“The Birth of Hope” dedicated at Detention Center
News release provided by Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
View drone footage of new sculpture.
A new public art installation, “The Birth of Hope,” was dedicated today along Old Frankfort Pike in front of the Detention Center. The sculpture was created by Louisville artist Dave Caudill, and dedicated to the men and women of the Fayette County Detention Center.
“This sculpture provides hope and positive reinforcement for the Detention Center staff, and the families connected to this place,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “It is a powerful reminder that hope belongs everywhere in our community, and that change is always possible.”
Standing in the green space along the Old Frankfort Pike corridor, a National Scenic Byway and gateway to Lexington, the sculpture offers a thoughtful and inspiring presence. The location underscores the importance of connecting art, healing, and public service in one of Lexington’s most visible corridors. Old Frankfort Pike serves the Detention Center, Lexington businesses, and hundreds of tourists, who enjoy the world-class scenery along the road.
“The sculpture is a bright light on a main corridor that will draw the attention of all who pass it,” 11th District Councilmember Jennifer Reynolds said. “Now, those who pass by in the 11th District will be reminded that art is for everyone, that there is light beyond the darkness, and that hope lies here.”
The sculpture was funded through Lexington’s Percent for Art Program, which dedicates a portion of the City’s capital project budgets to the creation of public artworks. Funded projects are located in public spaces across the city.
“One of the most important aspects of public art is that it is free and accessible for all to experience,” said Arts and Cultural Affairs Director Heather Lyons. “In addition, this work of art is a wonderful example of public involvement and collaboration among the Fayette County Detention Center, area businesses, the Public Arts Commission and the artist. ‘The Birth of Hope’ provides a meaningful and inspiring tribute, and is a unique arts destination in Lexington.”
The newly dedicated sculpture features a nest with multi-colored flames held up by three structural steel beams. Caudill, who attended the University of Kentucky and Louisville School of Art, has created public art pieces around the world. “In our fortunate days, we celebrate hopes fulfilled” he said. “In our challenging ones, hope sustains us.”
The public art piece sits in the green space at the entrance to the Fayette County Detention Center. Staff members at the detention center work to protect the community, while also preparing inmates for re-entry into the community. The dedication plaque notes, “What we do here, matters everywhere,” reflecting the importance of the work of the Detention Center staff.
“Let this beautiful sculpture just outside our gate remind all that enter to serve in the Division of Community Corrections ‘That While we are together bound by duty, let us bring Hope to those we seek to Help,’” Division of Community Corrections Chief Scott Colvin said.
“The Birth of Hope” sculpture is the first commissioned public art piece by the Public Arts Commission. “Some of the appreciation of public art is just finding it,” said Public Arts Commission Chair Bill Farmer, who worked to create the funding program when he was a member of the Urban County Council. “The new sculpture on Old Frankfort Pike will be a ‘find’ for many folks, and continues to demonstrate Lexington’s commitment to the arts.”
The Public Arts Commission initiates and supports projects in the community that are for installation on city-owned property. Past projects include a mural on the Meadowthorpe Community Center, wood carvings by Lavon Van Williams to be installed in the Government Center, and support of “I Was Here” artwork, the Lexington Freedom Train sculpture, a Wylie Caudill mural at Moondance Amphitheatre, and more. For more information about Lexington’s Public Arts Commission go to lexingtonky.gov/boards/public-arts-commission. View an illustrated map of public art in Lexington.
News release provided by Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
https://www.lexingtonky.gov/news/birth-hope-dedicated-detention-center
