LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — The Square takes up a city block just across the street from the Rupp Area, with well-known restaurants, stores, and entertainment venues at the street level. But some days, there’s a sign on the sidewalk pointing passers-by to an out-of-the-way elevator that goes to the fourth floor. That’s the way to get to Artists’ Attic.
“I do feel like we’re a secret,” said the organization’s president, Bre Kort. “We’re downtown, but we’re a little bit hidden.”
If the attic is a secret to many people, it’s one that’s been kept for 35 years. Some of the artists who work on the fourth floor have had studios there since it opened in 1989. They want to be sure newcomers to the city and visitors know about the attic, a place where you can see and buy paintings and sculptures from 40 of the best artists in the region. Members of the non-profit organization are admitted through a jury process that ensures their work is of the highest quality.
The members like the community of other artists and are used to people looking over their shoulders while they paint.
“It’s really fun being able to communicate with the public. having people come to our studios, our working space, to kind of get a feel for our personality, a feel for our work,” Kort said.
Many people who visit the fourth floor find themselves inspired to pick up a paintbrush. Marian O’Shaughnessy is one of many instructors here. She teaches watercolor classes.
“I just love it.,” O’Shaughnessy said. “I actually don’t teach to make money. I teach because I think it’s an important skill. It’s very good for your emotional state if you want to escape.”
The whole attic is an escape—a relaxing space above busy Main Street, where a visitor can be blown away by brush strokes and captivated by what they see on canvas.
“When you work from home in your studio by yourself, it’s a very quiet day,” Kort said. “So being able to come in and have that social interaction makes it a much better day.”
“If you have any extra time and just want to entertain yourself or others, I highly recommend that you visit the attic,” said O’Shaughnessy.
The Artists Attic’ is many things—a gallery, a museum, a classroom—and many people say it’s a hidden treasure. They are delighted when someone discovers it.
The attic is open every Friday and Saturday afternoon, and visitors are welcome any other time people are working in their studios and the sign is out of the sidewalk. You can find the entrance on the Main Street side of The Square near Tony’s restaurant. You can also park in the Victorian Square garage on Short Street and take the pedway into The Square. From there, follow the signs to the fourth-floor elevator.
