LexArt

LexArt, formally the Lexington Arts & Crafts Society, is a nonprofit community art center offering classes, studio space, exhibitions and a gallery shop. People of all backgrounds and abilities come to learn and make work in five fully equipped studios: ceramics, metalworking, painting, weaving and woodworking. Hands-on classes for all ages are taught by local artists, and galleries show work by local and visiting artists in many mediums. The center also hosts community events.

The organization was founded by artists and craftspeople who banded together for mutual support during the Great Depression, shaped by the international Arts & Crafts movement and Japan’s Mingei folk craft tradition. That emphasis on natural materials and accessible craft continues today. The ceramics studio includes wheels, a glaze room and electric, gas and Raku kilns, while the wood shop has lathes, saws and planers suited to everything from furniture to fine turning.

What to Know

• LexArt was founded in 1935.
• Smaller studio groups cover polymer and beading, photography, needle arts and decorative arts.
• The weaving studio has floor, table and lap looms plus a dye sink for fibers and basket materials.
• The metals studio has soldering stations and kilns for enameling and metal clay.
• LexArt is part of Lexington’s cultural district.