Newly renovated Central Bank Center, Rupp Arena to get ‘significant’ public art
The newly renovated Central Bank Center will soon have a towering but familiar piece of public art.
The board of Lexington Center Corporation, which oversees Central Bank Center, announced Thursday it had acquired and will move “Publisher” from the Henry Clay Estate in Lexington.
Publisher was created by Lexington-born sculptor John Henry. The 70 foot linear sculpture will be moved from its current location on the lawn at Ashland on the Henry Clay Estate to the plaza at the expanded Central Bank Center near West Vine Street and Triangle Park.
“A significant work of public art has long been contemplated for the Central Bank Center Expansion Project,” said Bob Elliston, chairman of the Lexington Center Corp. board. “This is a great opportunity to acquire a sculpture that is not only complementary to the architectural design of the new (Central Bank Center) but is especially meaningful as a connection and tribute to one of Kentucky’s most celebrated artists.”
The nearly $300 million renovation and expansion of the convention center and Rupp Arena is nearly complete with a grand opening of the complex planned for April. The convention center has remained open during most of the nearly two and a half year construction and expansion.
“It’s gratifying to know that a sculpture of mine will be sited close to the things I love: the University of Kentucky, my family and friends in the Bluegrass region and of course, the Kentucky Wildcats,“ said Henry. “Although I’ve lived away for most of my adult life, Kentucky is my home and where I will lay my head to rest one day.”
Henry was born in Lexington and attended the University of Kentucky. He is one of the most well-known and influential sculptors in the country. He has produced large-scaled works of art for museums, cities and public institutions including the Smithsonian.
The cost to purchase and relocate the statue is $450,000, according to the Lexington Center Corp. To help with the project, the public is invited to make a tax-deductible donation to:
Publisher Relocation Project Fund
c/o Lexington Center Corporation
430 W. Vine St. Lexington, KY 40507
