Following years of delays, a massive art project on the corner of Limestone and Fourth Streets is finally coming to fruition.
LexArts and the Lexington Freedom Train Memorial committee announced that after nearly 100 global submissions, they have identified four potential artists to design an art installation that memorializes abolitionists Lewis and Harriet Hayden.
The Haydens, who escaped enslavement in Kentucky via the Underground Railroad, later became leaders in the anti-slavery movement. Fun fact: Lewis would later become the first Black man elected to the Massachusetts legislature.
The community is invited to meet the nationally recognized artists who will present their ideas on Wednesday, March 13 at 6 p.m. at the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center.
- Norman Lee from Houston, TX
- Humanity Award Public Team from Sutton, WV
- Basil Watson from Lawrenceville, GA
- Steven Whyte from Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
The monument unveiling will coincide with Lexington’s 250th anniversary celebration in 2025.