LEXINGTON, Ky.—More than 200 of Kentucky’s best young artists will gather on the Transylvania campus on Sunday to begin the three-week 2007 session of the Governor’s School for the Arts.
The latest GSA class includes 226 rising junior and senior students with about 50 counties and 86 Kentucky high schools represented.
During their 21-day stay, the student-artists will be immersed in a rigorous schedule of daily seminars, master-classes, lectures, hands-on workshops and field trips to regional arts attractions. Instruction is offered in eight disciplines: architecture, creative writing, dance, drama, instrumental music, musical theatre, visual arts and vocal music.
Since 1987, more than 3,300 of the state’s most talented high school artists from 120 counties have attended the GSA summer program following a rigorous selection process. More than 1,300 students apply for the program each year for one of the available scholarships valued at over $3,000. Currently, 18 colleges and universities, including Transylvania, offer scholarships to GSA alumni.
The program will culminate on July 7 with an all-day festival that celebrates the achievements of Kentucky’s young artists. Corporate and government supporters of the program have also been invited to attend the final day festivities along with parents, relatives, friends and GSA alumni.
Transylvania has hosted the prestigious program since 2000.
“Hosting this wonderful program has been a delight,” said Transylvania president Charles L. Shearer. “The GSA is the focal point of our summer campus activities. We believe our arts and performance facilities are a perfect match for GSA’s unique and varied needs. And the presence of the students each summer adds an element of richness to our campus through their daily rehearsals and performances.”
Program highlights this year include an all school African Dance program, a vocal performance by Chris Burchett, appearances by renowned jazz artist Harry Pickens and classical pianist Greg Partain and a presentation by visual artist Ron Schildnect. The students will also take field trips, including one to the Freedom Center in Cincinnati, and participate in Lexington’s Fourth of July celebration.
GSA is a public and private partnership inaugurated in 1987 by The Kentucky Center, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and private supporters. State funding for the program is provided by the Governor’s Office and the Commerce Cabinet with further support from The Kentucky Center Endowment Fund, Ashland Inc., Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and over 140 corporations, parents, educators, alumni and friends of GSA.
A 20th anniversary reunion is also on the 2007 schedule, set for June 30. Alumni will be on campus for a full day of performances, art exhibits and classroom visits.
A schedule of daily program highlights can be found at: