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Lindsey Wilson University Lucretia C. Begley Art Gallery to Feature Six Shows in 2026-27

Exhibits celebrate place and Kentucky's rich cultural heritage.

by Duane Bonifer

COLUMBIA, Ky. (08/11/2026) — A celebration of Kentucky culture and place will highlight this year's exhibition schedule at Lindsey Wilson University's Lucretia C. Begley Art Gallery.

The six shows of 2026-27 will feature one of Kentucky's more unique artists while also paying tribute to the power of local places through various mediums of art.

"The Begley Gallery is excited about celebrating Kentucky traditions, culture and history this school year through the expression of visual arts," said Lindsey Wilson Performing Arts Director Kristyne Gilbert. "The half-dozen art shows for this school year reflect an immense personal connection to home, tradition and culture. They are also a reminder that Kentucky is a state with a rich, diverse cultural heritage. A deep vein of artistic talent runs throughout this commonwealth."

Kicking off the 2026-27 season will be a collection of works by the late Henry Faulkner, a Simpson County, Kentucky, native whose eccentric works produced during the mid-20th century were known for their colorful and expressive images.

"We are delighted to begin the school year with an impressive collection of Faulkner's internationally recognized artwork," said Gilbert.

Presented by First Southern National Bank of Stanford, Kentucky, "Henry Faulkner: A Life in Color" will be on display from Aug. 24-Oct. 9.

From Oct. 19-Dec. 19, the annual "Lindsey Wilson Alumni Art Show" will feature works from a wide range of Lindsey Wilson alumni from throughout the years. That will be followed by the "Lindsey Wilson Faculty and Staff Art Exhibition" from Jan. 11-Feb. 19.

"Lindsey Wilson has produced and been the home of many talented artists, some of whom have pursued art full-time and others who have incorporated art into their life's work," said Gilbert.

Another artist who has incorporated art into her life is Chicago suburb resident and storyteller Leslie Lindsay, who has family roots in Adair County. "Leslie Lindsay: This Is Where We Live" will be an exhibition of photographs and other media that explore home and ancestry through the lens of photography, art and memory. It will be featured March 1-April 9.

The "Lindsey Wilson Student Show," which includes works by the university's graduating art seniors, will be held April 19-May 1.

The season will conclude with an exhibit of photographic works that capture the beauty of everyday life by Adair County resident Paul Bela, who farms in Adair and Metcalfe counties. It will be on display from May 10-July 30.

The Lucretia C. Begley Art Gallery is located in the W.W. Slider Humanities Center. Gallery hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. CT Monday-Friday and by special appointment. It is free and open to the public. For more information about the 2026-27 Lucretia C. Begley Art Gallery exhibition schedule, contact Kristyne Gilbert at gilbertk@lindsey.edu 270-384-8007.

Lindsey Wilson University is a vibrant liberal arts university in Columbia, Kentucky. Founded in 1903 and affiliated with The United Methodist Church, the mission of Lindsey Wilson is to serve the educational needs of students by providing a living-learning environment within an atmosphere of active caring and Christian concern where every student, every day, learns and grows and feels like a real human being. Lindsey Wilson offers 30 undergraduate majors, five graduate programs and a doctoral program. The university's 29 intercollegiate varsity athletic teams have won more than 120 team and individual national championships.

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The Lindsey Wilson University 2026-27 Lucretia C. Begley Art Gallery exhibition schedule will feature six shows between Aug. 24-July 30.

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