Lexington, September 4, 2025
News Summary
This fall, Lexington showcases its vibrant artistic community with numerous exhibitions and events featuring local artists. Notable highlights include ‘Charley Harper: Birds and Beasts’ at the Headley-Whitney Museum and Mauro Barreto’s photography at the Institute 193. The season includes a blend of visual arts and musical experiences, culminating in events like the Waveland Art Fair and LexArts HOP. Additionally, there are discussions of a new Fayette County District Fine Arts Center to enhance local arts education.
Lexington is celebrating its vibrant artistic community this fall season with a series of exciting exhibitions and events showcasing a diverse array of creative talents. The 2025 Fall Arts Issue has compiled a comprehensive schedule of visual arts exhibits and events that highlight the innovative works of local artists.
One of the key highlights is the Headley-Whitney Museum of Art, which will host “Charley Harper: Birds and Beasts” from September 12 to November 16. This exhibition will not only feature Harper’s stunning works but will also include additional pieces, a mid-century modern furniture display, a “Kids Create” gallery, and wildlife sculptures created by Fayette County middle school students.
Meanwhile, the Institute 193 will present Nashville photographer Mauro Barreto’s exhibition from September 12 to October 25, focusing on the complex themes of youth and their inherent beauty and contradictions. At the Loudoun House Gallery, the “PRHBTN 13” exhibition will run from October 10 to November 21 and will display thought-provoking artwork by Kentucky artists. In December, the Lexington Art League will showcase “The Nude Biennial,” from December 12 to January 30, 2026, centered on contemporary nude figurative art by local artists.
Additional exhibitions include Jeffrey Equality Brooks‘ solo show at the Living Arts & Science Center through September 26, and “Loosen the Reins 2,” featuring equine-themed works at the New Editions Gallery from September 19 to November 7. The art piece “Birds of a Feather” by artist Feather Chiaverini integrates LGBTQ+ history with interactive elements and runs until December 5.
The upcoming exhibition “Figure It Out,” featuring various interpretations of human figures, is available until October 15. Furthermore, “Stephen Rolfe Powell: A Homecoming Exhibition” will commence on October 16, paying tribute to the late glass artist’s exemplary work.
In addition to these exhibitions, the UK Art Museum has multiple ongoing exhibitions including “Zhang Huan: Ordinary Life,” “Self and Others: Japanese Photography after 1968,” “Agnes Denes: Fragmentation,” and “A (Very Brief) History of Music,” all framed within various dates leading up to early February 2026. “Between Structure and Chaos,” opening on September 9, will showcase art that involves chance in its composition.
The local art community will gather for LexArts HOP events on September 19, November 21, January 16, March 20, and May 15, aimed at highlighting local artists throughout downtown Lexington. The Symphonic Stroll at Josephine Sculpture Park on September 20 will feature chamber music performed by the Lexington Philharmonic, creating a blend of visual and auditory art experiences.
This fall also marks the return of the Waveland Art Fair, scheduled for September 6-7, which will showcase local art and artisans’ food products. Looking ahead, the Kentucky Crafted Market is set to take place from March 7-9, 2025, at the Alltech Arena in Kentucky Horse Park, spotlighting local artists and crafts.
Lexington’s kaleidoscopic art scene is supported by various galleries and institutions such as Cross Gate Gallery, LexArts, and Institute 193. In an exciting development, there is a proposal for a Fayette County District Fine Arts Center. This center would feature a 1,000-seat auditorium and various facilities dedicated to the arts, benefitting both students and the broader community. Current SCAPA programs could potentially be expanded into this new center, alleviating overcrowding and enhancing arts education.
This proposal forms part of ongoing discussions to improve arts facilities and expand access for students to high-quality educational resources in the region.
FAQ Section
What exhibitions are being featured in Lexington this fall?
Several exhibitions include “Charley Harper: Birds and Beasts” at the Headley-Whitney Museum, Mauro Barreto’s photography at the Institute 193, and the “PRHBTN 13” show at the Loudoun House Gallery.
When does the “Charley Harper: Birds and Beasts” exhibition run?
This exhibition is available from September 12 to November 16, 2025.
What are some upcoming events related to the arts in Lexington?
Upcoming events include the LexArts HOP on various dates, the Symphonic Stroll on September 20, and the Waveland Art Fair from September 6-7.
Where can I go to see local artwork?
Local artwork can be seen at numerous galleries such as the Headley-Whitney Museum, Living Arts & Science Center, and the UK Art Museum.
What is the proposal for the Fayette County District Fine Arts Center?
The proposal includes a 1,000-seat auditorium and multiple arts facilities aimed at supporting local arts education and reducing overcrowding in current programs.
Key Features of Fall Arts Exhibitions and Events
| Exhibition/Event | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Charley Harper: Birds and Beasts | Headley-Whitney Museum | September 12 – November 16 |
| Mauro Barreto’s Exhibition | Institute 193 | September 12 – October 25 |
| PRHBTN 13 | Loudoun House Gallery | October 10 – November 21 |
| The Nude Biennial | Lexington Art League | December 12 – January 30, 2026 |
| LexArts HOP | Downtown Lexington | Multiple Dates |
| Waveland Art Fair | Waveland State Historic Site | September 6-7 |
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Additional Resources
- Smiley Pete: Fall Arts Guide
- Kentucky.com: Education News
- NKY Tribune: Kentucky Crafted Market
- VisitLex: Art Aficionado’s Guide
- The Asbury Collegian: Latino Festival
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
