WKU News

Sep 29th, 2020

Join the Kentucky Folklife Program for virtual Folkstreams Documentary Watch Parties!

Jun 15th, 2020

The Kentucky Folklife Program, part of the Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology at WKU, is excited to announce the launch of Kentucky Folklife, a multimedia digital publication dedicated to exploring expressive cultures throughout the Commonwealth.

Apr 16th, 2020

The Kentucky Folklife Program, in partnership with WKU Folk Studies Program and the Kentucky Oral History Commission, is launching a new project, Connecting Across the Commonwealth in the Time of the Coronavirus.

Mar 26th, 2020

The Kentucky Folklife Program is excited to share the news that three Kentucky traditional artists have been recognized as the 2020 Folk & Traditional Arts Master Artist Fellows through SouthArts: Roger Cooper, Charlene Long, and Octavia Sexton.

Jan 27th, 2020

The Kentucky Folklife Program will be hosting a state-wide meeting for the newly established Kentucky Folklife Network. It will take place in Bowling Green, KY on May 28th and 29th.

Oct 24th, 2019

The Kentucky Folklife Program, Kentucky Museum and The Basket Maker’s Catalog recently presented, “A Conversation with Jackie Abrams: An Artist’s Weaving Life,” featuring highly-respected fiber artist Jackie Abrams.

Oct 8th, 2019

On Saturday, October 5th, the Kentucky Folklife Program and WKU Folk Studies graduate students participated in “Hammer-In,” an event organized and facilitated by Western Kentucky University’s Kentucky Museum.

Sep 23rd, 2019

On Saturday, September 21, the Kentucky Folklife Program organized and facilitated "Chattin' on the Porch," a narrative stage event held during the annual Horse Cave Heritage Festival, with help from WKU Folk Studies graduate students and faculty.

Sep 17th, 2019

The Kentucky Folklife Program, housed in the Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology, has received funding from the NEA to support a traveling exhibit and associated programming centered on the musical heritage and culture of Southcentral Kentucky.

Aug 29th, 2019

Folk Studies faculty Brent Björkman and Ann K. Ferrell gave an invited presentation at the workshop, Heritage on the Move: Collaborative Engagements and New Museum Futures, held August 14-16 at Lund University, Sweden.

Aug 27th, 2019

The Kentucky Folklife Program is happy to welcome Joel Chapman, of Bowling Green, and a native of Indiana, as the new Folklife Specialist beginning August 23, 2019.

May 1st, 2019

Join the Kentucky Folklife Program and Kentucky Museum for food, music, stories, and more in honor of "A Culture Carried" exhibition before it closes! This event (free and open to the public), is on Friday, May 3rd, 6:00-8:00pm, at 1444 Kentucky Street.

May 1st, 2019

Folklorists, Community Scholars, oral historians, folk artists, tradition bearers and other folklife enthusiasts are invited to the Kentucky Folklife Network Gathering at the African American Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky on May 15th.

Apr 22nd, 2019

Students from Brent Bjorkman’s study away course, Public Folklore Practice and Policy in Washington, DC, presented research to Folk Studies students and faculty on Friday. On their trip last month, students networked and explored career opportunities.

Mar 28th, 2019

Folklorists, Community Scholars, oral historians, folk artists, tradition bearers and other folklife enthusiasts are invited to the Kentucky Folklife Network Gathering at the Godbey Appalachian Center at SKCTC's Cumberland campus on March 30th.

Mar 26th, 2019

The Kentucky Folklife Program presents Renesito Avich, a Cuban traditional musician who specializes in the Tres Cubano, with master classes for students on Wednesday 3/27 and Thursday 3/28, and a public performance on Thursday 3/28 at 7:00 pm in FAC 189.

Mar 14th, 2019

Visitors to The Kentucky Crafted Market, March 16-17 at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena, are guaranteed to find the best Kentucky-made art and craft, but they can also learn about the techniques and traditions of two well-known Kentucky art forms.

Mar 6th, 2019

Folklorists, Community Scholars, folk artists, tradition bearers and other folklife enthusiasts are invited to the Kentucky Folklife Network Gathering at the 2019 Kentucky Crafted Market at the Kentucky Horse Park Alltech Arena.

Feb 20th, 2019

The Kentucky Folklife Program, part of WKU's Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology, and collaborating partner the Kentucky Arts Council announce that luthier Glespie Ray Deweese of Bowling Green will be the recipient of the 2018 Homer Ledford Award.

Jan 29th, 2019

Dr. Ashley Stinnett, assistant professor of Anthropology in the Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology, was one of twelve to win the 2018 American Anthropological Association Photo Image Contest.