KET’s Kentucky Life takes a tour of designer Jon Carloftis’ restored Lexington home, profiles renowned folk artist Minnie Adkins and visits historic Baker-Bird Winery in Augusta during an episode premiering Saturday, Nov. 19 at 8/7 pm on KET and Monday, Nov. 21 at 7/6 pm on KET2.

First, the program tours the recently refurbished, downtown Lexington home of designers Jon Carloftis and Dale Fisher. Dubbed “Botherum House” by its early owners, the home was built in 1851 and features a blend of Greek, Roman and Gothic architectural styles. While listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Botherum had fallen into a state of disrepair after sitting empty for many years. Carloftis and Fisher treat host Doug Flynn to a tour of their newly restored home and detail why it holds such a special place in their hearts.

Then, the program profiles renowned folk artist Minnie Adkins, whose iconic, painted wood carvings of animals – roosters, red foxes, bears, possums and more – are coveted by collectors worldwide. Born in 1934, Adkins lives in her native Elliott County, where she continues to create her figures and also collaborates with Kentucky musician and author Mike Norris on a series of children’s books.

Finally, Kentucky Life travels to Augusta, where Dinah Baker is working to breathe new life into Baker-Bird Winery, the oldest privately owned winery in the state. Built between 1852 and 1853, Baker-Bird Winery has witnessed its share of history: during the Civil War, Union troops feasted on its grapes, and when Augusta was attacked by Morgan’s Raiders, residents hid in the winery’s cellar. Re-opened in 2009, Baker-Bird Winery now offers a full line of award-winning wines, and sales proceeds support the restoration of the winery’s historic grounds, which include the longest and oldest wine cellar that is open to the public in America today.

Kentucky Life is a KET production, produced by Brandon Wickey. Segment producers for this episode are Brandon Wickey and Frank Simkonis.

KET is Kentucky’s largest classroom, serving more than one million people each week via television, online and mobile. Learn more about Kentucky’s preeminent public media organization on Twitter @KET and facebook.com/KET and at KET.org.

Contact:

Todd Piccirilli
Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
859-258-7242
tpiccirilli@ket.org