Bridge lighting ceremony set for sculptures on Oliver Lewis Way

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Horse Capital of the World will celebrate the spring racing season on Friday, April 29, by lighting up the new sculptures on the Oliver Lewis Bridge, named for the jockey who won the first Kentucky Derby, then lighting up the sky over the bridge with fireworks.

“It’s time to celebrate, and we want everyone to join us downtown,” Mayor Jim Gray said. The bridge lighting ceremony, set to begin at 8 p.m., is free and open to the public. Fireworks will follow the ceremony. The bridge is located on Oliver Lewis Way (Newtown Pike extension), near the intersection with Manchester Street.

Colorado artist Christopher Weed, who created the sculptures, is expected to be on hand for the ceremony, as well as Second District Councilmember Shevawn Akers and other members of the Urban County Council; Ellen A. “Nan” Plummer, President and CEO of LexArts; and representatives of the racing community.

Initially working with the Corridors Commission, Akers has been pushing this public art project forward for more than two years, raising private funds and advocating for city dollars.

“This installation is a true labor of love for me and a shining example of the good that comes from collaboration,” Akers said. “I know that so many people share in the pride and excitement of seeing this art work come to life. As the largest public art project ever commissioned in Lexington, Origins will forever change a gateway to our city. I am so grateful for the support (and patience) of all who participated in making this a reality.” Pohl Rosa Pohl architects designed the bridge so it could hold sculptures.

LexArts facilitated the two-year process to bring the sculpture into being, and it has been a model process, Plummer said. “It combined the professional expertise of a committee well-versed in public art with the opinions of Lexington citizens,” she said. “From well over 100 artists who responded to the initial request for qualifications, three great proposals emerged. Chris Weed’s winning design will be a delight to residents and visitors for generations – a work of truly public art.”

Oliver Lewis, a native of Fayette County, won the first Kentucky Derby in 1875 on Aristides. He was one of 13 African American jockeys in a field of 15. African-American jockeys dominated the world of American racing in the late 1800s – of the first 28 Derby winners, 15 were black.

In addition to the city and the state, major support for the sculpture project was provided by Alltech, Kentucky Utilities, Lexington Center, Columbia Gas, Stoll Keenon Ogden, McBrayer Law Firm, U.S. Bank, Kentucky American Water, Commerce Lexington, John Cirigliano, Downtown Lexington Corp., Fayette Alliance, and Andy Shea and the Lexington Legends. The Breeders Cup Festival provided funds for the announcement.