The Kentucky Center Acquires Three New Paintings for Permanent Art Collection

The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts recently acquired three new art pieces, now in display in the Main Street building's balcony level lobby atrium. The pieces were created by Chicago-based artist Vera Klement, a renowned artist whose resume boasts numerous awards and recognitions.

"Since its inception, visual arts have been an essential part of The Kentucky Center," said Kim Baker, The Center's president & CEO. "Becoming stewards of three exceptional paintings by prominent Chicago artist Vera Klement is both an honor and delight. We hope the public will come to The Center, not only to enjoy our performances, but to see these new acquisitions in addition to the rest of our world-renowned art collection."

Here is an overview of each of the new pieces to be installed at The Kentucky Center:

- "Hedge" - Created in 1993, "Hedge" is a painting consisting of oil, wax and graphite on canvas. It measures 84 inches by 60 inches.

- "Midnight Birds" - The largest of the three paintings, "Midnight Birds" makes a striking figure at 84 inches by 96 inches. This canvas composition of oil, wax and paper/collage was painted in 1996.

- "Trace of Day" - This is the most recent of the three paintings, produced in 2002. "Trace of Day" measures 78 inches by 96 inches and is comprised of oil and wax on canvas.

Klement's talent is evident through her pieces and her journey to becoming an award-winning artist is an inspiring one. Born in 1929 in the independent German Hanseatic city-state of Danzig (now Gdansk, Poland), Klement moved with her family to New York in 1938 to escape the encroaching Nazi government. There she developed an interest in art and studied at Cooper Union School of Art and Architecture. In 1964, she moved to Chicago with her then-husband and began teaching art at the University of Chicago. Klement worked as a professor for 26 years until retiring in 1995.

Klement's work is included in many prestigious collections. Some public collections include the Museum of Modern Art, New York, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Art Institute of Chicago, Philip Morris Collection, New York, Daum Museum of Contemporary Art, Missouri, and many more. Today she is as prolific as ever and continues to produce thought-provoking work that references themes of historical grandeur while maintaining a certain approachability.

The Kentucky Center houses a diverse array of 20th century works of art on permanent public display throughout the facility, featuring the works of world-renowned artists such as Alexander Calder, John Chamberlain, Jean Dubuffet, Louise Nevelson, Joan Miro, Malcolm Morley and Tony Smith. A number of local and regional artists' works are also on display.

The collection is open to view without charge. Free self-guided audio tours are available for children, adults and visually impaired patrons. Special tours of The Kentucky Center, including backstage, and guided tours of the art collection are available for a $2 fee per person with advanced notice by calling Volunteer Services at 502-566-5241.

The mission of The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts is to lead and enrich the artistic, educational and economic vitality of the region by providing unparalleled programming and cultural events. As an integral member of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage cabinet, The Center, along with the other agencies, seek to preserve and promote the history, heritage and arts of the Commonwealth.