J. Cletus Wilcox hails from Louisville, Kentucky. His work is deeply intertwined with his identity and experiences, particularly his Queerness. Wilcox’s studio practice aligns with harmonious intention. He believes that art aims to represent inward significance rather than mere outward appearance. His work emerges from explorations, experiences, and identity. Remembering that artworks originate in studios and reflect an artist’s journey enhances our understanding of what we see. Wilcox’s inhibited youth and subsequent coming out fueled his current artistic endeavors. Accumulative shame transformed into sincere efforts to enlighten his essential self.
Wilcox’s most recent exhibition, ‘To Myself, Ten Years Ago’ closed at Kore Gallery November 30, 2025.
Words like “legend”, and “pioneer” have been easily attached to artist and gallerist Billy Hertz. A gallery operator for more than 30 years, Billy Hertz has evolved his semi-abstract landscapes to a pared down form and composition, allowing the balance of abstract and representational to exist with tension.
On November 1, he will open his latest solo exhibition at Moremen Gallery. Susan Moremen opened her gallery in 2017.
Charles Ellis is a painter who has work now on exhibit at City Hall and this week he joins us in the WXOX studio. Tune in to WXOX 97.1 FM/Artxfm.com each Thursday at 10 am to hear Artists talk with LVA.
Charles Ellis was born in Lexington Kentucky now living in Old Louisville. He is an abstract colorist who works mainly in oil.
Painting oil on canvas, large abstracts with landscape imagery and portraits. Ellis also has worked on a series of prints of digitally manipulated photos that convey an image of perfect order through an abstract collection of squares of pure colors.
His work has been in many exhibitions, shows, and galleries yearly since 2000 in Kentucky, England, California, and Miami Florida.
