LEXINGTON, Ky. — A new art installation is coming to the green space at the Lexington Detention Center entrance. 

Louisville artist Dave Caudill will create an original sculpture based on his proposal, "The Birth of Hope," which Mayor Linda Gorton said will reflect and recognize the human growth, dignity and value of individuals incarcerated at the detention center. 

It will also serve as a tribute to the public servants who work at the facility, along with their family members and family members of inmates. 

“This work of art will be a beacon of hope and renewal to those who come and go from the Detention Center and will add to the rich history of our arts community,” Gorton said.

The sculpture is expected to be installed in late 2024 and will be in the Old Frankfort Pike corridor, according to the city. Old Frankfort Pike serves the Detention Center, Lexington businesses and hundreds of tourists.

"This inspiring sculpture is the direct result of Lexington’s Percent for Art Program that was established to support the creation of new works of art that are accessible to the public at no charge," said Heather Lyons, director of arts and cultural affairs in the mayor's office.

Caudill was chosen from a selection committee of detention center employees, public art commission members and Lexington artists, the city said. He attended the University of Kentucky and the Louisville School of Art and creates artworks for public, corporate and private collections.

Some of his larger public works can be found in Louisville's Rip Van Winkle Gardens, East Tennessee's Horizon Center Park and the University of Kentucky's Singletary Center for the Arts. 

"The sculpture and its theme will become an icon for the facility and will help further the recognition of the Detention Center as a positive force in Lexington," Caudill said. "With 'The Birth of Hope,' I want to honor the profoundly important hopes of all who are connected to the Lexington Detention Center."

More information about Lexington's public artwork can be found on the city's interactive public art map, along with Lexington's Public Arts Commission website.