By Patricia A Scheyer
NKyTribune reporter
The Governor’s School for the Arts ended its 2026 session Saturday at Northern Kentucky University, and the student artists were very happy overall with their three-week sojourn.
Families crowded around their students looking at visual arts, which are paintings and drawings and such, and other families clustered around the students that were waiting for their turn at performing, with either a song or an aria or an instrument.
“These students are from all over the state, 276 students from 60 counties,” said Jason Brooks, Director of the GSA. “This is the first year we have held it at NKU, and it has been great.”
The students are chosen from high schools across the state, and the ones who are eligible are those who are going into their junior year or their senior year. Being in the program can make the students eligible for scholarships, a very valuable asset.
This is the 39th year for the GSA. Every summer the instructors guide the 270 plus students through three weeks of intense art instruction. The students are immersed in the world of arts, and they make new friends, have a good time, and create to their hearts content.
There are ten different arts disciplines, including architecture and design, creative writing, dance, drama, film and photography, graphic design, instrumental music, musical theater, visual art and vocal music.
Landen Calhoun, who will be a senior next year at his high school, Pleasure Ridge Park, in Louisville, had at least three art pieces on display in one of the classrooms. His favorite medium is 3D pictures. He likes to draw pictures in marker, and his creations are very striking, and portrays meaning in every stroke.
“I have really liked this time to work on my creativity these three weeks,” he said. “I liked the creativity and acceptance the most. It was great how they made everyone feel included. I would most definitely recommend this to anyone.”
Landen said he hasn’t decided on a college yet, but he is continuing to look. As an adult he would like to make a living being an artist, but he specified that it has to be his own style.
Jason Brooks said that up until 2018 the program didn’t have as many spots for students, but they were able to get some funding from the federal government due to COVID, so that is why they are able to support 276 students this year.
“Up until then the number of students ebbed and flowed,” he said. “But then with the funding we were able to give more students the opportunity to be part of this program. This is the last year for that funding, however.”
Over in another part of the classroom, was a wood carving of a wolf with a heart, created by Nori Boone. Nori is from Bowling Green, and she is about to start her senior year.
“This program is really good,” she said. “I loved meeting all the people. They give you the creative freedom to do whatever you want to do. I liked being able to see everyone else’s work too.”
She said she wants to do animation when she is out of school. One of her favorite films is Puss in Boots the Last Wish, but she is impressed with what people are doing in the cinema now.
GSA is an education program under the auspices of the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, and this program is offered at no cost to the student. Funding is made possible through state and federal funding, as well as private fundraising. The cost per student is roughly $4,000.
Students chosen for this program are not only judged on talent, but also on potential and attitude. Even the most talented student might not be chosen if they are not interested in becoming better than they currently are. Organizers say that GSA is not just an award, it is an opportunity for young talented people to learn and grow. The students are reviewed holistically, not solely on their performance.
Down the hallway, waiting for his turn to perform, was Jonah Falco from Lexington. Jonah will be a junior next year. He plays violin.
“This is an amazing program,” Jonah said. “You get to meet new people who are excited about the same things that you are. They are all so invested in their work, and it is so refreshing to have them around you, and you can say, Oh, hey, you are interested in this, and so am I.”
In the elevator a lovely girl in a swirly dress smiled and nodded when asked if she was getting ready to perform. She said going into senior year in Monticello, and her talent is singing classical operatic arias. She said she goes by the name Jokachakeche and she thought she would attend the Berea when she graduates.
She was very happy with her three weeks at the Governor’s School.
“It has been life changing,” she said with a smile.