Arts Connect celebrates Lexington's creative leaders
By Karyn Czar
July 31, 2026 at 11:17 AM EDT
Five individuals whose work has enriched Lexington's cultural and creative community were honored Thursday during the 2026 Lexington Arts Awards luncheon, hosted by Arts Connect at the historic Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center.
Arts Connect honored five community leaders during the 2026 Lexington Arts Awards, recognizing their contributions to the arts through creativity, education, advocacy, and philanthropy.
Among this year's recipients was WUKY sponsor Dr. James Albisetti, who received the Arts Benefactor Award.
"It was very gratifying. It's not necessary. I didn't give money to get awards," Albisetti said. "Opportunity to have so many people from so many different places in my life in the room together it was really something— It sort of felt like I was at my own memorial service."
Other honorees included:
Among this year's recipients was WUKY sponsor Dr. James Albisetti, who received the Arts Benefactor Award.
"It was very gratifying. It's not necessary. I didn't give money to get awards," Albisetti said. "Opportunity to have so many people from so many different places in my life in the room together it was really something— It sort of felt like I was at my own memorial service."
Other honorees included:
- Pat Gerhard (Visual Arts)
- George Ella Lyon (Literary Arts)
- Adalhi Aranda (Performing Arts)
- Austin Vahle (Arts Educator)