A Celebration of Harlan Hubbard:  Book Talk & Musical Tribute at The Carnegie

Behringer-Crawford Museum and The Carnegie have partnered for a captivating evening celebrating the life and legacy of artist writer and sustainability pioneer Harlan Hubbard (1900-1988). Set beneath The Spirit of Covington—Hubbard’s largest mural—this special event will feature a discussion with author Jessica K. Whitehead whose new biography Driftwood: The Life of Harlan Hubbard offers an in-depth look at his artistic journey philosophies andenduring influence.

The event takes place at The Carnegie Otto M. Budig Theatre 1028 Scott Blvd Covington KY 41011 on Wednesday April 23 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $58 for a signed copy of Driftwood and a reserved seat $18 for general admission and $15 for Behringer-Crawford Museum members. Tickets are available for purchase at https://thecarnegie.com/whats-on/driftwood.

Whitehead’s book explores Hubbard’s family background education and relationships as well as his views on art writing music and philosophy. Drawing from journals letters paintings and sketches she paints a vivid portrait of Harlan and his wife Anna and their remarkable way of life.

Following Whitehead’s discussion and Q&A attendees will experience the rolling world premiere of Piano Trio No. 2: Payne Hollow by Louisville composer Daniel Gilliam. Performed by members of the NouLou Chamber Players this piece pays tribute to the Hubbards’ artistic spirit and love of classical music incorporating the instruments they cherished—piano cello and violin. 

This event follows Behringer-Crawford Museum’s upcoming Driftwood: The Life of Harlan Hubbard exhibit opening April 13 2025. Featuring a stunning selection of Hubbard’s paintings sketches and writings the exhibit offers a deeper exploration of his artistic and philosophical legacy. The exhibition is supported in part by the Elsa Sule Foundation and Cincinnati Art Galleries.

Whitehead curator of collections at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville Kentucky is also the author of The History of the Kentucky Derby in 75 Objects and a contributor to The Watercolors of Harlan Hubbard: From the Collection of Bill and Flo Caddell.

Daniel Gilliam is a Louisville-based composer and program director at 90.5 WUOL Classical Louisville.

Behringer-Crawford Museum is supported in part by our members the City of Covington Kenton County Fiscal Court ArtsWave Kentucky Arts Council and the Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame.

Host or Publisher Behringer-Crawford Museum