Crafted by the Kentucky Folklife Program & The Kentucky Arts Council

Applications Open: Friday, September 13th, 2024

Applications Close: Friday, November 15th, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. CST

_{A collection of images taken during the 2023 Homer Ledford Awards in Lexington, Kentucky during the Kentucky Crafted Market.}

The Kentucky Folklife Program alongside the Kentucky Arts Council are proud to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2024 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.

Past Homer Ledford Awardees Include:

• 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

HERE IS HOW TO APPLY FOR THE HOMER LEDFORD AWARD!

There are 2 different ways in which you can submit an application for the Homer Ledford Award.

Option 1: Please fill out this Google Form Link to submit your application:

Click Here: Google Form Homer Ledford Award Application

Option 2: Submit a Word Document with the Following Through Email: 

• 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

Where should I send my application?

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

If you have further questions about this process please contact Camille Maria Acosta at: (270) 745-4133

Here are the dates you must remember:

• Applications Open: Friday, September 13th, 2024
• Applications Close: Friday, November 15th, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. CST

Thank you so much for your participation! We look forward to reading each and every phenomenal application. Best of luck to our nominees!