LexArts — the city’s nonprofit arts council + arts fund — has a lot going on. This Fri., March 18 from 5-8 p.m. is its monthly Gallery Hop — a free event where dozens of partner businesses open their doors for the community to view a rotating gallery. LexArts is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year + doing so in style.

Let’s take a look at how you can get involved and join the celebrations.

The students chose to paint sunflowers on the legs in honor of Ukraine. | photo by the LEXtoday

Horse Mania

In partnership with Independence Bank, high school students from Graves, Hopkins, and Warren Counties are collaborating with local artists Lennon Michalski, Jerrielle Hanlon, and De Selby to paint their own horses.Unlike the other statues, these particular horses will be up for auction, but both the proceeds + the horses will go back to their respective cities.

A public preview for all Horse Mania creations is tentatively scheduled for the end of May at the Central Bank Center. Stay tuned for more details.

50th anniversary

To commemorate this huge milestone, LexArts will be hosting a gala — the LexArts Ball — on Sat., Aug. 6 at the Central Bank Center. There are many more details to come, but Communications Director Maury Sparrow said we can expect a night full of interactive + inspirational fun.

The Keeneland, Makers's Mark, and LexArts bottles will be up for sale starting Fri., April 8. | Photo by the LEXtoday

Maker’s Mark + Keeneland

The second of a three-year series, LexArts has teamed up with Maker’s Mark + Keeneland for a limited release of a special bottle of the bourbon. Three bottles adorning the work of artists Tyler Robertson, Sandra Oppegard, and Andre Pater will be available for purchase on Fri., April 8 for ~$70. Proceeds from this sale will benefit LexArts and its mission to support local arts.

Pro tip: Keep an eye out at your local stores, because these sold out in 15 minutes last year.