03.08.2024

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Today’s Forecast

65º | 54% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:58 a.m. | Sunset 6:39 p.m.

Keeping up with Wylie Caudill

Where in the world is Wylie Caudill? Catching up with the official artist of Kentucky Derby 150

Artist Wylie Caudill standing next to a painting with colorful roses and a gold statue for the 150th Kentucky Derby standing at Churchill Downs

Wylie Caudill standing with his design for the official artwork for the 150th Kentucky Derby. | Photo by @andrewkungphoto

We’re just 57 days from the most exciting two minutes in sports — the Kentucky Derby. Why are we talking about that today? Because around here, the run for roses — and roses in general — have become quite synonymous with Lexington artist Wylie Caudill.

The painted horses and bourbon bottles adorned with Caudill’s 150th Kentucky Derby designs have been making their way around the internet — and the interstate lately. We were lucky enough to snag a few minutes of Caudill’s time to catch up on all the buzz about his colorful blooms.

A mural with a horse running on a background of red roses that says 146th Kentucky Derby Winner Authentic — The Authentic mural in Cynthiana is the first public piece to feature Wylie Caudill’s iconic rose design. | Photo by @wyliecaudillart

When did you first create your iconic rose design?
It was actually a mural in Cynthiana of the racehorse Authentic that won Derby 146. They asked me to paint a mural of him with the garland of roses, and I wanted to paint him running. So I sent them a design and it was a compromise — Authentic running but in the background it was just roses.

You paint a lot of things — bottles, murals, canvases, suits — what’s your favorite?
Definitely murals. I love large scale public exterior murals. I think it’s the most fun and the most rewarding. It’s the most accessible to people. It’s free. It’s public. And I think it adds so much to the identity and walkability of a city. I think it’s one of the best ways to contribute and help build a community.

LEX_wylie caudill painting blue wall — Fun fact: Wylie Caudill doesn’t even bring rags to sites anymore, he just wears clothes that he can get paint on. | Photo courtesy of @wyliecaudillart

What is your favorite restaurant + dish?
You can catch me at Corto Lima — I’m not kidding — twice a week. I go for the classic adobo chicken tacos and my favorite marg is the green goddess. I know they rotate their menu a lot, but one that’s always been on the menu that I love is, the prickly pear.

4 more questions with Wylie

Events

Friday, March 8

Lexington Comic & Toy Convention | Friday, March 8-Sunday, March 10 | Times vary | Central Bank Center, 430 W. Vine St., Lexington | $20-$150 | Join the premier event where pop culture, comic books, movie, and TV intersect for an epic time.
Lost Arts Art Club | Friday, March 8 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | The Living Arts & Science Center, 362 N. Martin Luther King Blvd., Lexington | $20-$25 | Get your hands dirty by learning how to start your own veggie garden from seeds.

Saturday, March 9

Kentucky Legends: Lexington with Kim Wickens | Saturday, March 9 | 2-3 p.m. | Central Library, 140 E. Main St., Lexington | Free | See author Kim Wickens share from her book about the historic racehorse Lexington as part of the library’s series exploring our state’s culture, history, and lore.
Chic Art Fusion - Water Marbling | Saturday, March 9 | 4-6 p.m. | Wick + Mortar Studio - Poppy & Pomelo, 526 E. High St., Lexington | $45 | This hands-on experience will allow you to swirl, mix, and manipulate floating paints to create your own intricate colorful design.

Sunday, March 10

Beginner Birding | Sunday, March 10 | 3-4 p.m. | McConnell Springs, 416 Rebmann Ln., Lexington | Free | Enjoy a guided walk through the park to learn the basics of birding including using binoculars + identifying common birds — registration required.
Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue | Sunday, March 10 | 7 p.m. | Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St., Lexington | $103.50 | Relive the heartfelt hilarity of Miami’s sassiest seniors who never stopped being best friends in this Murray & Peter Present production.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Biz

Joe Bologna, the man behind beloved downtown pizza spot that shares his name, announced he is ready to retire. Bologna said he hopes to sell to someone “who will keep it the way it is,” but will close on August 1 if he can’t find the right buyer. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Arts

LexArts is still accepting feedback on the arts and culture ecosystem in Lexington. Take this survey by Friday, March 15 to share your thoughts on topics like performing arts, music, museums, visual arts + more.

Job

Do you want to be a part of something legendary? The Lexington Legends are hiring for multiple positions including: ticket operations manager, head athletic trainer + promotions and entertainment manager. The team is also hosting national anthem tryouts on Saturday, March 16 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Seasonal

It’s almost time to set the clocks forward. Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 10. Many states have made moves to address time change, but for now enjoy the extra sunlight.

Outdoors

Calling all night owls. You might want to add a stop at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park to your must-do list this month. Saturday, March 23-Wednesday, March 27 is your next chance to see a moonbow or lunar rainbow. Check out more dates for this natural phenomenon. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Finance

Whether it’s buying a home, opening a business, or preparing for retirement, everyone’s financial goals look different. American Trust Wealth’s team of fiduciary investment advisors will help you define your goals and create a custom financial plan that works specifically for you. Talk with the team to learn more.*

Watch

The Academy Awards air this Sunday, March 10 at 7 p.m. Not sure how to watch? Access the broadcast with a free five-day trial of DIRECTV STREAM.*

The Buy

The Buy 3.08.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Dog walks around the block just got more stylish.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Molly

From the editor

If you want to know what I’ll be doing Saturday, you can find me browsing plants at King’s Gardens Houseplant Happy Hour.

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