WKU News

From Great Meadows: The Great Meadows Foundation is pleased to present a new statewide symposium series dedicated to advancing critical discourse around contemporary art. Symposia will take place in Louisville, Northern Kentucky, Central Kentucky, and Western Kentucky, with each region developing a unique program around the shared theme: Altered States.

For the Western Kentucky Region, the Great Meadows Foundation has partnered with Western Kentucky University and Murray State University to host the fourth and final symposium, to be held at both host institutions over November 17–20, 2026. 

Central events and the Main Panel Discussion will occur at Western Kentucky University on Wednesday, November 18, 2026.

• Welcome by WKU PCAL Dean, Dr. Terrance Brown
• Introduction (of GMF / GMF Symposium series) by Great Meadows Foundation Director, Julien Robson
• Introductions of each Guest Speaker by Yvonne Petkus, followed by each speaker giving a brief overview of their work and focus:
  • Liz Faust
  • Steven Matijcio
  • Ronald Sánchez 
  • Alice Gray Stites
• Panel Discussion – between all four Guest Speakers (moderated by Yvonne Petkus)
• Question and Answer Period

GMF Western Kentucky Region 2026 panel discussion theme: Altered States: Making (it) Work

The Altered States: Making (it) Work panel will discuss modes of practice, participation, and visibility for the makers, curators, institutions, and viewers who make up the current art world. Able to be defined in varied ways and with different perspectives – the "it" can be viewed through the artwork itself, throughout careers and opportunities both within and outside formal institutions, and in connection to audience and impact. Our panel will consider what artistic paths, careers, and production might include (or not include), ask, look like, and need, within shifting contemporary regional, national, and international conversations.