Untitled by Kaocrew “Yah” Kakabutra, 2018, acrylic on stretched canvas, 36 x 36 inches

Kaocrew “Yah” Kakabutra and Vincent Jackson selected as two of five commissioned artists

CE artists Kaocrew “Yah” Kakabutra and Vincent Jackson are featured in Connections, a major exhibition at the Art Center of the Bluegrass in Kentucky. Kakabutra uses diverse media including colored pencil, acrylics, pastels, and watercolor to create abstract, experimental works. Vincent Jackson is one CE’s longest practicing artists, known for his large-scale figurative oil pastel portraits.

The Art Center of the Bluegrass selected five artists from across the country, each of whom was commissioned to create brand-new, original artwork for the show.

“Commissioning new work is a way for us to invest directly in artists. It also allows us to produce exhibits that are immediate and timely, by inviting artists to respond to current issues and themes in their lives.”

— Niki Kinkade, Executive Director

Connections is the third in a series of exhibitions featuring artists from under-represented backgrounds, following The Art of Being Black: Conversation and Experience in 2021 and Appalachia from the Inside in 2022. The Art Center has planned a range of programs to accompany the exhibit, including free field trips for students and free open-studio art sessions for adults with disabilities and their care-partners. The Art Center plans to use Connections as a springboard for increased inclusive programming, including providing sensory backpacks upon request and accessible field trip experiences for all ages.

Check out the Art Center of the Bluegrass’s website to plan your visit ▸

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ABOUT the art center for the bluegrass

The Art Center of the Bluegrass is a multi-faceted nonprofit organization. With a mission to connect people to art, culture, and creativity, the Art Center serves as a creative hub for the Southern Bluegrass region. Housed in a restored 1909 federal building in the heart of historic downtown Danville, the Art Center hosts rotating exhibits, a wide range of classes for children and adults, and arts-related special events. Admission to Art Center exhibits is free.

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Browse more works by Kaocrew “Yah” Kakabutra:

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Browse more works by Vincent Jackson: