take steps toward a more fulfilling career. I enrolled in classes and began my journey to becoming a graphic designer - a field that has been an abiding passion for as long as I can remember. “Over the past two and a half years, I have discovered ways in which the disciplines of fine art and design can be complementary to one another. Through Paducah School of Art and Design and the Visual Communications program, I have been able to develop necessary skills and broaden my approach to the fields of art and design. Any practice in one field can enhance the work of the other.”
In December 2015, Copeland earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in visual communication with a concentration in digital design. He plans to transfer to Southern Illinois University to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in communication design. “While my chosen career path may take me away from western Kentucky, there will always be a part of me that considers this region home. WKCTC and PSAD will always be the place where I was inspired and supported in the pursuit of making my dreams a practical reality. For this, I will be forever grateful.” 14 | CREATING THE DIFFERENCE
In spring 2011, I began taking drawing and photography classes at PSAD and soon realized that art was my true passion. And since I also love technology, graphic design seemed the logical way to merge those two interests.” After graduating with an Associate in Science degree from West Kentucky, Hlinka transferred to Murray State University (MSU) and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree. “PSAD fully prepared me to be successful at MSU. Completion of my BFA required creating a capstone project that I could not have done without the skill set I developed at PSAD.” Now a graphic designer at Socially Present in downtown Paducah, Hlinka is an artist, a producer, a writer, a designer and a photographer - part of a team that helps entrepreneurs succeed and businesses flourish. “One of the best things about being a local artist in Paducah is seeing my former PSAD classmates excel in their artistic fields. We all continue to grow as artists based on that foundation we earned at PSAD.”
K
aroline Hlinka grew up with a love of drawing and took several art classes at Marshall County High School, but she struggled with choosing art as a career. “I just wasn’t sure if art could support a viable lifestyle for me. So following graduation in 2009, I toyed with the idea of architecture for one semester at the University of Kentucky; it wasn’t a good fit for me. I dropped out of college for a year while and I tried to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. It was a difficult, discouraging year, but Paducah School of Art and Design changed all that for me. CREATING THE DIFFERENCE | 15
M
eg Mahoney was introduced to Paducah School of Art and Design as a sophomore in the homeschool, Sycamore Springs Academy. While impressed with the faculty and the quality of work being produced at the art school, following her artistic dream was something Mahoney thought she would never be able to do. “I never thought I would be able to pursue visual storytelling as a career. It’s extremely unusual to find a program of PSAD’s caliber that is also so affordable.” PSAD organizes visits to various art schools for those students who are interested in transferring for a four-year degree. “I was amazed at how PSAD compared to other art schools and programs. Our studios and facilities rivaled and were sometimes superior to schools that cost a great deal more to attend. With PSAD I gained a solid foundation and a gateway to furthering my artistic education.” After graduating from PSAD with an Associate in Fine Arts degree in spring 2013, Mahoney chose to study animation and illustration at Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) in Ohio, a school with strong industry ties to every big animation studio in the United States. “If it were not for PSAD, attending CCAD would not have been an option. I never would have been put in contact with the College, nor would I have had the art portfolio that earned me enough scholarships to attend the school. I honestly can’t say where I would be now without PSAD.” In December 2015, Mahoney graduated from CCAD with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in animation.
16 | CREATING THE DIFFERENCE
“I started with no experience in ceramics as a student when the art school opened in fall 2008. Since then I have had the unique opportunity to explore creative avenues with expert guidance and a well-equipped studio. I found out that ceramics is a subject with so many different techniques, materials and methods that are challenging – but I keep working at it.” As a PSAD student, Trickey received recognition for his work in several student and community exhibitions. He won Best in Show Ceramics in PSAD’s 2015 Student Art Exhibit and received the First Place Overall Award in the 2010 Easter Seals of West Kentucky Fifth Annual Art Competition with a mixed media ceramics piece that was inspired by the BP oil spill. “Without PSAD, I would never have been able to experiment and produce work at this level.” While not currently taking classes, Trickey is now a volunteer and studio assistant helping faculty with various day-to-day studio operations, kiln firings, special events and provides help to students with technical questions. “I love this school, and being here is like a second home to me.”
A
t 62 and retired from a career in environmental protection, Lee Trickey said Paducah School of Art and Design offered him the opportunity to find new ways to explore his creative side. “Artistic expression has been a part of my life since an early age and trying various media such as drawing, painting, silkscreen and woodworking has been an ongoing process. But I wanted to try something different and PSAD was the place to do that. CREATING THE DIFFERENCE | 17
M
att Hernandez is an artist through and through. With a love and gift for drawing as a young child, he decided to major in studio art in college. After graduation, Hernandez then began honing his artistic talents as graphic designer - but he didn’t stop there. He is now a highly sought-after photographer and owner of a local photography business. Hernandez studied drawing, painting, 3-D design, 2-D design, art history and graphic design from 2000-2001 at West Kentucky Community and Technical College, then Paducah Community College. He then transferred to Western Kentucky University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in studio art. As a graphic designer for seven years, Hernandez created work for several businesses including a large print company in Nashville and several colleges and universities including the University of Kentucky. But when he decided to take a photography class at Paducah School of Art and Design, his life moved in a new direction. “I always knew I was interested in photography when I used to art direct for photo shoots as a designer. After I took a photography class at PSAD, I realized that was what I was meant to do. I didn’t know I would enjoy photography that much! I immediately bought a camera after that first class and started practicing on my own and learning as much as I could online.” Now an award-winning photographer and owner of Matt Hernandez Creative in Paducah, Hernandez credits PSAD for his new career. “The art school changed my life completely, and helped me find something I love doing and can do for a living. When I first attended the College, it got me started in my former career, then later in life, PSAD started me on my new career as a photographer, which actually is my passion.”
18 | CREATING THE DIFFERENCE
“As an institution, PSAD fosters this growth by staging the process and setting the stage for whatever comes next. Our role is to steer student success as they transition to artists and established professionals, or enter and complete their degrees at four-year institutions. “Former PSAD students are earning or have received bachelor degrees at universities such as Columbus College of Art and Design, University of Louisville, Western Kentucky University, Watkins College of Art, Design & Film, Southern Illinois University, and Murray State University – building upon the strengths and skills acquired at PSAD. “We are proud of them all and pleased to lead by example.”
A
s an arts educator, it is always a pleasure to witness the development of skills and creativity among students as they make progress in their work and toward their degrees. “
“Beyond that, having the good fortune to serve as dean of Paducah School of Art and Design allows me to witness life changes on a larger level that develop through each student’s struggle and success. Making art and academic achievement both require a level of discipline and fortitude that inevitably permeates one’s personal and professional life with positive outcomes. “Those creating art and building their artistic skills at PSAD include members of the region’s broader creative community, as well as numerous studio artists developing individual careers. CREATING THE DIFFERENCE | 19
Cover Artwork: Rethinking the Rest by Paul Aho