Robert A. Powell

The distinctive art and writing of Robert A. Powell has long been acclaimed as a dynamic force in capturing and depicting vibrant images of Kentucky's remarkable history and heritage. His track record includes 35 published books, plus hundreds of art prints, sketchbook calendars, and articles about Kentucky subjects. A native Kentuckian Robert A. Powell grew up in the Appalachian foothills of Powell County and the Bluegrass country in Fayette County. RAP is an author, historian, teacher, photographer, speaker and artist.

Among his many honors and citations, Robert A. Powell was selected as one of the original Kentucky Heritage Artists in 1972, and was named Author of the Year by the Kentucky School Librarians in 1985. Proclaimed by the Lexington Herald-Leader as "quite likely the most influential popular chronicler of Kentucky in recent years" Powell's newest book Historic Kentucky Bluegrass, is "like a pocket portfolio" depicting a series of some 100 landmarks in the 17 Bluegrass counties of central Kentucky that have impacted our American heritage. It contains illustrations by Powell in his unique pen-ink style that shows why his work is so popular.