When you think of Kentucky, you usually think about horses or basketball, but art is also an important part of Kentucky’s culture. The Lexington Art League is central Kentucky’s oldest and largest visual art organization. With their main gallery at the historic Loudon House, their mission is to challenge, educate and engage through current visual art.

Along with holding art shows, the league has also been able to raise sizable amounts of money. Since they have been open, the league has managed to raise over one million dollars for the art community. Lexington Art League is definitely beginning to engage the youth of Lexington and surrounding areas. They now offer a “master class” for high school students who are gifted in visual art or are looking into art as a professional career. The class allows students to take a 12 hour course with a professional artist. The class is free and all materials are provided.

Students enrolled will learn what it means to be a professional artist and develop their own artistic skills. Each class is taught by a professional who gives students feedback and helps them complete a final project at the end of the course. Master Artists that teach the class include: Rae Goodwin, Nick Alley, and Stacey Chinn.

If you are interested in viewing their art, the Lexington Art League is located on 209 Castlewood Drive. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 am until 4 pm and weekends 1 until 4 pm.  

“I appreciate everything the Lexington Art League has done for the community and look forward to what it will do for the community in the future,” said sophomore Kelly Rehmel. Other programs the Lexington Art League provides include their Annual Fundraiser and American Founders Bank Woodland Art Fair.

The Annual Fundraiser sells 200 dollar tickets. When each number is drawn, the guest gets to select the artwork of their choice. Every raffle ticket holder leaves with a quality piece of art. All proceeds go to the league’s exhibitions and other league programs. American Founders Bank Woodland Art Fair is Central Kentucky’s largest and most popular outdoor cultural event. The Lexington Art League sets up a booth every year and sends 50 artists to the fair to preview their work at the booth and start their career.

America has many prominent art programs, but the Lexington Art League is special because it not only educates students, but challenges them on a daily basis as well. The league provides programs geared towards children, high school students and adults. The Lexington Art League sets itself apart because of all it does for the community and how much it works to inspire every artist who walks in the door.