LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Public Arts Commission met on July 7 to discuss multiple public art initiatives, including plans for a significant mural project at the Martin Luther King underpass and debates over its scope.

The Public Arts Commission advises the mayor and urban county council on the selection, acquisition, funding, placement, maintenance, and conservation of public art and public monuments, and members gathered to review artwork proposals and planning documents for several city projects.

The meeting focused heavily on the MLK underpass project, where staff proposed a call for artists to design murals on the structure's support columns. The project has received state approval for painting the columns but staff sought commission input on whether to expand the scope to include a horizontal band along the stone surface beneath the bridge's railings. After discussion, the commission tabled the expansion proposal to allow for additional research and state coordination.

"I think it would be great if we could do the band so I started looking at examples and it is pretty striking to have this site," said Celeste Lewis, who is overseeing the underpass project. Lewis noted that a separate revitalization project is underway on top of the bridge, featuring asphalt art, plantings, and seating from Fourth Street to campus.

The commission also received informational updates on the Gainesway Parkway project, which would feature art installations including shade structures and floral elements along a path, as well as a Breeders' Cup sculpture installation project currently in site selection and artist call phases. Commission members were asked to visit the Delaware Street project site to evaluate its context and surroundings.

The commission operates as part of Lexington's Public Art Master Plan and works to advance public art initiatives collaboratively with residents and community groups.