Mission

The Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden (IMMAG) is a community collaboration aimed at commemorating the lives, stories and contributions of African-American horse industry members from Lexington’s East End neighborhood.

President

David Cozart

Vice President

Thomas Tolliver

Secretary

Pat Gerhard 

Treasurer

Tim Guthrie

Andy Barr

Dave Melanson

Emily Edgington

Graves Dickey

Jennifer Shah

Jim Embry

Keith Jones

Lee Helmers

Luella Pavey

Ex-Officio

1st District Councilman

Chris Ford / Tiffany A Tatum

Donations

IMMAG Board Members

Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden

c/o Blue Grass Community Foundation

250 West Main Street Suite 1220

Lexington, KY 40507

Help us commemorate the legacy of Isaac Murphy and others by making a donation of any size.

Events

IMMAG board meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

at Urban League: 148 DeWeese

Open to the public.

Home

Home

Text “ISAAC” to 85944

Reply “YES” to donate $10

A one‐time donation of $10 will be billed to your mobile phone bill. Messaging & data rates may apply. Donations are

collected for ISAAC MURPHY MEMORIAL ART GARDEN by mobilecause.com.

Reply STOP to 85944 to stop. Reply HELP to 85944 for help. For terms, see www.igfn.org/t.

What is the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden?

The Garden will be a place of beauty through its design and art, and also be known as a teaching place, about nature, local heritage, and the sport of racing.  While Isaac is the primary character, the park will also commemorate the accomplishments and contributions of other African-Americans throughout history- other jockeys, tacks, grooms, trainers, etc.   There will be places for public performances, for kids to play, and for simply enjoying art and the city.

Why is it important?

Isaac Murphy changed the sport of Thoroughbred racing forever.  The Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden will be the first park in the United States to honor the earliest African American professional athletes – the Thoroughbred jockey.  Fittingly, the Garden is located on land once owned by Isaac and where his home sat, in the predominately African American East End of Lexington. 

How do I get involved?

Consider contributing via Text To Give or via the secure link at right. We also need volunteers to help us build the Garden.  To learn more contact Steve Austin at Blue Grass Community Foundation:  saustin@bgcf.org

“Isaac Murphy at Blue Grass Stakes Day at Keeneland a great success!  

We received a $7,500 contribution from our partners at Toyota and Keeneland in the winner’s circle, a place Isaac was VERY familiar with!

In the photo are (l to r) Nick Nicholson, CEO of Keeneland, Thomas Toliver, Board Vice Chair, David Cozart, Board Chair, and Will James, CEO Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky.”

Be a Part of History in Lexington!

Help “Friends of Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden”

to complete this vital Community Park.

To learn more and donate, visit isaacmurphy.org

Or

Text “ISAAC” to 85944 to donate $10

Join us as we celebrate Isaac’s 150th year with a birthday party on

June 4th, 2011 1:30 - 3:30 PM

Corner of Third St. and Midland Ave.

1. •Public Archeological Dig
   

2. •Cupcakes
   

3. •Kids Crafts
   

4. •Stick Horse races
   

5. •Music
   

6. •Mayor’s Proclamation
   

Fun for the whole family!

FREE! NO RSVP NEEDED FREE! 

Isaac Murphy Dig Underway

The community archaeological dig that is taking place this spring at the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden (IMAAG) is underway and, thus far, the project has been a great success. Items found to this point include: an ancient horseshow, many pottery pieces, bottles, and bricks that may very well be from Isaac Murphy’s home on the site.

The dig has drawn some media attention as well. The Lexington Herald-Leader has written a couple of pieces about the dig this week. You can read columnist Merlene Davis’ story by clicking here. http://www.kentucky.com/2011/05/10/1735636/merlene-davis-bring-your-shovel.html

Tom Martin from Business Lexington also wrote about the dig. You can read about that story here. http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-c-2011-05-10-97663.113117-Isaac-Murphy-Memorial-Art-Garden-gets-Underway-with-Dig.html

If you and your family would like to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, come out to the art garden on Saturday, June 4th from 1:30-3:30 p.m.