WKU News

Now through April 30, 2026, the Kentucky Museum will continue to host 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 as part of the 10-year anniversary of the Kentucky Museum and Kentucky Folklife Program-sponsored Hammer In blacksmithing event.

Works were judged by an independent panel of artists and scholars, who selected the 32 works on display of which five of the artists were selected to receive awards in five defined categories. The prizes categories and artist recipients within those areas are as follows:  

• Ulfberht Award for the most puzzling work, named for the Viking-age weapons known for their superior steel and mysterious inscriptions. – Prize Recipient Emily Budd for artwork entitled: Secret Monument
• Masamune Award for the most intricate work, named after Japanese blacksmith Gorō Nyūdō Masamune, whose weaponry are considered Japanese National Treasures. – Prize Recipient Abigail Poplin for artwork entitled: The Burden
• Yellin Award for the most functional work, named for early 20^th century American master blacksmith Samuel Yellin, whose works adorn many public buildings. – Prize Recipient Nate Weiss work artwork entitled: Critical Interventions
• 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). Prize Recipient Elizabeth F. Folk for artwork entitled: Puffy Fussy
• And Kentucky Museum Purchase Award – Prize Recipient Harlan W. Butt for artwork entitled: Hephaestus

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 : 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 Design, 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.