September 13, 2023

Today’s Forecast

81º | Partly cloudy | 9% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:32 a.m. | Sunset 7:24 p.m.

An artistic oasis

The exterior of Artworks at the Carver School featuring a half-circle walkway with instruments and big trees

Don’t forget to play a little tune on your way in or out. | Photo by LEXtoday

Next week, class is back in session at Artworks at the Carver School. And guess what? It’s not too late to join the fun as dozens of classes for the spring semester have opened (and some extra spots this fall).

If you’re like us and ever gawked at the building’s beautiful facade, you might be curious what’s inside. Allow us to take you on a tour that’s full of history, learning, and charm at 522 Patterson St.

A big brick building known as the Carver Community Center — A look back at what the Carver Community Center once looked like. | Photo provided by Lexington Parks & Recreation

History

Lexington Parks & Recreation, who runs the space and has offices in the building, helped us turn back time in the Davis Bottom neighborhood.

The building opened in 1934 as George Washington Carver Elementary School.
By 1969, there was an enrollment of 260 students and a staff of 13 classroom teachers, a librarian, and specialty teachers.
In 1970, Carver Elementary School was partially integrated, but closed in 1972 as part of Fayette County Public School system’s final desegregation plan.
In 1976, the building was transformed into Carver Community Center, where it housed youth programs + served as one of the Tubby Smith Clubhouses.
In 2014, the building became a part of Parks & Recreation, becoming what it is today.

A class room with art supplies for printmaking. — Artworks at the Carver School is actually hiring a printmaking instructor to lead classes in this studio. | Photo by LEXtoday

Present Day

Despite all the changes, the building has come back to its roots. “We are using it again in its true form — of people learning [and] coming together as a community. I think that people really are looking for that...a gathering place,” said Amber Luallen, Superintendent of Cultural Arts & Events.

From therapeutic recreation and Kiddie Kapers Dance Company, to rehearsals for the Lexington Theatre Company and adult art classes — there is a lot of excitement + energy in the building. “You feel a buzz when you come in here,” said Mindy Stone, Artworks Center Director.

Next time you attend Ballet Under the Stars or the Thriller Parade downtown, you’ll know these talented Lexingtonians got their start on the fertile ground that is Artworks at the Carver School.

Asked

Have you ever taken a class at Artworks at the Carver School?

A. Yes
B. No
C. Not yet, but I want to
D. My child has

Just call me Picasso

Events

Wednesday, Sept. 13

Lincolns’ Lexington Downtown History Walk | Wednesday, Sept. 13 | 6-7 p.m. | Mary Todd Lincoln House, 578 W. Main St., Lexington | $0-$10 | Explore downtown as Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln would have on a self-guided history walk where you’ll be greeted by museum staff to share tidbits along the path.
Bootcampers and Brews | Wednesday, Sept. 13 | 6-8 p.m. | Ethereal Brewing, 1224 Manchester St., Lexington | Free | Meet the team at Awesome Inc U to learn about its coding bootcamp or meet like-minded friends.

Thursday, Sept. 14

An Evening with Ron Davis | Thursday, Sept. 14 | 7-9 p.m. | Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning, 251 W. Second St., Lexington | Free | Be a part of the book launch for poet Ron Davis + step up to the stage for open mic night.

Friday, Sept. 15

Apple Picking & Cocktail Sipping | Friday, Sept. 15 | 6-10 p.m. | Eckert’s Orchard, 1396 Pinckard Pike, Versailles | $25 | Apple picking, cider, cocktails, and bonfires — need we say more?

Saturday, Sept. 16

49th Annual Midway Fall Festival | Saturday, Sept. 16-Sunday, Sept. 17 | Times vary | Downtown Midway, W. Main St., Midway | Free | The downtown will come alive with live music, sorghum + pottery demonstrations, arts and craft vendors, and more.

Sunday, Sept. 17

Mindful Triathlon | Sunday, Sept. 17 | 3:30 p.m. | Hisle Farm Park, 3551 Briar Hill Rd., Lexington | Free | Part of Nature Hop, venture out for a leisurely stroll, all-levels yoga class, and guided meditation to start the new week on a relaxed note.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Opening

The former Mellow Mushroom at 503 S. Upper St. has received a full renovation and will now be known as Damiano. Led by the same owner as La Folie, the campus restaurant will serve two different types of pizza — wood-fired and traditional — plus pasta dishes like ravioli + lasagna. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

List

According to Livability, Lexington is one of the 10 Best Cities for Ice Cream thanks to Crank & Boom Ice Cream Lounge. The local ice cream shop was ranked No. 8 by the civic + community research site, citing its dedication to sourcing local ingredients and unique flavors.

Plan Ahead

UK’s Family Weekend is coming next Friday, Sept. 22-Sunday, Sept. 24, which means Lexington will be even busier. This is your reminder to make any dinner reservations ASAP + practice some patience traveling near campus. If you know someone coming to town, have them check out our city guides. (UKNOW)

Try This

Want to see the rolling hills of the Bluegrass from high in the skies? Well, Wildside Winery in Versailles is giving you the opportunity with a ride in a hot air balloon. Reservations can be made day of at its Harvest Festival on Saturday, Sept. 30.

Seasonal

Spooky season is upon us, and The Arboretum wants to get in on the fun. Individuals, families, and organizations are invited to create + display a scarecrow to help with its Scarecrow Parade. Entry forms are available at the Visitor Center (or online) and due Friday, Sept. 22.

Watch

Do you like scary movies? Then vote in the comments of this post for the Horror Cult Classics you’d like to see played at LexLive. Every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in October, the downtown entertainment complex will show scary movies for $5. You can also vote on Facebook.

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

Home

Dramatic and moody, yet tranquil and grounded. Are we describing ourselves, or Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Month for September 2023? Discover the color for your next home project.^

Drink

A neat nightcap

Lockbox bar with a blue velvet couch, leather bar stools, and art on the walls.

Pull up chair, grab a pour, kick back + relax. | Photo by LEXtoday

Thanks to a partnership with Louisville-based bourbon brand Angel’s Envy, guests at all 21c Museum Hotel locations (with the exception of Chicago) can now enjoy a free pour each night of their stay.

Appropriately named Nightcap at the Museum, hotel guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary late-night Angel’s Envy Bourbon sip as you peruse the exhibits as the evening winds down.

Want to treat yourself? Book a staycation at 21c Lexington, then head down to on-site restaurant Lockbox at 8 p.m. to get your glass before wandering around the galleries or kicking back in your cozy room.

We’ll toast to that.

Shop

Seasonal

Put your holiday gifting headaches in the past with Six & Main’s gifting quiz. Get the perfect gift for your friends and family with just a few clicks. Start quiz.

Arts

Kathyphantastic items are perfect for spicing up your wardrobe, water bottle, or fridge. From unique magnets to art prints, shop the collection.

Drink

The internet’s favorite tumbler — the 40-oz. Stanley Quencher — is in stock in cute colors like pool, jade, and orchid.

Travel

Love flying first class? Snag an Elite membership from Going and get emailed when first + business class flights are 40-90% off (hello, European vacation).

Wellness

It doesn’t get more luxurious than the Drowsy sleep mask, which is silky smooth on skin and completely light-blocking for the deepest sleep.

Share LEXtoday

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

Facebook

Twitter

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_16}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.

Claim your rewards

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Molly

From the editor

Want some more sweet news from Crank & Boom? Now through Friday, Sept. 15 it is running its Pints for a Purpose fundraising campaign, where $4 from every pint purchase will be designated to the nonprofit of your choice. I think we can all scream for ice cream for a good cause.

Missed our previous newsletter?

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

* This content is paid advertising, or contains links to our Six & Main marketplace, or affiliate partners which we may receive a commission from. ^ This content is created by our content studio.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | SHOP