The Kentucky Arts Council announces the 2009 recipients of the Governor’s Awards in the Arts, to be honored by Governor Steve Beshear at a public ceremony and celebration on Tuesday, October 6, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort.

“We are very pleased that Governor Beshear will be honoring these recipients,” said Lori Meadows, executive director of the Kentucky Arts Council. “Their contributions and achievements demonstrate the power of the arts in our personal, social and civic lives.”

The Governor’s Awards in the Arts recipients are selected in nine different categories, with the Milner Award being the most prestigious and the first, which was established by the Kentucky Arts Council in 1978, and named in honor of the late B. Hudson Milner.

Jerry E. Baker, arts leader and philanthropist of Bowling Green is the 2009 recipient of the Milner Award, which recognizes outstanding individual commitment to the arts and their role in the economy, community and culture of Kentucky.

George Clooney, actor, director, producer and screenwriter, born in Lexington, and part-time resident of Augusta, will receive the National Award in recognition of his artistic achievement reaching national and international acclaim.

Chilton Price, songwriter, of Louisville, will receive the Artist Award for her lifetime achievement in the arts.

Liquor Barn, Lexington and Louisville, will receive the Business Award for outstanding support of the arts and artists in Kentucky.

Janice Mason Art Museum, in Cadiz, will receive the Community Arts Award for significant contributions to Cadiz and the surrounding region.

Harry Pickens, pianist, composer, community artist and teaching artist of Louisville, will receive the Education Award to recognize his significant contributions to education through the arts.

Kentucky Folk Art Center, Morehead, will receive the Folk Heritage Award for its role in promoting Kentucky’s self-taught visual artists and conserving their work.

City of Maysville will receive the Government Award for its significant contributions to the arts through economic development efforts and support for arts organizations and arts events.

Judith Egerton, theater critic and arts writer, formerly with the Courier-Journal of Louisville, will receive the Media Award for her commitment to bringing the arts to the attention of the public.

The Kentucky Arts Council administers the Governor’s Awards in the Arts selection process. Nominations are solicited from the public, reviewed by a selection committee and presented to the Governor for final approval. Nominations for the 2010 awards will be accepted until March 1, 2010.

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, creates opportunities for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.