FRANKFORT, Ky. — Governor Steve Beshear presented awards today honoring the nine recipients of the 2012 Governor's Awards in the Arts. The awards are the state's highest achievement in the arts, recognizing individuals, organizations and businesses that make extraordinary contributions to the arts in Kentucky.

"It is my privilege to give these awards today to a group of the state's most exemplary citizens whose dedication to the arts honors the state's fine artistic traditions and legacy and ensures the livelihood of the arts in the Commonwealth for future generations," said Gov. Beshear.

The recipients were recognized at a public ceremony and celebration in the Capitol Rotunda. The 2012 recipients are all Kentucky residents, businesses or organizations.

The 2012 award recipients are:

• Milner Award – William G. Francis, Prestonsburg
• National Award – Bobbie Ann Mason, Lawrenceburg
• Artist Award – Gray Zeitz, Owenton
• Business Award – UK HealthCare Arts in HealthCare Program, Lexington
• Community Arts Award – Latitude Artist Community, Lexington
• Education Award – Christina Hartke Towell, Morehead
• Folk Heritage Award – Leona Waddell, Cecilia
• Government Award – U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, Louisville
• Media Award – Jeffrey Lee Puckett, Louisville

The awards are coordinated by the Kentucky Arts Council. Nominations for the Governor's Awards in the Arts are accepted annually from the public. The deadline to make a nomination for the 2013 awards is Nov. 1, 2012.

"I congratulate this year's award recipients and thank them for their lifelong dedication to the arts in Kentucky," said Lori Meadows, arts council executive director. "The individuals, organizations and businesses honored today serve as a model of excellence for their peers in the arts."

The Governor's Awards in the Arts program will be broadcast on Kentucky Educational Television (KET) at the following times:

• 9 p.m. Oct. 17, KET2
• 9 p.m. Oct. 19, KET KY
• 2 p.m. Oct. 20, KET KY
• 3 p.m. Oct. 21, KET
• 8 p.m. Oct. 21, KET KY

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.

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