Unprecedented Journey
Intersection: Where Arts and Health Meet
From the earliest known forms of human creativity and expression, such as paintings on cave walls, tribal dance and aboriginal music played around the fire, to expansive museums in large cities, modern dance and sold out stadium concerts, one constant has always remained true. Human beings have always found creativity and expression to be central to our very existence. Only later, as agriculture took hold and great civilizations formed, did humanity develop a name for what is often the produce of such creativity and expression. We call it “art.”
Today, many choose the path of the professional artist. They express themselves through their chosen medium. They may create a painting, choreograph a performance or write a song with an eye towards producing something beautiful, moving and timeless. Others may draw, write poetry or play the guitar as a pastime or hobby. Biologists, physicists and city planners may draw on their own creative minds in order to find solutions to problems. Their solutions will be an expression of their creativity, regardless of their occupation or what they produce.
From this point of view, it becomes apparent that creativity and expression are absolutely essential to our existence as human beings. By extension, one might even suggest that creativity, expression and the arts are essential to human health and wellness. Growing research into the health and wellness benefits of the arts, creativity and expression continues to put the weight of scientific study behind such assertions.
It is from this point of reference that we invite you to take this “Unprecedented Journey” with us. The art you will experience is to be found at the intersection of where arts and health meet. One point of intersection takes physicians white coats, actual objects from the healthcare field, and sees them transformed into works of art. Another point of intersection features a large number of artworks created by individuals who work in the healthcare field. In this way, we are not only exploring clear and present ways in which creativity, expression and the arts intersect, but we are also exploring an essential human intersection. It is the point where the individual meets the human need to create and to ultimately express themselves by sharing the produce of that creativity with their fellow human beings.
This exhibition is put on in partnership with UK Arts in Healthcare, CREATE, and the Lexington Art League
Today, many choose the path of the professional artist. They express themselves through their chosen medium. They may create a painting, choreograph a performance or write a song with an eye towards producing something beautiful, moving and timeless. Others may draw, write poetry or play the guitar as a pastime or hobby. Biologists, physicists and city planners may draw on their own creative minds in order to find solutions to problems. Their solutions will be an expression of their creativity, regardless of their occupation or what they produce.
From this point of view, it becomes apparent that creativity and expression are absolutely essential to our existence as human beings. By extension, one might even suggest that creativity, expression and the arts are essential to human health and wellness. Growing research into the health and wellness benefits of the arts, creativity and expression continues to put the weight of scientific study behind such assertions.
It is from this point of reference that we invite you to take this “Unprecedented Journey” with us. The art you will experience is to be found at the intersection of where arts and health meet. One point of intersection takes physicians white coats, actual objects from the healthcare field, and sees them transformed into works of art. Another point of intersection features a large number of artworks created by individuals who work in the healthcare field. In this way, we are not only exploring clear and present ways in which creativity, expression and the arts intersect, but we are also exploring an essential human intersection. It is the point where the individual meets the human need to create and to ultimately express themselves by sharing the produce of that creativity with their fellow human beings.
This exhibition is put on in partnership with UK Arts in Healthcare, CREATE, and the Lexington Art League
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An icon of the health profession is the crisp, white physician coat.
The voluminous tapestry of care is further woven by healthcare professionals and encompasses us all. The intersection of gratitude, reverence, and healing is demonstrated here as depicted by artists of all abilities and backgrounds. At its core, each coat began from a blank canvas and challenged the artist to represent the humanity of our healers.
In celebrating our physicians and healthcare providers through art, we illuminate them not only for their talent but also their identity as members of our community. It is our hope that in doing so, we may support them as they have supported us.
We recognize that the symbology of the white coat impacts viewers differently, from being present in recollections of joyous life events, remaining stoic during difficult seasons, or even hesitancy and suspicion. View he installation from exactly where you are, and we invite you to reflect upon your personal thoughts of this symbol. Who provides you with care? Who embodies compassionate care? What values in healthcare providers do you hold dear?
White Coat Project: Silent Auction
All of the coats are being sold through silent auction as a fundraiser for the Lexington Art League and UK Arts in Healthcare with 50% of the sale price going to the artist.
When: The auction will run Weds-Sat 12-5pm every week from now until 5pm on April 23rd.
How do I see the Coats? You can see the coats in person at the Loudoun House during our regular gallery hours of Weds-Sat 12-5pm as a part of our larger exhibit, Unprecedented Journey; Intersection Where Arts and Health Meet. You can also view the coats and read about the concept behind each one by scrolling down this page.
How do I find out the current bid on a coat or place a bid? You can do both in person by visiting our front desk or by calling (859)254-7024 during gallery hours. All coats have a reserve price of $100 and all bids must be made in increments of $10.
All of the coats are being sold through silent auction as a fundraiser for the Lexington Art League and UK Arts in Healthcare with 50% of the sale price going to the artist.
When: The auction will run Weds-Sat 12-5pm every week from now until 5pm on April 23rd.
How do I see the Coats? You can see the coats in person at the Loudoun House during our regular gallery hours of Weds-Sat 12-5pm as a part of our larger exhibit, Unprecedented Journey; Intersection Where Arts and Health Meet. You can also view the coats and read about the concept behind each one by scrolling down this page.
How do I find out the current bid on a coat or place a bid? You can do both in person by visiting our front desk or by calling (859)254-7024 during gallery hours. All coats have a reserve price of $100 and all bids must be made in increments of $10.
New Doc - Old Doc
by: Blake Snyder Eames
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Artist Statement:
Hand painted in acrylic and texture medium on polyester doctor’s coat. A graphic depiction of individual people; taking the time to see each stripe representing the uniquely detailed, bold, patterned and colorful human beings we all are...as the new doctor meets and discovers their new patients at the beginning of their career in medicine. As the physician masters their trade they learn that there is less and less time for true discovery of the individual as coding and getting in as many patients in a day while learning the business of being a doctor in 2021. The colorful patients become dulled, smaller and tighter together until there is nothing left but blank lines blurred into nothing but ones and zeros on a page.
Blake Snyder Eames is a professional artist who has exhibited her work in multiple venues for more than 25 years. Her paintings, design, murals and furniture pieces can be found in homes, businesses and collections across the country and beyond. Her style is pop art infused and art deco inspired resulting in vibrant patterns that inspire the senses and soothe the mind’s desire for structure. Well known for her bold, geometric paintings, Eames is also the owner of Blake Eames Design, an independent enterprise specializing in commercial and residential interior design and furniture redesign. Her art and design studio are housed in a refurbished gas station on Old Vine Street in downtown Lexington.
Hand painted in acrylic and texture medium on polyester doctor’s coat. A graphic depiction of individual people; taking the time to see each stripe representing the uniquely detailed, bold, patterned and colorful human beings we all are...as the new doctor meets and discovers their new patients at the beginning of their career in medicine. As the physician masters their trade they learn that there is less and less time for true discovery of the individual as coding and getting in as many patients in a day while learning the business of being a doctor in 2021. The colorful patients become dulled, smaller and tighter together until there is nothing left but blank lines blurred into nothing but ones and zeros on a page.
Blake Snyder Eames is a professional artist who has exhibited her work in multiple venues for more than 25 years. Her paintings, design, murals and furniture pieces can be found in homes, businesses and collections across the country and beyond. Her style is pop art infused and art deco inspired resulting in vibrant patterns that inspire the senses and soothe the mind’s desire for structure. Well known for her bold, geometric paintings, Eames is also the owner of Blake Eames Design, an independent enterprise specializing in commercial and residential interior design and furniture redesign. Her art and design studio are housed in a refurbished gas station on Old Vine Street in downtown Lexington.
Dance of Life: Transformation
by: Cathy Vigor
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Artist Statement:
I was pleased to be selected to participate in the White Coat Exhibit to show support and appreciation for all the hard work and extreme effort put forth by the medical community during the COVID 19 pandemic. As a Fiber Artist and Surface Designer I chose to first hand dye the White Coat with colors that represent some of the qualities of medical professionals and additionally represent some Medical Awareness Symbols. Teal represents Mortality and Renewal, Purple: Spirituality and Imagination, Turquoise: Calmness and Clarity, Magenta: Kindness and Character. I selected the dragonfly to use as the primary symbol in my screen printing. The dragonfly is one of the oldest insect species and they are an important symbol in numerous cultures. Dragonflies molt many times in their lives and each time they molt is a change to a different stage in life. Dragonflies represent change and transformation. The change referred to is to gain an understanding of the deeper meaning of life. During the continuing pandemic the medical community has had to adjust, transform, and make changes to meet the challenge presented to them.
Cathy Vigor is a Fiber Artist who specializes in Surface Design on fiber. She hand dyes silk and paper which she utilizes in felt-making, printmaking, and encaustic painting. Her work has been widely exhibited in group and solo exhibits regionally, nationally and internationally. Most recently her work was included in Fiber Focus 2019 in St. Louis, Explorations in Felt 2020 at the Hunterdon Museum of Art, Clifton, NJ, Separate Yet Connect International FeltMakers Virtual Exhibit 2020, Archetypes Virtual Fiber Exhibit 2020, Lexington Art Leagues Member Exhibit 2021. Vigor is a juried member of the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen, Kentucky Crafted, Surface Design Association, and the Fiber Guild of Lexington. She maintains a studio at Main and Walton Artist Studios in Lexington, KY.
I was pleased to be selected to participate in the White Coat Exhibit to show support and appreciation for all the hard work and extreme effort put forth by the medical community during the COVID 19 pandemic. As a Fiber Artist and Surface Designer I chose to first hand dye the White Coat with colors that represent some of the qualities of medical professionals and additionally represent some Medical Awareness Symbols. Teal represents Mortality and Renewal, Purple: Spirituality and Imagination, Turquoise: Calmness and Clarity, Magenta: Kindness and Character. I selected the dragonfly to use as the primary symbol in my screen printing. The dragonfly is one of the oldest insect species and they are an important symbol in numerous cultures. Dragonflies molt many times in their lives and each time they molt is a change to a different stage in life. Dragonflies represent change and transformation. The change referred to is to gain an understanding of the deeper meaning of life. During the continuing pandemic the medical community has had to adjust, transform, and make changes to meet the challenge presented to them.
Cathy Vigor is a Fiber Artist who specializes in Surface Design on fiber. She hand dyes silk and paper which she utilizes in felt-making, printmaking, and encaustic painting. Her work has been widely exhibited in group and solo exhibits regionally, nationally and internationally. Most recently her work was included in Fiber Focus 2019 in St. Louis, Explorations in Felt 2020 at the Hunterdon Museum of Art, Clifton, NJ, Separate Yet Connect International FeltMakers Virtual Exhibit 2020, Archetypes Virtual Fiber Exhibit 2020, Lexington Art Leagues Member Exhibit 2021. Vigor is a juried member of the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen, Kentucky Crafted, Surface Design Association, and the Fiber Guild of Lexington. She maintains a studio at Main and Walton Artist Studios in Lexington, KY.
Compassion: Head, Heart and Hand
by: Christine Schramm Cetrulo
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Artist Statement:
Picture a metaphorical Venn diagram with two intersecting circles, one for doctors and the other for patients. Within the intersection of doctors and patients a shared compassion is revealed---one for the other. This symbiotic relationship is pictured in the images on my White Coat. The head, heart, and hand are universal literary/artistic tropes, or themes. Here, however, are the images of peoples’ faces, their hearts, as well as healing and beckoning hands. Look for the faces in angst or those in recovery. Look at the child's hand in that of the doctor or look for the nourished family or the collective group of those healed representing the doctors' legacy. I hand-painted, drew, and quilted the features in the Coat.
Christine Schramm Cetrulo is retired from the University of Kentucky Department of English. She taught writing, literature, pedagogy, and rhetoric, and was Assistant Director of the Writing Program. After twenty-five years, she retired in 1995, taking with her memories of a joyous career as well as her imagination. She resides in Lexington, Kentucky.
Picture a metaphorical Venn diagram with two intersecting circles, one for doctors and the other for patients. Within the intersection of doctors and patients a shared compassion is revealed---one for the other. This symbiotic relationship is pictured in the images on my White Coat. The head, heart, and hand are universal literary/artistic tropes, or themes. Here, however, are the images of peoples’ faces, their hearts, as well as healing and beckoning hands. Look for the faces in angst or those in recovery. Look at the child's hand in that of the doctor or look for the nourished family or the collective group of those healed representing the doctors' legacy. I hand-painted, drew, and quilted the features in the Coat.
Christine Schramm Cetrulo is retired from the University of Kentucky Department of English. She taught writing, literature, pedagogy, and rhetoric, and was Assistant Director of the Writing Program. After twenty-five years, she retired in 1995, taking with her memories of a joyous career as well as her imagination. She resides in Lexington, Kentucky.
More Than This
by: Andrew Cohen
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Artist Statement:
This sculpture is a dramatized representation of a physician discarding his white coat to go and perform care. Pointing out that the white coat is nothing without the doctor. Because in the end, what are doctors without a white coat? They’re doctors! The jacket is wire framed, hardened with gesso and acrylic paint and painted with acrylics. The doctor is designed with welded steel and wearing physicians scrubs, donated by some wonderful doctors.
Andrew Cohen is a native of Lexington Kentucky. He developed an interest in art in his youth. After taking a leisure approach to the arts through his grade school years, he was accepted into study at EKUs fine arts program and earned himself a bachelor’s in printmaking. Still unsure of himself, he returned to school to became a physical therapist assistant. After working a number of years in healthcare, he has decided to return to the arts in a more serious fashion in hopes of making a career change for the better. His creative interests are in both 2D and 3D renderings through a plethora of mediums. The limits we set in creating art, are our own.
This sculpture is a dramatized representation of a physician discarding his white coat to go and perform care. Pointing out that the white coat is nothing without the doctor. Because in the end, what are doctors without a white coat? They’re doctors! The jacket is wire framed, hardened with gesso and acrylic paint and painted with acrylics. The doctor is designed with welded steel and wearing physicians scrubs, donated by some wonderful doctors.
Andrew Cohen is a native of Lexington Kentucky. He developed an interest in art in his youth. After taking a leisure approach to the arts through his grade school years, he was accepted into study at EKUs fine arts program and earned himself a bachelor’s in printmaking. Still unsure of himself, he returned to school to became a physical therapist assistant. After working a number of years in healthcare, he has decided to return to the arts in a more serious fashion in hopes of making a career change for the better. His creative interests are in both 2D and 3D renderings through a plethora of mediums. The limits we set in creating art, are our own.
Comfort Always
by: Kenzie Dickens
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Artist Statement:
As a mixed media-based artist, I take a specific interest in reusing and repurposing various materials to create textural and layered designs that can be used to tell a story or convey a message. I also find that I enjoy using a combination of imagery and words in my pieces. The materials I used for “Comfort Always” range from acrylic paint, fabric pen, and ink to puzzle pieces and embroidery.
Inspiration for the piece comes from the Hippocrates quote, “Treat often, cure sometimes, and comfort always.” The simplicity and the conviction of this quote resonated with me immediately when I was trying to come up with the design concept for the coat. I knew I wanted to incorporate the quote into the piece in a way that it would be emphasized but also balanced with imagery and other elements. I decided on a soft watercolor-type palette of blues, greens, and some red – as these colors remind me of the healthcare field and health and wellness in general. Using a limited color palette helped bring a cohesiveness to the design and some realistic representation of a ‘beating heart’ and ‘breathing lungs’ in combination with other serene symbols of life and health through the inclusion of plants and flowers.
Kenzie Dickens is a Kentucky native, working primarily in mixed-media with focus on finding unique ways to reuse or repurpose existing items into works of art. She attended Campbellsville University for her B.S degree in Art Education and the University of Kentucky for M.A. in Arts Administration.
As a mixed media-based artist, I take a specific interest in reusing and repurposing various materials to create textural and layered designs that can be used to tell a story or convey a message. I also find that I enjoy using a combination of imagery and words in my pieces. The materials I used for “Comfort Always” range from acrylic paint, fabric pen, and ink to puzzle pieces and embroidery.
Inspiration for the piece comes from the Hippocrates quote, “Treat often, cure sometimes, and comfort always.” The simplicity and the conviction of this quote resonated with me immediately when I was trying to come up with the design concept for the coat. I knew I wanted to incorporate the quote into the piece in a way that it would be emphasized but also balanced with imagery and other elements. I decided on a soft watercolor-type palette of blues, greens, and some red – as these colors remind me of the healthcare field and health and wellness in general. Using a limited color palette helped bring a cohesiveness to the design and some realistic representation of a ‘beating heart’ and ‘breathing lungs’ in combination with other serene symbols of life and health through the inclusion of plants and flowers.
Kenzie Dickens is a Kentucky native, working primarily in mixed-media with focus on finding unique ways to reuse or repurpose existing items into works of art. She attended Campbellsville University for her B.S degree in Art Education and the University of Kentucky for M.A. in Arts Administration.
Garden of Healing
by: Elizabeth Runyon
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Artist Statement:
This project represents a significant departure for me though still stays in the realm of fiber arts. The multi-colored abstract ovals represent people of all races and backgrounds, the “hands” surrounding the faces represent the care and compassion of professional healthcare workers. This care takes place in a serene garden, promoting peace and healing. I have felt personally enclosed in these strong arms several times in life, in several different hospitals. This coat is a tribute to those people who helped me and I feel makes an especially strong statement of bold courage in these times of a global pandemic.
This project represents a significant departure for me though still stays in the realm of fiber arts. The multi-colored abstract ovals represent people of all races and backgrounds, the “hands” surrounding the faces represent the care and compassion of professional healthcare workers. This care takes place in a serene garden, promoting peace and healing. I have felt personally enclosed in these strong arms several times in life, in several different hospitals. This coat is a tribute to those people who helped me and I feel makes an especially strong statement of bold courage in these times of a global pandemic.
Cheer Up Buttercup
by: Lottie Ann Hubbard
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Artist Statement:
This piece is designed to ease the job of doctors, nurses, technicians, and all medical essential workers during the pandemic. When medical staff may be too exhausted to entertain or think of a joke for a young client, this lab coat can instantly bring happiness to a patient. Masked medical staff need and deserve to have non-verbal expressions of calm, happy sentiments to pass along to nervous patients. When patients are at ease, our essential workers will have a better day! Cheer up, buttercup! We got this! Here’s to hope... and stars, hearts, bears, unicorns, rainbows.... and oh, yes.....puppies!
Lottie Ann Hubbard (age 11) is a fifth grade student attending Cassidy Elementary School. She enjoys art class led by Ms. Holly Gilpin. With a passion for the arts, she dances competitively at Barbara Ann’s Studio of Dance, plays violin for her school’s orchestra, and participates in gifted and talented drama. In her free time, she loves sketching anime animals!
This piece is designed to ease the job of doctors, nurses, technicians, and all medical essential workers during the pandemic. When medical staff may be too exhausted to entertain or think of a joke for a young client, this lab coat can instantly bring happiness to a patient. Masked medical staff need and deserve to have non-verbal expressions of calm, happy sentiments to pass along to nervous patients. When patients are at ease, our essential workers will have a better day! Cheer up, buttercup! We got this! Here’s to hope... and stars, hearts, bears, unicorns, rainbows.... and oh, yes.....puppies!
Lottie Ann Hubbard (age 11) is a fifth grade student attending Cassidy Elementary School. She enjoys art class led by Ms. Holly Gilpin. With a passion for the arts, she dances competitively at Barbara Ann’s Studio of Dance, plays violin for her school’s orchestra, and participates in gifted and talented drama. In her free time, she loves sketching anime animals!
Healer and Human
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Bravery and Hope
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Artist Statement:
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For as long as there has been pain and suffering, there have been rare individuals who have yearned to heal. The rigorous pursuit of knowledge and skill just to prevent or ease another's pain and suffering borders on magical. We elevate those involved in the healing arts to a higher standard. We look to them for answers and beg for miracles.
At the same time, we demand they give more than should ever be asked, we dismiss their basic needs, selectively ignore their advice and selfishly forget they are only human. This piece represents the intersection of the holiness of healing and the reality of being the human healer. |
As a prayerful response to the virus China was battling in 2019, I began to paint Chinese cherry blossoms, Red Crowned Cranes and the Chinese characters for hope and bravery. With each stroke, I imagined a healing energy blanketing the healthcare workers, scientists and humans affected. I chose to adorn this lab coat with cherry blossoms, to symbolize beauty and passion and a Red Crowned Crane to represent noble character, loyalty and longevity.
On the back of the coat is the Chinese character for bravery. Healthcare workers in all fields have had to endure, rise above, reinvent and battle a demon bigger than the virus itself; ignorance. They have done this with such creativity and heart. To me, they are the true warriors. They are the epitome of what it means to be brave. |
About Malia Bell: Some of my earliest memories are of my father teaching me how to sketch and my mother sewing. Creativity was encouraged. Expression was supported. Empathy was expected. My main source of artistic education was my high school art teacher. Jill Branham-East nurtured my God-given talent with a solid foundation of technique, a dash of adventure and a sprinkling of magic.
My life has been rich with many animals, children and much love. I have surrendered to my heart and it has led me here. I am currently a textile artist, painter and photographer. My style could best be described as recycled or upcycled. I absorb pain from others and try to turn it into something comforting, something beautiful and hopefully something that will encourage you to do the same.
My life has been rich with many animals, children and much love. I have surrendered to my heart and it has led me here. I am currently a textile artist, painter and photographer. My style could best be described as recycled or upcycled. I absorb pain from others and try to turn it into something comforting, something beautiful and hopefully something that will encourage you to do the same.
Flow
by: Mary Holman
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Artist Statement:
This piece is titled “Flow”. As a healthcare professional, this exhibit is very poignant, especially at this time. I was inspired by all of the things that has kept those of us on the frontlines afloat and able to continue to give to our patients. The colored streams represent the things that “flow” into us that allow us to “flow” into others. Things like family, faith, pets, friends, hobbies; generally things that make our hearts a little happier. All of the brightly colored streams lead back to the anatomical heart, re-centering and recycling to be given back out to the world.
Mary Holman is a Lexington native who works mostly in acrylics and colored pencil. She also enjoys henna work. Her love for the creative was discovered at a very young age and it has been a lifelong affair. She attended SCAPA here in Lexington as a visual arts major. She continues to pursue her passion in her home studio in the company of her Bernese Mountain Dog, Bacon. Her work typically features bright, vivid colors, and subject matter with a bit of whimsy. She works as a full time Physician Assistant in the field of critical care medicine and interventional radiology and finds that her studio is her favorite place to unwind with a glass of wine and good music. Her hope is that her work inspires a lightness to a heart, a smile to a face, and a spark to an imagination. Her collection “The Sophisticated Zoo” will be featured on Gallery Hop later in the 2021 season.
This piece is titled “Flow”. As a healthcare professional, this exhibit is very poignant, especially at this time. I was inspired by all of the things that has kept those of us on the frontlines afloat and able to continue to give to our patients. The colored streams represent the things that “flow” into us that allow us to “flow” into others. Things like family, faith, pets, friends, hobbies; generally things that make our hearts a little happier. All of the brightly colored streams lead back to the anatomical heart, re-centering and recycling to be given back out to the world.
Mary Holman is a Lexington native who works mostly in acrylics and colored pencil. She also enjoys henna work. Her love for the creative was discovered at a very young age and it has been a lifelong affair. She attended SCAPA here in Lexington as a visual arts major. She continues to pursue her passion in her home studio in the company of her Bernese Mountain Dog, Bacon. Her work typically features bright, vivid colors, and subject matter with a bit of whimsy. She works as a full time Physician Assistant in the field of critical care medicine and interventional radiology and finds that her studio is her favorite place to unwind with a glass of wine and good music. Her hope is that her work inspires a lightness to a heart, a smile to a face, and a spark to an imagination. Her collection “The Sophisticated Zoo” will be featured on Gallery Hop later in the 2021 season.
The Heart in Health
by: Carter Woltenberg
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Artist Statement:
I made this art because I thought it would be fun and help show health care people how much they are appreciated. My design was inspired by how we need to be safe during COVID times. I wanted to show the importance of being safe and that we are lucky to have smart health care people to take good care of us. First, I dyed the coat orange and then I used different color paints to create the design. I wanted it to be bright and colorful. Most of all, I just want everyone to know that we are all people and we all in this together.
Carter is a fourth grade student at Brenda Cowan Elementary. He enjoys creating art and playing soccer, and playing video games. He loves the Kentucky Wildcats and hopes to be professional soccer player when he grows up. This was his first art submission and appreciate the opportunity to share his creation with Lexington!
I made this art because I thought it would be fun and help show health care people how much they are appreciated. My design was inspired by how we need to be safe during COVID times. I wanted to show the importance of being safe and that we are lucky to have smart health care people to take good care of us. First, I dyed the coat orange and then I used different color paints to create the design. I wanted it to be bright and colorful. Most of all, I just want everyone to know that we are all people and we all in this together.
Carter is a fourth grade student at Brenda Cowan Elementary. He enjoys creating art and playing soccer, and playing video games. He loves the Kentucky Wildcats and hopes to be professional soccer player when he grows up. This was his first art submission and appreciate the opportunity to share his creation with Lexington!
Hive Mind
by: Michelle Newby Armstrong
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Artist Statement:
The lab coat, titled Hive Mind, is exploring the concept that organs in the human body work together like a hive community. It is also a bit of a self-portrait showing healthcare I have received including my recent kidney donation to my dad in 2019, a metal plate in my right ulnar, and my one ovary due to surgery in 2004. I am so grateful for the amazing healthcare that my family and I have received through the years and especially for the sacrifices made by healthcare workers around the world during this pandemic.
Michelle Newby Armstrong is known for her public works of art in Lexington and as the visual arts teacher at Cardinal Valley Elementary School, a jobs that she loves and that inspires her every day. The decline of the honeybee population was what inspired Michelle to paint the mural at The Hive in 2016, the scale of the painting was helpful in raising awareness to the issue. Michelle engaged several different groups of students in painting parts of the mural and loves to work with students and others in creating positive, public works of art. She believes in the healing powers of art and is proud to share her talent in many different ways in her community.
The lab coat, titled Hive Mind, is exploring the concept that organs in the human body work together like a hive community. It is also a bit of a self-portrait showing healthcare I have received including my recent kidney donation to my dad in 2019, a metal plate in my right ulnar, and my one ovary due to surgery in 2004. I am so grateful for the amazing healthcare that my family and I have received through the years and especially for the sacrifices made by healthcare workers around the world during this pandemic.
Michelle Newby Armstrong is known for her public works of art in Lexington and as the visual arts teacher at Cardinal Valley Elementary School, a jobs that she loves and that inspires her every day. The decline of the honeybee population was what inspired Michelle to paint the mural at The Hive in 2016, the scale of the painting was helpful in raising awareness to the issue. Michelle engaged several different groups of students in painting parts of the mural and loves to work with students and others in creating positive, public works of art. She believes in the healing powers of art and is proud to share her talent in many different ways in her community.
A Trip to the Hospital
by: Pat Lawrence
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Artist Statement:
The theme for this coat is “A Trip to the Hospital”. The front of the coat shows a man at home in his recliner and having what feels like a heart attack. He calls 911 and an ambulance takes him to the ER and he goes through the various parts of the hospital until he is ready to go home. Other patients are depicted as well.
The back of the coat is my thoughts about the Pediatric unit. I called a couple of doctors to ask them what the kids are like. Fortunately my experience is so old that I had to ask. During Covid walking into any hospital has not been allowed, so this is all imaginary. A friend I met is a pediatric oncologist and I asked him how he could handle that, his reply was ‘it is wonderful, kids come in with cancer and 90% or more are cured. That is the best job” Another well known pediatric Neurologist said, Mostly they are in a bed with a drip and they are very sick and the mother is usually there, very worried. He has been at this work for at least forty years and always seems to love it. So my images are just made up. But it is such an optimistic world from the doctor viewpoint, so this is the best I could figure out. My mannequin is from my yard and needed a good job, so here she is. Also my female doctor friends wanted a good representation.
About Pat Lawrence: Like most self taught artists, it is just what I always thought I was and would be when I grew up. However, marriage and babies were more the norm for a girl born in the early 1940’s and like many others that is what I did. I kept trying to be a painter, but my 10 month old daughter rolled her playpen to my easel, found an open tube or red oil paint and another one of black. I packed it up for a long while and started back when that was not a problem. I took workshops and went to college and graduate school so I could get my degrees in guidance and counselling. Then an unexpected move to KY during the late 70’s put me in a position to try being the artist I knew I was. At a certain time I made a decision
To learn enough art basics to feel like I could make art and feel competent. I find I can teach older adults and enjoy that and public art projects are always an area I like to figure out. Every project is a challenge, but that is also one reason I do it. Mediums I like most are watercolor and acrylic and both are always friendly to learning something new. Usually I do whimsical, fanciful, and love doing fish and dog, the way I see them.
The theme for this coat is “A Trip to the Hospital”. The front of the coat shows a man at home in his recliner and having what feels like a heart attack. He calls 911 and an ambulance takes him to the ER and he goes through the various parts of the hospital until he is ready to go home. Other patients are depicted as well.
The back of the coat is my thoughts about the Pediatric unit. I called a couple of doctors to ask them what the kids are like. Fortunately my experience is so old that I had to ask. During Covid walking into any hospital has not been allowed, so this is all imaginary. A friend I met is a pediatric oncologist and I asked him how he could handle that, his reply was ‘it is wonderful, kids come in with cancer and 90% or more are cured. That is the best job” Another well known pediatric Neurologist said, Mostly they are in a bed with a drip and they are very sick and the mother is usually there, very worried. He has been at this work for at least forty years and always seems to love it. So my images are just made up. But it is such an optimistic world from the doctor viewpoint, so this is the best I could figure out. My mannequin is from my yard and needed a good job, so here she is. Also my female doctor friends wanted a good representation.
About Pat Lawrence: Like most self taught artists, it is just what I always thought I was and would be when I grew up. However, marriage and babies were more the norm for a girl born in the early 1940’s and like many others that is what I did. I kept trying to be a painter, but my 10 month old daughter rolled her playpen to my easel, found an open tube or red oil paint and another one of black. I packed it up for a long while and started back when that was not a problem. I took workshops and went to college and graduate school so I could get my degrees in guidance and counselling. Then an unexpected move to KY during the late 70’s put me in a position to try being the artist I knew I was. At a certain time I made a decision
To learn enough art basics to feel like I could make art and feel competent. I find I can teach older adults and enjoy that and public art projects are always an area I like to figure out. Every project is a challenge, but that is also one reason I do it. Mediums I like most are watercolor and acrylic and both are always friendly to learning something new. Usually I do whimsical, fanciful, and love doing fish and dog, the way I see them.
Branch by Branch: Helping Your Family Tree Grow
by: Rylee Theiss
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Artist Statement:
In a time of doubt and fear I was inspired to create a design that portrayed the time, compassion, strength, love, support, and encouragement that healthcare workers offer everyday. It is in their “DNA” to save lives which is expressed through the DNA strands formed from the tree branches. The tree branches were utilized to describe the family tree that the workers continue to save as they feed the field of medicine with their compassion and support. Medicine runs through their veins and the veins are represented by the red accents highlighted on the lab coat. The teardrop being held up with the hand is the same hand that touches so many lives and helps motivate and care for those who are hopeless and devastated by the tragedies in their lives.
As the hand catches the fallen tears the tree is replenished and the roots express the strength and importance of healthcare workers as they continue to treat and cure patients daily. The hands on the back demonstrate the partnership and trust that exist between patients and healthcare workers. The hand is continuously reaching out to those in need of help and healing. The workers continue to climb the ladder one patient at a time as they ensure their patients well-being. As I designed, painted, and created this lab coat I felt as though I went on an adventurous journey. I was compelled to engage in much reflection about the year 2020. The patience that the process itself required reminded me of the patience that healthcare workers and patients exhibit everyday as they embark on their journey trying to save one family tree at a time!
My name is Rylee Theiss and I am a freshman who attends Pikeville High School in Pikeville, Ky. I was born on December 30, 2005 and I have always had an “artist” mind as I love to create. My true passion for art began when I was enrolled in the gifted and talented program at Pikeville Elementary where I learned to embrace my talent. I have continued to master my artistry skills as I try new concepts in my free time. Art is one of many interests that I possess, however it is the only interest that I can do independently and it has truly become an outlet for me to express myself. Furthermore, I am a member of the Varsity Girls’ Basketball team, Varsity Girls’ Soccer team, Beta Club, Track and Field, FCA Club, and Teens Who Care. Most importantly, I am a Christian and enjoy attending church with my family. Although I tend to become very busy at times, I enjoy many hobbies, such as, drawing, crafting, sewing, sports, camping, playing with my pet dogs (Cynder and Coal), and becoming socially engaged. I plan to become an architect one day where I can embark on a creative adventure!
In a time of doubt and fear I was inspired to create a design that portrayed the time, compassion, strength, love, support, and encouragement that healthcare workers offer everyday. It is in their “DNA” to save lives which is expressed through the DNA strands formed from the tree branches. The tree branches were utilized to describe the family tree that the workers continue to save as they feed the field of medicine with their compassion and support. Medicine runs through their veins and the veins are represented by the red accents highlighted on the lab coat. The teardrop being held up with the hand is the same hand that touches so many lives and helps motivate and care for those who are hopeless and devastated by the tragedies in their lives.
As the hand catches the fallen tears the tree is replenished and the roots express the strength and importance of healthcare workers as they continue to treat and cure patients daily. The hands on the back demonstrate the partnership and trust that exist between patients and healthcare workers. The hand is continuously reaching out to those in need of help and healing. The workers continue to climb the ladder one patient at a time as they ensure their patients well-being. As I designed, painted, and created this lab coat I felt as though I went on an adventurous journey. I was compelled to engage in much reflection about the year 2020. The patience that the process itself required reminded me of the patience that healthcare workers and patients exhibit everyday as they embark on their journey trying to save one family tree at a time!
My name is Rylee Theiss and I am a freshman who attends Pikeville High School in Pikeville, Ky. I was born on December 30, 2005 and I have always had an “artist” mind as I love to create. My true passion for art began when I was enrolled in the gifted and talented program at Pikeville Elementary where I learned to embrace my talent. I have continued to master my artistry skills as I try new concepts in my free time. Art is one of many interests that I possess, however it is the only interest that I can do independently and it has truly become an outlet for me to express myself. Furthermore, I am a member of the Varsity Girls’ Basketball team, Varsity Girls’ Soccer team, Beta Club, Track and Field, FCA Club, and Teens Who Care. Most importantly, I am a Christian and enjoy attending church with my family. Although I tend to become very busy at times, I enjoy many hobbies, such as, drawing, crafting, sewing, sports, camping, playing with my pet dogs (Cynder and Coal), and becoming socially engaged. I plan to become an architect one day where I can embark on a creative adventure!
Helping Hands
by: Karen Spears Springate
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Artist Statement:
The idea for my white coat was to convey a sense of the caring and healing touch, help and comfort provided by the healthcare professional. I drew colorful lines depicting hands of various sizes and gestures, modeled mostly after those of friends and family – some involved in healthcare and caregiving. The almost-touching hands across the upper part of the coat front were inspired by Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam, part of the Sistine Chapel painting he made between 1508 and 1512, located in the Vatican, Rome, Italy. I feel this imagery conveys a sense of the divine I see in health care and modern medicine. The media used are fabric paint and paint pens. After initially washing the coat to make it more receptive to paint, I drew images of hands on pieces of paper, cut them out, and placed them on the coat as a guide. After I made decisions on the placement and color of the hands, I drew directly on the coat. Finally, I heat-set the drawings, making the coat wearable (and washable).
Karen has been an artist--and teaching professional--for most of her life. She earned a B.A. in Fine Arts from the University of Louisville and an M.F.A. in Painting and Drawing from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Karen’s passion for art—and travel—has taken her across the United States and to several international destinations, including Europe, England and Central and South America where she has painted, taught, and exhibited. Here in Kentucky, Karen was most recently a professor of painting and drawing at Eastern Kentucky University. She has been honored with numerous awards and fellowships, including an Al Smith Fellowship from the Kentucky Arts Council, a Professional Assistance Award and a Professional Development Grant from the Kentucky Arts Council, two fellowships from the Kentucky Foundation for Women, and a Research Award from Eastern Kentucky University. Currently, her studio is in Central Kentucky. She has exhibited regionally, nationally and in Europe. Her paintings and drawings can be found in private and public collections across the United States and in England.
The idea for my white coat was to convey a sense of the caring and healing touch, help and comfort provided by the healthcare professional. I drew colorful lines depicting hands of various sizes and gestures, modeled mostly after those of friends and family – some involved in healthcare and caregiving. The almost-touching hands across the upper part of the coat front were inspired by Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam, part of the Sistine Chapel painting he made between 1508 and 1512, located in the Vatican, Rome, Italy. I feel this imagery conveys a sense of the divine I see in health care and modern medicine. The media used are fabric paint and paint pens. After initially washing the coat to make it more receptive to paint, I drew images of hands on pieces of paper, cut them out, and placed them on the coat as a guide. After I made decisions on the placement and color of the hands, I drew directly on the coat. Finally, I heat-set the drawings, making the coat wearable (and washable).
Karen has been an artist--and teaching professional--for most of her life. She earned a B.A. in Fine Arts from the University of Louisville and an M.F.A. in Painting and Drawing from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Karen’s passion for art—and travel—has taken her across the United States and to several international destinations, including Europe, England and Central and South America where she has painted, taught, and exhibited. Here in Kentucky, Karen was most recently a professor of painting and drawing at Eastern Kentucky University. She has been honored with numerous awards and fellowships, including an Al Smith Fellowship from the Kentucky Arts Council, a Professional Assistance Award and a Professional Development Grant from the Kentucky Arts Council, two fellowships from the Kentucky Foundation for Women, and a Research Award from Eastern Kentucky University. Currently, her studio is in Central Kentucky. She has exhibited regionally, nationally and in Europe. Her paintings and drawings can be found in private and public collections across the United States and in England.
Nature it Heals
by: Connie Tucker
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Artist Statement:
The inspiration for this piece came from an area of Lake Cumberland. During the past year I’ve been exploring the region where I grew up. I found myself needing to take walks, go for drives or just be outside. I have rendered this place in a way that resonates with my experience of that environment. My hope is that this landscape might reveal a sense of wonder and spirit to those who see it.
About Connie Tucker: I alternate between landscapes and other subjects, including still life, flowers and the occasional portrait, making each day in the studio feel new and exciting. I find myself drawn to exploring the region where I live, and traveling to adjoining locations to see how the landscape changes. I intend to render these places, such as “Prudy Hill,” in a way that resonates with my experience of that environment. Through this process, my watercolor landscapes might reveal a sense of atmosphere, wonder, and sprit to those who see them.
The inspiration for this piece came from an area of Lake Cumberland. During the past year I’ve been exploring the region where I grew up. I found myself needing to take walks, go for drives or just be outside. I have rendered this place in a way that resonates with my experience of that environment. My hope is that this landscape might reveal a sense of wonder and spirit to those who see it.
About Connie Tucker: I alternate between landscapes and other subjects, including still life, flowers and the occasional portrait, making each day in the studio feel new and exciting. I find myself drawn to exploring the region where I live, and traveling to adjoining locations to see how the landscape changes. I intend to render these places, such as “Prudy Hill,” in a way that resonates with my experience of that environment. Through this process, my watercolor landscapes might reveal a sense of atmosphere, wonder, and sprit to those who see them.
Work To the Bone
by: Maui Crane
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Artist Statement:
"Work to the Bone" was created by using my sewing machine as my paint brush using foam and fabric to create 3d bones on the coat. I did this as a statement on how hard health care workers have been working and are holding on by a thread. Without health care workers sacrifice we would be lost in a world of despair.
Maui Crane is a well known award winning artist/designer born in Colombia raised in Miami & moved to Lexington 11 years ago. Now he goes back and forth from Lexington to Orlando. His creations range from paintings sculptures to wearable art.
"Work to the Bone" was created by using my sewing machine as my paint brush using foam and fabric to create 3d bones on the coat. I did this as a statement on how hard health care workers have been working and are holding on by a thread. Without health care workers sacrifice we would be lost in a world of despair.
Maui Crane is a well known award winning artist/designer born in Colombia raised in Miami & moved to Lexington 11 years ago. Now he goes back and forth from Lexington to Orlando. His creations range from paintings sculptures to wearable art.
The Amazing Technicolor Lab Coat
by: Hannah Allen
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Artist Statement:
This piece was created with the wearer in mind. Sewn using discarded medical scrubs, this lab coat is meant to convey the joy and life that medical professionals bring to the world. While there are elements of traditional quilt patterns dispersed throughout the coat, the majority of the coat was “improv pieced”, meaning that there was no distinct plan prior to sewing and reflecting the inconsistency of daily life during this time. The coat was initially taken apart and used as a template for quilted pieces. Each panel was designed and pieced individually before being sewn back together. There are symbols of medicine and luck within the quilting, and it is my hope that this piece brings joy to all those who see it.
Hannah Allen is a quilter, fiber artist, and collector of hobbies living in Lexington, Kentucky. Having grown up in the Lexington art community as a visual art student at SCAPA, Hannah experienced a variety of mediums and from a young age, discovering a love of sewing and textile arts. After a long hiatus from art- instead studying and working in Architectural History- she re-discovered her love of sewing in 2018. In 2019, she was a part of the Rita’s Quilt project, contributing the embroidered Kentucky square. The quilt was displayed at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY in March 2020, and was featured on NPR, BBC, and Atlas Obscura. Her current work expresses the comfort of a handmade quilt, the joy of creative freedom, and the unexpected happiness in rediscovering past interests.
This piece was created with the wearer in mind. Sewn using discarded medical scrubs, this lab coat is meant to convey the joy and life that medical professionals bring to the world. While there are elements of traditional quilt patterns dispersed throughout the coat, the majority of the coat was “improv pieced”, meaning that there was no distinct plan prior to sewing and reflecting the inconsistency of daily life during this time. The coat was initially taken apart and used as a template for quilted pieces. Each panel was designed and pieced individually before being sewn back together. There are symbols of medicine and luck within the quilting, and it is my hope that this piece brings joy to all those who see it.
Hannah Allen is a quilter, fiber artist, and collector of hobbies living in Lexington, Kentucky. Having grown up in the Lexington art community as a visual art student at SCAPA, Hannah experienced a variety of mediums and from a young age, discovering a love of sewing and textile arts. After a long hiatus from art- instead studying and working in Architectural History- she re-discovered her love of sewing in 2018. In 2019, she was a part of the Rita’s Quilt project, contributing the embroidered Kentucky square. The quilt was displayed at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY in March 2020, and was featured on NPR, BBC, and Atlas Obscura. Her current work expresses the comfort of a handmade quilt, the joy of creative freedom, and the unexpected happiness in rediscovering past interests.
Ghillie Dhu
by: Zach Stein
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Public Gallery Hours
Wednesday 12pm-5pm
Thursday 12pm-5pm Friday 12pm-5pm Saturday 12pm - 5pm Viewings also available by appointment |
The Loudoun House
209 Castlewood Dr. Lexington, Ky. 40505 Email: [email protected]
Phone 859-254-7024 |
All Lexington Art League programs are made possible through the generous support of LexArts.
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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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A yearly online giving challenge from the Bluegrass Community Foundation.
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