In the heart of Lexington, Kentucky, a vibrant arts scene has emerged, showcasing the city’s artistic talent through a free program called “Art on the Town”. Funded by the city, this initiative aims to revitalize downtown Lexington by making art more accessible to the community.
Table of Contents
Revitalizing Downtown Lexington
• The program is designed to provide artists with a no-cost way to showcase their work and connect with the local arts community. • It offers a platform for Kentucky artists to gain exposure and sell their art, promoting the city’s artistic talent. • By displaying art in public spaces, “Art on the Town” helps to reinvigorate the downtown area, transforming it into a hub of creative activity. Lexington’s art scene is predominantly confined to exclusive galleries, making it challenging for artists to get their work into these spaces. “Art on the Town” fills this gap, providing artists with an opportunity to showcase their work on the streets and in customers’ hands.
Connecting the Community
• The program allows customers to engage with local artists, fostering a sense of connection and community. • By meeting the artists and hearing their stories, attendees can develop a deeper appreciation for the artwork and the artists themselves. • This personal connection is what sets “Art on the Town” apart from other events, such as “Thursday Night Live”, which may draw in the crowd but fail to keep them engaged. Attendee Jaeyln Woods shared her experience with “Art on the Town”, saying it allowed her to form meaningful connections with local artists. She enjoyed the music and food at “Thursday Night Live”, but it was the art that truly captured her attention. “I fell in love with the art and the connections I made,” Woods said. “I was able to have conversations with artists and build a one-on-one connection that I never expected to make.”
Woods’ experience highlights the importance of art in establishing a sense of community and connection. When attendees engage with local artists, they begin to see the artwork as a representation of the city and its people.
Preserving the Arts
• Jennifer Millard, a local artist and vendor, emphasized the significance of keeping art in the hands of the community. • She noted that art is a dying form in culture and schools, and that making it more accessible is crucial for preserving its relevance. • By showcasing art in public spaces, “Art on the Town” provides a unique means of communication, allowing customers to engage with the artwork on a deeper level. Millard said that every color, texture, and design choice in her artwork conveys a message to customers. By making art more accessible, she believes that we can resonate with an entire generation and promote a sense of community. “Art is a visual way to communicate and especially if somebody’s not very good at your communication or written communication,” Millard said. “I think art is another way to communicate and it’s a very great way for people that are creative to be able to express themselves.”
The Value of Art
• According to Millard, art serves as a unique means of communication, allowing customers to engage with the artwork on a deeper level. • By displaying art in public spaces, “Art on the Town” helps to promote a sense of community and connection among residents and tourists. • The program demonstrates the importance of preserving the arts and promoting their accessibility to the community. When attendees visit the “Art on the Town” event, they not only gain a new piece of decor but also a unique story behind the artwork. This personal connection is what sets “Art on the Town” apart from other events and reinforces the importance of art in revitalizing urban spaces. By fostering a sense of community and connection, “Art on the Town” has become an essential component of Lexington’s revitalization efforts. As Woods said, “Art creates the morale of the city. I feel like anybody could walk up to the artists and talk to them, but I feel like when you get to meet the artists, you understand that they are local.”
Key Takeaways:
• “Art on the Town” provides a platform for Kentucky artists to showcase their work and connect with the local arts community. • The program helps to revitalize downtown Lexington by making art more accessible to the community.
| Program Benefits | Description |
|---|---|
| Free Platform for Artists | Provides Kentucky artists with a no-cost way to showcase their work and connect with the local arts community. |
| Community Engagement | Fosters a sense of connection and community among residents and tourists. |
| Accessibility | Makes art more accessible to the community by displaying it in public spaces. |
By promoting the accessibility of art, “Art on the Town” has become an essential component of Lexington’s revitalization efforts. As Lindsay said, “This is just a really nice way for artists to be able to sell their work and get connected to the arts community.” By providing a platform for Kentucky artists to showcase their work, “Art on the Town” has become a beacon of creativity and community engagement in the heart of Lexington.