LETTERS

To Whom It May Concern,

Erika and I have crossed paths many times over the last few decades at the intersections of art, gardens, activism, music, and community. My earliest memory of Erika's work is "Nexus" in my hometown of Frankfort — a 50-foot stainless steel sculpture that inspires awe and is perfectly scaled for its setting. Years later, I had the privilege of meeting Erika personally and making that connection between artist and artwork.

We later collaborated on a private estate project where Erika was commissioned to create sculptural elements for the garden, while I was commissioned to design the landscape itself. Watching her creative process firsthand only deepened my admiration for both her artistry and her vision.

Over the years, I have come to know Erika not only as an inventive artist, but as a true visionary. Her eye for art is as extraordinary as her ability to create it. She consistently expands what sculpture can be — pushing boundaries while remaining deeply connected to place, material, and community. She does not shy away from challenging work; rather, she embraces complexity and executes it with remarkable precision, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.

Erika's body of work spans private collections, governmental commissions, public spaces, and community-driven projects. From suspended sculptures and monumental 50-foot installations to patent-pending fan designs and the restoration of an aging silo, the diversity of her work reflects both fearless creativity and an unwavering commitment to innovation. Few artists possess such a rare combination of imagination, technical ability, and community impact.

Erika is not simply an artist. She is a force for creativity, connection, and possibility within Kentucky and beyond. I can think of few individuals more deserving of the honor of the Governor's 2026 Artist Award.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this letter in strong support of Erika Strecker and her outstanding artistic and sculptural work. Erika has demonstrated exceptional creativity, dedication, and craftsmanship within both the art and film industries.

As part of the production team for the film Grover's Mill, Erika served in the Art Department and played a major role in the development and construction of large-scale sculptural elements for the production, and in the future this will include the highly ambitious Tripod sculptures featured in the film and theatre at PineKnob.

We are very much looking forward to seeing her final large-scale sculptural work brought fully to life on screen.

Erika's work is consistently praised and recognized for its uniqueness, artistic vision, sheer scale, and the difficulty involved in executing such complex creations. Her ability to combine imagination with practical execution makes her an exceptional sculptor and creative professional.

She is hardworking, dependable, and deeply passionate about her craft. Erika has our full support and recommendation as an innovative and talented sculptor within both the contemporary art world and the motion picture industry.

We proudly give Erika Strecker our highest recommendation.

Sincerely,