Popular local musician and flourishing woodworker behind Happy Spooning discusses his inspiration and influences
Respected gallerist John Hockensmith opens a new gallery on Je erson Street
Home chef Melinda Barnett o ers up a twist on her grandmother’s Thanksgiving dressing recipe
of the Month A traditional seasonal favorite, made with E.J. Curley’s Small Batch Bourbon
The best art exhibits, gigs and other local events taking place in and around Lexington this month
Nick S. Morrow, DMD W. Scott Jenkins, DMD, MD
Matthew N. Gayheart, DMD, MD
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).
Born and raised in Hazard, Kentucky, Melinda Barnett (“On Our Table,” page 37) now lives in Estill County, where she is the community education director for Estill County Schools. A lover of foraging, preserving and collecting historical family recipes, and “Best Home Chef” winner at the 2023 and ‘24 Crave Food Food + Music Festival, she operates Hudson Mill Home Bakery, providing cooking demonstrations at festivals and lessons for local kids in cooperation with schools and youth organizations.
Liz Carey (“250 Lex,” page 10) 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, her cat, a great book and a relatively good glass of wine.
Emily Giancarlo (photography for “Creative Types: David Napier” and “Small Business Salute: Hockensmith Gallery”) is a professional photographer based out of Lexington, specializing in lifestyle and commercial photography. For more information and images, visit www.emilygiancarlo.com.
Fascinated by the elements that build the culture of a community Brent Owen (“Small Business Salute: Hockensmith’s Gallery,” page 9) has contributed to a variety of publications over the past two decades, including Kentucky Monthly, LEO Weekly and Voice-Tribune.
Lauren Rothenhauser (photography for “On Our Table”) is a professional photographer with Illumi Studio in Irvine, Ky. Learn more at the Illumi Studio Facebook page.
Smiley Pete intern Olivia Tader (“Holiday Events Calendar,” page 39) is a senior at the University of Kentucky studying journalism and communication. A Chicago-born and -raised writer, she’s inspired by her love for co ee and adventure, and hopes to become a travel journalist in the future.
Matt Wickstrom (“Cretiev Types: David Napier,” page 11) 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. ■
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: SARAYA BREWER
COPY EDITOR: NIKOLE CHRISTENSEN ART DIRECTOR: DREW PURCELL
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SMILEY PETE PUBLISHING
2024 VOTER’S GUIDE
This guide to Fayette County voting information is provided in partnership with our friends at CivicLex, a local nonprofit focused on strengthening the civic health in Lexington, Kentucky. Learn more at civiclex.org.
WHEN & WHERE DO I VOTE?
Election Day
Election day falls on Tues., Nov. 5. Election Day voting hours are 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. To find your voting precinct, visit govoteky. com or on the Fayette County Clerk’s website (fayettecountyclerk.com). You can also vote at any of the six public library voting centers: Beaumont Branch, Eastside Branch, Central Branch, Tates Creek Branch, Marksbury Family Branch, Northside Branch.
Early Voting
Registered Fayette County voters, regardless of where they live, can also choose to vote early at any of the six library voting centers listed above. Early voting hours are 8:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. Oct. 31, Nov. 1 and Nov. 2
WHAT’S ON THE BALLOT?
Your ballot will depend on what district(s) you live in. Review a sample ballot and get more info about each race and the candidates running at the online voting resource LexVote (www.lex.vote).
In addition to options to vote for United States president, congress representative, and a variety of state and local offices, Fayette County voters will have the opportunity to vote on a three local ballot measures, which we’ve outlined below.
BALLOT MEASURES
Local Referendum - Park Fund
A ballot referendum is a law, issue, or topic placed on a ballot for voters to decide through an election.
What is the Local Referendum on my ballot?
This year, voters will be asked to vote for or against the creation of a dedicated public “Park Fund.” The money generated would provide funds to improve and develop neighborhood parks, walking and hiking trails, nature parks, bike trails, swimming pools, playgrounds, dog parks, and recreational facilities for children, adults, families and seniors.
If approved, this parks referendum would create a new property tax of 2.25 cents per $100 of taxable property, beginning January 1, 2025. This would result in an additional $67.50 in property taxes for a home valued at $300,000.
A vote FOR would create a Park Fund, and a vote AGAINST would not create a Park Fund.
Context: Currently, the city funds park maintenance through the city budget’s General Fund. The General Fund doesn’t provide enough money to complete all the park maintenance projects that are needed throughout the city every year, which has resulted in a long backlog of projects. The Park Fund is being proposed by the group Vote Yes for Parks.
The fund would initially go towards funding projects outlined and prioritized in the 2018 Parks Master Plan, which identified approximately $100 million worth of projects in Lexington’s parks.
The City would continue to fund operating expenses such as staff salaries and programming through the City’s Budget using the General Fund.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
A constitutional amendment is a change to a constitution, in this case the Kentucky state constitution. A state constitution contains the laws that govern a state. For both, a “yes” vote would amend the constitution, and a “no” vote would keep it as it currently stands.
Amendment 1:
You will be asked to vote yes or no to amending the constitution to prohibit persons who are not citizens of the United States from being allowed to vote in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Voting YES means the constitution will be amended to prohibit people who are not a U.S. citizen from voting.
Voting NO means the state constitution will not change.
Context: The state constitution already requires voters to be a U.S. citizen to vote. However, according to bill sponsor State Rep. Jason Howell (R-Murray), the language in the constitution “doesn’t stop anyone expressly that’s not a U.S. citizen from voting”. Opponents state that the constitution already prohibits noncitizens from voting and that this bill focuses on a “hypothetical problem” (Cassie Chambers Armstrong, D- Louisville). While noncitizens are not allowed to vote in Kentucky, proponents of this legislation cite the City of San Francisco recently allowing noncitizens to vote in school board elections.
Amendment 2:
You will be asked to vote yes or no to add a section to the state constitution that enables the state government to use public tax dollars to support schools that are outside the system of common (public) schools.
Voting YES would amend the state constitution to allow the state government to spend public tax dollars on financial support for private and/or charter schools.
Voting NO means the state constitution will not change. Public tax dollars will not be allowed to provide financial support for private and/or charter schools.
Context: Currently the state constitution prohibits public tax dollars from being used to support private or charter schools. This amendment was first introduced by Kentucky State Representative Susan Miles (R-7th District) as House Bill 2 during the 2024 state legislative session.
Supporters of the amendment argue that it will give parents more choice as to where they can send their children to school and what type of education they receive.
Opponents argue that this amendment will lead to revenue losses in public schools, and that private and charter schools would not be available in rural and economically disadvantaged areas of Kentucky. n
Lexington prepares to celebrate 250 years
BY LIZ CAREY
S
tarting this New Year’s Eve, Lexington is throwing one heckuva party.
Next year marks the 250th anniversary of Lexington’s founding, and at a press conference on Oct. 10, the city outlined a full schedule of celebratory events taking place in 2025.
According to Mayor Linda Gorton, the 250Lex commission is planning events covering the city’s past, present and future, and it is looking to loop in all aspects of the city’s history from food and the arts to business and horses.
“250Lex, in every sense, is a grassroots Lexington celebration involving people from all over town, with events that celebrate all types of reasons to love our city,” she said. “We’re counting down the days.”
In 1775, the year before the Declaration of Independence was signed, William McConnell and other frontier explorers set up camp near a natural spring now known as McConnell Springs. The group named the camp “Lexington” in honor of the American Revolution battles in Lexington and Concord, Mass. A year later, Lexington became part of the colony of Virginia, and in 1792, the city became part of the new state of Kentucky.
Since then, the city has seen the beginning of other notable institutions, Gorton said, many of which are also celebrating notable anniversaries this year. Also celebrating anniversaries this year are Milward Funeral Directors (200 years), and Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church, the fourth oldest African American Baptist Church in the United States, which celebrate its 235th anniversary this year. Transylvania University is celebrating its 245th anniversary, and the University of Kentucky is 160 years old. Also celebrating notable birthdays are
250 Lex Events
The city’s 250th celebration will focus on different themes each month. Those themes are:
January: Wellness
February: History
March: Education
April: Music & the written word
May: Diversity
June: Homecoming month
July: Culinary
August: Business
September: Sports
October: Equine
November: Arts
December: Recap and the future
Some of the big events planned include the following — stay tuned for more details!
• “Big Ass Bourbon Tasting”
• A public art unveiling at the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza
• Special performances from LexPhil and the Lexington’s Children’s Theatre
• A city-wide scavenger hunt
• A jazz festival
• Premiere of KET’s “Lexington” documentary
• Basketball week
• Faulkner Morgan LGBTQ
Exhibit
• African Seeds Performing Arts
The Lexington Public Library (120 years) and the Red Mile Racetrack (50 years).
“History is all around us,” she said. 250Lex Commission co-chair Kip Cornett agrees. The planning commission wanted the celebration to reflect the city’s full story, he said
“There’s such a broad story to tell,” he said. “Lexington has changed so much in the last 10 years, let alone the last 250 years.”
Planners have been meeting since September of last year to plan the event, he said. The commission has planned more than 250 events that will be open to the public focusing on the city’s rich heritage. To fit it all in, the city will focus on different themes each month and end the year-long celebration with a recap of 2025 and a look at what the future holds.
PHOTO FURNISHED
It will be di erent from past large-scale, city-wide celebrations, Cornett said.
“In 1975, when Lexington celebrated its 200th anniversary, the celebration lasted four days and featured banquets, teas, and a horse race down Vine Street,” Cornett said. “Needless to say, we’re going to do things a little bit di erent. It’s time to get ready for a full year unlike any in our history.”
One special part of the focus, he said, is June which will be “Come Home” month. Organizers are reaching out to noted Lexingtonians to come home for the month and celebrate their hometown.
“We are actively recruiting Lexington expats… who are accomplished writers, actors, chefs and engineers,” he said. “Our hope is that not only will they see a need to come back home, but that they will choose to relocate here. This is not the same sleepy college town it was 50 years ago. It’s not the same as it was 20 years ago.”
To keep the momentum going all year long, the commission embraced making the events accessible to everyone, commission co-chair Eunice Beatty said. Most of the events will be free, she said, and all will be open to the public.
Other events in the works include a free concert by the Lexington Philharmonic with a specially commissioned musical composition; a gospel festival; city pop-ups; a cabaret show; public art unveilings; wellness challenges and a citywide scavenger hunt, Beatty said.
“We have over 250 events planned and want you to be a part of those. We’ll all have plenty of time to dive into the 2025 calendar in a few weeks when we stand up our website,” she said.
The festivities kick o with a New Year’s Eve celebration at Central Bank Center featuring an outside, Times Square-like ball drop. Mary Quinn Ramer, president of VisitLex, said in Lexington, it will be a bit di erent — instead of a mirrored ball, the city will drop a blue horse.
The year-long events will be an opportunity for the city to show o , Ramer said.
“As you’ve heard over and over, Lexington is a city that is rich in culture and in hospitality and in opportunity, and our 250th anniversary is the perfect opportunity to showcase and share our vibrant community on a national and even international stage,” she said.
There is still much to tell, Cornett said, and there is still planning yet to come.
“From the first time we started talking about this e ort, I’ve said this project is about growth — economic growth, educational growth and personal growth; as well as how we bring our 250th anniversary to life,” Cornett said. “We’re going to have tons of events, but we’re also going to do this through awareness of where Lexington has been, where it is now, and where we want it to be in the future. That’s our goal… to help our residents and others learn about our mistakes, our successes and those quirky little things that make Lexington one of the top five small cities in America.” ■
JOSEPH HILLENMEYER GARDEN DESIGN
“THE COLOR OF SPRINGTIME IS IN THE FLOWERS; THE COLOR OF WINTER IS IN THE IMAGINATION.”
- TERRI GUILLEMETS
Winter is an optimal time to plan a future landscape. During the cold months of winter, many plants are dormant, but creative garden design still thrives. At JHGD we take advantage of the quieter days of winter to formulate concepts, plan out a vision, and design beauty for the warmer seasons to come.
LEARN MORE
CREATIVE TYPES
David Napier
THE POPULAR LOCAL MUSICIAN AND FLOURISHING WOODWORKER WANTS TO SPOON WITH YOU
STORY BY MATT WICKSTROM
TUNE-IN & STREAM KET Monday-Sunday, beginning Nov. 14 • 8:30/7:30am
This heartwarming PBS KIDS series follows a raccoon on the autism spectrum as he explores the world, collects treasures and makes new friends. Trusted. Valued. Essential. Your support helps provide programming that informs, engages and entertains throughout the year. Make a contribution and access the great benefits that come with KET membership.
Known for years around Central Kentucky as a guitarist and vocalist for the thunderous jam band Driftwood Gypsy, David Napier is now making a name for himself with an entirely different style of art.
In 2022, Napier launched Happy Spooning, a woodworking venture that makes — you guessed it — spoons. From big spoons to small spoons, spoons with twisting handles to spoons that look like instruments, he stretches deep into his imagination to create one-of-a-kind, functional pieces of art that he hopes will make others as happy as they make him.
According to Napier, the idea was kickstarted in late 2021 by his wife, Amanda, on the cusp of the holiday season.
“[Her] sister had just bought her a Le Creuset salt cellar, and she approached me one day out of nowhere asking me to craft her a spoon to use with it,” Napier recalled. “At the time, I was doing nothing but teaching music lessons online, so I got
to work. The first one I made for her was done only using a pocket knife, but she liked it enough to post it online and within a week I had friends reaching out asking me to make more.”
A driving force behind Happy Spooning’s success stems from the art community, local and abroad, which Napier has both leaned into and offered his support. That includes folks like Kiptoo Tarus, who lent Napier the set of knives he used to craft his original spoon, along with Kaz Woodcraft, an artist with whom Napier regularly exchanges tips and tricks. Another mentor in the art community has been Norm Sartorius, a Maryland-born woodworker with items in the Smithsonian and other prestigious collections, who’s done everything from teaching Napier about the history of spoon making to sending him wood samples to carve from.
“There’s an incredibly deep history of wooden spoons and people who get together in groups every weekend around the globe to carve them, so it’s been really cool getting to learn from those guys and gals and becoming a part of that community myself,” Napier said.
David Napier, the spoonmaker behind Happy Spooning, creates a variety of wooden spoons, spatulas and other functional and artistic utensils, selling them at various pop-up markets around the region.
PHOTO FURNISHED
Napier’s attachment to the art community can be traced all the way back to his childhood and his late mother, a creative type herself who did everything from make her own dolls to organize craft tables at nearby gatherings. It was through her that he realized his love for music and creating items with his hands — a casual hobby that morphed into a solid side hustle before becoming what is now a self-sustaining career. He was recently commissioned by the Kentucky Cabinet of Health and Safety to craft nearly 300 “worry spoons:” small, smooth spoons that are intended to help relieve stress or anxiety in the same fashion as worry stones.
It’s just one of the ways Napier has used this art form, which has provided much comfort and inspiration for him in recent years, to give some of those things back to the community that has supported him. We recently sat down with Napier inside the wood shop at his Lexington home to discuss how he hopes to inspire people through his work, dream projects, his mother’s influence on his art and more.
PHOTO FURNISHED
Much of the wood Napier uses for his spoons is sourced locally, from Woodcraft Lexington, though he gets it from all over.
Tell me about your mother and the influence she had on pushing you into the creative arts. She’s the main person that brought this all to a head and has me pushing so hard to succeed. When I was a kid, my mother was making these beautiful dancing dolls but always struggled to sell them, so I’d join her and holler to get people’s attention. When she passed a couple years ago, I began to notice the dolls of hers I still have around my house, and it brought everything full circle. It’s been really heartwarming, leaning into that and growing a craft other than just music.
Was there a specific moment growing up that made you realize that you wanted to create for a living? It was always a part of me simply because of who my mom was. That’s why building and nurturing a community is so dear to me too. When I was growing up she was pretty much everybody’s mom. Every time there was a festival, she’d set up giant craft booths and was always a fun and inspirational source for us kids. That, combined with all the help I’ve gotten from others on my journey, inspired me to return the favor by giving back to and supporting others’ dreams in any way I can.
Napier grew up in an artistic household, with a mother who often sold crafts at arts festivals. He considers his late mother to be a major driving force behind his own craft.
PHOTO BY EMILY GIANCARLO
A great example of you giving back and helping those in the community can be seen with the worry spoons you’ve made for the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Could you talk about how that opportunity came about? A friend of mine made me one shortly after my mom and dad passed that I kept in my pocket for a while. When I got into woodworking, I made a few of my own and handed them out at a party. One of the people who got one even came to me later in tears talking about how they were going through a rough time and it really helped them. Overall, they were well received, leading to word getting out about them. Now, I’m making 300 worry spoons for the state!
Where do you source the wood you use? Is it all local? I get it from all over. I get a lot of stuff in town at Woodcraft Lexington, and they’re usually able to tell me if it’s locally and ethically sourced and where from. But I’ll also get calls from people all the time about leads or asking how they can send wood to me. One person even reached out recently to tell me they had an oak tree cut up and stored in their buddy’s warehouse in Versailles.
When I pulled up to get it, I realized that it was the entire 14-foot tree cut into planks, which was way more than I expected there to be. It took a few extra trips but we got it all. It’s gonna be a long time before I’ve gone through and used all of it. [chuckles]
I’ve also had people from places as far away as Canada and New England sending me wood to use. It’s been just as cool to talk and build relationships with those folks as it has to work with people on the local level here in Kentucky.
Looking around your workshop, I’ve noticed that a few of your pieces are painted, but most are left without. Do you typically prefer the natural wood look? I paint sometimes, but I’ve watched the grain change so much in each piece that it almost becomes like a little buddy that I get attached to and don’t want to change. Seeing the progression of taking a little block of wood, carving into it and following the grain as you create your piece — then at the end, you oil it up, which gives it more character that you’d never be able to get if you’d just painted over everything instead.
PHOTO FURNISHED Napier says he often gets attached to the grain of the wood and leaves many of his spoons unpainted to spotlight the natural grain.
PHOTO FURNISHED
How do you hope to inspire people or make them feel through your art? Eventually I just want to impress the younger generation. I hate to sound like an old man, but it seems that younger folks today aren’t as interested in something old as they once were. There’s a disconnect with those very tactile things — like using your hands to build something — and there’s not enough of that, never has been. I just want to be able to leave something on this Earth for when I’m gone. There may be kids who decide that woodworking isn’t for them but something like music, painting or theater is, and that’s great! It doesn’t matter what it is, I just hope my work inspires others to pursue creative hobbies or careers as well.
Do you have any dream projects? I’d love to do a gallery show at some point. Something at the Loudon House would be really cool! My vision for a solo show would be diving into spoon making as an art. Some spoon makers make non-functional spoons using tons of techniques, from incorporating joining techniques to woodturning and knife carving. In my exhibit the sculptures would be modern reflections of my emotional state while creating each individual piece. Some may be made to recreate a memory or an idea and others not, but I’m nowhere even close to that becoming a reality yet.
What role do the arts play in Lexington and what would you like to see done to grow the community even more? We need a lot more diversity and inclusion, especially in the organizations around town with influence in the matter. My goal, especially after the Take Back Cheapside movement, is to put my face in places where you normally don’t see people who look like me, in the hopes of others seeing themselves in my work and realizing it’s something they could do too. There’s already some great events in town that do that, like Art on the Town at Tandy Park and SoulFeast Week, but there’s always more that can be done. Giving more people a seat at the table will make our community a better place for us all.
What’s been your biggest challenge and biggest joy so far with your woodworking venture? Time has been both my biggest challenge and joy because I never have enough time to do everything I want, but at the same time, without time during the pandemic I probably wouldn’t have picked up this skill in the first place. n
PHOTO BY EMILY GIANCARLO
Happy Spooning will be a featured retail vendor at the Crafted Social Holiday Market at Greyline Station Dec. 6-7. Spoons are also available for purchase at the website www.happyspooning.com.
No
Hockensmith Gallery
There’s a new gallery in town, though its namesake is familiar to many in the local art world. Respected gallerist John Hockensmith opened the first Lexington location of Hockensmith Fine Art Editions in March at the Je erson Street space most recently occupied by Wills Gallery.
PHOTO BY EMILY GIANCARLO
stranger to the Central Kentucky art scene, John Hockensmith has been in the gallery world since the 1970s.
STORY BY BRENT OWEN AND SARAYA BREWER PHOTOS BY EMILY GIANCARLO
In many ways, the gallery is a culmination of Hockensmith’s career history, which includes decades as an archivist, book publisher, gallery owner, photojournalist and fine arts photographer.
As a young man, photography became Hockensmith’s first love — a hobby he says he leaned heavily on in college, to avoid doing any “real academic” work. After a couple of years in an art program at Georgetown College, he got a job in Frankfort, working in state government as a photographer, followed by a photojournalism stint with a local newspaper.
“That was really hard, being out on the beat, providing my own equipment, doing the darkroom work,” he remembers. “It’s an 80 hour work-week where you got paid for 40.”
Tired of the grind, Hockensmith decided to go into business for himself, opening a frame shop and professional photography studio in Georgetown in 1978. That business opened the door to one of the most impactful relationships of his personal and professional life, with revered Lexington painter Henry
SEASONA L COLO R + VIBRANCE
During the cold months, there are vibrant ways to add seasonal color to winter containers. Flowers and ferns may be gone, but by using sculptural branches, greenery, and texture, our design and installation teams bring warmth and welcome to planters and urns of every shape and size.
PHOTO BY EMILY GIANCARLO
Hockensmith’s Lexington gallery has a handful of di erent rooms to spotlight various local artists.
Faulkner becoming an early and loyal patron of the shop, employing Hockensmith to frame hundreds of his paintings. Upon meeting, the two became “immediate friends,” Hockensmith recalls — a friendship that remained strong until Faulkner’s tragic passing in a 1981 car accident, and one that continues to influence Hockensmith to this day. He says he has framed 1,000 pieces of Faulkner’s work in the decades since his passing.
In 1982, Hockensmith sold his framing business and moved the photography studio to his current storefront on Main Street in the heart of Georgetown. It was upon that move he decided to open Fine Art Editions gallery, sharing space with the studio. Hockensmith would eventually return to framing in the late 90s after a non-compete agreement expired.
Today, Hockensmith is one of the foremost figures working to keep Faulkner’s legacy alive. His gallery purchased the exclusive publishing rights from his late friend’s estate, and in 2018, he published a book of Faulkner’s paintings, poetry and notes, called “The Gift of Color.”
PHOTO BY EMILY GIANCARLO
A close friend and professional colleage of the late Lexington artist Henry Faulkner, Hockensmith now owns the exclusive publishing rights fo Faulkner’s work.
“Imagine, decades from now if we had a complete archive of work from this generation of artists working in the region today all stored digitally in the highest resolution, capturing the most detail possible. That would be such a priceless treasure.”
JOHN HOCKENSMITH
In fact, his decision to open a new gallery in this particular area of downtown Lexington was largely influenced by the fact that it was Faulkner’s old stomping ground. Hockensmith says he felt compelled to bring the artist’s work back home.
“Faulkner loved this area. He drove these streets and walked these sidewalks,” Hockensmith said. “This city, this neighborhood — this was home to him.”
In tribute to his friend, one of the rooms in the Lexington gallery is dedicated to Faulkner, displaying original work by the artist; two other gallery rooms will host rotating exhibits, with the goal of exhibiting two artists at a time whose work complements each other. Recent exhibits have featured work by local artists Patrick Smith, Julie Quick, Jim Brancaccio, LaVon Williams and Father Norman Fischer, the beloved Lexington priest and artist who passed away unexpectedly this summer.
Finally, a fourth room in the gallery is a photography room that Hockensmith hopes artists will use to digitally archive their work. Utilizing professional lighting and intricate lenses to provide high pixel resolution, artists can use the room to make their work easily available for publication or highend print making, or even blown up to billboardsized prints for commercial use.
Digitally archiving all of the art that comes through the gallery so it’s available and accessible for generations to come is a priority of the gallery as well.
“Imagine, decades from now if we had a complete archive of work from this generation of artists working in the region today all stored digitally in the highest resolution, capturing the most detail possible,” he said. “That would be such a priceless treasure.
“It’s a huge thing to try and take on,” he added, “but it just takes someone saying, ‘I’m gonna do it.’”
PHOTO BY EMILY GIANCARLO
Hockensmith was compelled to open a new gallery on Jefferson Street in part because the area is the old stomping grounds of his late friend Henry Faulkner, whose art he is committed to helping keep alive.
PHOTO BY EMILY GIANCARLO
Ultimately, Hockensmith wants his new space to be not only a gallery, but a nexus for the art community in Lexington. Fostering collaboration between artists and the gallery and helping strengthen the communal bond between various artists in the region are values that have long been important to him and aspects he hopes to embody with his new space.
There is something that feels incongruent about Hockensmith having both a decades-long, illustrious career in the regional arts world and yet still being, in a way, the new kid in town, in the upstart spot among a well-established art community. But that role is also freeing.
“It makes me feel young,” he said. “We have a really strong community of artists here, and that’s important to all of us. That strong sense of togetherness, our openness and acceptance, is what brings talent here.” n
Henry’s Holiday Affair
Nov. 14-end of year at Hockensmith’s Fine Art Editions • 190 Jefferson St., Lexington, Ky.
In the style of a trunk show or holiday gift shop, this emporium-style display features original art and prints by Henry Faulkner and other friends of Hockensmith Gallery, including Father Norman, Pam Spaulding, Anne Kindl, Patti Edmons and more. An opening reception on Nov. 14 will feature light refreshments and beverages, in a holiday atmosphere.
Log Still Cocktail - Something Sweet ($15): Monk’s Road Bourbon, Meletti Amaro, Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur, lemon juice
Hours: 4 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Wed.-Sat. Location: 115 W Main St.
Coles 735 Main
E.J. Curley Cocktail - Smoked
Old Fashioned ($14): Applewood-smoked E.J. Curley Bourbon made with housemade Meyer lemon, bitters, housemade turbinado syrup and a candied lemon twist
BeSpoken Cocktail - Bramble On Rose ($12): Bespoken bourbon, Tuaca, St. Germaine elderflower liqueur, pineapple juice, muddled blackberry
Hours: 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Thurs.-Sat. Location: 156 Market St.
Chevy Chase Inn
E.J. Curley Cocktail - New Fashion ($6): Generous E.J. Curley Bourbon, a splash of maraschino liqueur, orange bitters, a squeeze of orange and a cherry or two. CCI’s dive bar twist!
BeSpoken Cocktail - A Chicken Walks into Chevy Chase Inn…($10 / $8 if you bring a glass from Charlie Brown’s): Celebrate CCI’s iconic rubber chicken and CCI Lager with this drink: a shot of Uncle Chicken’s Bourbon paired with a half-pint of CCI Lager. Drop the shot for a CCI Boilermaker!
E.J. Curley Cocktail - Curley “Ham-Dram” Sour ($13): E.J. Curley Small Batch, lemon, Hamilton’s pimento dram, cherry heering, Demerara all over big cube, garnished with lemon peel and cherry
BeSpoken Cocktail - Speaking With Snakes ($13): Bespoken Rye, Antica sweet vermouth, Villon cognac liqueur, angostura, cherry bitters served up with lemon twist
BeSpoken Cocktail - The Dirty Chata ($12): Mazunte’s house-made Horchata mixed with Bespoken bourbon; garnished with cinnamon sticks and a cinnamon-and-sugar rim
E.J. Curley Small Batch Bourbon, Cointreau, maple syrup, lemon juice, orange peel garnish
Log Still Cocktail - Sweater Weather ($18): Monk’s Road Small Batch, fresh espresso, Rumchata; mixed in a coffee glass, topped with Redi-Whip and a dash of cinnamon
BeSpoken Cocktai - Black Widow Smoked Old Fashioned ($13): Smoked Bespoken Bourbon, blackberry simple syrup, black walnut bitters
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
GLASS – ART – LOUNGE
Trifecta: Glass - Art - Lounge
Good cocktails take time. Check the Lexington Bourbon Week app and website for details!
Hours: 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Wed.-Sat.
Location: 243 Walton Ave.
Experience the essence of bourbon during Lexington Bourbon Week, from November 7-16. Over 15 renowned restaurants and bars will serve up unique, o -menu bourbon cocktails, including two exclusive specialty drinks featuring partnering bourbons. Savor this spirited 10-day celebration of bourbon culture and creativity in Lexington.
Stay engaged with the Lexington Bourbon Week app — “check in” for every cocktail you try to enter for a chance to win Log Still Distillery tours, BeSpoken tasting and tour and more!
Sip responsibly.
Join us at Liquor Barn Hamburg on Friday, Nov. 8, from 5-8 p.m. to meet Ashley Barnes, the talented master blender behind E.J. Curley Bourbon. With years of experience crafting exceptional bourbons, Ashley brings a deep passion and expertise to every bottle. This is a unique opportunity to hear about her process, learn more about E.J. Curley’s heritage, and get a signed bottle to add to your collection.
APPLE STORE
GOOGLE PLAY
DRINK OF THE MONTH
Curley's Hot Toddy
RECIPE PROVIDED BY E.J. CURLEY
BY AMY
EDDIE
E.J. Curley & Co. returns to its historic roots in the heart of Jessamine County where the distillery first began in 1867. The land, still fed by the original aquifer, brings a touch of history to every sip. E.J. Curley’s Small Batch Bourbon is a wellbalanced blend crafted by blender Ashley Barnes, featuring notes of wild honeysuckle, magnolia and earthy tobacco. Complex and evolving, this bourbon is the perfect pour to warm you up all winter long.
Ingredients:
• 2 ounces E.J. Curley Small Batch Bourbon
• 5 ounces boiling water
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon agave syrup (or local honey)
• Dash of Angostura bitters
• Lemon wheel (garnish, optional)
• Cinnamon stick (garnish, optional)
Method:
Combine ingredients in your favorite mug, garnish, and let this soothing drink keep you cozy through the season. n
PHOTO
E.J. Curley is the presenting sponsor of Lexington Bourbon Week, produced by Smiley Pete Publishing.
WEEK
meticulously restored with three ample bedrooms and three wonderful bathrooms. The original ash floors glisten with the history of yesteryear. Fireplaces abound in most rooms which add to the historic ambience of this charming home. The chef’s kitchen is certain to delight any person desiring a magnificent culinary experience. A wonderful yard is just perfect for outdoor activities. The 9-acre Town Branch Commons will be within a short distance.
ON OUR TABLE
Melinda's Thanksgiving Dressing
Melinda Barnett was the winner of this year’s “Home Chef” competition at Smiley Pete’s Crave Food + Music Festival. We know Thanksgiving is her favorite holiday, so we invited her to submit a favorite Thanksgiving recipe.
After my grandmother passed away, my mother asked me to make the Thanksgiving dressing. It was a rite of passage for me. Using my grandmother’s cornbread dressing as a starting point, I made it my own by adding homemade sourdough, chicken stock and an abundance of sage from my herb garden. This dish smells and tastes like the holidays!
Yields one 9”x 13” casserole dish.
Ingredients:
• 1 batch of cornbread
• 1/2 loaf of sourdough bread, cubed
• 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 bunch of celery, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 Honeycrisp apple, finely diced
• 1 quart of chicken stock
• 1 pound of sage sausage (optional)
• 1 bunch of fresh sage, finely sliced
• Dried sage to taste (I use a lot)
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Crumble the cornbread into a large pan and toss it with diced sourdough. Set aside.
Crumble and cook the sausage until done, then remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Add diced celery, apple and onion to the pan and cook until the onions are transparent.
Remove the vegetables from the pan with a slotted spoon and add them to the sausage.
Stir this mixture into the bread. Add dried sage, fresh sage, salt and pepper and mix well.
Meanwhile, mix 1 egg with the stock and pour it over the bread mixture. Mix all ingredients well and pat down evenly into the pan.
Cover the pan and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until lightly browned on top.
Notes:
I prepare the cornbread according to the instructions on the back of the Martha White Cornmeal Bag, replacing half of the cornmeal with self-rising flour and adding a generous amount of fresh ground sage. I also make my sourdough bread, but store-bought is fine; you can purchase fresh sourdough loaves in most grocery store delis. If you’re able to make your own chicken stock, it will yield a much richer flavor too! n
RECIPE AND INTRO BY MELINDA BARNETT | PHOTOS BY LAUREN ROTHENHAUSER
Ask the Home Services Expert with Jamie Clark
With the recent power outages, we have had a ton of questions about backup power so I thought I would dedicate this month to backup power generators.
Question: We were without power for almost 3 days. If we install a Generac generator, how long will it run my home during an outage?
Helen S. Lexington
Answer: Almost indefinitely! The good news is today’s automatic generators are designed for extended run times. I’ve had customers run on generator power for over 2 weeks with no issues. We do recommend after a long run cycle to have a routine maintenance to make sure to keep the generator in top shape, with which we can also assist.
Question: I only care about my sump pumps, heat, and refrigerator. Do I need a whole house generator, or can I go with a smaller one?
Tammy
B. Winchester
Answer: We absolutely can install a limited capacity generator that only powers selected circuits. Typically,
we power your furnace, sump pumps, microwave, garage door opener and a few lights and switches (maybe WIFI). With this option we can power your air conditioner as well, but it reduces the amount of other appliances we can power. We have nicknamed this our “glamping” package, it’s like glamourous camping. Not quite the full comfort of home but your basic needs are met.
Question: We have a larger home with 2 geothermal systems, I’ve been told we can’t run our whole house on a generator. Is this true?
Brian N. Lexington
Answer: It’s not true, we can run any home or business on a generator it just depends on the size we need to meet your power consumption. We actually run into this question quite a bit and unfortunately, it’s often bad advice from uneducated contractors. Because my team is focused on efficiency, we understand the realworld consumption of home appliances like geothermal systems better than a typical electrician. When we size a system, we look at the home wholistically and size it based on real world needs. We often find other companies suggesting a one size fits all approach that will likely waste the customers money.
PARTNER CONTENT
JAMIE CLARK PRESIDENT OF SYNERGY HOME LLC
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.
2024 Holiday Events
A HANDFUL OF HOLIDAY EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN NOVEMBER AND THE FIRST PART OF DECEMBER. CHECK BACK IN OUR DECEMBER ISSUE FOR MORE GREAT HOLIDAY EVENTS!
Holiday Brunch with the Lexington Ballet. Nov. 10. This intimate opportunity to enjoy a holiday brunch with the cast of The Lexington Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” features performances by the cast followed by a meet-and-greet, autograph session and photo opportunities. 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Kentucky Castle Greenhouse, 230 Pisgah Pike, Versailles KY. www.thekentuckycastle.com
Kentucky Castle Holiday Market. Nov 16-17. This holiday market showcases a weekend of holiday festivities at the Kentucky Castle. Friends and family can enjoy celebrating with a variety of local artisan market vendors, appetizers and a hot cocoa bar. Sat. and Sun., 10-4p.m. Kentucky Castle, 230 Pisgah Pike, Versailles KY. www. thekentuckycastle.com
Lexington Theatre Company: “A Christmas Story.” Nov. 21-24. The Lexington Theatre Company combines Broadway veterans, rising stars and local professionals for the stage adaptation of the film favorite “A Christmas Story.” The beloved holiday story follows young Ralphie who is struggling to make it to Christmas Day between dodging bullies, getting in trouble with his dad and dreaming of his perfect Christmas gift. 7:30 p.m. Thurs. and Fri.; 1 and 7:30 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. www.lexingtontheatrecompany.org
Lexington Mercantile Co. MixMas Market. Nov 22-23. This juried holiday market will feature handmade items from local makers, boutiques and vendors, as well as food and drink from local food trucks. 5-9 p.m. Thurs. and Fri.; 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sat.
Manchester Music Hall, 899 Manchester St. www.lexingtonmercantileco.com
Holly Day Market. Nov. 23-24. The Holly Day Market brings together more than 80 vendors from across the country for a weekend to give shoppers the opportunity to buy holiday gifts. Vendors sell jewelry, clothes, toys, books, holiday decorations, ornaments, art, food and much more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat.; 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sun., with a specially-ticketed preview party on Nov. 22 from 5-9 p.m. Alltech Arena at Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pkwy. lexington.jl.org
Southern Lights Holiday Festival. Open daily, Nov. 29-Dec. 31. This annual event has been helping Kentuckians get in the festive spirit for more than 20 years. Attendees can drive through more than three miles of extravagant holiday lights before heading inside to meet Santa, visit a petting zoo or take mini-train rides. Open daily 5:30-10 p.m. (closed on Christmas Day). Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pkwy. www.khpfoundation.org
Luminate Lexington: Official Tree Lighting Ceremony. Dec. 1. During this annual holiday lighting festival, the city’s official Christmas tree will be illuminated in bright lights, the first candle of Lexington’s menorah will be lit and holiday carols will be sung. The event takes place in and around Triangle Park, where patrons can enjoy ice skating at The Rink (1-9 p.m.), concessions and more. 3-7 p.m., Triangle Park, 400 W. Main St. www.downtownlex.com
Lexington Children’s Theatre: “Elf the Musical Jr.” Dec. 1; 7-8. This children's ad-
aptation of the beloved christmas story “Elf” follows Buddy the Elf on his adventure from the North Pole to New York City to find his biological dad, running into some obstacles while trying to find his true identity and spreading Christmas cheer. 2 and 7 p.m. Sat.; 2 p.m. Sun. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. www.lctonstage.org
Crafted Social Winter Market. Dec. 6-7. The Crafted Social brings together traditional and contemporary artists, craftspeople and functional designers for a two-day festive market ripe with locally made holiday gifts. Preview party on Fri., 6-9 p.m.; main shopping event on Sat., 10 a.m.4 p.m. Greyline Station, 101 W. Loudon Ave. www.craftedsocialky.com
Downtown Lexington Christmas Parade. Dec. 7. Lexington’s annual downtown Christmas parade features a variety of participants, from individuals and families to organizations, marching bands and more, traveling along a route on Main Street between Midland Avenue and Mill Street. 11 a.m. www.downtownlex.com
A Kentucky Christmas at Ashland. Dec. 7. The annual holiday celebration at Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate kicks off with a European-style market event featuring holiday-themed music, entertainment, Santa selfies and food and drink from local vendors, with the Ashland tree illumination taking place at sunset. Candlelight tours of the estate will be available that evening (reservations are recommended). The market will be open from 12-5:30 p.m., followed by the illumination of the trees on the grounds (5:30 p.m.). The Henry Clay Estate, 120 Sycamore Rd. henryclay.org
PHOTO FURNISHED
The Downtown Lexington Christmas Parade takes place on Dec. 7 at 11 a.m..
Michler’s Christmas Market. Dec. 7-8. With the aromas of blooming citrus blending with the cinnamon and cloves of hot mulled wine, Michler’s Greenhouses will transform into an idyllic and romantic setting for its annual Christmas Market, featuring a diversity of artists and artisans vending locally made ceramics, jewelry, cards, toys, soaps, scarves, ornaments and more. Michler’s wreath-makers will be crafting wreaths all day, florists will be decorating boxwood trees; Christmas pastries, firepits and live music add further enticement. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sun. Michler’s Greenhouse, 417 E. Maxwell St. www.michlers.com
Collage: A Holiday Spectacular. Dec. 7-8. The Lexington Singers’ Children’s Choirs join University of Kentucky Choirs for a fast-moving holiday show packed with timeless favorites from near and far. The annual Collage, sponsored by Dr. David Cowen, will feature guest ensembles and soloists. 2 and 7 p.m. Sat; 3 p.m. Sun. UK Singletary Center for the Arts, 405 Rose St. www.lexsing.org
Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill. Dec. 7-23. The seventh annual holiday event at the historic Millersburg property will feature a magnificent, three-acre Christmas light display with additional activities, including a display of elaborate gingerbread houses, fire pits, an artisan market and holiday cafè with live music and refreshments and more. 5p.m. Dec. 7-8; 6 p.m. Dec. 13-14; 5 p.m. Dec. 15-23. Mustard Seed Hill, 1122 Main St., Millersburg, Ky. www.mustardseedhill.events
Shaker Village Holiday Afternoon Tea. Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22. Reservations are required for this opportunity to enjoy a festive afternoon with friends and family sipping seasonal teas and snacking on freshly baked goods like scones and homemade sweets in the historic Shaker Village. 3 p.m. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Rd. Harrodsburg, Ky. shakervillageky.org
Cirque Dreams Holidaze. Dec. 8. The longest-running cirque holiday theatrical event, this whimsical family holiday spectacular wraps a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts with an original musical score, twists on holiday classics sung live, and new sets, scenery and storylines. As lights dim and the music swells, audiences will have visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life on stage. 7 p.m. Rupp Arena, 420 W. Vine St. www.centralbankcenter.com/events
Lexington Singers and LexPhil: “A Cathedral Christmas.” Dec. 13-14. LexPhil and The Lexington Singers return to the Cathedral of Christ the King for this holiday tradition in a program of timeless orchestral and choral works. This awe-inspiring musical experience in a divine setting will transport audience members to a place of peace while evoking the spirit of the holiday season. 8 p.m. Cathedral of Christ the King, 299 Colony Blvd. lexphil.org
during the month of December.
Lexington Ballet: “The Nutcracker.” Dec. 13-15, 20-22. The classic holiday performance returns with an enchanting production designed to delight audience members of all ages. Join Marie on a magical journey with the Sugar Plum Fairy, waltzing flowers, the Snow Queen and the Nutcracker prince, as they battle the Mouse Queen and travel to the Land of Sweets. 7:30 p.m. Fri.; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sat.; 2 p.m., Sun. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. www.lexingtonballet.org
Fayette County 4-H: Breakfast with Santa. Dec 14. Bring the little ones out for a pancake breakfast and a chance to tell Santa what they really want for Christmas. Caroling Strings, an ensemble of Frederick Douglass High School students, will perform holiday carols, and local vendors will have last-minute gifts for everyone. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Fayette County Extension Office, 1140 Harry Sykes Way.
Lexington Ringers Christmas Concert. Dec 16. Founded in 2010, the Lexington Ringers are the official handbell choir of the Lexington Singers organization, performing with that and other music organizations in the community. This concert will center on a fun, free evening of holiday music. Location and time TBA. www.lexsing.org
Holidays at Shaker Village. Various dates. Throughout the month of December, Shaker Village will transform into a holiday wonderland, with lively holiday music, roaring fires, candlelight tours and more. The grounds will feature a variety of performers, programs and tours throughout the month, including photos with Santa, a crafting station at the Elf Shop, bonfires, hot drink stations, a Jingle Bell Shuttle and more. For more, visit shakervillageky.org n
Mustard Seed Hill transforms into a holiday wonderland
PHOTO FURNISHED
PHOTO FURNISHED
The annual Michlers Christmas Market, taking place at the family-owned greenhouse this year on Dec. 7-8, is a great opportunity to purchase locally crafted holiday wreaths and gifts.
Events Calendar
CONCERTS & GIGS
A Cult Classic Halloween: Same As It Ever Was. Nov. 1-2. 8 p.m. Fans of the Talking Heads can enjoy a night filled with iconic hits as Same As It Ever Was pays homage to the original band’s unique sound and style with a two-day Halloween event that encourages attendees to dress as their favorite cult classic Halloween character. 8 p.m. The Burl, 475 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com
Joslyn & the Sweet Compression. Nov. 8. Joslyn & the Sweet Compression brews up soul, rock and funk, with a hit of powerful vocals and lively brass instrumentation. Their sound is marked by catchy melodies and rhythmic grooves appealing to a diverse audience with a modern twist on classic influences. 8 p.m. The Burl, 475 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com
Moon Taxi. Nov. 8. Known for blending rock, pop and electronic influences, Moon Taxi has gained recognition for energetic live shows and anthemic tracks like "Two High." Their introspective lyrics and catchy melodies appeal to a diverse audience, establishing them as a standout act in the modern rock scene. 8 p.m. The Burl, 475 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com
Morgan Wade. Nov. 9. A rising country artist with a reputation for emotive songwriting and a distinctive voice, Morgan Wade captivates audiences with her blend of country, rock, and Americana. 8 p.m. Manchester Music Hall, Manchester Music Hall, 899 Manchester St. www.manchestermusichall.com
Steep Canyon Rangers. Nov. 9. Steep Canyon Rangers is a celebrated bluegrass band that seamlessly merges traditional roots with a modern flair. Since the group’s formation in 2000, they’ve honed their intricate harmonies and exceptional musicianship. Their performances are known for a lively mix of original compositions and innovative interpretations, earning them critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. 8 p.m. The Burl, 475 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com
Riders in the Sky Family Show. Nov. 14. This American Western music and comedy act has released nearly 40 full-length albums and has made countless television and radio appearances over the course of its nearly 50-year career. They still tour with a handful of original members at the helm. 7:30 p.m. Kentucky Theatre, 214 E. Main St. www.troubashow.com
Futurebirds. Nov. 15. Indie rock band Futurebirds is known for their distinctive blend of Southern rock, psychedelia and folk influences. Formed in 2008 in Athens, Ga., they create a rich, atmospheric sound characterized by layered harmonies and intricate instrumentation. Their music often features reflective lyrics and a laid-back vibe. 8 p.m. The Burl, 475 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com
Adeem the Artist. Nov. 17. Adeem the Artist is a genre-defying musician specializing in poignant songwriting and vibrant storytelling. Blending elements of country and pop, Adeem's music explores themes of identity, love and resilience. 8 p.m. The Burl, 475 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com
Sheryl Crowe Tribute. Nov. 23. Paying homage to the iconic 90’s singer-songwriter, this tribute performance captures the essence of Crow’s celebrated hits featuring soulful vocals and a dynamic stage presence from a variety of local guest musicians including Kim Conlee, Erin Reynolds, Abby Hamilton, Maggie Noelle, Maggie Lander and more. 8 p.m. The Burl, 475 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com
Magnolia Boulevard. Nov. 29. Magnolia Boulevard’s rich vocal harmonies and captivating melodies create a heartfelt sound that resonates deeply with audiences. 8 p.m. The Burl, 475 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com
Knoxville, Tennessee's Adeem the Artist will perform at The Burl on Nov. 17.
PHOTO BY MADISON MILES
PHOTO FURNISHED Talking Heads tribute band Same As It Ever Was will play for two nights as part of a Cult Classic Halloween celebration at The Burl Nov. 1-2.
ART & EXHIBITS
Art by Nature. On display through Dec. 6. The Art by Nature program highlights the beauty of Fayette County landscapes and plants. Local artists create pieces inspired by the list of chosen sites provided each year. This year’s exhibit will focus on monarch waystations across the county. Gallery hours: Tues.-Fri.: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Living Arts & Science Center, 362 N. Martin Luther King Blvd. www.lasclex.org
Floor, Wall, Outlet: Sculpture and Works on Paper. On display through Jan. 18. This exhibition explores how ideas become form. Sculptures using materials including wood, plastic, metal and rope are situated in distinct areas of the gallery, activating space on walls, floor, and pedestals, some requiring electrical outlets to illuminate bulbs and power LED circuits. Accompanying the sculptures are several prints from the “New York Collection for Stockholm Portfolio” from 1973, including canoni-
cal artists Lee Bontecou, Mark di Suvero, Donald Judd, Claes Oldenburg, Robert Rauschenberg and Richard Serra, investigating aspects of representation and abstraction with their signature styles of drawing. Gallery Hours: Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.5 p.m.; Sat., 12-5 p.m. University of Kentucky Art Museum at the Singletary Center, 405 Rose St. finearts.uky.edu/art-museum
Still, Life! Meaning and Mending in Contemporary Art. On display Nov. 2024-Oct. 2025. Still life imagery appears throughout this multi-media exhibition, addressing, engaging and challenging a range of contemporary issues, including gender, consumerism, migration, displacement and mourning. From depictions of wilting bouquets or wildflowers by Valerie Hegarty, Tiffany Calvert, Elena Dorfman and Hung Liu, to the dazzling patterns utilized by Natalie Baxter and Zak Ové, floral imagery here reflects and refracts a heightened awareness of both human vulnerability and resilience. Gallery hours: Open to the public 24/7 21c Museum Hotel Lexington, 167 West Main St. 21cmuseumhotels.com/ lexington
Bluegrass Gynecology & Wellness November 21, 2024 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm 3217 Summit Square Place, Suite 150
Stop by and enter to win one of our exciting Aesthetic Giveaways. Gift certificates will be available 11/01 – 12/24. Buy $100 receive a $25 card for future use.
Appetizers and drinks will be offered. Follow us on IG for updates and specials @bluegrassgyn.
Immanuel Baptist Church 3100 Tates Creek Rd., Lexington
Scan the QR code to view all age ranges, schedules, and coaches.
Brandon Simpson | Kari McConnell (859) 300-3495 • greaterlexington@soccerstars.com VISIT US AT BLUEGRASSGYN.COM OR CALL 859-475-5050 FOR MORE INFORMATION Aesthetic Treatments Provided by Jennifer Neustat, RN
TURBOCHARGING THE CONFIDENCE OF ALL PLAYERS! PROMOTING TEAM SPIRIT!
“TINA - The Tina Turner Musical.” Nov. 1-3. An uplifting comeback story like no other, this musical follows the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers to become the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall and set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of Tina Turner’s most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation is recommended for ages 14+. 7:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat.; 1:30 p.m. Sat. and Sun.; 6:30 p.m. Sun. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. lexingtonoperahouse.com
Kentucky Book Festival. Nov. 2. This celebration of reading, writing and publishing takes place each fall with events geared to connect book-lovers and authors, spark engaging conversations, and empower readers by providing access to new books as well as opportunities to learn more about writing in a fun, supportive environment. This year’s event will feature 150 authors including Al Roker, Crystal Wilkinson, David Arnold, Chef Edward Lee and many more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 161 Lexington Green Cir. kybookfestival.org
Carnegie Classics: “Murder on the Orient Express.” Nov. 9. For this fully immersive annual literary event, a classic work of literature is brought to life with themed food, beverages, performances, visuals and more. This year’s iteration will be centered around Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express.” Guests are invited to join a luxurious trip through Europe that goes off the rails when a fellow passenger is mysteriously murdered. Advance tickets are available for the event which includes dinner from Minton’s and an open bar. Tickets will also be available at the door, pending availability, and costumes are encouraged. 7-11 p.m. Carnegie Center, 251 W. 2nd St. carnegiecenterlex.org
Studio Players: “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some).” Nov. 14-17, 22-24, 29-30, Dec. 1. Instead of performing Charles Dickens' beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told, plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical popculture, and every Christmas carol ever sung. 8 p.m. opening night, Fri. and Sat.; 2 p.m. Sat. and Sun., 2 p.m. Carriage House Theatre, 154 Bell Ct. Sun. www.studioplayers.org
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 benefits of membership-based care, visit wiserprimarycare.com.
Specializing in boxed lunches and sandwich platters. Gluten free options available. Send inquiries to stellaskentuckydeli@gmail.com or visit www.stellaskentuckydeli.com to place your order today!
PHOTO BY JULIETA CERVANTES
Jayna Elisa stars as Tina Turner in the touring musical "TINA - The Tina Turner Musical," which stops at the Lexington Opera House Nov. 1-3.
SMILEY PETE’S RETAIL GUIDE
Movement Continuum: “Traveler.” Nov. 15-17, 22-24. The Lexington-based contemporary dance company Movement Continuum presents a continuation of its acclaimed production “Traveler,” journeying along one unbroken thread of time tethering American women together. Emily Dickinson, Nellie Bly, Zelda Fitzgerald and Vivian Maier all lived boldly, standing as who they were without apology. The 2024 production introduces new faces and stories to the company's journey as it continues to explore facets of the American female experience, touring time, investigating private lives, public art, the isolation of single rooms and crowded city streets, and asking, “From 1830 until now, how are we connected?” Pam Miller Black Box Theatre, 141 E. Main St.
Lexington Theatre Company: “A Christmas Story.” Nov. 2124. Unwrap the magic of the season with the stage adaptation of “A Christmas Story.” Will Ralphie get his Red Ryder BB gun? Or is everyone telling him, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” a sign that his wish won’t come true? Enjoy all the antics from the classic movie set to a score by Pasek & Paul. 7:30 p.m. Thurs. and Fri.; 1 p.m. Sat. and Sun.; 6:30 p.m. Sun. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. www.lexingtontheatrecompany.org
University of Kentucky Dance & Theatre: “As You Like It.” Nov. 14-24. This Shakespeare comedy explores the themes of love, identity and the contrast between court life and the natural world. The play follows Rosalind and Celia, who flee from the world of the court and escape to the forest. While trying to navigate these strange and wonderful woods, they encounter a world of unexpected renewal, romance and disguise along the way. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Fri. and Sat.; 2 p.m. Sun. Guignol Theatre, 465 Rose St. finearts.uky.edu
Lexington Philharmonic: Give Birth to the Dream. Nov. 23. This program will open with Mary D. Watkins’ “Five Movements in Color” followed by Dolores White’s “Give Birth to the Dream,” which incorporates the poignant and hopeful verses of Maya Angelou's poem “On the Pulse of Morning,” featuring narration and soprano soloist, Angelique Clay. The evening closes with the monumental “Piano Concerto No. 2” by Sergei Rachmanino , featuring acclaimed pianist Michelle Cann. 7:30 p.m. Singletary Center for the Arts, 405 Rose St. www.lexphil.org ■
for any occasion!
YOUR business should be here.
With a 12-month commitment, you will be able to purchase display advertising in any issue at the discounted 12x rate.
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Contact us at 859-266-6537 for all Retail Guide details, or email advertise@smileypete.com.
810 Cooper Dr. $625,000 306 Dudley Rd. $640,000 314 S. Hanover Ave. $685,000 315 Cassidy Ave. $760,000 53 Mentelle Park $795,000 330 Chinoe Rd. $905,000 2916 Sweet William Ct. $915,000 425 Bristol Rd. $950,000 616 Autumn Ln. $985,000
3252 Saxon Dr. $285,000 3217 Tudor Dr. $387,000
Jesselin Dr. $490,000 3548 Cornwall Dr. $495,000
529 Boonesboro Ave. $535,000
2236 Valencia Dr. $297,000 3398 Nevius Dr. $410,000
$2,100,000
3533 Lyon Dr. $455,000 3297 Malone Dr. $529,900 4261 Palmetto Dr. $552,000 2209 Palm Grove Ct. $730,000
40514
4213 Steamboat Rd. $245,000 2441 Dogwood Trace Blvd. $605,000 1404 Glenview Dr. $629,900 40515 991 Fairhaven Dr. $305,000
3024 Charleston Gardens Blvd. $320,000
4721 Ironbridge Dr. $425,900
4412 Brookridge Dr $430,000
4621 Windstar Way $440,000
4544 Saron Dr. $445,000
4308 Calais Pl. $455,000
612 Poplar Springs Ln. $472,500
5061 Magnolia Gardens Pl. $478,600
5057 Ivybridge Dr. $492,500 1040 Kiawah Dr. $541,250 2216 Broadhead Pl. $655,000 n
Recent arm’s length residential sales for this magazine’s distribution area. Information compiled by Fayette County Property Valuation Administrator David O’Neill. For more information on any of these properties, or others, please visit www.fayettepva.
