UK Art Museum to honor Lucy Jones at ‘An Inspired Evening’ fundraiser
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 23, 2026) — The University of Kentucky Art Museum will honor Lucy Jones, founder of the Harry Dean Stanton Fest, at its annual fund-and-friend-raiser, An Inspired Evening, 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at Harper Hall, 177 N. Upper St., in Lexington.
Each year, the museum recognizes individuals who make a significant contribution to the art and culture of Kentucky. This year, the museum will honor Jones for her many contributions to art, film and cultural placemaking in the Lexington community.
“We are thrilled to gather and recognize Lucy Jones for her lasting impact on Lexington’s creative landscape,” said UK Art Museum Director Stuart Horodner. “Through her leadership, collaboration and vision, Lucy has helped shape spaces and programs that celebrate art, film and design while strengthening our community’s cultural identity.”
Jones founded the festival, which celebrates Stanton’s diverse film career, in 2011. It continues to celebrate the late Kentucky-born actor’s work across westerns, art films and cult classics.
Jones has also served as director of the Lexington Film League, founded the Mid-Century Design League of Lexington and collaborated on the creation of the Harmon Room at 21c Museum Hotel, inspired by the Netflix series “The Queen’s Gambit.”
All proceeds from the event support the UK Art Museum’s mission and its free admission policy. The evening will feature hors d’oeuvres, specialty cocktails, live music, remarks about and by the honoree, and a silent auction featuring unique arts experiences and collectible items.
Tickets are $150 per person, with a discounted rate of $125 for museum members. Festive cocktail attire is encouraged. Paid parking is available on site, with prepaid parking options offered. Tickets are available online directly through the UK Art Museum website.
Museum members needing assistance or a discount code can contact Lyndi Van Deursen at lyndi.vandeursen@uky.edu.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.