Lexington Art League

Our Vision: To empower and sustain a vibrant and inclusive visual arts community in Lexington and the Bluegrass region.

The Lexington Art League was founded in 1957 as a membership organization for visual artists from Lexington and the surrounding area. In the 1970s, the Lexington Art League partnered with the city’s parks and recreation department to produce the annual Woodland Art Fair, which remains one of the largest arts events in Kentucky after more than 50 years. In 1984, the League moved into its current home in the historic Loudoun House at Lexington’s Castlewood Park. The Loudoun House provided the league with expanded gallery space and several studios for member artists. In 1988, the League opened its first installment of “The Nude,” an exhibition featuring works that explored and celebrated the human form. For many years, “The Nude” remained a signature annual event on the Kentucky art scene. The Lexington Art League now hosts a rotating schedule of exhibitions and accessible events so everyone in our community can see, appreciate, and support local art and artists.

In 2019 the Lexington Art League underwent a mission change to better support Kentucky-based artists and help our local arts community thrive. The Lexington Art League creates opportunities for Lexington-area artists and those who appreciate their work. We do this by presenting an engaging and diverse exhibition program, sponsoring public events, providing arts education, and creating productive partnerships with individuals and organizations.