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Downtown Lexington Attractions

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Nestled among a quaint neighborhood, not far from the University of Kentucky, lies one of Lexington's best kept secrets.   The former residence of John Regis Tuska (1931-1998), Kentucky artist and art educator, The Breakers, as his wife named the house, holds the permanent collection of Tuska's work.  Among a life-spanning collection of masterfully crafted art, from nearly all imaginable media, his son Seth Tuska tries in earnest to memorialize his father's legacy in Kentucky and nationwide.

 

 
The Breakers, John Regis Tuska's former home, at 147 Old Park Avenue

            Tuska (see 2005 Kentucky stars winners), as he liked to be called, spent 30 years teaching ceramics, drawing and sculpture at the University of Kentucky, but is remembered as much for his love of life as he is for his creative art.   "Non basta una vita," meaning 'One life is not enough,' became Tuska's mantra during his time spent in Italy learning the art of bronze casting. 

            By appointment, anyone can walk the halls of this philosopher-artist's former residence and absorb his infatuation with the process, not the destination, of artistic creation and living.   Featured works include bronze sculpture, ceramics, drawing, painting, paper cuts and casts, collage, and more.  Call the studio at (859) 255-1379 to set up an appointment for viewing.

            The legacy of Tuska, however, is not bound by the walls of his former home.   His research papers are compiled in the University of Kentucky special collections archives and local historian David Burg is writing his biography.  Thanks to an independent film makers grant from KET, Tuska: the documentary is being produced and ready by the summer of 2008.

            The Tuska Studio Fine Art Foundry and Metal Works is a full-service commercial bronze casting foundry and metal shop at 248 Walton Avenue.   The foundry molds and casts works for other artists and teaches the art of bronze casting, and tours and demonstrations are offered to the public.  In addition to bronze casting, it is the home of  the healing and wellness studio, in which the spirit of Tuska's work breathes life into commercial wares.  Illumine, Tuska's life project on the façade of the University of Kentucky's fine arts building, is being marketed with other figures representing the visual aspect of one's own energy source for self-healing and wellness.  Call the Fine Art Studio at (859) 255-0782 for more information or to schedule an appointment. 

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