The Living Arts & Science Center, 362 North Martin Luther King Blvd., Lexington, KY 40508
ANNE ALLEN, “A Present for Isla, (detail), Acrylic on Vellum, 8 x 10 Inspired by Isla’s drawing, KinderKlasse, The Lexington School
Time flies when you’re having fun! So much so that it’s hard to believe this is now the fourth year of our producing REIMAGINE. And this is truly one of Arts Connect’s ‘funnest’ programs.
Drawings submitted by elementary school children from ten of Fayette County’s schools – public, private and parochial, with different schools invited each year – have inspired the 40 artworks in this year’s exhibition.
Kentucky artists select from a vast smorgasbord of student drawings.
One of the early joys of this program is reviewing the students’ work and seeing the nascent talent, the whimsy, and the themes evidenced in the work of these young artists. It’s possible to see all art styles – still life; portraiture; abstract; expressionism; narrative; surrealism; cubism; realism; pointillism and more… A veritable visual feast of choices for sure!
Even more remarkable is how our Kentucky artists can take a simple line drawing and whip it into something visually extraordinary – a work of awesome art! Here again this year we have a broad representation of local artists working in their preferred medium - wood, metal, collage, mixed, assemblage, oil, acrylic, paper, clay, photography and fabric.
Our primary focus in this program has always been the school children. Our intention is to encourage, recognize and nurture the artistic talents in our emerging young artists by elevating their work to gallery exhibition status and giving them credit for being the source of inspiration.
This is a fundraiser. Proceeds from the auction are divided between the participating schools for classroom art supplies, the artists, and Arts Connect as the program administrator. We are hopeful that the bids will be generous. Arts Connect wishes to acknowledge the founder of the REIMAGINE program, Lori Barnett, who successfully produced it from 2014-2019 as part of her Creative Alliance for Arts Education nonprofit organization’s efforts. Sincere thanks, as well, to the Living Arts and Science Center who have again graciously agreed to host this exhibition. They also provided installation expertise and shared other resources with us for which we are very grateful.
Much credit and appreciation also to our art educators who are such an important part of this effort. Long may they champion the cause for arts in schools! This year’s teachers have been involved since the onset, organizing and submitting work from their students and then staying engaged as the program advances.
But most of all we want to thank this year’s artists. It’s always fun and exciting to see the work that results from the inspiration of a simple drawing. Imagination is a fine thing, and this year’s artists have it in spades! Thank you all for so willingly participating in this feel-good, win/win/win program. We love you!
Kate Savage, Founder/Executive Director, ARTS CONNECT
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS 2024 Arlington Elementary, Ashland Elementary, Athens Chilesburg Elementary, Lansdowne Elementary, Sts Peter and Paul Regional Catholic School, Sayre School, Stonewall Elementary, The Lexington School, Veterans Park Elementary, Wellington Elementary.
Original drawing by Nicholas, Grade 1, Veterans Park Elementary Goldie
BY: CHRISTINE KUHN
Mixed Media, 13 x 13 x 2
Value: $450
“The student’s drawing was delightfully expressive and really captured the structure of the giraffe’s head.”
CHRISTINE KUHN is a muralist, sculptor and mixed media artist. She approaches her work playfully and explores possibilities for transformation. She is interested in problem solving and experimentation with gravity, light, reflection, translucence, depth and texture. She is very interested in creative reuse of common materials in a way which both conceals and reveals their humble origins.
Christine has exhibited work in the Southeastern US, Ecuador, Bulgaria and Italy. She has completed murals in the Democratic Republic of Congo with the US State Department and in Vietnam with the Rock Paper Scissors Foundation.
Original drawing by Malakai, Grade 3, Stonewall Elementary Convergence
BY: JASON STURGILL
Watercolor and Ink, 18 x 24
Value: $400
“I was originally drawn to the floating figure and it’s positioning adjacent to the seated persona. Then, I found the story between the two figures very intriguing and wanted to explore that relationship more.”
JASON STURGILL was born in Wise, Virginia. He is currently teaching classes in traditional and digital medias. In addition, Mr. Sturgill has been working as an adjunct professor at Midway College, as well as, teaching with the University of Kentucky’s Fine Arts Institute. He is currently a member of Kentucky Crafted and The Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen. Jason is a juried exhibitor at St. James Art Fair, Tennessee Arts and Crafts, and Summer Fair in Cincinnati, OH. He resides in Lexington, KY with his wife and fellow educator, Alyssa.
Original drawing by Jasmeet, Grade 5, Wellington Elementary Kid Park
BY: WYLIE CAUDILL
Acrylic, 24 x 36
Value: $500
“I saw all of the florals and instantly had an idea. The drawing just looked like a little map that you would see on board games.”
WYLIE CAUDILL: Hailing from the heart of Cynthiana, Kentucky, Wylie Caudill emerges as a distinguished artist, rooted in the vibrant landscape of Lexington. Presently acclaimed as the official artist for the prestigious 150th Kentucky Derby, Wylie’s artistic narrative is woven with a distinctive imprint—a signature style he affectionately terms as “organic repetition”. This unique aesthetic resonates throughout his portfolio, breathing life into cerulean roses and gilded leaves alike.
Original drawing by Annelise, Grade 3, The Lexington School Keys
to Life
BY: TONY WAVY
Acrylic, 24 x 30
Value: $1,700
“When I first saw this student’s artwork, it immediately resonated with me. The piano was one of the first instruments I came across, and from an early age realized I was musically gifted. Growing up in a church environment I was always surrounded by various instruments. Music is what I live and breathe.”
TONY WAVY , a.k.a “Hip-Hop Picasso,” is a dynamic artist with roots in Michigan and the Carolinas.Tony seamlessly blends his talent for intricate paintings with powerful lyrics. His paintings utilize contemporary realism with surreal elements, capturing realistic human expressions, vibrant colors, with symbolic backgrounds. Tony seeks to showcase his immense talent and leave an indelible mark on the world, especially the next generation. Known for his outspokenness and charisma, he effortlessly weaves his music through sampled beats, infusing them with soul-stirring flows. Tony’s artistry extends beyond music and paintings, and he impacts the community through his vibrant, emotionally-rich artworks.
Original drawing by Leo, Grade 5, Lansdowne Elementary
Leo Leaves the Party
BY: GEORGIA HENKEL
Flashe Vinyl on Panel, 10 x 10
Value: $250
“Leo’s extraordinary drawing is a mystery. I am intrigued by it’s complexity and the merging of unlikely objects. I look forward to meeting Leo and understanding his intentions. I think he has a brilliant future!”
GEORGIA HENKEL: As an artist and curious person, Georgia Henkel is attracted to oddities and unusual circumstances. Her work reflects a compassion and understanding of human nature at its best and at its worst.
georgia.henkel@gmail.com / (859) 576-4871
Original drawing by Charlie, Grade 4, Wellington Elementary 80’s Brain
BY: BLAKE EAMES
Acrylic and Texture Medium on Canvas, 24 x 36
Value: $1,200
“I seek out playful patterns in everyday life. This piece leapt off the screen for me to reimagine. Diving in and deeply interpreting another artist’s work is incredibly inspiring. This piece especially could have gone in so many different directions. I loved that about it.”
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. Eames Art & Design Studio is located in downtown Lexington.
Original drawing by Sophia, Grade 2, Sts Peter and Paul Regional Catholic School
Walking in the Rain
BY: LAVON WILLIAMS
Oil on Wood, 11 x 54
Value: $1,500
“I loved this drawing as it gave the sense of being able to do whatever you wanted to do. Rain or shine, you can just be yourself and go.”
LAVON WILLIAMS was a Kentucky Wildcat basketball star in college, known widely by Kentucky fans as part of the legendary team that won the 1978 National Championship. After college, he played professionally overseas before returning to Lexington where he worked at a local middle school as a teacher’s aide, a mentor, and a coach. Somewhere in all that activity, as he matured, he was driven and compelled to produce art. It became an obsession. LaVon’s work has a “culturally-specific vocabulary” that is both edgy and austere with an emphasis on the importance of music, from jazz to blues to sacred, with sculpture from small to very large. lavonsfolkart@aol.com
Original drawing by Bennett, Grade 1, Athens-Chilesburg Elementary
Bennett’s Flying Dragons
BY: PAT GERHARD
Paint and Fabric, 12 x 24
Value: $225
“I chose this artwork because who doesn’t love flying dragons?”
PAT GERHARD: I’ve been painting and using mixed materials for decades. I love to escape into colors and shapes and my imagination.
patgerhard@gmail.com / (859) 533-3802
Original drawing by Jorge, Grade 3, Arlington Elementary
“The crown!! That’s something that I’ve incorporated in a few of my paintings in different ways. And, I used a crown in my very first painting ever! This drawing really hit home with me!”
JABARI JOHNSON: Born in Atlanta, GA, Jabari grew up dreaming of becoming a professional football player and enjoying a successful college career, until a serious foot injury ended his athletic pursuits. In 2023, he left his job to pursue his true passion: art. His work, inspired by his life experiences, explores themes of perseverance and transformation, reflecting the discipline, determination, and dedication that have defined his life. Jabari’s art captures human resilience, aiming to inspire others to follow their passions and embrace the transformative power of pursuing one’s true calling.
jabariraaziq@gmail.com / (404) 424-7366
Original drawing by Ace, Grade 2, Stonewall Elementary On the Inside
BY: CRIMSON DUVALL
Clay, Underglazes, 15 x 10 x 6 Value: $400
“The drawing had personality! The creative use of shapes and lines inspired my imagination to explore the ‘inner workings of this character.’”
CRIMSON DUVALL is a Kentucky based artist who has been working as a professional artist since 2004. She makes acrylic paintings, coil-built sculptures and one-of-a-kind pottery that embody her unique style. She is inspired by color, nature, stories and the human experience.
Original drawing by Caroline, Grade 6, Sayre School
The High Spirited Voyage of Caroline’s Crew
BY: SUZONNE HALL BUNCH
Acrylic on Canvas, 22 x 28
Value: $1,000
“Caroline’s drawing looks like a story of unity and friendship with the creatures floating somewhere. I loved the upward flow of the characters and wanted to be a part of that adventure into the unknown with best friends.”
SUZONNE HALL BUNCH is an artist, graphic designer, and small business owner of FlyDog Studio. She specializes in acrylic portraits, brand development, and marketing. With an art studio in Lexington, KY, Suzonne creates paintings that portray a feeling of joy through bright colors, textured strokes and creative narratives. Her focus is on people, animals and moments in time.
Original drawing by Kya, Grade 3, The Lexington School Conversation
in the Pines
BY: CHERYLE WALTON
Mixed Media, 35 x 35
Value: $1,200
“It is said that the eyes are the window to the soul. If you look closely at Kya’s drawing, you’ll get a view outside o f her astral window of a fox and a bird seemingly talking amongst themselves. Likewise, I loved the hidden message in her work.”
CHERYLE WALTON is a Kentucky artist who calls Lexington home. Her technique was born 20 years ago, inspired by coal country. A base image is created in acrylic and then a layer of black watercolor is applied over the entire image. Afterwards, she removes the black watercolor to bring out the image while creating detail and texture.
cheryle2857@gmail.com / (606) 560-3811
Original drawing by Eva, Grade 1, Athens-Chilesburg Elementary Eva’s Tea Party
BY: PATTI EDMON
Acrylic, 20 x 16
Value: $375
“I loved the shapes, lines and details that Eva included in her fanciful, creative drawing.”
PATTI EDMON is an abstract painter working and living in downtown Lexington with her husband, artist Jim Edmon.
Original drawing by Cora, Grade 1, Stonewall Elementary Cora’s Golden Dream
BY: PAMELA MCDANIEL
Oil, 20 x 20
Value:$800
“I loved that it seemed Cora drew herself connecting with the goldfish. She seemed to be wishing it well as she waves to it. It inspired me to tell a visual story of a girl having a dream of waving to the goldfish she has set free and as it swims away it leaves a trail of golden bubbles.”
PAMELA MCDANIEL is a retired high school art and photography teacher who now works in her Lexington studio as a full time artist. Pamela believes that we all have a deep spiritual connection to nature. The rich, magical environments, animals and figures she depicts in her paintings come from her need to honor and understand that connection. Pamela believes that an intimate relationship with the environment is built into our psyche and it is her hope that through her paintings, she will help stir a response to that connection. Everything in nature has a story that needs to be heard.
Original drawing by Savannah, Grade 2, Veteran’s Park Elementary Miss Bre
Goes to Hollywood
BY: YVETTE STEPHENS CROSSING
Mixed Media, 20 x 24
Value: $1,200
“The drawing is spectacular! The animal represented has loads of appeal and style. Savannah is already a fashion designer!”
YVETTE STEPHENS CROSSING was born in Lexington, Kentucky and graduated from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville School of Medicine. She has practiced medicine for over 30 Years. Yvette is an outside artist who discovered the healing of art during the pandemic.
yvettestephenscrossing@gmail.com / (404) 558-7300
Original drawing by Ash, Grade 1, The Lexington School
Sunkissed
BY: MARTY HENTON
Mixed Media Collage, 16 x 18 Value: $350
“This artwork is full of lively activity that dances around the page. The imagery is refreshing and spoke to me with the beautiful innocence of a child. It was so inspiring to interpret Ash’s creative image and bring it to life in another artistic process.”
MARTY HENTON: Is an artist-educator, retired UK Art Ed, former director of The Living Arts and Science Center, and community advocate for the arts. She explorees creativity and art-making through encaustic, mixed media, and collage to find her inner child!
mkhenton@gmail.com / (859) 489-6653
Original drawing by Jonah, Grade 3, Stonewall Elementary Jonah’s Forest
BY: CATHY VIGOR
Multi Methods Print, 26 x 19
Value: $500
“Since I was a child, I have loved spending time in forests and being out of doors. I was inspired by the trees with roots in Jonah’s drawing. I’m fascinated by their root systems and how they connect with other trees for support and in return the trees’ growth lends to other flora and fauna.”
CATHY VIGOR is an artist and retired art teacher working primarily with printmaking and fiber. She is a member of Bluegrass Printmakers, the Fiber Guild of Lexington, International Feltmakers Association, Lexington Art League, Kentucky Crafted and the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen.
cathy.vigor@gmail.com / (859) 699-1159
Original drawing by Braxton, Grade 1, Veterans Park Elementary Yellow Horse
BY: LAVON WILLIAMS
Oil on Wood, 54 x 11
Value: $1,500
“The horse represents my idea of all the collective jockeys in Kentucky and the Kentucky Derby. Black jockeys like Isaac Murphy and Oliver Lewis.”
LAVON WILLIAMS was a Kentucky Wildcat basketball star in college, known widely by Kentucky fans as part of the legendary team that won the 1978 National Championship. After college, he played professionally overseas before returning to Lexington where he worked at a local middle school as a teacher’s aide, a mentor, and a coach. Somewhere in all that activity, as he matured, he was driven and compelled to produce art. It became an obsession. LaVon’s work has a “culturally-specific vocabulary” that is both edgy and austere with an emphasis on the importance of music, from jazz to blues to sacred, with sculpture from small to very large.
lavonsfolkart@aol.com
Original drawing by Israel, Grade 4, Lansdowne Elementary
Once Upon a Table: The Owl and His Curse
BY: CYNTHIA RYAN KELLY
Water-Based Media on Canvas, 20 x 16 Value: $375
“Owls have been popping up in my imagery the past few years. The wisdom, vision, and magic of these marvelous nocturnal birds may be the reason. The fact that this owl looks extra grumpy made me smile. This unraveled a narrative about what happened to him. The story is that the Owl ate the Witch’s pet snake and so she put a spell on him, turning him into an inanimate object, the vase. Seeing all of his prey running around him while he is unable to chase them is the root of his crabbiness.”
CYNTHIA RYAN KELLY: A native of the architecturally progressive prairie town of Columbus, Indiana, Cynthia Ryan Kelly was formally trained and has received several grants, the funds enabling her to produce Stories About Mountaintop Removal (2006-08) and Freedom Summer Paintings: A Mississippi Season of Harassment, Terrorism and Progress (2015).
She is showing a display of still life paintings titled Leaving It All On the Table at City Gallery in Lexington, KY until August 3, 2024, a variety of works Samples of Self at Centered in Lexington, KY until October 2024, and has work in the publication Like a Field magazine: 2024 Summer Issue.
Original drawing by Kellan, Grade 5, Athens-Chilesburg Elementary
The Messenger
BY: CHARLES ELLIS
Oil, Pencil and Ink on Wood, 24 x 18 Value: $1,300
“I found this drawing appealing because of the portrait’s facial expressions and the various symbols surrounding it.”
CHARLES ELLIS is an abstract colorist who paints realism, portraits, landscapes and digital images. Charles found his inspiration from his exposure to art during his travels to Europe and Cuba. He was born in Lexington, Kentucky and currently resides in Old Louisville.
charles@cellis.net / cellis.net / (502) 533-2348
Original drawing by Addison, Grade 4, Sts Peter and Paul Regional Catholic School
Dreamscape
BY: DEBORAH WESTERFIELD
Acrylic and Crystals on Canvas, 20 x 24
Value: $500
“This drawing inspired me because I love horses.”
DEBORAH WESTERFIELD is a local artist that loves to work in clay and paint!
Original drawing by Finnoula, Kindergarten, Athens-Chilesburg Elementary Fancy Flights
BY: GRAHAM POHL
Acrylic, Graphite, Marker, Watercolor, 14 x 16.75 Value: $750
“I saw the drawing depicting a tree full of birdhouses and a flock of birds approaching. It is brimming with whimsy, optimism, and love, expressed using the most simple figures, representing natural and man made subjects.”
Graham Pohl: “What matters are not the facts (disputable at best) but the stories they inspire, and our hearts’ need for creating and preserving these stories to pass on: to me, to them, to you. This is our true act of perfect love. - Fenton Johnson, Scissors, Paper, Rock
grahampohl@gmail.com / (859) 576-6305
Original drawing by Hannah, Grade 1, Lansdowne Elementary
The Birds
BY: PATRICK ADAMS
Acrylic on Canvas, 72 x 60
Value: $8,500
“I really loved the composition and the layering of the forms - smudges, pencil lines, dark ink pen. The birds themselves were so wonderfully drawn - far better and more interesting than I could draw them! So I decided to make mine into an abstracted homage to the student’s work.”
PATRICK ADAMS: I grew up in Minnesota and always loved to draw. Early on I was entering art shows and selling my work. I came to Kentucky to attend graduate school at the University of Kentucky, where I received my Master of Fine Arts degree. I’ve been a full-time professional artist since 1992.
Original drawing by Navya, Grade 3, Veteran’s Park Elementary
The Nocturnal Journey of Navya’s Snail
BY: PAMELA MCDANIEL
Oil, 12 x 24
Value: $700
“I love the beautiful simplicity of the snail, with it’s head up, that looks like it has someplace to get to in a hurry. The snail slime behind it was a fun bonus to work with.”
PAMELA MCDANIEL: After earning degrees in both fine art and education, Pamela spent many years teaching high school art and photography. Now she works in her Lexington studio as a full time artist.
Pamela believes that we all have a deep spiritual connection to nature. Her paintings come from her need to honor and understand that connection. An intimate relationship with the environment is built into our psyche and it is my hope that my paintings will help stir a response to that connection. Everything in nature has a story that needs to be heard.
Original drawing by Mary David, Grade 5, Athens-Chilesburg Elementary Unbridled
BY: YVETTE STEPHENS CROSSING
Oil on Canvas, 12 x 16
Value: $800
“I love horses and the bridled horse made me want to imagine it free.”
YVETTE STEPHENS CROSSING
was born in Lexington, Kentucky and graduated from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville School of Medicine. She has practiced medicine for over 30 Years. Yvette is an outside artist who discovered the healing of art during the pandemic.
yvettestephenscrossing@gmail.com / (404) 558-7300
Original drawing by Zora, Grade 4, Stonewall Elementary Zora’s Moment of Zen
BY: MICHELLE ARMSTRONG
Paperquilling, 18 x 14
Value: $450
“When I saw Zora’s enchanting drawing of a fox with a butterfly perched on its nose, I thought she had captured a lovely moment in nature. I could only imagine stumbling upon this scene while out for a hike, and I felt inspired. This piece was created using the paper quilling and paper on edge methods, which is suited for creating wildlife. This piece not only reflects the joy of creation but also serves as a reminder of the simple wonders one might encounter outdoors.”
MICHELLE NEWBY ARMSTRONG is the visual arts teacher at Cardinal Valley Elementary school. As an activist and artist, she combines her understanding of art and its power to bring beauty to convey a message. She has collaborated with a variety of artists to celebrate art in the community. Through these efforts she has created many public works of art and has exhibited in several local galleries. Michelle’s studio is located in LuigART Studios in Lexington, KY. Her artwork is inspired by nature with the hope that we can learn to work together to create a healthier planet.
Original drawing by Wilder, Kindergarten, Wellington Elementary Wilder’s
Night Sky
BY: SARAH DETRAZ
Acrylic, 24 x 26
Value: $300
“I’ve always loved the stars and images depicting homes. When I saw this drawing, I immediately knew I could create something illustrative and dreamy. I love the proportions and style of Wilder’s stars. It was easy to visualize how to feature Wilder’s drawing into the work while building a world around it.”
SARAH DETRAZ was born and raised in Lexington, KY. She became a dedicated artist from a young age after seeing her older brother drawing frogs (which remain one of her favorite animals). She currently teaches visual art at Lafayette High School and is enjoying raising a beautiful boy with her husband.
sarah.detraz1@gmail.com / (859) 327-2740
Original drawing by Zachary, Grade 5, Ashland Elementary
The Greek Myth of Sisyphus-Draw/Erase/Repeat
BY: JAMES SHAMBHU
Pastel on Paper, 16 x 12
Value: $350
“This drawing appealed to me because, with a few marks, the artist made me think of the Greek story of Sisyphus. Sisyphus rolled the boulder up the hill, only to see his hard labor roll back down. He repeats the task the next day in an endless cycle. With Sisyphus in mind, I erased and redrew the drawing every day until the paper started to fall apart.”
JAMES SHAMBHU is an artist and designer currently working at the Arts in HealthCare program at the University of Kentucky Hospital.
Original drawing by Campbell, Grade 5, Sayre School
Campbell’s Flying Girl
BY: DAMON FARMER
Acrylic on Canvas, 24 x 30
Value: $2,400
“The ability to fly is a powerful metaphor for pushing our boundaries, reaching beyond ourselves, and freedom. With the illustration of a winged girl casually floating away from a solid wall, that appealing dream of flight seems to have inspired my student artist, and in turn inspired me.”
DAMON FARMER: Born in 1948, Damon has always lived in Kentucky, except during his military service in 1970-72. Since graduation from Berea College in 1975 he has been a freelance artist, operating as Shadetree Studio. His paintings have been exhibited in numerous juried shows and he travels worldwide from his Woodford County home to create sculptures in sand as a grandmaster of that art form. His variety of creative formats include murals, theatrical sets, costumes and public art projects.
Original drawing by Noire, Grade 2, Ashland Elementary Noire’s Cat
BY: CYNTHIA ROBERTS
Sterling Silver and 14k Gold, 1.5 x 1.5
Value: $1,545
“I love this funky cat! She has attitude, style, and is clearly going places! What’s not to love?”
CYNTHIA PIERCE ROBERTS is the designer/goldsmith/gemologist at A Small Extravagance, jewelry studio, where she creates one of a kind jewels with fine gemstones in any precious metal.
Original drawing by Liam, Kindergarten, Athens-Chilesburg Elementary
Enjoy the Ride
BY: DEBRA BOOKER
Mixed Media Collage, 20 x 20 Value: $450
“I love the light hearted approach and sense of movement. The artist was not afraid to fill the entire page with their vision and it seems like a very happy scene!”
DEBRA BOOKER is a Lexington artist and photographer who loves sharing her vision of how she sees the world. She enjoys the often overlooked and discarded, including vintage magazines, encyclopedias, maps and ephemera. She loves to play with color, texture, paint… layering and experimenting… enjoying the challenge each piece brings. She has been an exhibiting artist since 1986.
Original drawing by Eamon, Grade 1, Athens-Chilesburg Elementary Musical Mandala
BY: RAYMOND PAPKA
Mixed Media Assemblage: Wax, Resin, Images, Tar Paper, Piano Parts, Repurposed Objects, 24 x 24 x 2.25
Value: $900
“I was inspired by the architecture, shapes and graphical nature.”
RAYMOND PAPKA grew up in a small town in WY, has B.S. degrees in Zoology and Chemistry, PhD in Anatomy and Neuroscience, and had a long career as a research scientist. He is a self-taught artist, with abundant experience in photography, composition, printing etc. used in research; and woodworking as a life-long hobby. His art is mixed media and combines assemblage, encaustic painting, and found objects as relevant embellishments. His work is continually evolving and is inspired by issues in biology, architecture, science and music.
rpapka@gmail.com / rpapka.com / (330) 607-7703
Original drawing by Hank, Grade 1, Sts Peter and Paul Regional Catholic School
Hank You Very Much!
BY: JASON AKHTAREKHAVARI
Mixed Media Construction, 35 x 33 x 6
Value: $600
“There was something so simple, sweet and timeless about Hank’s piece. It conjures up a universal feeling of childhood happiness. I simply wanted to transform the imagery through my medium and bring smiles to faces.”
JASON AKHTAREKHAVARI: A graduate of the University of Kentucky with a BA in History, Jason has worked in the field of arts in health for the past 13 years. He currently manages the University of Kentucky HealthCare, Arts in HealthCare program. Jason also seeks to engage the local community and expand awareness of the health and wellness benefits of the arts. He spends much of his free time creating mixed media visual art, singing, songwriting and authoring poems for his long-standing poetry site, poems365.com. When not immersed in the arts, Jason likes to travel and explore the outdoors. jason.star@uky.edu / ukhealthcare.uky.edu/arts-in-healthcare / (859) 396-2639
Original drawing by Piper, Grade 4, Wellington Elementary Piper’s Cosmic Turtle
BY: TRESA THOMPSON O’CONNOR
Acrylic, 24 X 24
Value: $2,500
“In Piper’s elegant drawing I recognized a broad and ancient mythology - the story of a giant turtle that both contains and supports the world. It was a pleasure to submit my version of Piper’s work. Congratulations Piper, for your excellent artwork!”
TRESA THOMPSON O’CONNOR: Art by Tresa Thompson O’Connor has been exhibited locally, regionally, and nationally. She maintains studios at Luigart Warehouse Studios in Lexington, Kentucky and in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Tresa is represented locally by New Editions Gallery and is a Signature Member of The National Association of Women Artists (NAWA).
Original drawing by Brynn, Grade 7, Sayre School Ascent
BY: DEBORAH SLONE
Watercolor on Paper, 12 x 16
Value: $350
“I loved the butterfly image, which seemed hopeful and delicately studied by the artist.”
DEBORAH SLONE is a watercolor and graphite artist living in Lexington, Kentucky. Deborah grew up in the Appalachian mountains where she spent many hours playing in the woods and cultivating a life-long appreciation for the beauty and the delicate balance of the natural world.
The themes in Deborah’s work are a nod to her family’s generational storytelling traditions and an appreciation of nature. Deborah’s botanical watercolor compositions are created from her own photographs of natural objects. They offer an opportunity to reflect intimately on the natural world and to consider the shared stewardship of both our traditions and the environment.
Original drawing by Isla, KinderKlasse, The Lexington School
A Present for Isla
BY: ANNE ALLEN
Acrylic on Vellum, 8 x 10 Value: $300
“Isla’s expressive drawing brings a smile to my heart, and inspired the design of the charm presented by a friendly crow.”
ANNE ALLEN: I am a curious artist, art educator, and life-long learner, who places great emphasis as an advocate for the arts inclusion in curriculum, and our community. I accomplished a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degree at the University of Kentucky and share life with my husband George, daughter Lucie, and extended family in Lexington.
annesworld2@gmail.com / (859) 797-1900
Original drawing by Levi, Grade 4, Veteran’s Park Elementary Tune In
BY: SARAH JANE WEBB
Digital Photograph on Photo Rag Metallic Paper, 12 x 15 Value: $135
“Contour drawings are rich in movement and have a sense of playfulness and approachability that I find intriguing. The microphone drawing offered me an invitation to be expressive and experimental.”
SARAH JANE is sparked by the integration of community and landscape and she utilizes photography and mixed media as a way to communicate her curiosities. Sarah Jane’s work is rooted in process and intention and aims to deepen the conversation of the beauty within the living world.
Original drawing by Griffin, Grade 3, The Lexington School Construction of a Dream BY:
BRYCE OQUAYE
Mixed Media/Digital, 16X20 Value: $500
“When I saw this drawing, it felt like a snapshot into the mind of a daydreamer.”
BRYCE OQUAYE is an illustrator, sequential artist and animator. His illustration and sequential style have placed him within a wide range of projects from comics and animation to cover art and apparel design. He’s worked on the comics Warden’s Watch and Hard Justice as well as illustrating for Z2 Comics on Vince Staple’s Limbo Beach, Netflix/TUDUM providing visuals for The Witcher, and Thrillist and Vox Media. He’s directed music videos and performs as a live artist illustrating across different events and venues both individually and with the Six Bomb Boards. He’s a frequent collaborator and programmer working with organizations to create art based programming.
Original drawing by Ishimwe, Grade 2, Ashland Elementary
Rocket Ship
BY: LAVON WILLIAMS
Oil on Wood, 11 x 54
Value: $1,500
“This drawing looked to me like an opportunity to escape on a rocket ship. To leave and go to a better and happier place. It gave me a sense of freedom when I looked at it.”
LAVON WILLIAMS was a Kentucky Wildcat basketball star in college, known widely by Kentucky fans as part of the legendary team that won the 1978 National Championship. After college, he played professionally overseas before returning to Lexington where he worked at a local middle school as a teacher’s aide, a mentor, and a coach. Somewhere in all that activity, as he matured, he was driven and compelled to produce art. It became an obsession. LaVon’s work has a “culturally-specific vocabulary” that is both edgy and austere with an emphasis on the importance of music, from jazz to blues to sacred, with sculpture from small to very large. lavonsfolkart@aol.com
Original drawing by Giselle, Grade 1, The Lexington School
Make A Wish
BY: YVETTE STEPHENS
Mixed Media, 24 x 36
Value: $1,800
“I appreciate the amazing detail in the stable.”
YVETTE STEPHENS CROSSING was born in Lexington, Kentucky and graduated from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville School of Medicine. She has practiced medicine for over 30 Years. Yvette is an outside artist who discovered the healing of art during the pandemic.
yvettestephenscrossing@gmail.com / (404) 558-7300
CROSSING
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RE IMAGINE 2024 ARTIST INDEX
ADAMS, Patrick ................................................................................................... p13
AKHTAREKHAVARI, Jason .................................................................................... p18
ALLEN, Anne ....................................................................................................... p19
ARTS CONNECT is an independent nonprofit that works hard to raise the awareness and appreciation of all the arts in the Lexington community by producing exceptional events like our hugely popular PAINT THE TOWN and ARTS AWARDS LUNCHEON, providing unique programs such as REIMAGINE, offering resources with our monthly OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS bulletin and our ARTISTS’ DIRECTORY, as well as delivering art enrichment services such as our WORKSHOPS, The MOBILE GALLERY PROGRAM and now ART WALKS, giving voice through our lobbying and advocacy efforts along with our bi-weekly ART THROB PODCAST and NPR/WEKU series that bring a spotlight to the efforts of arts individuals in our community,as well as encouraging all creative endeavors and other forms of self-expression. Fiscal Year 24-25 Arts Connect received $3,156 funding from the Kentucky Arts Council. All other support
