Bryce 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.

Set 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.

Mark 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.

University 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.

For 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.

The 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.

This 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.

The 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.

WUKY's Open Studio welcomes back Lori Meadows of Kentuckians for the Arts. She and Tom Musgrave discuss the current level of arts funding in Kentucky, in comparison to other states, and preview Kentucky Arts Day, Thursday January 22 in Frankfort.

This week on Open Studio Tom Musgrave welcomes Vanessa Becker Weig, Co-Founder and Executive Artistic Director of Voices Amplified (formerly known as The Girl Project.) The performance group empowers artists by generating brave and equitable spaces in arts education and theatre performance and connects artists, arts educators and community members by inviting collaborative continued arts education. Becker Weig talks about a very busy upcoming events calendar.