kentucky decorative arts treasures - Kentucky Historical Society

OLD STATE CAPITOL
TAKES CENTER STAGE
New Decorative Arts Exhibition Opened on Boone Day 2009
A shady expanse of the Old State Capitol (OSC) lawn
served as the backdrop for Boone Day 2009, a day that
celebrated the opening of “Great Revivals: Kentucky
Decorative Arts Treasures,” inside two of the building’s
galleries.
More than 140 Kentucky Historical Society (KHS)
members, donors and guests were treated to the first
viewing of this new exhibition that puts Kentucky’s
decorative arts treasures in the spotlight. Guest curator
and art historian Estill Curtis “Buck” Pennington was
on hand to provide both context and color.
The exhibition name, “Great Revivals,” is a play on the
multiple revivals of stylistic designs and the religious
fervor of early Kentucky. The name also applies to the
revival of the OSC—a National Historic Landmark—as
an integral part of the KHS history campus, which
includes the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky
History, the OSC and the Kentucky Military History
Museum at the Old State Arsenal.
“Great Revivals” highlights five stylistic periods from
1800 to 1920 by illustrating the changing tastes of
Kentuckians during the Federal, Greek Revival,
Rococo Revival, Gothic Revival and Aesthetic eras.
Held on the first Saturday in June, Boone Day 2009
began with a special morning reception inside the old
statehouse. This offered KHS staff a chance to thank
the many donors and members who contributed time,
money and, in some cases, actual artifacts to the KHS
collections.
A picnic on the grounds followed, featuring Kentucky
Proud favorites served buffet-style. The Kentucky
Department of Agriculture assisted in locating food
items direct from Kentucky farms for a menu that
included fried chicken, country ham and biscuits,
cheese grits and asparagus. Capital Cellars, a Frankfort
Opposite page: Boone Day visitors watch
a KHS Museum Theatre performance of “Tomb of Love and Honor.”
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