By Angie Fenton • Photos by Kathryn Harrington & Kentucky to the World
Kentucky – renowned for its bluegrass music, bourbon distilleries, and horse racing – boasts a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and artistic innovation. At the forefront of showcasing this vibrant legacy to the world – quite literally the world – stands Shelly Zegart, an energetic, entrepreneurial visionary and cultural ambassador deeply committed to promoting Kentucky’s artistic prowess.
Years ago, Shelly watched as her daughter Amy Zegart, a national security expert, gave a talk at UCLA. During the Q&A, a gentleman addressed the panel, specifically Amy, and said he had grown up a block away from her grandfather’s drugstore “at 7th and Oak in Louisville.” Despite being amongst a dignified and distinguished panel, Amy and the gentleman were connecting about the River City. “It gave me goosebumps,” Shelly recalled. The conversation was also the impetus for a new endeavor: Kentucky to the World.
As the founder and CEO, Shelly has played a pivotal role in elevating Kentucky’s cultural identity on the global stage. The nonprofit aims to enhance the image of the Commonwealth by showcasing the accomplishments and stories of its residents who have made significant contributions both within the state and on a global stage. The organization seeks to highlight the state’s rich cultural, artistic, scientific, and entrepreneurial achievements.
“We were founded in 2012,” Shelly explained, “with the mission of elevating the cultural and intellectual reputation of the Commonwealth on the global stage. We accomplished this by sharing compelling stories of extraordinary people with Kentucky roots through live events, television specials, digital content, school programs, and other initiatives.”
Today, Kentucky to the World (KTW) stands as a beacon of cultural refinement and innovation, illuminating the extraordinary contributions of Kentuckians who have left an indelible mark on the global stage. Thanks to Shelly and a distinguished, dedicated team, KTW is reshaping perceptions, revealing a Kentucky far beyond its bucolic landscapes and famed bourbons.
KTW’s initiatives are a testament to the state’s hidden elegance and intellectual prowess and include the following:
CURATED EVENTS & PROGRAMS: Enchanting evenings and intellectually stimulating discussions await, as KTW hosts memorable gatherings featuring Kentucky-rooted luminaries. These events are a symphony of storytelling, where distinguished guests from the arts, sciences, and business share their journeys and insights, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas.
EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH: In collaboration with educational institutions, KTW enriches the minds of our youth. By bringing the stories of local visionaries into classrooms, they inspire the next generation to pursue excellence and innovation.
MULTIMEDIA PROJECTS: KTW produces a sophisticated array of mini-documentaries, videos, and literary works that celebrate Kentucky’s finest. These creations are meticulously crafted and widely distributed, ensuring that the elegance of Kentucky’s narrative reaches a discerning global audience.
DISTINGUISHED ONLINE PRESENCE: KTW’s digital platform is a trove of cultural treasures, regularly updated with captivating content that showcases the state’s diverse talents. Here, readers can immerse themselves in the stories of Kentucky’s most illustrious figures, both past and present.
Clearly, Kentucky to the World is more than an organization. It is a cultural movement that invites the world to discover the richness and sophistication that define the Bluegrass State.
The organization still gives its founder goosebumps: “We can give people an opportunity to get personal with people like Phil Sharp, a Nobel Prize winner who grew up in northern Kentucky on a farm,” Shelly said. “And you go from there to [ballet dancer] Wendy Whalen or Finis ‘KY’ White, who’s a hip hop engineer with a multi-platinum career.”
Through its efforts, KTW instills a profound sense of pride among Kentuckians and ensures their contributions are celebrated on the world stage, Shelly explained, resonating with an audience that appreciates the finer things in life.
Shelly’s own journey began in Louisville, where she cultivated a profound appreciation for the state’s rich artistic traditions. Inspired by the intricate quilts crafted by generations of Kentucky artisans, she recognized the profound cultural significance embedded within these masterpieces. Determined to celebrate and preserve Kentucky’s quilting heritage, Shelly embarked on a mission to showcase the art form to the world.
In 1981, Shelly established the Kentucky Quilt Project, a pioneering initiative aimed at preserving and promoting the state’s quilting heritage. This ambitious undertaking not only celebrated the artistry of Kentucky quilters but also fostered a renewed sense of pride and appreciation for this quintessential American craft. Under her leadership, the project blossomed into a cultural phenomenon, attracting attention from quilt enthusiasts and scholars worldwide.
Ultimately, Shelly’s influence extended beyond the realm of quilting, encompassing the broader artistic community of Kentucky by collaborating with artists, galleries, and cultural organizations to showcase the diverse array of artistic talent flourishing within the state. From traditional folk art to contemporary expressions, Shelly has championed Kentucky’s artistic identity, helping to cultivate a thriving cultural landscape resonating with audiences worldwide.
However, Shelly’s impact on Kentucky’s cultural landscape extends beyond the promotion of art and quilting. As a passionate advocate for community empowerment, she has used her platform to help bridge the gaps between, as she attests on her website, “the quilt world, the museum world, the art world, and the business world.” Whether supporting local artisans, promoting sustainable economic development, or advocating for marginalized communities, Shelly’s commitment to fostering positive change has left an indelible mark on Kentucky’s social fabric.
Despite her numerous accolades and achievements, Shelly remains deeply rooted in her Kentucky heritage. Her unwavering dedication to promoting the state’s cultural legacy serves as a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression in shaping communities and enriching lives. In doing so, she ensures that the vibrant spirit of Kentucky will continue to captivate and inspire audiences for generations to come.
At the heart of it all, though, is a simplicity, Shelly asserts: “I love putting people together. I love the connections that move something forward.”
ABOUT SHELLY ZEGART
FAMILY
Husband Dr. Kenneth Zegart, MD; Daughter Amy Zegart; Daughter Terri Zegart.
RECIPIENT
Governor’s Award in the Arts 2020(Folk Heritage category)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Why Quilts Matter : History, Art & Politics
WEBSITE
KENTUCKY TO THE WORLD
kentuckytotheworld.org(502) 897-3819
PO BOX 6251Louisville KY 40206
