At the turn of the 19th century, what was once a wonderfully wild settlement turned into a town worthy of the reputation as the “Athens of the West” — a Mecca for forward-thinkers, shot-callers, and the intellectually sound.

Over time, Lexington, Kentucky, became a breeding ground for incredible artists whose legacy of an innate appreciation for aesthetics lingers amongst locals today. Whether it’s a local-made mural, a prized piece of art, or even a buttery glass of bourbon, each way you experience Lexington will paint the picture of a beautifully diverse city. 

Paint the Town Rainbow 

Let's Trace It Back

Before all else, the community creative culture rose to recognition in chorus with the first institution of higher learning west of the Alleghenies. As it happens, in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, Lexington's art scene was dominated by two academic institutions, the University of Kentucky and its predecessor, Transylvania University. 

Altogether, the blending of academic pursuits with the agrarian community paved the way for a dynamic, artfully homespun culture to emerge - one of passion, craftsmanship, creativity, and a deep sense of pride in place.

Through temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and a permanent collection of approximately 5,000 objects, the UK Art Museum, part of the University of Kentucky's College of Fine Arts, is a cultural hotspot for citizens of the Commonwealth and beyond.

Experiences | Faulkner Morgan Archive 

Born in 1924, just three hours away from Lexington in Holland, KY, mid-century bohemian artist and poet Henry Faulkner left a legacy that can still be felt nearly a century later. Orphaned by age six, Faulkner put down roots in various foster homes across the commonwealth over the course of WWII and the Great Depression.

Ultimately, it was his Bluegrass background that he drew upon when seeking inspiration for his artwork – most notably scenes from small townships like Clay County, as well as the Hopemont residence in Lexington. This same artistic nature led him to New York, San Francisco, Key West, and then back home to Lexington, where he lived until his death in 1981.  

To pay your respects, pay a visit to the Faulkner Morgan Archive when visiting Lexington, and uncover Kentucky’s rich LGBTQ+ history through their programming, exhibits, lectures, and walking tours.

Exhibits | Pagan Babies: The Exhibition at Institute 193 

In the 1960s, the Old World gay scene was changing, so a collective of artists and drag queens who called themselves “The Pagan Babies” banded together in Lexington to challenge the establishment. Through spirited showcases of art, photography, dance, and music, this group guided the culture to an era of transition  – from the sexually liberated 1970s to the AIDS epidemic of the 80s and 90s.

Founded in 2009, Institute 193 embraces the notion that groundbreaking contemporary art can and does emerge outside of large metropolitan centers. Meet us here on September 14th, 2023, from 5-9 pm as we celebrate the Pagan Babies book launch and exhibition opening.

Exhibit Displayed from Friday, September 15th - Tuesday, October 31st

Speaking of Lexington's LGBTQ+ history, make sure to swing by the corner of Church Street and North Limestone to see the tribute of a local legend and drag queen of the name "Sweet Evening Breeze". The trans icon is portrayed in shades of purple by muralist GAIA on the corner of Church Street and North Limestone. 

Art Happenings 

Centuries in the making, Lexington's inspired yet distinct creative culture is off the arts! From creative, whimsical doodles to sky-high commissioned works of art, street artists from all over the world are making the city their canvas.

Experiences, Explore Street Art, Win Prizes | Mural Challenge  

With more than fifty murals (and counting!) painted by artists from all over the world, almost every corner of Lexington leads to  eye-catching and thought-provoking street art. Created by high-profile commissioned artists and anonymous painters alike, these colorful murals add to the creative spirit swirling around the city that's just waiting to be discovered.  

That's where VisitLEX’s Mural Challenge comes in – visit six murals and then pick up your screen-printed poster prize at the Lexington, KY, Visitors Center. 

Events | LexArts HOP | Third Friday, Every Other Month 

Hop on down to Downtown Lexington, a true Arcadia of Arts! Eagerly anticipated and enthusiastically attended, the LexArts HOP nights allow you to choose your own adventure by featuring a stimulating cross-section of local visual art.

Dozens of galleries, museums, artist studios, and creative spaces open their doors - and everyone, from seasoned hoppers to newbies, is welcome to wander in. 

Held six times a year, the event offers experiences that even the most ambitious of artists couldn’t cover in a single Friday night. What's more, Lexington's art scene never stands still;  new exhibitions and galleries rotate in and out of an ever-changing roster - so there's never a shortage of art to appreciate.

Experiences, Marval at Performance and Visual Art  | The Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center  

A hub for all things art, the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center is home to the City Gallery, Community Gallery, and the 250-seat Black Box Theatre — right in the heart of downtown. 

This city-run creative space offers performance art (including theater, dance, and music) plus visual and new media arts. They also provide performance, exhibition, and special events space for arts, private events and civic organizations.  

Exhibits, Black Jockey  | The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers

Highlighting the lives and careers of 80 African American horsemen and women from the mid-1800s to the present, The Heart of the Turf showcases its message through exhibited interpretive panels, photographs, artwork, artifacts, and video interviews at Keeneland Library.  

More than 100 photographs from the library's collection capture moments across their varied careers, while commissioned artwork by LaVon Williams and loaned artwork from the Kentucky Derby Museum, the International Museum of the Horse, and private collections honor their lasting legacies. 

Exhibit Dates: Now – December 8th, 2023 

Experiences, Arts Festival | Art on the Town at Tandy Park 

As part of the LexArts Gallery Hop, on September 15th, 2023, and October 10th, 2023, this event features local artists and craftspeople with paintings, drawings, jewelry, garden art and unique gifts. Walk through the festival enjoying live music by local artists and delicious bites.   

Event Dates: September 15th and October 10th, 2023 

Concert Series | Summer Nights in Suburbia 

What better way to unwind after a long week than at an open-air concert with friends. Especially when the concert is free!

Share the Love  

For more inside scoop and tools to help you plan your trip, check out  VisitLEX, a proud member of Hospitable Me and IGLTA. For the ultimate artistic approach, drop your bags at the 21c Museum Hotel, an artful abode that houses rotating exhibits right in the heart of downtown Lexington.

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