Allison Lankford has overseen the Gatton Park project for more than a decade. In addition to raising the money necessary to build the park, with more than $55 million secured, Allison led the planning related to the design, programming, revenue model and governance structure for the future park. The team broke ground in August 2023 and opened to the public on August 23, 2025.
In conversation with host Kate Savage she explores the development and future plans of Gatton Park, a unique independent nonprofit park in Lexington, Kentucky.
More specifically they talk about the upcoming Bloom at Gatton Park event featuring the stunning Peonies art installation by a French collective called TILT, local community activities, and the park's commitment to public art. The intent of this event is to combine international art with local talent to create a vibrant spring experience.
More information is available on their website wwwgattonpark.org/events

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Kevin Lane Dearinger, retired Broadway actor, singer, English teacher, and prolific author, joins Kate Savage to share the fascinating story behind his new book, At the Lexington Opera House: A Scrapbook, 1887–2026. In a lively and engaging conversation, Kevin delves into the rich history of Lexington’s beloved opera house, from its 19th-century glory days—when everyone from world-famous performers and vaudeville acts to live animals graced its stage—to brushes with neglect, disrepair, and even scandal. He discusses surprising discoveries from his research, the significance of its restoration, and the deep cultural importance of the opera house in Lexington’s artistic life. With anecdotes about forgotten legends, local heroes, and the evolving face of live theater, Kevin’s scrapbook invites readers to cherish the magic, quirks, and enduring spirit of this historic venue.

For more and to connect with us, visit https://www.artsconnectlex.org/art-throb-podcast.html

Gregory Turay, internationally recognized operatic tenor, educator, and civic arts leader, joins host Kate Savage to discuss his visionary project, ElevateART—a proposed civic and community arts center aimed at transforming Lexington’s arts landscape. Gregory shares how his experiences performing globally, teaching at the University of Kentucky, and engaging with local nonprofits underscored the city’s decades-long need for accessible rehearsal, performance, and gallery spaces. He explains the center’s multi-faceted mission to uplift artists, audiences, and community organizations by providing state-of-the-art facilities, fostering collaborative cross-pollination, and supporting both performing and visual arts, all while tackling the complex realities of fundraising and city planning. Kate and Gregory reflect on the essential role cultural infrastructure plays in economic development, artistic vibrancy, and quality of life, and why now is the time for Lexington to invest in the arts as a cornerstone of its civic identity.

For more and to connect with us, visit https://www.artsconnectlex.org/art-throb-podcast.html