Former Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon was among nine recipients of the 2023 Governor’s Awards in the Arts.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced the nine recipients of the commonwealth’s most prestigious arts awards in recognition of their dedication to sharing Kentucky’s rich arts history with all Kentuckians.

“It gives me great pride to honor these talented artists who show such dedication to sharing the arts with Kentuckians across our commonwealth,” Beshear said. “This year’s honorees have made integral contributions to Kentucky’s thriving arts industry. I want to thank all of these artists for bringing the stories of Kentuckians to life, and ensuring those stories live on for generations to come.”

Buchanon was honored with the Government Award.

The Governor’s Awards in the Arts celebrate, in nine distinct categories, the extraordinary and significant contributions of Kentuckians and Kentucky organizations to the state’s arts heritage.

The honorees will be recognized in a ceremony on Friday, Oct. 13, at the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center in Lexington. The Kentucky Arts Council solicits nominations and coordinates award presentations on behalf of the Governor of Kentucky. The 2023 Governor’s Awards in the Arts recipients are:

• Milner Award – Todd Lowe, Shelby County

• Artist Award – Dan Neil Barnes, Scott County

• Business Award – Gnomon Press, Franklin County

• Community Arts Award – Yeiser Art Center, McCracken County

• Education Award – Tom Stites, Daviess County

• Folk Heritage Award – Tee Dee Young, Fayette County

• Government Award – Michael Buchanon, Warren County

• Media Award – Walter Tunis, Fayette County

• National Award – Ada Limón, Fayette County