WKU News

The Kentucky Museum has opened Equal Temperament, a national juried metalworking exhibition, in their new Sculpture Gallery.  

Showcasing works by 32 artists across twenty states, Equal Temperament highlights the breadth of modern metalworking and its links to other artistic and historical forms. The show invited artists aged 18 or older, living in the United States, to submit works that were inspired by or include metalworking and that fit within a USPS Flat Rate Shipping box. Works were judged by an independent panel of artists and scholars, who selected the 32 works on display. The size restrictions inspired creativity and surprises, which will be recognized through four awards: 

• Ulfberht Award for the most puzzling work, named for the Viking-age weapons known for their superior steel and mysterious, unique “Ulfberht” inscriptions.
• Masamune Award for the most intricate work, named after Japanese blacksmith Gorō Nyūdō Masamune, whose weaponry are considered Japanese National Treasures.
• Yellin Award for the most functional work, named for early 20^th century American master blacksmith Samuel Yellin, whose works adorn many public buildings.
• Brim Award for the most humorous or fantasy-like work, named for Elizabeth Brim, a contemporary blacksmith and teacher known for her social commentary and use of feminine imagery including her first well-known work, “Twelve Dancing Princesses” (1988).

 A final award will be given as the Kentucky Museum Purchase Award, honoring one work with accession into the Museum’s permanent collection. The awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 11, during the Hammer-In festival. Learn more about the festival here: https://www.wku.edu/kentuckymuseum/hammer_in.php 

Equal Temperament is on view now through April 30, 2026. A gallery guide accompanies the exhibition, providing insight into each artist’s work. The guide is available in the exhibition gallery or online here: https://www.wku.edu/kentuckymuseum/exhibits/equaltemp.php 

The exhibition is produced in collaboration with the Society for Inclusive Blacksmiths, the WKU Department of Art, and the WKU Department of Music. It is sponsored by a Research and Creative Activities Program Grant from the WKU Office of Research and Creative Activity.

To stay informed of the latest exhibitions and events at the Kentucky Museum, subscribe to their monthly e-newsletter here.