Bluegrass Transplants
Curatorial StatementThe story of a person’s life begins somewhere. When we encounter others we meet them where we find them, not where they came from. But yet, in a way, we do meet their past: in their ascents, their foods, their senses of humor, history and certainly their art.
Like so many others here in the Bluegrass we, the curators of this exhibition, are transplants. Moving here from other places has precipitated a change in the very makeup of who we are. We have not simply adapted to our new surroundings or tried to “do as the natives do”. Rather, the Bluegrass has become us and we it. We are changed, and it is a fascinating journey. The artists in this exhibition have come from other regions, states and even countries. Some have called the Bluegrass home for years while others have been here less than a month. All of them have unique views of their new home. The Bluegrass, with its modernity, old frontier history and Appalachian heritage, presents a unique challenge to the outsider. Here you can experience the greatest hospitality and genuine caring, yet always bear the subtle undertone of “other”. The idea of a Bluegrass Transplants exhibition was born of a desire to probe this juxtaposition through a singular representative collection of the art by those that have chosen to build their lives here. What can both native and traveler learn about the Bluegrass through the work of these participating artists who share a transplanted experience? This diverse group of artists has contributed works completed before and after their relocation. They are on different missions with their work. Some are exploring a particular idea or concept, while others their sojourning experiences. Some have relocated and created in search of healing and wholeness. As you engage with these works try to see yourself in a new place, unfamiliar and foreign. What would you notice? What would you create? What parts of you would begrudgingly or willingly change or even die? What parts would desperately cling to the familiar, to the life you new? The Bluegrass region of Kentucky is a fantastic place filled with wonderful people from every walk of life. We offer here an opportunity for you to see the Bluegrass in a different light, through the eyes of ambassadors from elsewhere; to appreciate the depth of the contribution of those who have chosen to call the Bluegrass home; to take to heart what these works say about us. |
Participating ArtistsAmalia Galdona Broche
Ana Maldonado-Coomer Arwen Donahue Betsy Diamond Callie Denham Cathy Vigor Ciara LeRoy Colin Doherty Crayton Ronso Dan Solberg David Fromke Heidi Neumann Helene Steene Joanne Hope Skiles Couch Lakshimi Sriaman Leah Naomi Mark Ratzlaff Michael Mau Mike Mankel Mikey Winsor Nancy Hall Robert Hendrickson Ronald Gosses Samantha Jean Moore Sarah Horrar Sarah Lund Shaena Neal Shirley Mason Steph Barker Susan Isabel Dworkin Tara Modjeski Timothy Moyer Victor Palomino Yolantha Harris Pace |
Gallery of Images
Exhibition Sponsors
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All Lexington Art League programs are made possible through the generous support of LexArts. LexArts allocation of $50,000 represents the largest single donation to the operations of the Lexington Art League.
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The Kentucky Arts Council, a state arts agency, provides operating support to the Lexington Art League with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support provided by Lexington Parks & Recreation.
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