FROM HOUSE TO HOME CASHMAN INTERIORS TRANSFORMS HISTORIC MAIN STREET HOUSE INTO A HOME DESIGN CENTER
THE DESIGN ISSUE
SMALL-BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT GRIGGS HOMES, INC. A SHINING SUCCESS FARMER'S JEWELRY CELEBRATES 75 YEARS IN CHEVY CHASE INSIDE THE ARCHITECTURE, VISUAL ART AND DESIGN WORLD OF STUDIO JESSE JAMES
MARCH 3-9
LEXI N GTON
Studio
Nick S. Morrow, DMD W. Scott Jenkins, DMD, MD
Matthew N. Gayheart, DMD, MD
JOSEPH HILLENMEYER GARDEN DESIGN
GRAND VISION REQUIRES TIME
At JHGD we take advantage of early spring days to formulate concepts, materialize vision, and design legacy gardens because the most breathtaking landscapes have one thing in common—they weren’t rushed. The right materials, the perfect proportions, the patience to get it right—this is how enduring beauty is created.
Contributors
Michelle Aiello is a Chicago-born writer, editor and indie publisher. Her interests include living room karaoke, snail mail and all things vintage. She contributes to our monthly “tadoo list” (our calendar of cultural happenings, page 43).
Liz Carey (“From House to Home,” page 21, and “A Shining Success,” page 27) is a Kentucky-born journalist, author and writing teacher living in Lexington. When she’s not writing, you can find her on her porch with her dog, cat, a great book and a relatively good glass of wine.
Emily Giancarlo (photos for “Creative Types: Studio Jesse James,” “Small-Business Spotlight: Julie Griggs,” “From House to Home” and “Drink of the Month”) is a professional photographer based out of Lexington, specializing in lifestyle and commercial photography. For more information and images, visit www.emilygiancarlo.com.
Celeste Lewis (“Quick Six: Lee Carroll and Connie Milligan,” page 13) is a visual artist and freelance writer and director for the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center. She loves to interview interesting folks from the Lexington area, including artists, writers and small-business owners.
Matt Wickstrom (“Creative Types: Jesse James Studio,” page 7) is a professional writer, music lover and founder of the music blog Wick’s Picks.
Please direct all editorial questions and story pitches to editor Saraya Brewer – saraya@smileypete.com. ■
chevy chaser Southsider
PUBLISHER: CHRIS EDDIE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: SARAYA BREWER
COPY EDITOR: NIKOLE CHRISTENSEN ART DIRECTOR: DREW PURCELL
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: AMY EDDIE, DONNA HODSDON, ANN STATON
SALES MANAGER: EMILY MARKS EVENTS DIRECTOR: AMY EDDIE
FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL: INFO@SMILEYPETE.COM FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION EMAIL: ADVERTISE@SMILEYPETE.COM TEL: 859.266.6537 WEB: SMILEYPETE.COM
CREATIVE TYPES
STUDIO JESSE JAMES
STORY BY MATT WICKSTROM AND SARAYA BREWER
PHOTOS BY EMILY GIANCARLO
Blending craftsmanship with modernist design, the Lexingtonbased business Studio Jesse James is working to redefine the intersection of art and architecture.
At the helm are married couple Jesse Voigt and James Johnson, a creative duo whose journey from Los Angeles architects to local small-business owners has been shaped by passion, sustainability, and a drive to build with purpose.
From architecture and woodworking to painting, pottery and more, Studio Jesse James offers a diverse range of services, all tied together by a commitment to thoughtful, responsible design.
Voigt, who calls architecture “the mother of all arts,” believes that sustainability and accessibility should be at the heart of every project.
“We were always taught [in school] to build something beautiful that will last 100 years,” says Voigt. “That used to be our mantra. But now it’s becomeBuild Something Affordable.”
PHOTO BY EMILY GIANCARLO.
James Johnson and Jesse Voigt (pictured above, left-right) are the partners behind Studio Jesse James, a creative firm based in Lexington that specializes in architecture, visual art, pottery, woodworking and more.
The couple met around 2010 in Los Angeles, where each had moved separately more than a decade earlier to pursue their individual careers in architecture — Voigt, a Colorado native, had moved there to work for architect Frank Gehry, while Johnson, a Lexington native and University of Kentucky School of Architecture grad, was working for a firm in Playa Del Rey called R.L. Binder Architects. As one of Johnson’s big projects with that firm came to a close, he found himself gravitating toward one of his first loves — woodworking and furniture. The couple met through mutual connections in the L.A. art scene and began collaborating professionally early on, producing a number of commercial installations ranging from creative office suites to restaurant chains, before launching their own business together in 2015.
When they became parents, Voigt and Johnson decided they wanted to raise their daughter in a smaller college town. In 2017 they moved to Lexington, purchasing a home on Nicholasville Road where they renovated a detached structure that now serves as their studio. They each have their own specialties — woodworking for him; pottery and painting for her. But the couple generally collaborates when it comes to the design decisions and aesthetic presentation of the projects that Studio Jesse James takes on.
Voigt’s pottery can be found locally at Story Boutique on High Street, and Hopewell Bake Exchange in Paris, Ky.
EMILY
GIANCARLO
“We generally approach everything we do in our company from a jack-of-all trades mentality, in that we are always learning and trying new things that we filter through our aesthetic sensibilities,” Voigt explained. “For instance, I’ll design an overall architectural space, and then when we get into details — furniture, textural walls, etc. — I will pull James in to get his input on fabricating these elements. James heads up most of the woodworking and fabrication in our studio space, but he will run aesthetic details by me if we have a new product, etc.”
Navigating the challenges of running a small design business is not without its challenges, but for Voigt and Johnson, the freedom to shape their creative path has been worth it. They embrace a philosophy that constraints, whether in materials or methods, can push design to new heights.
“That’s the beauty of working for yourself,” says Voigt. “Once you’ve had that creative freedom, going back to working for someone else who has their own design ideologies or takes credit for your work is just not somewhere you want to be anymore.”
PHOTOS BY
Smiley Pete reporter Matt Wickstrom recently sat down with Jesse Voigt and James Johnson to talk about their artistic influences, why they chose Lexington as their home base, and what’s next for Studio Jesse James.
You’ve done a lot of work in New York and Los Angeles. Why did you decide to leave there when you started Studio Jesse James?
JV: When you’re a small firm, you can have your base anywhere. When we first started this, that was a big concern of ours, not meeting face-to-face with our clients. Sometimes there’s an initial nervousness about being out-of-state, but so much of where you get work in this field is word-of-mouth. Once you get that, it doesn’t really matter where you are, as long as you communicate and produce a quality product. We’ve worked around that by having people on the ground in New York City and Los Angeles who we rely on if we need help on things like production drawings or visiting with a contractor.
You mentioned that Lexington’s “untapped potential” was a draw for you when choosing to make this your home. Is there anything you feel like Lexington is lacking in an architecture and design capacity?
JJ: It’s not just here, but I’d love to see more of a localized economy. Globalization has made so many places feel like Nowhere, America — they all look the same. There’s real opportunity to embrace a local vernacular in the way you make things. Lexington is in a position to have a unique voice in that. I’d like to see more of that rather than the generic developments we’re seeing more and more of.
In a lot of ways Lexington already has exactly what it needs with its iconic rolling hills and horse farms, we just need a more sensible way forward — why pave paradise?
PHOTO FURNISHED
Johnson and Voigt apply principles of architecture to everything they design (custom tables designed and built by Johnson pictured above).
Celebrate Spring
2021 NORTH COAST CABE RNET SAUVIGNON
What’s been the most liberating part about venturing out on your own with Studio Jesse James?
JV: People have always tried to pigeonhole what we do, but we’ve always done different things on the side. The studio gives us even more space to do that. Even before this, I was painting and had gallery shows [under the moniker Essi Zimm] and James was doing woodwork and building furniture. At my old firm, I began looping James into some of my projects there because I loved his work. [Having side projects] is a commonplace and convenient practice, but the more you do it, the more designs tend to get watered down and bastardized before they are even built. But when you’re a smaller entity, like we are now, you’re able to control all those aspects. From interiors to exteriors and landscapes, it’s all become a much more holistic process for us.
You all do everything from large-scale building design to pottery, woodwork and painting. How does each of those areas of focus inspire and inform each other?
JJ: When I started painting, the way I approached it was a lot more fluid than how I approach architecture, which I feel is a lot more ordered. There’s more precision that goes along with it. Having the project manager brain versus having the artist brain is a big plus because sometimes you have to jump between the two. I think that’s what works really well for our firm, moving between both gives us a perspective of how to be loosely creative.”
Jesse, you’ve also been an instructor at the University of Kentucky since August 2024. What’s that experience been like for you?
JV: Teaching again brings back the joy of our profession. There’s a lot of aspects of it that can get mind-numbing and difficult, but when you’re working with [students], you’re reminded all over again of the joy of creation, coming up with cool concepts, and being free to explore.
What are your long-term goals in Lexington and with Studio Jesse James?
JV: We’ve dabbled with getting involved in city boards and commissions in an effort to push a language of sustainability and responsibility. In other cities we’ve worked in, when you present to a planning commission, you go in with your architects, but here you go in with your lawyers, which is where the problem lies. Until we have mandates that address this, it’s really hard to move the needle forward. It all takes a top-down synergy and the city taking a stance on wanting to change. n
Above: Johnson in the detached studio that he and Voigt remodeled behind their Nicholasville Road home.
At left: A trio of nesting tables that Johnson designed and built, against a backdrop of a mural Voigt painted in the guest house attached to their studio.
PHOTOS BY EMILY GIANCARLO
SPRIN G START S IN TH E SOIL
At Hortus, we know a garden’s true beauty begins in the quiet work beneath the surface. Backed by 65+ years of horticulture, project implementation, and maintenance expertise, our founders bring a lifetime of knowledge to every landscape. With a deep understanding of what it takes to nurture lasting beauty, we honor the rhythm of the seasons by planting with care and intention.
DESIGN BUILD MAINTAIN
HORTUS IS HIRING!
Hortus Gardens is looking for motivated team members to help us grow. We are seeking both highly experienced horticulture professionals, as well as less experienced individuals who are enthusiastic about learning the fine art of gardening. Interested? Please contact us at info@hortusgardens.com
QUICK
6
LEE CARROLL & CONNIE MILLIGAN
GETTING TO KNOW THE POWERHOUSE KENWICK-BASED COUPLE BEHIND THE LIVE MUSIC AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM
GREENROOM EXCHANGE
STORY BY CELESTE LEWIS
In 2020, after years of honing their community-building skills — he as a musician and bandleader for a variety of local and regional acts; she as a licensed clinical social worker with an entrepreneurial spirit — Lexington couple Lee Carroll and Connie Milligan decided to pool their resources and passions into a collective project. Building on their love of travel and world music, they formed the non-profit GreenRoom Exchange with the mission of sharing music and culture with the Lexington community through a series of concerts and events featuring musicians from all over the world.
Carroll and Milligan met 15 years ago, when Carroll, who is originally from Cave City but was living in Pennsylvania at the time, was in Lexington to participate in a music celebration for another local musician. Milligan, an Alabama transplant who originally moved to Lexington to go to school at Transylvania University, had been tasked with throwing a party for the musicians.
“I had this huge party and Lee pitched in so much, it was like we were hosting together,” she explained. “It kind of hasn’t ever stopped. All these years later we’re still providing an audience and hospitality for musicians and music lovers.”
Forming GreenRoom Exchange seemed a perfect fit for the couple, who married in 2012, to fuse their passion for music, travel and other cultures. Over the past four years, they have brought performers from Senegal, Haiti, France and Cuba, among other places, to Lexington stages. The musicians are treated like more than just performers passing through. Often hosting the performers in their own home or in the homes of friends, Carroll and Milligan take a focused interest in the personal stories and backgrounds of the performers they host, and said they quickly become like family. Many of the visiting music makers have declared Lexington the friendliest town they have visited and have made it a special point to come back.
Carroll often gets in the studio with the musicians, mentoring them on the process of getting their music recorded and expanding their audience. On a recent trip to New York, the couple attended Global Fest, an annual showcase for international music artists, with one of the first GreenRoom Exchange guest musicians, Senegalese artist Alioune Guisse.
Guisse says working with the organization has been a relaunch for his career.
“They got me back on stage since I have come to the United States and they have
The Kenwick-based couple Lee Carroll and Connie Milligan run GreenRoom Exchange, a nonprofit that combines their love for travel, music and community. PHOTO FURNISHED.
helped me develop my music so it is being heard internationally,” he said. In a moment of complete kismet, Milligan first met Guisse who is from Senegal when he was her Uber driver in Chicago. She recounted how Guisse was playing music in the car that was wonderful. She inquired who it was they were listening to, and Alioune explained it was his own original music.
Milligan called Carroll to share the music, and he was intrigued. Since that fateful Uber ride, Carroll and Guisse have performed together many times in Lexington and New York and have recorded music together that they hope to share with the world — a world made bigger and wider for us all thanks to Lee Carroll and Connie Milligan and GreenRoom Exchange.
UPCOMING GREENROOM EXCHANGE PERFORMANCE
In collaboration with the University of Kentucky Singletary Center for the Arts, GreenRoom Exchange will present KODO drummers from Japan at the Singletary Center on March 4, as part of the 250LEX celebration.
Tickets and more information are available at finearts.uky.edu/ singletary-center/events.
Carroll and Milligan recently sat down with Smiley Pete writer Celeste Lewis to answer a few questions about their work and lives.
What inspired you to start your nonprofit, GreenRoom Exchange and bring world music to Lexington?
LC: For us, it was an evolution. When we met, we decided we wanted to travel, first to Europe, then Africa and Cuba. With my background in music and interest in African rhythm and its impact on western popular music, it was natural that we would seek out music wherever we traveled. But there was always Connie’s interest in social, cultural and spiritual aspects, which really can’t be separated from music and art.
CM: The unifying idea for our travel was that we wanted to see places through the “eyes of those who live there.” Little did we know that this would be the impetus for the development of GreenRoom Exchange. It was our trip to Cuba, where we stayed with a local family who bowled us over, humbled us, and made the desire to share our experiences with our friends back home so strong that we hosted our first official [GreenRoom Exchange] event with our Cuban interpreter.
LC: In addition, we had been hosting Gideon Alorwoyie’s 10-member Afrikania dance and drum group here in Lexington for many years prior to starting GreenRoom Exchange. They stayed in our home and neighbors’ homes, and we became close like family. So, this became a template for how we would structure GreenRoom Exchange.
What do you see as the biggest challenges for arts non-profits in Lexington?
Keyboardist and arranger
Lee Carroll performs with a variety of local and international musicians, and also works to bring musicians from different cultures to Lexington to perform and collaborate.
PHOTO FURNISHED
LC: Limited resources, money and available venues. All the local non-profits face the same challenges.
CM: When presenting events that are not mainstream, we are all trying to engage the same 1,000 people who are interested in a diversity of artistic expression. That is what we are trying to change. We know that world class cities offer a great variety of culturally diverse artistic offerings. It is one of our goals to help make Lexington a city that is considered a destination for the arts, along with the usual offerings of bourbon, basketball and horses.
Tell me a little about what community means to you both and your work.
LC: It’s everything to us. Lexington has such a supportive and loving creative community. The artists stay at our home and with neighbors. We cook together and celebrate our commonalities with friends and neighbors. The musicians we bring to Lexington always want to come back, several have expressed a desire to move here.
CM: What separates GreenRoom Exchange from other presenters of world music is our focus on community engagement. We all benefit. The artists are invited to provide workshops, go to our local restaurants and meet people. We always host an after-party so the musicians and supporters can meet one another, serving the food of the musicians’ culture. It’s a delightful exchange. We develop friendships that make our interactions more personal, interesting and long-lasting.
Connie, you’re very in tune with social reform and personal development. Tell me about where that comes from and your work outside of GreenRoom Exchange.
CM: I’m a licensed clinical social worker with 40 years’ experience in the mental health and social justice reform arena. Creating change, personally and in systems, has always been at the heart of what I do.
I’ve helped create numerous statewide service delivery systems, one of which is the Fayette Mental Health Diversion Court, where I currently serve as the clinical director, and it is seen as a model for statewide expansion. I also consult and train nationally for SAMHSA (Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration) on implementing criminal justice diversion programs and trauma informed care. In addition, I have a private practice where I provide personal therapy and transformational life coaching and training.
GreenRoom Exchange is an extension of this work in that it embodies the same values and beliefs. The essence of both is, as our motto says, “we are more alike than different” — that we can learn from one another, grow and become better for having shared what our different cultures have to teach us.
Lee, you are a music man. How did music come into your life? Tell me a little about what is happening with your own music currently.
LC: I grew up in Cave City, playing in dance bands. I didn’t have local role models; the music that I heard on the radio — WLAC in Nashville for R&B and gospel and Chicago’s WLS for pop —was what moved me. It was a very exciting moment in American music history: a Renaissance where radio defined tastes and music was everything. I taught myself to play and later went to Berklee College of Music before going to Nashville to join The Judds, and, later, Exile. Music was my life for over 25 years before becoming a business owner.
What is a favorite way to recharge as a couple?
LC: Each time we visit a new place we find inspiration, immersing ourselves in the culture. We’re always at our best when traveling, and each time we return with renewed enthusiasm for GreenRoom and our mission to share other cultures with our community in Lexington.
CM: I agree, traveling is pure joy for us. It expands our understanding of the world and gives us more impetus to bring what we’ve learned back to Lexington. Being able to share this through GreenRoom Exchange, using the universal language of music and the arts, gives us great delight. n
MAKE GIVING A FAMILY TRADITION.
A donor advised fund at Blue Grass Community Foundation makes philanthropy easy and impactful for you and your family. Support the causes you care about and make generosity a shared experience. Call us today to learn how we can help your family’s values shine through giving together.
Agave & Rye
3535 Nicholasville Road
123 N. Broadway
The Liberty Banger: Carne asada, peppers and onions, queso, and shaved green onion
The Holy Smokes Poblano: Mexican rice, serrano aioli, queso, and rajas mix (V)
The Cluckin’ Good BBQ: Herb chicken tossed in A&R BBQ, serrano aioli, corn salad, and tobacco onions
El Gran Tako
1801 Alexandria Drive, Ste. 156
Tacos Cochinita Pibil: Seasoned pork, cilantro and pickled red onions on corn tortilla (GF)
Ensenada Tacos: Breaded tilapia fillet, pico de gallo, salad with house special dressing, on a corn or flour tortilla
Quesabirria Tacos: Seasoned shredded beef, cilantro, onions and cheese on a corn tortilla with consomè on the side (GF)
La Taquiza ON MAIN
630 E. Main St.
Pork Belly Taco: Slow-cooked pork belly, guacamole salsa, red onion, pico de gallo, spicy BBQ sauce, and cilantro
Veggie Taco: Roasted corn, chile poblano, pico de gallo, avocado, crema, goat cheese, cilantro and tortilla strips (V) (GF)
Campestre
910 Beaumont Centre Pkwy.
DESCRIPTION COMING SOON! CHECK LEXINGTONTACOWEEK.COM OR DOWNLOAD THE LEXINGTON TACO WEEK PASSPORT.
El Rancho Tapatio
144 Burt Road
Triple Threat Taco: Pastor with pineapple, barbacoa, and discada (a mix of pork, steak, sausage, chorizo, and bacon) on corn tortillas (GF)
Veggie Fiesta Taco: Rajas con queso, fajita veggies, and cauliflower pastor on corn tortillas (V) (GF)
La Taquiza ON TIVERTON
130 West Tiverton Way, Ste. 190
Pastor Con Queso: Melted cheese, pork pastor, chipotle and pineapple salsa, fresh pineapple, red onion, and cilantro
Veggie Taco: Roasted corn, chile poblano, pico de gallo, avocado, crema, goat cheese, cilantro and tortilla strips (V) (GF)
Condado
114 Summit at Fritz Farm, Ste. 110 Hot or Kewl Tacos — Make your own tacos
• Choice of kewl ranch hard shell or firecracker hard shell
• Choice of Tex-Mex ground beef, roasted chicken or veggie chorizo and poblanos. Topped with lettuce, tomato, Middlefield smoked cheddar and choice of dirty sauce or cilantro lime aioli sauce
First Watch
350 E. Brannon Road
1080 S. Broadway 2251 War Admiral Way #130 119 W. Reynolds Road 2894 Richmond Road
Two tacos
Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos: Wheat and corn tortillas with scrambled eggs, Cajun chicken, chorizo, cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses, topped with avocado and housemade pico de gallo
Mama Tequila
367 W. Short St., Ste. 150
Triple Threat Taco: Pastor with pineapple, barbacoa, and discada (a mix of pork, steak, sausage, chorizo, and bacon) on corn tortillas (GF)
Veggie Fiesta Taco: Rajas con queso, fajita veggies, and cauliflower pastor on corn tortillas (V) (GF)
Desperados Cantina
1224 Manchester St., Ste. 110
Chamoy Shrimp Taco: Marinated shrimp, green apple slaw, grilled pineapple salsa, spiced creme, cilantro (GF)
Pork Belly Taco: Crispy bulgogi glazed pork belly, kimchi, green onions
Rajas: Red peppers, poblano peppers, mushrooms, red onions, white corn, crispy fried onions, cojita cheese, cilantro. (V) (GF)
Goodwood
200 Lexington Green Circle, Ste. 110
Smokehouse Brisket Tacos: Smoked brisket, walnut brown BBQ, cabbage, and pickled red onions on corn tortillas (GF)
Bean-mento Taco: Black bean and corn crumble, pimento cheese, charred scallion, aioli, lettuce, and tomato on a corn tortilla (V)
Mazunte Bodega
903 Manchester St.
Pork Tacos: Shredded pork, avocado salsa, onions, smoked red salsa, and cilantro (GF)
Hongos & Betabeles Tacos:
Mushrooms, beet salsa, salsa fresca, ricotta, onions, and cilantro (V) (GF)
GF=Gluten Free, V=Vegetarian
México mi Amor
780 N. Limestone
Taco al Pastor: Pork marinated in spices and chiles with pineapples, in homemade beet and corn tortillas. cilantro, lime, and onion by request (GF)
Taco Campechano: Steak and housemade chorizo sauteed with cilantro, lime and onion on a homemade corn tortilla (GF)
Vegetarian Chile Relleno: Chile relleno filled with Monterey Jack cheese, covered in grilled corn on a homemade spinach and corn tortilla. Red or green sauce by request (V) (GF)
Papi’s Rapido
1214 S. Broadway
Drunk Porky: Tangy bourbon-glazed slow-cooked pork carnitas, mango pico de gallo and purple pickled onion on a soft corn tortilla
Corn-Ny: A soft tortilla (corn or flour)
filled with elote (seasoned roasted corn), queso sauce, topped with tajin, cotija cheese (V)
Mi Pequena Hacienda
Both locations
3501 Lansdowne Dr. • 110 Cynthia Dr.
Tacos Tijuana: Steak with onion, cilantro, guacamole, beans, pastor pork
Fish Tacos: Fish, cabbage, pico de gallo, sour cream
Tacos Gobernador: Shrimp, cheese, abbage, pico de gallo, sour cream
Veggie Tacos: Zucchini, pico de gallo, lettuce, avocado (VG)
Skyline
2850 Richmond Road
354 E. Brannon Road
Taco Salad: Skyline Chili’s secret recipe chili topped with shredded lettuce, cheese, chopped tomatoes and sour cream served with corn tortilla chips
Get ready for $2.50 tacos, Lexington! It’s like shark week, but for tacos!
We’re bringing you tacos from the hottest taco spots around town—just $2.50 each. Minimum of 3 tacos per order, so you can really dive in. With nearly 20 participating locations each serving unique creations, there’s plenty of options to get you through the week!
Papi’s Chevy Chase
818 Euclid Ave.
Big Cheeks: Savory chorizo, pork pastor, grilled pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and crumbly queso fresco on a soft corn tortilla
Cauli-Roja: Fire roasted seasoned cauliflower, chipotle sauce, red onion, fresh cilantro, and queso fresco on a soft corn tortilla (V)
Taco Tico
3110 Pimlico Pkwy.
Hand-Battered Mahi-Mahi: Lightly breaded mahi-mahi fish, mango salsa, and spicy avocado sauce, on a blue corn tortilla
Carne Asada: Marinated and seasoned steak on top of two corn tortillas with melted cheese, onions, cilantro, and homemade hot salsa
Chicken Tinga: Shredded chicken tinga, queso fresco, pico de gallo, cilantro, lettuce, and sour cream in a crispy flour shell
Enjoy Astral and Casamigos Tequila at participating Taco Week Restaurants!
Papi’s at Palomar
3901 Harrodsburg Road
Messy Bites: Black bean puree, red pork adobo, soft corn tortilla, melted cheese, cilantro, crispy tortilla strips
Señor Potato: Fried corn taquito stu ed with potatoes, savory veggie chorizo, and cheese, topped green sauce, sour cream, and avocado (V)
Visit 5 or more restaurants to collect “virtual” stamps on your passport in the app to be entered to win gift cards from participating restaurants, and one grand prize winner will receive a take home catering Party Pack from Condado (it feeds up to 30 people!) Winners announced March 14th!
Use the Taco Week app to map out your explore the city, sample bold new flavors, ignite your taste buds and share your taco journey with the local taco squad. Let’s make this Lexington Taco Week the best one yet!
FROM HOUSE TO HOME
STORY BY LIZ CAREY PHOTOS BY EMILY GIANCARLO
When the historic house at 631 East Main Street hit the market, Julie Cashman saw more than just an old home–she saw the perfect canvas for her dream.
That dream is now a reality at Frances M, the distinctive home goods boutique she runs with her daughter, Margaret Cashman. More than just a shop, Frances M offers a carefully curated experience that blends design, history and the art of entertaining.
Opened in November, Frances M is the crown jewel of the beautifully restored former Hutchinson House, which has had several iterations over the years, most recently serving as a law office. Upstairs, Julie and Margaret’s interior design business, Cashman Interiors, operates its design studios, offices and an extensive resource room filled with fabrics, wallpapers and other decor elements. But the ground floor of the nearly 200-yearold home has been transformed into a vibrant hub for home furnishings and gifts, infused with the distinct personalities of its mother-daughter founders. Julie brings her passion for entertaining, historic homes and the seamless blend of antiques with modern design, while Margaret adds her eye for historic details and distinctive gifts.
The transformation wasn’t easy. After purchasing the house in the summer of 2023, Julie and Margaret set to work restoring it, carefully balancing preservation with modern updates.
“It just seemed like such a big project – crumbling walls, squatters in the basement, holes everywhere,” Margaret recalled of her mother’s initial vision. “But it rolled around in her head, and six months later, she could see it so clearly. We tried to preserve as much of the original as we could. All these floors are original, even the wood inlay. And then we designed the rooms to showcase our style – not super minimal, colorful, but not overwhelming. We wanted the foyer to feel like a breath of fresh air.”
Inside Frances M, named after Julie’s two daughters, the aesthetic is just that – light, airy, and inviting. Tall ceilings and warm natural light give the space a welcoming feel, and the kitchen, a favorite feature, is often put to good use for baking cookies and mixing mimosas.
Located on the ground floor of a historic Main Street home, the new home furnishing boutique Frances M is designed to feel as inviting and comfortable as someone's home. The shop offers a curated mix of antiques and new pieces.
PHOTOS BY EMILY GIANCARLO
The atmosphere is unmistakably inviting: “Come in. Relax. Enjoy yourself.”
“It grew into this wonderful space that's just enjoyable to be in,” Julie said. “The house is happy. The building is happy. Architects back then knew exactly how to position the windows to let the sunlight in. The stained-glass window at the top of the stairs was original, but it was failing. We had it rebuilt, and now, in the evening, the light shines through and glows inside.”
For the Cashmans, interior design is about more than just aesthetics – it’s about creating a feeling, an experience tailored to each client.
“We really like to understand our clients and their likes, then marry them with our designs,” Julie said of their approach, which draws from her 30 years in the industry. “We want our clients’ personality and style to blend with ours, not for our style to dictate what their space looks like.”
Often, Margaret noted, their process starts with a single inspiration such as an heirloom piece, a Pinterest board, or even a saved Instagram post.
“They might not know why they like something, but if they show us, we can help them define their style,” she said. “We like to help them identify what they love, then push them just a little outside their comfort zone.”
One of the biggest shifts they’re seeing in interior design? A move toward individuality, color, personality and timeless pieces.
“People want their personality to show through,” Julie said, “not just fill their homes with something they can ‘click, click, click’ and order online. We add the touches you can't just find on your own.”
To that end, Frances M offers a curated selection of unique items – antique fur-
nishings, luxurious waterproof faux furtrimmed throws, imported spa products, and stylish coffee table books – that can’t be found anywhere else in Lexington.
The store is a perfect place for someone who wants a little refresh but might not be ready to redo an entire room, Julie said. “We're going to have some semicustom, ready-made window treatments, and semi-custom sofas and things, so that people can kind of dip their toe in the style,’ she said. “It’s more of a curated selection – you’re not just walking into a furniture store.”
Already, Frances M is drawing customers from all over – Lexington, Louisville, even Cincinnati – many stopping by every few weeks to see what’s new.
“We hope people see what we're doing and recognize that it's different," Julie said. “We want to give people a reason to keep coming back.” n
PHOTO BY EMILY GIANCARLO
The inventory at Frances M ranges from candles, bath product, garden accessories and coffee table books, to throw pillows, servingware, lamps, furniture and more.
A SHINING SUCCESS
FARMER’S JEWELRY, A CORNERSTONE OF CHEVY CHASE, CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF TIMELESS SERVICE
STORY BY LIZ CAREY
Much like their parents, cousins Emma Lykins Necessary and Will Farmer are accustomed to hearing customers comment on how much they’ve grown.
“That’s the nice part about being a family and having generations here — people come back and they remember you,” Emma said. “It’s really sweet. I like it when people say they remember me. It’s fun that I saw them come in when I was little, and now I get to help them pick out something for their family.”
The daughter of Kristi Farmer Lykins, Emma and Will, the son of Bill Farmer Jr., represent the third generation to work at Farmer’s Jewelry on Euclid Avenue in Chevy Chase. Like their parents before them, they grew up in the store learning every aspect of the business — from sweeping floors to sizing rings to operating the antique cash register that now sits in a corner as a reminder of the past.
While the cash register no longer works, it’s a testament to the staying power of Farmer’s Jewelry, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. With one foot rooted in the traditions and customer service of the 1950s and the other firmly planted in the 21st century — with orders taken by text and robust web-based sales — the Farmers are eager to see what the next 75 years hold.
“We’ve had customers who bought their engagement rings from us and then came back for their wedding sets,” Bill Farmer said. “Over the years, they’ve returned for anniversary rings and other pieces. Now, their kids are coming in to buy their engagement rings.”
The store has evolved since it opened in 1950. At that time, Bill Farmer, Sr. had just graduated from watchmaking school in Louisville and decided to open a store “on the sunny side of the street” in Lexington. Although the store still has its original neon sign out front, the interior has been renovated and expanded over the years.
Above, from left to right, Emma Lykins Necessary, Bill Farmer Jr., Kristi Farmer Lykins, and Will Farmer.
Farmer’s Jewelry’s original neon sign remains a fixture of the Chevy Chase landscape.
PHOTOS FURNISHED
The way they do business has also evolved, though some things remain the same. According to Kristi, the website is now a more critical part of advertising than a phone book or newspaper ad. However, the face-to-face interactions and relationships with customers have remained consistent.
For Bill, Jr., those relationships are central to the store’s longevity.
“That’s the charm of Chevy Chase,” he said. “There are guys that know they can roll up here, come in, buy something really nice and genuine, have it wrapped, and leave in a relatively short period of time. Trust is a big part of our success.”
Both Bill and Kristi joined the family business after graduating from the University of Kentucky and the Gemological Institute of America. As co-owners since 2019, they are both members of the American Gem Society, certified gemologists, and registered jewelers. Bill is also a certified gemologist appraiser. The siblings take pride in offering high-quality pieces, both new and vintage, through their estate selections.
Emma and Will Farmer started working at the store in high school, doing things like sweeping floors or running errands to get office supplies. As they grew older, the duties changed and responsibilities grew.
Kristi said they’ve come a long way from the days of running the old cash register to ring up sales.
“Mom would say, ‘Your sister’s playing on her phone all day,’” she said. “That was when social media was just getting started and I was doing Instagram. Now I’ll get text messages from customers that their wife saw something in the window or they need something for a wedding. They won’t be in the store until they come to pick it up. Our parents would not be able to wrap their arms around that.”
$1,695,000
Grand Richardsonian Romanesque 3 story home. Stone & masonry arched entry & cochere on 1/2 acre located in historic Northside neighborhood. 7 BR, 3 full & 1 half BA. Soaring ceilings, hardwood flooring, grand staircase, gorgeous millwork, pocket doors, authenticated Bradbury & Bradbury wallcovering & period fixtures throughout. Updated baths, commercial gas stove/oven, marble kitchen, butler’s pantry, finished 3rd level has kitchenette & full bath. New shingle roof 2023, laundry on all levels. Space above 2 car garage. Walk to everything downtown has to offer... shops, restaurants, Rupp Arena, the Farmer’s Market, the Opera House & the new Gatton Park on the Town Branch.
PHOTO FURNISHED
Bill Farmer Sr. and wife Jean Farmer opened Farmer’s Jewelry “on the sunny side” of Euclid Avenue in 1950.
The younger generation also plays a valuable role in connecting with customers.
“We like to get their input,” Kristi said. “When I’m working with a vendor on buying things, I ask my daughter, ‘What do young women your age like?’ One of the best things is when people come in and they say they are buying something for their daughter or their granddaughter, I can turn to my daughter, who is 25, and ask what she likes. Customers love that, they can hear it from somebody who’s younger.”
Looking ahead, the Farmer siblings have no plans to retire anytime soon but are confident in their children’s ability to eventually take the reins.
“We like what we do here, and we love being with our family and the family of our customers, but as things change, we know that they will be up to the task,” Kristi said.
For Will and Emma, the next 75 years will continue to focus on quality and customer relationships.
“There’s a little pressure [in taking over the store], but we have such a good thing going that it really feels like it’ll continue to run itself as long as we take care of it and our customers,” Will said. “But we have such a good foundation that it feels like it’ll continue to run smoothly as long as we take care of it and our customers. We’re lucky to have generations of families coming in, and now their kids — who are our age — are starting to buy engagement rings. It’s exciting to see.”
Mindful, empowered self-care is the heart of healing. Dr. Patterson offers experiential consultations and classes for persons with stress-related chronic conditions –emphasizing a mindfulness-based approach to promoting resilience, managing stress, preventing burnout and cultivating compassion. Mindfulness is heartfulness.
Visit mindbodystudio.org for more information.
Argentine Tango, the world’s most mindful, meditative, intimate dance. (The social tango, not ballroom.)
If you can walk and hug, you can dance Argentine tango a walking, hugging dance.
• Every Friday night practice 8:00 - 10:00 with a lesson at 9:00.
• Monthly 1st Saturday party (milonga) 8:00 - 11:00.
Singles and beginners welcome. No partner or experience required.
Yoga unites body, mind and heart. Join instructor Kim Blitch, for Iyengar Yoga classes:
• Monday 6-7:15 – Beginner
• Tuesday 5:30-6:45 – Level 1
• Thursday 9:30-10:45 – Gentle
• Saturday 9-10:15 – Beginner
• Sunday 9-10:15 – Restorative iyengarlex.com
PHOTO FURNISHED
Farmer’s Jewelry has always taken pride in providing quality jewelry and top tier customer service to its clientele.
JOHN A. PATTERSON MD, MSPH, FAAFP, ABIHM
In the 30 years since Julie
started Griggs
her focus has shifted from building to remodeling, but her focus on customer care remains the same.
Griggs
Homes, Inc.,
PHOTO BY EMILY GIANCARLO
GRIGGS HOMES, INC.
STORY BY SARAYA BREWER PHOTOS BY EMILY GIANCARLO
Julie Griggs has built her career from the ground up — literally. In 1995, she stood on an empty lot in Andover Hills ready to build her first home. At the time, the Lexington neighborhood was little more than a grid of dirt roads and possibilities. Just 28 years old at the time, Griggs had no idea that moment would mark the beginning of a decades-long career shaping the homes — and lives — of families across Lexington.
Griggs Homes Inc. started as a custom home-building business with Griggs at the helm as one of the few female builders in an overwhelmingly male-dominated industry. “At the time, I was often mistaken for the realtor or the homeowner,” she recalls. “But I never wanted to be recognized as a ‘female builder’just as one of the best in the industry, period.” Over the next twelve years, she built 36 custom homes, mastering various aspects of the trade while building strong relationships with contractors and clients alike.
Every home should have proper attic ventilation with solar fans. A well ventilated attic will keep the attic more temperate & dry, which keeps the home more comfortable.
PHOTO FURNISHED
Griggs Homes, Inc. oversaw this kitchen remodel in the Hartland area. Floor plan and functionality are keys to making a good remodel great, according to Griggs.
But in 2005, life took a new turn. With a three-year-old son at home and the housing market downturn impacting the viability of new construction, Griggs found herself drawn to a different side of the industry — renovation. What started as an adjustment soon became a passion for transforming the way people live in their homes.
“A new home provides space to live in; a renovation changes the way you live in your home,” Griggs said. “I really enjoy the ‘before and after’ aspect and hearing my clients say they’ve never loved their house more or used their space better.”
As a remodeler, Griggs approaches each home with what she calls an “X-ray vision” of its potential with her years of experience in new construction giving her a unique ability to anticipate structural issues and other challenges before they arise.
“We live in our houses, but don’t often know what’s behind the walls,” she
explained. “I can envision why a builder built something a certain way and what we’re going to see when we take it apart.”
This deep knowledge about how homes are built allows her to help homeowners reimagine their spaces in ways they never thought possible. “Since we live in our homes every day and have gotten used to how they currently look, it is sometimes very difficult to imagine the remodel any way other than what you think it should be,” she said. This is where trusting an experienced builder to design what is perfect for your space, often surprising you with options you’ve never even imagined, comes into play.
Beautiful remodels go much deeper than just aesthetics. To Griggs, the foundation of every successful project is the floor plan. “Some houses have flaws in their layout that just need to go away,” she says. “It doesn’t matter how much great design and beautiful finishes go into a project if the floor plan isn’t right.”
Unlike new construction, remodeling requires working within an existing home — one that families still need to live in during the process. “It’s going to get worse before it gets better,” she said with a laugh.
“There’s noise, dust, schedules, moving out — and those early phases lay the groundwork for the entire remodel,” she said. “You can’t rush the ‘pretty part’ for the sake of time and make functional errors or costly mistakes.”
Remodeling can be a bumpy experience, but ultimately, the results are worth it. And Griggs has become known for her ability to guide homeowners through the difficult sides of remodeling.
“Remodeling can be kind of emotional. You’re handling a lot feelings,” she said, not to mention financial strains. Being able to communicate well has become a key component of her job. And she emphasizes trust as a key factor when choosing a remodeler.
PHOTO FURNISHED
Griggs Homes Inc. oversaw this timeless remodel on Ashwood Road in Chevy Chase.
Ask the Home Services Expert with Jamie Clark
We continue to get a lot of calls over high utility bills so we will dedicate this month to answering questions about high utility bills.
Question: My January bill was double my December bill, it did not seem like it was twice as cold. Why was bill so high?
Haley , Nicholasville
Answer: The last 8 week have literally been a perfect storm (no pun intended) for high heating bills. Since about Christmas we’ve had more hours below 30 degrees than any year since 1977 and we’ve had snow on the ground more days since 1989. Add in the fact that we have barely seen the sun so your house has had no solar gain to help warm it up during the day and it’s pretty much a guarantee that your heating bill is going to be a record. I tell people all the time that your heating system + your insulation = your heating bill, if either one is underperforming you’re going to pay for it. If you’re tired of paying high bills it’s time to get your HVAC and insulation inspected. It’s not uncommon to upgrade HVAC and insulation and see a 50%-70% reduction in heating bill.
Question: I live in a all electric home over off of Alumni and our bill was over $1000 this last month and we keep it in the mid 60’s. Why is my bill so high and what can I do to make it more affordable?
Samantha, Shadeland East
Answer: The houses built in that area were some of the first homes in the area to have heat pumps. In the late 70’s and early 80’s there was a natural gas crisis so a lot of homes built in that time were our first all electric homes. Sadly that time period was before the construction industry had a good grasp on best insulation practices. Most of the homes we look at in your area are under insulated by more than half so upgrading insulation is a must for homes like yours. Also today’s heat pumps are more than twice as efficient as heat pumps were just 10 years ago so there is a lot that we can do to help ypur issue and with bills that high your return on investment will be pretty quick not to mention you will actually be comfortable in your home.
Our direct primary care includes wellness visits, same or next day appointments, acute and chronic disease management, and discounted labs and medications for an affordable monthly membership fee. Join Alison Iser, MD* on the path to your better health. To discover more about the bene ts of membership-based care, visit wiserprimarycare.com.
Do you have a question or a concern about your home’s efficiency, comfort or air quality? Send your questions or comments to info@ mysynergyhome.com.
“For many people, their home is their most valuable asset. Trust applies not only to the plan and the schedule, but finances and the inevitable surprises that can happen during demolition and after,” she said. “Before hiring a remodeler, be sure you are comfortable with your communications, trust and the relationship. This person will be in your house almost every day.”
Griggs’ approach is thoughtful and tailored to each client’s needs. She spends significant time up front, helping homeowners understand what to expect in terms of time and budget. By the time the remodel starts, she typically has a good idea of her clients’ taste and values — whether they would prefer a simple shower or a ‘car wash’, she jokes. “I consistently match up what I’ve learned about my clients taste with their remodel.”
Over the years, Griggs has cultivated a trusted network of subcontractors many of whom have worked with her since her early homebuilding days. “This industry still relies on human craftsmanship. This work is still performed by human beings, which brings potential for
Features of this Equestrian Woods kitchen remodel include handpainted tile backsplash and a former hallway that was converted into a walk-in pantry for added storage space.
PHOTO BY EMILY GIANCARLO
Design Trends to Watch
Remodeler Julie Griggs, of Griggs Homes Inc., outlines a few tips and trends to keep in mind when starting to reimagine your space
Flexible Spaces
Open floor plans and multi-use rooms are in! A bedroom can double as an office or hobby space. Design with adaptability in mind.
Bold & Beautiful Walls
From artisanal tiles to vibrant wallpaper, statement-making walls are having a moment. Don’t be afraid to go big with color and pattern.
Light It Up
error, of course, and that is why oversight and supervision are so important,” she says. With the growing challenges of labor shortages in the trades, she is grateful to have a team of contractors and project managers she knows well and trusts deeply, emphasizing how important the role of “teamwork” is when it comes to building and remodeling.
For Griggs, the transition from home building to remodeling reflected more than just adapting to market changes—it was deepens her connection with clients and enhances the way people live in their homes.
Griggs recently expanded her business ventures with the launch of Carey & Holt Realtors, a company designed to help homeowners prepare their houses for sale. As a licensed broker since 1995, she sees it as another way to support her clients in their homeownership journeys.
Whether giving an outdated space new life or preparing a house for the market, her work is designed to leave a lasting impact and help folks’ houses feel more like home. n
Lighting sets the mood. Invest in statement fixtures and consider adding windows — especially in dark spaces like bathrooms — for a dramatic transformation.
The Mighty Mudroom Drop zones for coats, backpacks and chargers are a must. Convert a back hallway, foyer nook, or part of the laundry room for a clutter-free home.
Tubs & Showers — Why Not Both?
If space allows, bring back the bathtub. But maybe rethink placement. Relocating plumbing is often easier than you think, so design freely with your builder.
ON OUR TABLE
Sweet Potato Hash
RECIPE BY ASHLEY MINTON OF MINTON'S | PHOTO BY EMILY GIANCARLO
After more than a decade on Lexington’s north end, the casual breakfast and lunch eatery Minton’s has relocated to 701 National Avenue, in the location that most recently housed El Cid . The menu is largely the same as its former location, though a handful of additional items have been added. Brunch offerings include omelettes, breakfast tacos, chicken and waffles and more, while the lunch menu includes a handful of grilled cheese varieties, a smoked sausage sandwich, beef rendang sandwich and several vegan offerings (Gochujang tempeh tacos, lentil and black bean burger, and more). The restaurant is open 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Tues.-Sun. and features expanded indoor and outdoor seating.
Chef/owner Ashley Minton takes an accessible but creative approach to her cooking, which incorporates elements of southern food with other cultural influences.
“I like food that is approachable but not quite the same as you would find in other restaurants,” she said. “I want to offer things that are a bit more unique.”
Minton has shared the recipe for her popular sweet potato hash recipe, which has been a staple of the restaurant since it opened in 2012. Hearty, earthy, sweet and savory, it makes for a great breakfast, lunch or brunch side item — or a main course in and of itself.
Ingredients:
• One sweet potato, diced
• Half an onion, sliced
• ½ cup country sausage
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 egg
• 2 Tablespoons cooking oil
• Salt and pepper
• Dried parsley
Method:
Sautè sweet potatoes, onions and sausage in oil until fork tender. Add pinch of salt, pepper and parsley to taste. Add spinach and egg. Toss together to finish cooking the egg. n
DRINK OF THE MONTH
Orange Dream Mocktail
RECIPE AND PHOTO PROVIDED BY LOCKBOX AT 21C
Mocktails — non-alcoholic concoctions that give the same fun and fancy feeling of a cocktail, but without the buzz or the hangover — are having a moment, and the bar/restaurant Lockbox, located at 21c Lexington Museum Hotel, is embracing that moment with a handful of “zero proof” beverages on its cocktail menu. Among the selections is the Orange Dream, which embodies the nostalgia of a Creamsicle, with a level of elevation and a fun pop of color that are perfect to enjoy while perusing the hotel’s contemporary art galleries.
Ingredients:
• 2 ounces orange vanilla simple syrup
• ½ ounce oat milk
• 3 ounces soda
• Ice
• Orange slice (for garnish)
Method:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add orange vanilla simple syrup and oat milk to the shaker. Shake well until chilled. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
Top with soda. Garnish with an orange slice. Serve and enjoy!
Orange Vanilla Simple Syrup:
Add ½ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup water to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
Once dissolved, remove from heat and add ½ tablespoon of vanilla extract along with a couple of dashes of orange extract. Stir until combined. Let cool and store in the refrigerator. n
Events Calendar
CONCERTS & GIGS
Fat Tuesday with the Baja Yetis and The Swells. March 4. Lexington is invited to celebrate Mardi Gras with a night of high-energy funk and soulful grooves from local favorites Baja Yetis and The Swells. 8 p.m. The Burl, 475 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com
Aaron Lee Tasjan. March 6. Known for his sharp wit and infectious melodies, genre-blending singersongwriter Aaron Lee Tasjan delivers a unique mix of rock, folk and
glam-infused Americana. 8 p.m. The Burl, 475 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com
Justin Wells. March 7. Lexington’s own Justin Wells takes the stage with his signature blend of heartfelt storytelling and rugged country rock. 8 p.m. The Burl, 475 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com
GEESE. March 8. Brooklynbased indie rockers GEESE bring their electrifying energy and intricate guitar work to Lexington for a night of raw, dynamic sound,
in celebration of University of Kentucky college radio station WRFL’s 37th birthday. 8 p.m. The Burl, 475 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com
Chatham Rabbits. March 14. With rich harmonies, husbandand-wife duo Chatham Rabbits captivate audiences with a warm blend of folk, bluegrass and classic country. 8 p.m. The Burl, 475 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com
Between Two Worlds: The Music of “Twin Peaks.” March 15. The hauntingly beautiful music of David
Lynch’s “Twin Peaks” will be brought to life by a collection of local musicians, including Movie Jail, Buck the Taxidermist and more. 8 p.m. The Burl, 475 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com
Shadowgrass. March 29. This high-energy band fuses traditional bluegrass with progressive influences, delivering intricate instrumentals and youthful exuberance. 8 p.m. The Burl, 475 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com
The progressive bluegrass fusion band Shadowgrass will perform at The Burl on March 29.
PHOTO FURNSIHED
ART & EXHIBITS
LexArts HOP. March 21. During the LexArts HOPs, thousands of locals and visitors alike converge on downtown Lexington to celebrate art throughout the evening with new gallery exhibitions and special arts events, at traditional and nontraditional gallery spaces alike. Patrons begin at one of 40-plus locations and visit as many or as few participating venues as they would like. Official HOP hours are 5-8 p.m., with many venues keeping additional hours. A full guide is available each month at the LexArts HOP website. lexarts.org/discover/ lexarts-hop
Aquaventure 2025. On display March 3-May 2. This exhibit will display diverse works from an array of top artists from the Kentucky Watercolor Society. An opening reception will take place in conjunction with the LexArts Hop on March 21 (5-8 p.m.). Gallery hours: Fri-Sat., 12-4 p.m. and by appointment. Artist’s Attic, 401 W. Main St., Suite 401. www.theartistsattic.org
LuigART Women 2025. On display March 1-31. Hosted by the
LuigART Women’s Collective, this second annual exhibit is designed to celebrate women in the visual arts. Female artists from Fayette and adjacent Kentucky counties were invited to participate. Curated by retired gallerist and artist Mary Rezny, the exhibit features 52 artworks in diverse genres across all mediums. Gallery hours: Fri.Sun., noon-4 p.m. Special events include an artist reception and awards March 8 (5:30-8 p.m.) and LexArts Hop reception March 21 (5-8 p.m.) Luigart Event Gallery, 110 Luigart Ct.
Artist Showcase. On display through April 5. This exhibition highlights the work of Lexington artists Kiji Bae, Gayle Cerlan, Dalphna Donnelly, Marta E. Dorton, Chad Eames, Jack Girard, Sarah Heller, Georgia Henkel, Jennifer Dunham, Karen Spears Springate and Brady Saylor. Featuring a diverse range of media, including painting, photography, and sculpture, the showcase celebrates the city’s vibrant creative community. Gallery hours: Tues.–Thurs., 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Fri., noon–8 p.m.; Sat., noon–5 p.m. Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center Community Gallery, 141 E. Main St. www.lexingtonky.gov/aboutdowntown-arts-center
IMAGE FURNISHED
"Amapolas" by Adalhi Aranda is among the works featured in Luigart Studio's LuigART Women 2025 exhibit, on display through March 31.
THEATRE & PERFORMANCE
LexPhil: French Impressions. March 1. The Lexington Philharmonic presents an evening of enchanting works inspired by the beauty and elegance of French music. Experience the rich harmonies and expressive melodies of composers who shaped the Impressionist movement, including works by Debussy, Francis Poulenc, Maurice Ravel and more. 7:30 p.m. Singletary Center for the Arts, 405 Rose St. www.lexphil.org
Jim Gaffigan: Everything is Wonderful Tour. March 2.
Emmy-winning comedian Jim Gaffigan brings his signature wit and observational humor to Lexington, delivering a night of laughter with his latest stand-up tour. 7 p.m. Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, 430 W. Vine St. www. rupparena.com
KODO: One Earth Tour. March 4. The world-renowned taiko drumming ensemble KODO delivers
a breathtaking blend of powerful rhythms, precise choreography and Japanese cultural tradition, presented in partnership with the Lexington non-profit GreenRoom Exchange. 7:30 p.m. Singletary Center for the Arts, 405 Rose St. www.singletarycenter.com
Studio Players: “Witness for the Prosecution.” March 6-9, 14-16, 21-23. Agatha Christie's gripping courtroom drama unfolds in this thrilling production, full of twists, turns and suspense. 8 p.m. opening night, Fri. and Sat.; 2:30 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Carriage House Theatre, 154 Bell Court. www.studioplayers.org
University of Kentucky Opera Theatre: “Sanctuary Road.” March 7-9. Based on the writings of Underground Railroad conductor William Still, this contemporary opera by Paul Moravec and Mark Campbell tells powerful stories of freedom seekers through soaring vocals and stirring orchestration. 7:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat; 2 p.m. Sun. Singletary Center for the Arts, 405 Rose St. www. ukoperatheatre.org
University of Kentucky Opera Theatre: “A Nation of Others.” March 13. This compelling new opera by Paul Moravec and Mark Campbell explores the immigrant experience at Ellis Island in 1921, weaving together diverse stories of hope, struggle and new beginnings. 7:30 p.m. Singletary Center for the Arts, 405 Rose St. www.ukoperatheatre.org
Pink Martini. March 16. The genre-defying ensemble Pink Martini blends jazz, classical and global influences into a vibrant live performance. Expect an eclectic mix of multilingual songs and lush orchestration. 7:30 p.m. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. www.lexingtonoperahouse.com
Classical Arts Entertainment presents “Swan Lake.” March 21. Experience Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet performed by a renowned touring company. With exquisite choreography and artistry, this classic tale of love and transformation enchants audiences of all ages. 7 p.m. Singletary Center for the Arts, 405 Rose St. www. singletarycenter.com
Broadway Live: “Mean Girls.” March 21–23. Direct from Broadway, this hit musical based on the cult classic film brings Tina Fey’s sharpwitted humor to the stage
Based on the cult classic comedy, the hit Broadway musical
will come to the Lexingotn Opera House stage March 21-23.
with high-energy numbers and a hilarious take on high school drama. 7:30 p.m. Fri.; 1 and 7:30 p.m. Sat.; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sun. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. www. lexingtonoperahouse.com
R.E.S.P.E.C.T.: Celebrating the Music of Aretha Franklin. March 27. This tribute showcases the legendary Queen of Soul’s greatest hits, performed by powerhouse vocalists and a dynamic live band. 7:30 p.m. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. www.lexingtonoperahouse.com
“Wizard of Oz” On Ice. March 29. The Lexington Opera House will be transformed with Ice Creative Entertainment's worldrenowned synthetic ice surface, ensuring a flawless performance that blends the wonder of theater with the thrill of ice skating. As the curtain rises on this reimagined production, audiences are whisked away on a magical journey alongside the “Wizard of Oz” cast, who glide effortlessly across the stage. With an all-new custom soundtrack, audiences will experience the magic of Oz in a fresh and dynamic way, while special effects, immersive visuals, and dazzling light displays bring the fantastical world of Oz to life. 3 p.m. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. www. lexingtonoperahouse.com
Emmy-winning comedian Jim Gaffigan will perform at Rupp Arena on March 2.
PHOTO FURNSIHED
"Mean Girls"
PHOTO FURNSIHED
Worried About Achieving Your Goals?
ETC.
Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition. March 2. Audiences are invited to watch as vocalists compete for prestigious scholarships in this annual event, showcasing the best emerging talent in opera, musical theater and more. 2 p.m. Singletary Center for the Arts, 405 Rose St. www.singletarycenter.com
Lexington Taco Week. March 3-9. Like shark week, but for tacos. Discover the best tacos in Lexington during this weeklong culinary celebration. Participating restaurants and more information at www.lexingtontacoweek.com.
Lexington Comic & Toy Convention. March 6-9. Meet celebrities, browse comics, and shop exclusive toys and collectibles at Lexington’s biggest comic convention. This year’s guests include Alex Winter, Danny Trejo, Amir Talai, Andrew McCarthy, Billy West and many more. Rupp Arena, 430 W. Vine St. www. lexingtoncomiccon.com
Kentucky Crafted Market. March 8-9. Discover one-ofa-kind art, crafts and artisan goods at Kentucky’s premier arts-and-crafts show, featuring locally-made creations, food, beverages and family fun. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sat.; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. Lexington Convention Center, 430 W. Vine St. artscouncil. ky.gov/kentucky-crafted-market
Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame Ceremony. March 10. This prestigious event honors Kentucky’s most influential writers. The evening will include readings, remarks from authors and recognition of the newest inductees: David Dick, Frank X. Walker, Naomi Wallace, Ronald D. Eller and Crystal Wilkinson. 6:30 p.m. The Kentucky Theatre, 214 E. Main St. www. kentuckywriters.org
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival. March 15. Celebrate all things Irish with a lively parade through downtown and an Irish festival with performances before and after. The “blessing of the keg” begins at 10:45 a.m. and the parade begins at 1 p.m. and travels down Main Street from Midland Avenue to Mill Street. Downtown Lexington. www.lexingtonstpatsparade.org
The Lexington Gathering. March 14-16. Locals and visitors from across the country will gather for a weekend of diverse Appalachian music and dance traditions through performances, jam sessions, workshops and more. The lineup of performers includes Amythyst Kiah, Betse & Clarke, The Horsenecks, Travis Stuart, Empty Bottle String Band and more. The majority of the event takes place Sat., March 15 at The Singletary Center for the Arts, with additional events taking place at other venues on March 14 and 16. More details at www.lexgathering.com. n
PHOTO FURNISHED
Lexington's anunal St. Patrick's Day Festival will take to the streets on Saturday, March 15, with a parade, live music, vendors and more.
PETE’S PROPERTIES
1205 Monroe Ave. $225,000 255 Lincoln Ave. $243,100 804 Hildeen Dr. $395,000 813 Tremont Ave. $410,000 901 Aurora Ave. $480,000 28 Richmond Ave. $530,000 1204 Slashes Rd. $535,000
Nantucket Dr. $585,000
Ave. $598,000
Coltneck Ln. $720,000
An extraordinary opportunity to own Rushing Dream Farm, an exquisite compound featuring 3 homes and 2 barns with a total of 26 stalls. Recently reimagined by the nationally acclaimed Matthew Carter Interiors, renowned for his signature ‘Southern-chic style,’ and architect Brent Bruner, this estate seamlessly blends Palm Beach elegance with Lexington’s classic grandeur. Located a 2 miles from the Kentucky Horse Park, this farm offers unparalleled views from every room. Nestled on 60 picturesque acres off Iron Works Pike, the property boasts a fully stocked shared pond and stunning landscaping and. Each room is a masterpiece, adorned with custom textiles, exquisite wall coverings, and hand-selected antique furnishings that exude cozy sophistication. The living spaces feature beautiful reclaimed oak and limestone flooring. This remarkable compound is offered 100% turnkey! Property is deeded as 4 separate parcels, which can be sold separately and has no conservation easement.
