11.14.2023

Today’s Forecast

61º | Partly cloudy | 4% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:17 a.m. | Sunset 5:26 p.m.

A fresh perspective

REIMAGINE Project makes its annual return

A painting of a child standing in front of a brick wall with wings featuring the reflection of the land below.

“Campbell’s Flying Girl” by Damon Farmer | Photo courtesy of Arts Connect

This Friday., Nov. 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. is another rendition of the LexArts Hop, when dozens of galleries + businesses stay open late for the public to view art — for free.

Special this month is the return of the REIMAGINE project — the unique fundraiser where local artists are chosen to “re-imagine” drawings submitted by local students.

Beginnings

REIMAGINE was started in 2014 by Lori Barnett, then executive director of Creative Alliance, and her daughter Grace. The now shuddered arts nonprofit ran the project from 2014-2019.

Last year, Arts Connect, an organization dedicated to arts awareness in the community, revived the project with the blessing and support of Barnett.

“We serendipitously bumped into each other at the Headley-Whitney Museum,” said Kate Savage, Executive Director at Arts Connect. “I asked [Lori] if we could join forces and take it on. [REIMAGINE] is perfect for our spirit + mission.”

A side by side of a drawing and a painted piece of art — Second grader Uriel’s piece (left) was re-imagined by Lennon Michalski. | Photos courtesy of ArtsConnect

How to see it

Stop by the Living Arts & Science Center, 362 N. Martin Luther King Blvd., during Gallery Hop to view this year’s projects. The students’ drawings will be side-by-side with the re-imagined pieces.

By the numbers

43 pieces of art
11 different local grade schools
32 participating local artists

How it works

The art is available for purchase via an online auction — bidding is now open. Each piece has a starting price tag of $100 + the minimum bid increment is an additional $50.

The proceeds will be split three ways — with the artist, Arts Connect, and the student’s school to support the arts program + art supplies.

The auction will end at the closing reception held on Friday, Dec. 15, 6-7:30 p.m. View the full catalog online.

Events

Tuesday, Nov. 14

Fairytales in Fall | Tuesday, Nov. 14 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Fayette Mall, 3401 Nicholasville Rd., Lexington | Free | The Children’s Play area will transform into an autumnal wonderland featuring special characters, crafts, and treats.
Eagles “The Long Goodbye Tour” | Tuesday, Nov. 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Rupp Arena, 430 W. Vine St., Lexington | $168-$499.50 | Get that peaceful, easy feeling as you watch these 1970s rockers take the stage with special guest The Doobie Brothers.

Wednesday, Nov. 15

Tiny Tot Naturalist: Wild About Wild Turkeys | Wednesday, Nov. 15 | 10-11:30 a.m. | McConnell Springs Park, 416 Rebmann Ln., Lexington | Free | Kids 2-5 are invited to learn about the most popular bird of the month through fun crafts and a nature walk.

Thursday, Nov. 16

Candles & Cocktails | Thursday, Nov. 16 | 6 p.m. | Wick + Mortar Studio - Poppy & Pomelo, 526 E. High St., Lexington | $38 | Enjoy a selection of cocktails, bubbly, or beer while you create your own clean-burning, coconut wax candle.

Friday, Nov. 17

Dance Class - Fun & Easy | Friday, Nov. 17 | 7:15-8:15 p.m. | Bluegrass Ballroom, 4750 Hartland Parkway Ste. 190, Lexington | $6-$12 | Newcomers are invited to dance the night away with West Coast Swing instruction in a fun and friendly environment.

Events calendar here

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Announced

And the winner of Field & Main Bank’s giveaway is...

The check presentation was a special moment for both Field & Main Bank and Jobs for Kentucky Grads. | Photo provided by Field & Main Bank

Drumroll, please.

Earlier this fall, 106 nonprofits entered to win $20,000 from Field & Main Bank’s first-ever Community & Cause giveaway, an initiative to connect with and give back to local nonprofits making a difference.

56,705 community votes later, and Field & Main Bank has shared the winner: Jobs for Kentucky Grads. This organization is dedicated to reconnecting students academically, helping them overcome barriers to graduation, and transition into post-secondary education, the workforce, or military after graduation.

Congrats to everyone who participated.

Learn more about the winner

News Notes

Announced

The Kentucky Dad is coming home. Hip-hop artist Drake is returning to Rupp Arena for his “It’s All A Blur Tour - Big As The What?” on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Joining him on the tour is Grammy Award winner J. Cole. Tickets go on sale Friday, Nov. 17.

Closed

The last LaRosa’s in Lexington, 115 Southland Dr., is officially closed. Franchise owner Gary Holland said that despite the initial excitement in town, sales didn’t meet their financial expectations. The group will continue serving its pizza at Kroger Field concessions for at least another year. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Biz

The Lexington Tennis Club has been acquired by Genesis Health Clubs + will now be known as Genesis Health Clubs – Lexington Tennis Club. Owner Rodney Steven II said that they plan to “revitalize and refresh” the 15 indoor courts and invest in the fitness aspect. (The Lane Report)

Civic

CivicLex + Segregated Lexington are participating in LexArts Hop this Friday, Nov. 17 with “Segregated By Design: Lexington Parks and Neighborhoods Data Walk.” Stop by the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to see research and data about the history of segregation locally.

Concert

Head to the Niles Gallery at the Lucille C. Little Fine Arts Library tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m. for “A Night of Music and Poetry.” The free event will host poetry readings in English and Russian + piano performances from UK students. (UKNOW)

Cause

Now through Friday, Nov. 17, Military Missions is collecting donations for care packages that will be sent to troops stationed overseas. Items such as toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, hardtack candy, and individually wrapped snacks can be dropped off at 570 Delzan Pl., Ste. 10 or you can donate online.

Number

$2 million. That’s the amount Farm Credit Mid-America has available in scholarship funding for students studying agriculture or rural community-related fields. In addition to scholarships, those awarded will receive leadership development + financial literacy training.

Seasonal

Mark your calendars Lexington — you’re invited to shop ’til you drop at Poppy & Pomelo’s ultimate three-day shopping experience. Enjoy drinks + deals from Friday, Nov. 24 to Sunday, Nov. 26 for Black Friday, Small Biz and Fizz Saturday, and Sunday Funday. See details.*

Watch

🎟️ Making spirits bright

Highlights from the Lexington Opera House

The exterior of the Lexington Opera House at night

Oh yes, there’s plenty going on at Lexington Opera House. | Photo by Lexington Opera House

Tis the season for out of office messages, entertaining guests, and spending time with loved ones. Looking for the perfect afternoon or evening in downtown? Check out this lineup of shows coming to the Lexington Opera House the next few weeks.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas | Thursday, Nov. 16-Sunday, Nov. 19 | Times vary | $38-$100 | Nothing can kick off the holiday season like the stage adaptation of this timeless + heartwarming story performed by Lexington Theatre Company stars.
Acoustic Jam | Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | $49.50-$203.50 | A unique opportunity to see country music stars perform live in an intimate acoustic setting.
Kentucky Ballet Theatre presents: The Nutcracker | Saturday, Dec. 9-Sunday, Dec. 10 + Saturday, Dec. 16-Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | $33-$48 | This quintessential magical holiday performance will fill your eyes with wonder with appearances by snowflakes, angels, and of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The Buy

The Buy 11.14.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Something to make sure you don’t forget yourself this holiday season. Here’s a little self-care gift just for you.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Molly

From the editor

I just learned last week that Mixmas (on 94.5 FM) is already on, spinning all the holiday classics. I want to know, do you love Mixmas? Take this survey + let me know if you are moving and grooving or feeling like the Grinch.

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