Arts & Culture

Rooted in the cultural richness of Appalachia, Morehead State’s arts programs highlight the connections between place, history and creativity. ⛰

Our collections, research and performances reflect regional identity and broader artistic exploration. Together, they create a vibrant arts experience that honors tradition while fostering innovation. 🖼 🎭 🎶

Claypool-Young Art Building

A hub of creativity and expression, Morehead State’s Claypool-Young Art Building houses the Golding-Yang Gallery and Strider Gallery—dynamic spaces that showcase student, faculty, and visiting artist exhibitions year-round. It's also home to studio space, classes, a lithography lab, a ceramics lab, and shared workspaces. It's also home to the art and design part of the Department of Communication, Media, Art & Design.

From contemporary installations to traditional media, the building stands as a vibrant centerpiece for the visual arts on campus.

Students gain hands-on experience in the Golding-Yang Gallery - installing and exhibiting their work. Our visual arts classrooms are labs where you get hands-on experience with various media. MSU's ceramics lab includes a kiln for student and faculty work. The Golding-Yang Gallery hosts student, faculty and guest exhibitions. The Golding-Yang Art Gallery is an important part of our campus and community.

“When I came to tour, it was definitely set in stone with me when I visited, and I liked how small the community it was, and it kind of reminded me of home. It definitely made me feel more comfortable here.”

Brenna Molden
Somerset, KY
Fine Arts

Kentucky Folk Art Center

The Kentucky Folk Art Center celebrates the creativity and heritage of self-taught Appalachian artists through vibrant, thought-provoking works.

The KY Folk Art Center has many pieces in its permanent collection including carvings, drawings, paintings, sculpture and more. KFAC's main gallery displays pieces from the permanent collection. KFAC hosts school groups, tours and visitor from all over Kentucky, the US and the world. The animals of Appalachia are often featured in folk art. Visit KFAC to see all your favorites. KFAC regularly hosts exhibits and events with guest artists, folk artists, lecturers and more. KFAC is an important part of the arts community at Morehead State and in Morehead, KY.

Music & Theatre

The Department of Music & Theatre offers students opportunities for visual and performing arts, including ensembles, choir, special performances, marching band, theatre performances and workshops, and more.

It is also home to the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music, where students learn about the music and culture of Appalachia and share those traditions with the world.

KCTM offers students opportunities to perform on campus and across the globe. Morehead State's Rock Ensemble - ROCKS! Students have a number of opportunities to perform in music and theatre. KCTM faculty offer private lessons as part of the curriculum. You'll study with professional musicians. Students have opportunities to play in a number of ensembles from symphony to jazz to rock-n-roll. The Marching Band plays at all home football games, parades, pep rallies and more. Music students have private practice space and take private lessons with faculty. Theatre productions are performed in the Lucille Caudill Little Theatre in Breckinridge Hall. MSU Theatre programs offer students opportunities to perform, design sets, direct, manage lighting and more. MSU students perform at our annual fundraiser, the Spring Gala.

Centennial Eagle

In 2023, MSU added the bronze Centennial Eagle to the ADUC Commons. Titled "Spirit of Aspiration," the sculpture was created by alum and world-renowned artist Sam McKinney and made possible by the Cartee Family.

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Coming Soon

MSU is building a new multi-disciplinary academic building that will house our music programs and the Smith College of Business & Technology. This 120,000-square-foot facility is under construction and is expected to open in 2028.

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Office of Enrollment Services

121 E. Second St.
Morehead, KY 40351

EMAIL: admissions@moreheadstate.edu
PHONE: 606-783-2000
PHONE: 800-585-6781
FAX: 606-783-5038

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