Lexington, October 23, 2025
News Summary
Lexington has revealed its largest public artwork, a sculpture named ‘A Common Thread,’ at the Fayette County Courthouse. Designed by artist Benjamin Ball, the $900,000 project celebrates the city’s 250th anniversary and incorporates the voices of five local poets. Reactions from the community range from admiration to criticism, highlighting the ongoing debate about public art funding and the artist’s origins. The sculpture symbolizes shared community identity through a loom design, marking a significant investment in Lexington’s cultural landscape.
Lexington has officially unveiled its largest public artwork, a sculpture titled “A Common Thread,” located at the Fayette County Courthouse. The project, which cost $900,000 and includes an additional $50,000 for future maintenance, coincides with the city’s celebration of its 250th anniversary. The Lexington city council unanimously approved the sculpture in the summer of 2024.
The artwork was designed by California-based artist Benjamin Ball and is intended to represent a shared identity among the community. It incorporates the voices of five local poets: Silas House, Frank X Walker, George Ella Lyon, Jeff Worley, and Eva Alcaraz-Monje. The dedication ceremony for the sculpture featured remarks from the poets and was livestreamed to allow for wider community involvement.
Although there has been admiration for the artistic effort involved in “A Common Thread,” reactions from the public have been mixed. Some community members appreciate the addition of art to the urban landscape, while others criticize its abstract design and express disappointment that the artist is not from Kentucky. Local artist Cassandra Vogl voiced her concerns regarding the significant expenditure of public funds, while resident Kevin Jenkins countered that the quality of the art should be prioritized over the artist’s origin.
The sculpture’s design is reflective of a loom, symbolizing the weaving together of poetry, memory, and community. The artist, representing Ball-Nogues Studio, highlighted the importance of incorporating public art into urban settings to foster community engagement and cultural expression.
This dedication marks a significant investment in public art by the Lexington city council and reaffirms the commitment to enhancing the city’s cultural landscape. Future maintenance funding is also budgeted to ensure the artwork remains a lasting piece of Lexington’s heritage.
Background Context
The decision to invest in “A Common Thread” aligns with Lexington’s broader efforts to celebrate its history and culture as it approaches its 250th anniversary. Public art has been recognized as a powerful tool for enhancing community identity and beautifying urban spaces. However, discussions regarding the allocation of public funds towards such projects continue to evoke diverse opinions within the community.
Key Features of “A Common Thread”
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Fayette County Courthouse, Lexington |
| Cost | $900,000 (including $50,000 maintenance) |
| Artist | Benjamin Ball (Ball-Nogues Studio) |
| Poets Involved | Silas House, Frank X Walker, George Ella Lyon, Jeff Worley, Eva Alcaraz-Monje |
| Public Reaction | Mixed; appreciation for art vs. criticism of design and funding |
FAQ
What is “A Common Thread”?
“A Common Thread” is a large public sculpture located at the Fayette County Courthouse in Lexington, created to celebrate the city’s 250th anniversary.
Who created the sculpture?
The sculpture was designed by Benjamin Ball, a California-based artist.
How much did the sculpture cost?
The total cost of the sculpture is $900,000, which includes $50,000 allocated for future maintenance.
What does the sculpture represent?
The sculpture symbolizes a shared identity in the community, integrating poetry and local history.
What has been the community’s reaction to the artwork?
Reactions have been mixed, with some community members praising the effort and others criticizing the abstract design and the allocation of public funds.
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Additional Resources
- Lex 18
- Kentucky.com
- WDRB
- WTVQ
- Smiley Pete
- Wikipedia: Lexington, Kentucky
- Google Search: Lexington Kentucky public art
- Google Scholar: public art in Lexington
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lexington, Kentucky
- Google News: Lexington sculpture 250th anniversary
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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