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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PodcastsFor more than 87 years, Lexington Children’s Theatre has been a safe, inspiring home for young people and families. To continue serving the Commonwealth, their historic home of 25 years on Short Street needs critical updates. This week on Open Studio Tom Musgrave talks with LCT Development Director Ashlee Collins to talk about their long history and new 'Building Dreams' capital campaign in honor of Alexandra Simpson. -
PodcastsThe Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Harrison Elementary is a dynamic, lottery-based magnet school where creativity, collaboration, and academic excellence thrive. The program, now in its second year, offers a full spectrum of arts programming, including band, dance, music, orchestra, theatre as well as digital art forms. Tom Musgrave talks with Arts Magnet Coordinator & Curriculum Coach Austin Vahle. -
PodcastsAll this month Open Studio features new interviews with Kentucky literary artists. For the final installment Tom Musgrave introduces us to Paulick Report Bloodstock Editor Joe Nevills. As part of his coverage of the thoroughbred industry, the Michigan native has made a name for himself as the 'Haiku Handicapper' where he analyzes a race's field or makes predictions on a race card or award show in the form haiku: A Japanese poem consisting of 17 syllables in lines of five, seven, and five. Rest assured he'll be out with his 2026 Kentucky Derby edition soon! -
PodcastsOpen Studio features new interviews with Kentucky literary artists to celebrate Kentucky Writers' Day April 24th in Frankfort. This week is a rare opportunity to hear one former Kentucky Poet Laureate interview another. Affrilachian poets Frank X. Walker and Crystal Wilkinson talk about their childhood influences, inspirations as well as aspirations in this in depth conversation.
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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.
