This past Saturday was a big day for The Creative Art League of Jessamine County.

Many runners raced from Nicholasville Baptist Church to Main & Chestnut Streets, and through a number of scenic Nicholasville neighborhoods, finishing back near Main & Chestnut. Over $1,000 was raised by the Race for the Arts 5K for the Creative Art League of Jessamine County. 

Winners for the men’s race included Carter Memillen, 10, in first place; Danny Barns, 53, in second place; and Tom Janes, 57, in third. 

Winners for the women’s race included Sarah Berkowitz, 32 in first place; Libby Barnes, 50, in second place; and Sophie Harston, 9, in third. 

The race was planned in 35 days by RaceRise, an organization that coordinates racing events. 

“We had a nice turn out considering, “ said Bob Baney, race director of RaceRise. 

At the end of the race, an 8-feet-by-24-feet mural that depicts scenes unique to Jessamine County was unveiled. 

“It is just enchantingly picturesque and shows all kinds of Nicholasville,” said Constance Grayson, president and co-founder of The Creative Art Leauge of Jessamine County. “Every time I look at it I see something I hadn’t seen before.” 

The Art on Main mural was painted by local artist Bill Jones. 

Jones — who also works at CKY Books warehouse—started on the mural in early April, and he completely finished it week ago. 

“I’m very proud of what I just did,” he said. 

This was the largest piece of artwork Jones said he has ever done, and now that it’s complete he’s a little bit lost. 

Jones is a retired school teacher who loves the arts. He said art was how he met his wife, Rebecca Jones, who was an art teacher at Warner Elementary and Early Learning Village, until she passed away in 2004. 

“Art was our connection,” Jones said. 

More of Jone’s artwork can be found at the Nicholasville Baptist Church. 

The Nicholasville Tourism Commission donated $4,000 to build the mural, which is located on the brick wall of the Windstream building across from the courthouse. The money paid for the materials, installation and a small stipend for the artists. 

Along with the racing and unveiling, the day itself—October. 8—was named Creative Arts in Jessamine County Day in a proclamation from Governor Matt Bevin.

The proclamation read that the Creative Art League of Jessamine County has served as an example of how meaningful the arts are to an integrated and united community. 

“It was very gratifying,” Grayson said. “Because we do work hard to attempt to expand boundaries and introduce people to art and art activities.”