Special Exhibition

The founding of America was a revolutionary experiment: an experiment that we continue to shape for future generations. As Kentucky prepares to celebrate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, this exhibition invites patrons to examine new perspectives, as we all advocate for our inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Kentucky photographer Jon Cherry captures the true spirit of today’s America while analyzing the truths that define our time. A Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist and artist, his work spans a wide range of photographic disciplines and he frequently contributes to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Associated Press and Reuters.

In this new exhibition, Be The People: Portraits of Contemporary America, Cherry asks, “What does it mean to be an American?” An impartial reflection on the last five years of life in the United States, it explores how political extremism, grief, pride, misinformation and faith collide to shape our headlines and our understanding of one another.