By Joy Priest

Lexington’s historical Loudoun House was originally built as a single-family residence in the 1850s — little did they know there will be naked people all around their house for the next two months.

The Gothic Revival villa, which sits at 209 Castlewood Dr. has been everything from a home to a community center and now houses the Lexington Art League.

Last Friday, LAL kicked off the 25th anniversary of the QX.net Nude art exhibit with a gathering of 500 people, not including the naked patrons that sit, stand and pose in the various art pieces. Guests in attendance included newly-elected mayor Jim Gray and Lex Arts president Jim Clark.

Becky Alley, exhibitions and programs director at LAL, describes the exhibit as a combination of tradition and contemporary art.

“QX.net Nude celebrates the tradition of the nude figure in art and what we try to highlight here is art by contemporary artists … our work has always included current trends,” Alley said.

According to LAL’s website, QX.net Nude received more than 600 submissions for this exhibit and features 50 works of art by contemporary artists from 22 states and British Columbia.

“Drawing, photography and video pieces are all on display in this exhibit, including some very large scale pieces we are very excited about,” Alley said.

Fifth Third 4th Fridays are the optimal times to visit the QX.net Nude exhibit. January 28 will be the 15th anniversary of Fifth Third bank sponsoring these Fridays that include food, fun and live entertainment for $7.

“We’re expecting 800-900 people on Jan. 28 for 4th Friday. There’s going to be a raffle drawing, Billy’s Barbeque and DJ Miss Cass will be providing the music,” Alley said.

Devan Vannarsdall, a recent UK grad, feels LAL is the perfect college student getaway. As an Arts Administration major, Vannarsdall enjoyed the Loudoun House so much that he volunteered for the League and was an intern for it during the summer of 2009.

“The nude art exhibit is definitely successful as something classic yet still able to challenge our social views,” Vannarsdall said.

Students can take advantage of the cheapest membership fee at the League going for $25, which includes free admission to 4th Friday events and discounts on art purchases.

QX.net Nude can be visited Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For a more extensive view of events related to this exhibit visit LAL at www.lexingtonartleague.org.