Rosemary Steele and Jessica Perkins speak with Tracy Ross on Sounds Good about the Affordable Art Show, which provides funds for the Paducah Arts Alliance's Artist In Residence program.
Over 200 items from 40 different artists were available at the show. The show included everything from paintings to jewelry and prices ranged from $10 to $500. Perkins says it is important for local art to be accessible to people of all incomes because it can help them feel more connected to what’s going on in their community.
The Paducah Arts Alliance Artist In Residence program brings in artists from across globe to immerse themselves in Paducah’s creative community. Since the program was established in 2009, it has hosted 50 artists from 12 states and 7 countries. Visiting artists give back to the community in the form of an installation, workshop, or artist talk. The program also benefits the community by elevating Paducah’s creative community status on a global level. Steele says connections formed between visiting and local artists leads to Paducah artists exhibiting their work in other cities and countries.