LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Public Arts Commission endorsed three significant public art initiatives during its June 2 meeting, including a major sculpture installation tied to the Breeders' Cup and an asphalt art project on Shropshire Avenue, according to meeting records.

The commission unanimously approved a $100,000 grant to support LexArts' two-year public art installation along the Versailles Road corridor, designed to coincide with the Breeders' Cup. The project will feature multiple sculptures, including a people's choice award for a permanent installation that celebrates Lexington's horse racing heritage and cultural identity.

In a second major action, commissioners unanimously approved Phase Two of the Shropshire Asphalt Art Project. Artist Tony Waivey was selected to create the street mural installation, which will feature prominent involvement of local youth. Waivey expressed enthusiasm for the project's potential community impact and cultural significance during public comments.

The commission also heard a Phase One presentation for the Delaware Avenue Adaptive Reuse Walk, an emerging initiative from first-time developer Will Hanrahan. His proposal aims to integrate public art with private development along the historic corridor. Hanrahan is developing The Railyard, a $6 million mixed-use project at 1000 Delaware Avenue that will include 32 residential units, with 12 designated as affordable housing.

In his presentation, Hanrahan emphasized the potential for public art to enhance the Delaware Avenue corridor's pedestrian experience and celebrate its industrial heritage dating to the 1800s when the site housed a C&O railroad maintenance facility. He proposed the art walk could incorporate multiple design elements—from traditional sculptures to functional seating areas—that would make the street safer and more walkable while potentially spurring infrastructure improvements like sidewalk construction.

Delaware Avenue has undergone significant transformation in recent years. The corridor has emerged as a growing neighborhood with trailblazing businesses like Pasta Garage Italian Café and Pivot Brewing Co. contributing to its revival.