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From shy steps to spotlight: Christmas showcase celebrates dance
BY TAWNY SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Twinkle lights and tiny dance shoes took center stage Saturday in Inez as The Inez Dance Academy brought its annual Christmas Showcase to the Collier Center. The 2025 performance was equal parts tradition and celebration — a chance for young dancers to trade classroom mirrors for a real
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Stories of Place brings creativity and community to Martin County High School
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Stories of Place welcomed its seventh annual Arts Residency at Martin County High School. The program brought three days of creativity and community to the classrooms of Samantha Maynard, 10th-grade English teacher, and Mandy Lawson, 11th-grade creative writing teacher. The November residency expanded its reach this
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Shoemaker attends Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts
LOUISVILLE — Thomas Shoemaker of Martin County was among more than 500 student-artists from across Kentucky who completed the 2025 Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) this summer. Shoemaker, a graduate of Johnson Central High School, participated in the drama discipline during the tuition-free, three-week program at the University of Kentucky. Students were immersed in
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Adalyn Ramey to bring Appalachian storytelling to festival stage in Inez
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — Thirteen-year-old Adalyn Ramey, known as “The Young Appalachian Storyteller,” will bring her award-winning voice and heartfelt songs to the Appalachian Artist Festival stage Aug. 2 in downtown Inez. The Paintsville native has quickly emerged as one of the region’s brightest young stars, captivating audiences with original songs like “Kentucky On
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Martin County joins Eastern Kentucky Humanities Commission
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A regional movement to preserve and promote Eastern Kentucky’s rich history added a new voice Thursday. The Eastern Kentucky Humanities Commission welcomed the Martin County Historical and Genealogical Society as its 33rd member organization. The visit to Inez by EKHC co-founders Dustin Doyle and David Clinger marked another
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McCall Art Gallery presents ‘San Clemente’ by local artist Toy Adams
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT PRESTONSBURG — The McCall Art Gallery at Big Sandy Community and Technical College is set to display the works of Paintsville-born artist Toy Adams. The exhibition, “San Clemente,” will run from Oct. 18 through Nov. 29. Adams, renowned for his captivating and evocative photography, will be present at the opening reception Oct.
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Umbrella Alley showcases talent of Inez artist Katie O’Connor
BY RACHEL DOVE MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A multi-talented Martin County resident completed a colorful mural on the outside wall of the historical courthouse that adds another layer of interest to the downtown Inez location, as local residents and those visiting the area flock to “Umbrella Alley” for a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity. At the age
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Appalachian Artist Festival set for Aug 4
BY BUGS DIXON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Recently appointed Inez city commissioner Jennifer Wells is leading the charge on organizing the upcoming Appalachian Artist Festival set for Friday, Aug. 4. The festival will be free and open to the public, last all day and showcase local musicians, visual artists, authors, businesses and food vendors. Music
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Nomadic roots, artistic routes: Pamela Henry draws on a lifetime of experience
BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LOUISA — In the verdant landscapes of eastern Kentucky, a unique artistic talent has unceasingly cultivated her craft. Pamela Henry, renowned for her blend of impressionistic realism and pop art in bright acrylic hues, has been painting her way into the hearts of communities. Henry’s work, distinguished by vibrant colors and
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Nominate your favorite Appalachian talent for 2024 Appy Awards
PRESTONSBURG — The deadline to nominate your favorite Appalachian talent for the 2024 Appy Awards is Oct. 17. Big Sandy Community and Technical College and the Mountain Arts Center announced the 2024 event is set for March 16 at the MAC. According to Jill Hamlin, assistant director of Fine Arts for Big Sandy Community and
