Tom Musgrave
Host of Open StudioTom Musgrave is a senior public relations writer for the University of Kentucky and editor of the daily campuswide electronic newsletter UKNow. Prior to joining the UK staff, Tom spent nine years as the Kentucky Arts Council’s communications director. In 2018 he created the arts council’s monthly podcast, Kentucky ArtsCast, serving as primary host and executive producer. Tom’s first job in state government was working for Virginia Moore at the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Before joining Kentucky state government, Tom worked as a professional journalist for nearly 15 years. He wrote and edited for the Mt. Sterling Advocate, Georgetown News-Graphic and the now-defunct Thoroughbred Times.
In addition to his full-time work, Tom has been a contributor to The Lane Report, Business Lexington, and Kentucky Monthly magazines.
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PodcastsAll this month Open Studio features new interviews with Kentucky literary artists. To celebrate Kentucky Writers' Day April 24th in Frankfort, Tom talks with current Kentucky Poet Laureate Kathleen Driskell and you'll also get to meet and hear from Kentucky Youth Poet Laureate Esme Morris. -
PodcastsAll this month Open Studio features new interviews with Kentucky literary artists. Ada Limon served as Poet Laureate for the United States from 2022 to 2025. -
PodcastsBryce Oquaye is an illustrator, comic artist and animator. From comic to cover art for publishers like Z2 Comics, illustration for Zox and Netflix, and animation for companies like Group Nine Media, Bryce has placed a focus on story based illustration and sequential work. On March 30th, as part of the 'Ideas That Matter' series, Bryce will explore how comic books and visual art uncover cultural truths and spotlight the values that shape who we are. He talks about the topic with Tom Musgrave. -
PodcastsSet in and around the Ellis Island Immigration Inspection Station on a single day in 1921, the UK Opera Theatre's “A Nation of Others” offers a moving portrayal of the courage and determination of those who journeyed to America in search of opportunity and freedom. The American opera by Pulitzer Prize-winning team Paul Moravec and librettist Mark Campbell, debuts March 6-8, at the Lexington Opera House. Program coordinator Megh Jennings-Posner joins Tom for a preview. -
PodcastsMark your calendars! The 2026 Kentucky Crafted Market takes place March 7 & 8 at the Kentucky Horse Park. Tom talks with Kentucky Arts Council Executive Director Chris Cathers about the annual showcase for Kentucky artists and craftspeople. -
PodcastsUniversity of Kentucky School of Art and Visual Studies lecturer and Louisville native, Shae Goodlett has been named the artist for the official 2026 Kentucky Derby Festival poster. Goodlett’s design, which was unveiled earlier this month, will be featured on the festival’s 2026 official merchandise line, including clothing, accessories, glassware and mugs. Host Tom Musgrave talks with Goodlett about the inspiration, journey and destination for his art. -
PodcastsFor over 60 years the Kentuckians Chorus has been entertaining and keeping barbershop harmonies alive and this week on Open Studio Tom Musgrave talks with four long-time members of the local vocal group. -
PodcastsThe University of Kentucky College of Fine Arts will present Violins of Hope UK, a weeklong series of performances, exhibitions and educational events February 10 - 14th. Violins of Hope features more than 70 violins, violas and cellos that survived the Holocaust — instruments once owned and played by Jewish musicians before and during World War II. Tom Musgrave talks with UK Symphony Orchestra music director and conductor John Nardolillo and collection co-founder Avshi Weinstein. -
PodcastsThis week on WUKY's Open Studio, Tom Musgrave talks with Mitchell Burleson, a University of Kentucky graduate student pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in studio art at the School of Art and Visual Studies in the College of Fine Arts, about winning the $50,000 Artfields Grand Prize. The prize is awarded annually to an artist from one of 12 Southeastern states.
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PodcastsThe Bill Gatton Foundation’s $150 million gift — one of the largest in UK’s history — will create a new home for the arts at the University of Kentucky. UK College of Fine Arts Dean Mark Shanda talks with Tom Musgrave about the project which will include a new CFA building, a modern performance theater and public greenspace that will anchor a growing arts and innovation corridor along South Broadway.
