lowertown arts district

Paducah's artful and excellent solution to a drug-infested rundown section of downtown that once was the best place to live in town....Now an artist's colony with artists from all over the country living and working in their studios within this compact and easily walked neighborhood...Well worth a visit.

On a very cold day in November, my husband and I stopped in Paducah to take in the sights. After seeing the Floodwall Murals, the Paducah Riverwalk and the River Discovery Center, we drove through the beautiful historic art area. We did not stop at any of the shops since it was getting late and it was too cold to walk. However, as we drove by the beautiful homes we decided to put this on our "have to do next time" list. (In better weather)

We were there on a Sunday . . . the 'Art District' has 31 galleries . . . one was open . .. the other 30 by appointment . . . Virtually the same on Friday and Saturday. On Monday thru Thursday forget it. There is a wonderful coffee shop. The Visitors Center was closed (old gas station) and the signage out front gave the locations of all the galleries and when open . . . 1/2 were by appointment only 100% of the time. The other 15 were mostly by appointment and a smattering open some combo of Fri, Sat, Sun. IF YOU WANT TO BE SUCCESSFUL THEN YOU NEED TO BE OPEN SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AFTERNOON MINIMUM. Otherwise you can just continue to be starving artists wondering how to get some of the tourist dollars coming to the Quilt Museum and other area events.

We visited the Paducah Riverfront and walked around the downtown area, and visited quite a few of the shops. We loved seeing the horse drawn carriage and the crafters setting up their carts to sell their goods. The downtown area is being revitalized and I surely hope it becomes a hit with the locals and tourists. We also had a GREAT lunch at Doe's Eat Place. Fortunately for us, the day was very warm and sunny and we were able to sit outside and enjoy the sights and sounds of the downtown.

The area artwork was represented by nearly all types of media except music. Go earlier in the day because they roll up the sidewalks early in the fall. "Art carts" were interesting and the artists are very happy to talk about their individual styles of art. Friendly folks that made us feel welcome

We spent an enjoyable afternoon browsing the various shops. Had lunch at TriBeCa Mexican. Definitely check out this area if you're in Paducah!

We had the great timing of being in town for this festival. The art was very nice, and there was a great variety of different kinds of pieces there.

We walked the festival Saturday May 17 and found it to be excellent. We also enjoyed the restored homes from the outside as we walked. Paducah should be very proud of its efforts to clean up an area that was an eyesore years ago.

As an artist, I appreciate being able to view artwork by other artists. It was very inspiring and encouraging.

So.. I decided to explore the art area and I must say it did not disapoint. I started at the small Texaco station and used the map (AND THE HOURS!!) To find out where I wanted to go. Everything was within a few blocks, every artist I met was very polite, and the coffee shop in the area was amazing. I know peoples taste vary but there is a variety of mediums (art styles). You won't be disapointed as long as you do three things. 1) walk- because you can't tell when some of them are open from your car. 2) time- go on a saturday and start semi early. I arrived late but I had very generous artist who spent time ( after close ) showing me their amazing art. 3) go to the coffee shop. Lol I was scared too. But just taste ANYTHING. Its all good. I've tried 3 things in one day.lol I think the dirty frozen chai is the best. And good luck exploring!!

Maybe it was because it was Monday, but we drove through the area several times looking for something interesting to stop for and couldn't find anything moving.....

Stopped in to this wonderful gallery today when I was visiting Paducah. I met the owner/artist in residence Michael who after giving me a tour of his gallery gave me a cup of coffee strong enough curl your toes and invited me into his workshop where he let me watch a master at work. Two hrs later I emerged with a promise of a customized wonderful piece of wall art would arrive back in New Hampshire in a few weeks. It arrived 14 days later and it was amazing. It now sits on my kitchen wall and I remember my trip to KY every time I see it. Next year I want to come down to the derby and visit Paducah and find another treasure in this great art district.

Some beautiful buildings and great art galleries to wander around and the artists are very helpful and friendly.

Enjoyed looking in all of the shops and walking around the streets. tons of quilts and quilt shops, we also walked out to the river. very clean area and felt safe

Definitely not a managed or packaged destination, the Lower Town Arts District is the real deal! Wandering from studio to studio, you are going to find a huge variation from painters to ceramics, jewelers to print makers... and a great coffeehouse to!Start at the Coffeehouse (etcetera) or at the Texaco Station for a district map and then stay on foot. 7th street has the largest concentration of folks who are open often, but with the map, feel free to call people up and tell them you are on their front porch and would they open up to show you their art?You'll likely be greeted by someone covered with clay or paint and you'll get a peek at the real life of an Artist at work.