Local government + local artists — two things that seemingly may not go hand-in-hand. But because the City of Lexington is a horse of a different color, it’s partnering with CivicLex to shake things up and blend the rules.

For the first time ever, the Civic Artist in Residence program is unfolding in Fayette County + we want to give you an overview of the program, as well as introduce you to the artists who are embedding themselves into the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG).

Overview

The year-long program will have three local Lexington artists collaborate with three different government departments — Environmental Quality + Public Works, Finance, and Social Services.

These three artists are going to use their unique skill sets to attempt to improve communication between local government + Lexington residents. They also want to find creative ways to make government information more accessible, user friendly + less intimidating.

Meet the artists

Hannah Allen | Quilter + Textile Artist | Department of Finance

Debra Faulk | Comedian + Actress | Department of Social Services

Tony Gilmore | Filmmaker | Department of Environmental Quality + Public Works

Thinking outside the box

Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity was, “doing the same thing over and over again + expecting different results.”

Artists naturally use problem solving in their work. They take risks, change directions + aren’t afraid to try new methods. LFUCG is hoping to learn from these artists + employ some of their methods when tackling civic issues.

MUST DO

Today

Billy Prine and the Prine Time Band | Fri., Nov 19 | 7 p.m. | Lexington Opera House | $37+ | A natural storyteller + musician just like his brother — Billy Prine will celebrate John Prine’s life in song.
UK vs. Ohio University | Fri., Nov. 19 | 7 p.m. | Rupp Arena | Prices vary | It’s cats vs. cats as the men’s basketball team takes on the Bobcats at home. 🏀
Holly Day Market | Fri., Nov. 19-Sun., Nov. 21 | Times vary | Central Bank Center | $10 | Your one-stop shop for all things local this holiday gifting season. 🛍️

Saturday

Southern Lights 5k Run | Sat., Nov. 20 | 6 p.m. | The Kentucky Horse Park | 6 p.m. | Run or stroll through the holiday lights at The Kentucky Horse Park.
Mount Westmore | Sat., Nov. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | Rupp Arena | Prices vary | Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Too Short + E-40 are coming to Rupp Arena. 🎤
Sundy Best | Sat., Nov. 20 | 8 p.m. | Manchester Music Hall | $25 | Kentucky’s own power duo whose music features hints of folk, bluegrass + R&B.
Poster + Popcorn Sale | Sat., Nov. 20 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Kentucky Theatre | Free | Support the historic Kentucky Theatre by shopping their collection of vintage movie posters + branded gear. 🎞

Sunday

UK vs. Winthrop | Sun., Nov. 21 | 2 p.m. | Memorial Coliseum | $8+ | UK women’s basketball takes on Winthrop at home. 🏀
Donnie Baker & The Pork Pistols | Sun., Nov. 21 | 7:15 p.m.| Comedy Off Broadway | $25 | A night of laughs with Donnie Baker at Lexington’s premiere comedy club.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

MORE NOVEMBER EVENTS

NEWS NOTES

Weather

44º | Sunny | 4% chance of rain

Award

Lexington received a perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign based on its inclusivity. Municipal laws, policies + services for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities were all taken into account. The score — 106 — is the highest received by any city in Kentucky.

Coming Soon

A Scooter’s Coffee is coming to central Kentucky + plans on opening up two locations in Lexington. The national drive-thru coffee chain also plans to open locations in Winchester, Richmond + Georgetown. ☕️ (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Closing

Sawyer’s Downtown Bar and Grill — a staple for basketball fans on their way to Rupp — announced it will not be reopening its doors. The restaurant opened in 1986 + has been closed since May 2021. The owner said he is looking at other spaces downtown to reopen. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Gallery

The Lexington Art League’s “Nude Biennial” show opens tonight at the Loudoun House, 209 Castlewood Dr. This is one of Lexington Art League’s most iconic exhibits — running either annually or biannually since the 1970s. 🖼 (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Sports

The 2022 Ohio Valley Conference Baseball Tournament is coming to Lexington + will be played at the Lexington Legends Ballpark. The tournament hosts the top eight teams in the conference with the winner earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. (LEX18)

Edu

The Bourbon County High School Marching Band has been selected to play in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2022. The high school band has won both state + national championships in previous years. 🎺 (WTVQ)

Cause

The Kentucky State Police, Richmond Post + the Lancaster Police Department are sponsoring a food drive to help the Garrard County Food Pantry. The county’s pantry was recently destroyed in a fire and serves 400 senior citizens and 800 families on a monthly basis. (The Berea Citizen)
A central Kentucky nonprofit is collecting holiday gifts for nursing home residents. This is the 13th year for the Silver Bells Holiday Gift Drive that’s put on by the Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency. Gifts can be donated at the nonprofit’s office, 3138 Custer Dr.

Drink

West Sixth Brewing has released its popular Imperial Coffee Stout just in time for the temperatures to drop. “Mexican Mocha” is brewed with sumatra beans from Magic Beans Coffee, cacao nibs, cinnamon sticks + ancho peppers. 🍺

📸 @lexkyparks

Lexington’s Parks + Recreation Department is sponsoring a series of holiday-themed craft workshops — starting with this advent calendar class happening this Saturday. Participants will receive a wooden, tree-shaped advent calendar that they can paint, glitter + decorate as a holiday keepsake. Registration for this class is now open.

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