09.08.2023

Today’s Forecast

80º | Partly cloudy | 17% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:13 a.m. | Sunset 7:57 p.m.

The true G.O.A.T. of Kentucky’s art scene

The life and legacy of LGBTQ+ icon Henry Faulkner

Faulkner was known as an organic farmer and raised goats + rams. | Photo courtesy of John Hockensmith

Eccentric, free-spirited, charismatic. That’s how many would describe the larger-than-life presence of poet and artist Henry Faulkner.

To celebrate and honor the colorful Lexingtonian, the Headley-Whitney Museum has just opened the “Henry Faulkner: Poetry in Paint One Hundredth Birthday” exhibition, which features ~190 pieces of his work donated by the community.

Celebrate Faulkner

Here’s a few fast facts about the exhibit:

Runs through Sunday, Nov. 12
Hours: Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $10 or free for members + children 17 and under

A painting of a cat near a newspaper that reads, "Cat Cat Lex Fucatzzi" — Faulkner’s work was as vibrant as his personality. | Photo courtesy of John Hockensmith

Along with the showcase of his actual work, the museum will host a variety of events over the next few months to commemorate Faulkner’s legacy:

Happy Birthday Henry Champagne & Cake | Friday, Sept. 22 | 5-7 p.m. | $15
Luncheon & Faulkner Talk with John Hockensmith | Tuesday, Oct. 3 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | $45

Faulkner’s life was known to be as animated as his own work. We spoke with his friend + gallery owner John Hockensmith to discuss his impact on the local art community — as well as the legend of his supposed bourbon-drinking goat Alice.

LEXtoday_henryfaulkner3 — “Runney Meade” by Henry Faulkner. | Photo courtesy of John Hockensmith

Tell us about your personal connection to Henry

“When I was a young lad in my early 20s, I was like the rest of the community. We were all awestruck by Henry’s stature in the world. When I met him, he asked me what do I do...I had just started a frame shop in Georgetown.”

In 1978, John became the go-to guy for framing Henry’s early work, his “celebrity photographer,” and would soon be displaying his photography alongside Henry’s paintings.

“Henry employed everybody. Everybody worked for Henry and his mind.”

Hit the button below to read more about how Henry impacted the local community.

Read more about the Lexingtonian

Events

Friday, Sept. 8

KYukefest 2023 | Friday, Sept. 8-Sunday, Sept. 10 | Times vary | Artworks at the Carver School, 522 Patterson St., Lexington | $20-$75 | Appreciate this four-stringed instrument with open mics, banjolele performances, and a strum-a-long.
Burl County Fair | Friday, Sept. 8-Sunday, Sept. 10 | Times vary | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd., Lexington | $53.50-$144 | Head to the Distillery District for small town fair vibes with big talent artists plus classic themed games, rides, and food.

Saturday, Sept. 9

Water Lantern Festival | Saturday, Sept. 9 | 5-9 p.m. | Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pkwy., Lexington | $26.98-$55.99 | Light up the night by designing your own floating water lantern, plus enjoy food, games, vendors + more.
Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers | Saturday, Sept. 9 | 8 p.m. | Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St., Lexington | $56-$82 | Get rowdy with this famed Grammy Award-winning guitarist as he takes the stage for the 25th anniversary of his album “Spirit Trail.”

Sunday, Sept. 10

Cinnamon Roll Making Class | Sunday, Sept. 10 | 10-11:30 a.m. | Harkness Edwards Vineyards, 5199 Combs Ferry Rd., Winchester | $42 | Learn how to make your own cinnamon rolls while sipping on mimosas.
Community Yoga on the Lawn | Sunday, Sept. 10 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate, 120 Sycamore Rd., Lexington | Free | Slow down + breathe deeply at this all-levels practice under the trees.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Announced

👀 One Lexington nonprofit could win $20,000 from Field & Main Bank

This initiative is part of Field & Main Bank’s mission to build community and drive prosperity in each and every region it serves. | Photo provided by Field & Main Bank

Community works best when we all work together. That’s why Field & Main Bank created “Community & Cause,” a brand-new initiative to boost visibility for local nonprofits.

Here’s how it works:

Nonprofits can register online through Friday, Sept. 22.
Lexingtonians can vote for their favorite nonprofit from Monday, Oct. 2-Tuesday, Oct. 31.
The winner will receive a $20,000 award to keep doing good work that matters.

We’ve partnered with Field & Main to help get the word out, so all you have to do to stay updated is keep reading LEXtoday.

News Notes

Concert

Sugar, we’re going down to Rupp Arena to see Fall Out Boy. The band will take the stage on Saturday, Mar. 30 for their “So Much For (Tour) Dust” tour, with Jimmy Eat World supporting. Tickets go on sale next Friday, Sept. 15.

Eat

The brains behind Salt & Vinegar are bringing a new project to UK’s campus. Ethereal Slice House will open at the UK Cornerstone Exchange on 405 S. Limestone, where it will serve up New York-style pizza, salad, appetizers, and desserts.

Award

Congrats are in order for several local businesses + organizations. Creative Yoga, FoodChain, McConnell Springs Park, Poppy & Pomelo, Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, and several others will all be honored at the 2023 Green Check Awards Ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 28. The certification program ranks based on their sustainable practices.

Ranked

Lexington is the fifth most pet-friendly city in the US according to a study from PetLab Co. The study’s methodology explored factors such as vet visit expenses, pet insurance, and the number of dog parks per 100,000 residents. Lexington was found to have a high number of available vets + pet caretakers. (The Lane Report)

Drink

Wise Bird Co. has an ap-peeling proposition for you. Beginning tomorrow, you can find them back at Evans Orchard Mill serving up their delicious hard ciders, flights, and slushies — just in time to celebrate apple-picking season.

Job

Ever wanted to work for our local government? Now’s your chance. The city has job openings across many departments, including equipment operators, affordable housing specialist, building inspectors, and more. Explore all of the positions and apply today.

Finance

What does a personal financial experience look like at Gratz Park Private Wealth? Their experienced advisors take the time to understand who you are and your vision for the future. There’s never a bad time to begin your financial journey, so why wait to start reaching your goals?*

Trivia

You don’t hate Mondays, you just hate not having something to look forward to. Enter: Trivia Night at District 7 Social Hall, which happens every Monday night from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Voila, something to look forward to.*

Active

Step Up for Kids with the YMCA on Saturday, Sept. 16 to raise awareness and money for the youth in our community. Simply join or form a team, set step and fundraising goals, and get moving. Can your team reach 100K steps in one day? Both individuals and groups are encouraged to participate. Learn more.*

Art

Art by Nature returns to Lexington

A garden greenspace with flowers and plants and an Art By Nature sign

Walk around Wellington Park to get inspired at their Monarch Waystation. | Photo by LEXtoday

In its sixth year, the Art by Nature program is a celebration of Lexington’s local environment. This year’s theme, Urban Creeks, asks visual artists to create projects inspired by these 35 creek sites.

Artists can submit up to three pieces, but only one will be selected per person. Submit your work by Friday, Sept. 15.

What type of art is accepted? Think:

Paintings
Photographs
Fiber art
Jewelry
Sculptures
Glass creations

The exhibit will be featured at The Living Arts & Science Center Friday, Oct. 13-Friday, Nov. 24 and will coincide with several events, including:

Opening Reception | Friday, Oct. 13 | 6-8 p.m.
Discovery Saturday | Saturday, Oct. 21 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dia de los Muertos | Wednesday, Nov. 1 | 5-9 p.m.
LexArts HOP | Friday, Nov. 17 | 5-8 p.m.
Discovery Saturday |Saturday, Nov. 18 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Closing Reception | Friday, Nov. 24 | 6-8 p.m.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Aayat

From the editor

This one’s for the karaoke enthusiasts. What’s your favorite spot in town to belt the classics? Bonus points if you tell me your go-to karaoke song by a Kentucky artist.

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