What we do.
2nd Story is a curatorial space for creative risk-taking, artistic collaboration, and innovative thinking within the visual arts. We empower artists to create new work that stretches the conceptual and formal boundaries of their practice, and we present exhibitions, talks, and educational programs that contribute to the cultural vitality of Lexington and beyond.
We are committed to a nimble organizational infrastructure that is responsive to artists who are exploring new ideas and evolving processes, and to a rigorous curatorial platform that situates artists' work within current and art historical dialogues.
2nd Story also hosts a local chapter of Bridge Work, a professional development program that provides vital opportunities for emerging artists to implement disciplined work habits, present their work, develop audiences, and establish networks of support and mentorship. The program actively fosters a more interconnected arts community by linking to existing Bridge Work chapters operating in Milwaukee and Madison (Wisconsin) and Grand Rapids (Michigan).
Who we are.
Leah Kolb, founder and director
Kolb is an independent curator with over a decade of museum-based experience organizing contemporary art exhibitions, and related programs and publications. As a consultant with Shore Art Advisory, she currently contributes content, research, and logistical support on a range of private and public projects.
As curator at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (2011–2022), Kolb developed exhibitions with diverse artists including Faisal Abdu’Allah, Mel Chin, Amy Cutler, Natalie Frank, Nathaniel Mary Quinn, Rashaad Newsome, William J. O’Brien, Kambui Olujimi, and Jaume Plensa, among many others. She also oversaw several exhibition publications, and cataloged the complete editioned works for the print catalogue raisonnés of Frank Stella (2016) and Terry Winters (2023).
Prior to moving to Lexington in 2022, Kolb was also a visiting curator in the Art Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she worked with a cohort of graduate students (2021–22); was appointed to the Wisconsin Arts Board, where she chaired the accessibility committee (2020–22); and continues to serve as vice president for the Madison Print Club (2017-present).
In 2014, she co-founded an artist mentoring program, Bridge Work, with artist and educator Jason S. Yi. Bridge Work provides professional development and exhibition opportunities to emerging artists, and currently has local chapters in Milwaukee (WI), Madison (WI), and Grand Rapids (MI), with a forthcoming location in Lexington (KY).