Kentuck at Queen City to Officially Open in April with Major New Collection

About a year after the Kentuck Art Center announced plans to expand their operations and redevelop the historic Queen City Pool House, the new space will open for regular hours next weekend and feature a stunning new collection.

In a Thursday press release, the organization announced that Kentuck at Queen City will open for regular hours every weekend beginning next Saturday, April 5th.

The space will show off the brand new Edward Guy Collection, which was donated by the Tuscaloosa man of the same name who has been a leader at Kentuck for more than 20 years, including a term as the president of its board of directors.

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Guy has donated more than 60 unique pieces from his own collection of southern folk art including well-known pieces from artists who are part of Kentuck history, including Jimmy Lee Sudduth, Theresa Disney, Gregory "Mr. Imagination" Warmack, and Danny "Bucket Man" Hoskinson.

"For me, Kentuck is joy. It is an investment in happiness," said Edward Guy. "Now, as these pieces become part of Kentuck's permanent collection, one of my goals is being fulfilled."

The Edward Guy collection will debut next Friday, April 4th, from 5:30 - 8 p.m. at Kentuck at Queen City and that event will be free and open to the public.

"On behalf of Kentuck Art Center and Festival, I am grateful for Edward's incredible vision and generosity," said Exa Skinner, executive director. "He has long recognized the impact of Kentuck, its festival, and its artists. This collection honors Kentuck’s 54-year, nationally-recognized legacy and preserves the rich history of self taught art in West Alabama the southern United States."

After the collection debuts, Kentuck at Queen City will begin opening for regular hours each weekend, beginning next Saturday.

The new space will be closed for now from Monday through Thursday, then open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., with an hourlong closure for lunch from 11:30 - 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays. On Sunday, the new art center is open from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

For more coverage of news from west Alabama and organizations like Kentuck, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.