2025 Homer Ledford Award Winner Arthur Hatfield receives his plaque from Brent Björkman at the 2025 Kentucky Crafted Art Show; Photo by Camille Maria Acosta
The Kentucky Folklife Program alongside the Kentucky Arts Council are proud to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2026 Homer Ledford Award!
The Kentucky Folklife Program, based at Western Kentucky University, has a long history of working with the Kentucky Arts Council to document, present, conserve, and teach the public about the rich heritage of folk and traditional artists thriving in Kentucky today. This award celebrates the legacy and creative industry of traditional stringed instrument makers who are vital to Kentucky musical culture.
Since 2007, the Kentucky Folklife Program’s Homer Ledford Award has been given to Kentucky luthiers who have demonstrated outstanding craftsmanship, a sense of mastery in making and setting up instruments for excellent tone and playability, and who have been recognized by the communities of musicians they serve. This award is given in honor and memory of master luthier, musician, and educator Homer Ledford. Known for his superb craftsmanship, impressive productivity, inspired innovations, generous spirit, and willingness to teach anyone interested in his art, Homer had a profound impact on musical communities throughout Kentucky and far beyond. Many luthiers and musicians remember visiting his basement shop in Winchester, Kentucky where he immersed himself in his work while sharing techniques, wisdom, and stories surrounding his cultural heritage. Ledford’s legacy lives on among today’s musical craftspeople, and this award symbolizes that legacy.
Photo of Homer Ledford; Image Credit from the Kentucky Folklife Program
Past Homer Ledford Awardees include:
- Arthur Hatfield of Glasgow
- George Wakim of Lebanon & Lexington
- Tommy Case of Scott County Kentucky
- Ray Deweese of Bowling Green
- Doug Naselroad of Hindman
- Warren May of Berea
- Art Mize of Lexington
- Donna Lamb of Lancaster
- Frank Neat of Russell Springs
Application Process:
Applications Opens: Monday, September 14th, 2026 at 12:01 a.m. CST
Applications Closes: Friday, November 15th, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. CST
There are two different ways you can submit an application:
Google From:
- Fill out this Google Form Link to submit an application:
OR
Submit the Following Through Email:
On a Word Document, please describe:
- The name of the nominee for the Homer Ledford Award
- Where the nominee currently resides
- Please describe what the nominee does in the instrument creation world, and the type of instrument building work that is being carried out by this nominee. (200 words or less)
- Please describe the caliber of the nominee’s work as it pertains to the historical and cultural background of their instrument making. (200 words or less)
- Please describe how the nominee learned the skills of instrument making and include information on when, where and from whom they learned. (200 words or less)
- Please describe how the nominee learned the skills of instrument making and include information on when, where and from whom they learned. (200 words or less)
- Describe how the nominee’s work samples (see below: Work Sample) demonstrate artistic excellence as defined by the community of musicians who perform using the nominee built instrument. (200 words or less)
Work Samples:
- In addition to the written portion, it will be important for the Homer Ledford advisory team to see sample images of the nominee’s work.
- Please attach to the same email 6-10 representative digital images of what you consider the nominee’s strongest work. (Because of image size, feel free to send multiple emails if necessary)
- If image sizes become an issue, please reach out to us and we will figure out the best solution
If you are submitting your application through email, please send all work to the following two individuals:
- Brent Björkman, Director of the Kentucky Folklife Program: brent.bjorkman@wku.edu
- Camille Maria Acosta, Folklife Specialist with the Kentucky Folklife Program: camille.acosta@wku.edu
And, if you have further questions about this process please contact Camille Maria Acosta at:
(270) – 745 – 4133
Thank you!
And Best of luck to our nominees.
Arthur Hatfield in his luthier workshop; Photo Image Credit from Kentucky Arts Council
Kentucky Folklife Program 
Leave a comment