Academics

Bio

Before being hired as MSU's folk art curator, Adrian was a potter in Kentucky for 15 years, including five years as an artist-in-residence in Kentucky public schools and four years running his own gallery in Morehead. Born and raised in England, his fascination with contemporary folk art began with a chance encounter with Kentucky folk art legend Edgar Tolson in 1973. Soon after moving to Morehead, he began a long friendship with Charley and Noah Kinney and with Minnie and Garland Adkins. Since coming to work at MSU in 1987, Adrian has overseen the growth of the permanent collection to more than 1,300 pieces. He has curated numerous exhibitions for KFAC and traveling exhibits at other cultural institutions. Adrian has written and published extensively on Kentucky folk art.