Aaron Kizer will host “Yousuf” – a live art show paying homage to renowned photographer Yousuf Karsh – tonight. In his literal effort to paint Owensboro as an “art city,” Kizer is leaving the ticket price up to the patron.
Kizer said KET will also be at the show recording content for a future production that “captures the arts in Owensboro.” He was grateful for the opportunity because it’s been his initiative lately.
“I read a magazine story the other day listing southern art cities, and Owensboro wasn’t included,” Kizer said. “I’ve never seen Owensboro mentioned as an art city, so I decided to make that my initiative.”
The show will be at the Owensboro Convention Center. Doors open at 7 p.m., and tickets can be purchased on Kizer’s website here. Attendees can choose the amount they want to “contribute” — or pay — for the tickets rather than Kizer setting a specific price.
Kizer has always admired Karsh’s work, most notably his portrait photographs of iconic individuals from the 20th century. Some of Karsh’s notable pieces include Audrey Hepburn, Salvador Dali, Albert Einstein, and even Fidel Castro.
“Yousuf was able to capture photos unlike anyone else – he was taking photos in the moment and for the next generation,” Kizer said. “Coming to watch me paint is one thing, but it’s more than that – the effort has to be there.”
He added that the point of the entire show is not a moment of being there but instead showing future generations the possibilities that exist right here in town.
He said more than 700 people have purchased tickets so far and wants to use the opportunity to showcase Owensboro’s vibrant art community.
“Anyone that can show, show up,” he said. “Let’s highlight Owensboro and that it supports its art. If we don’t do it here locally, no one will.”
Kizer also plans to unveil some future plans and feature pieces at the show, including an upcoming project with Hemingway Whiskey.
