LaVon Van Williams Jr. - Everything Must Change

LaVon Van Williams Jr. (American, born 1958)
The Decision/What Happens When A Dream Is Deferred, 1989
Wood, paint
38 x 49 3/4 x 3/4 in.
Collection of the Artist Photograph by Bill Roughen

LaVon Williams by Kevin Nance

Previous Next

NOVEMBER 6, 2025 – MARCH 8, 2026

Based in Lexington, Kentucky, LaVon Van Williams Jr. creates dynamic narratives via carved and polychromed figures and panels, along with paintings on canvas. Some works speak to his own life, identity, and experiences or to episodes in Black history; others forefront both actual and imagined Black musicians, religious leaders, educators, and others; and some blend the personal and the historical. All emanate from the artist’s deep spirituality (he speaks of his work as part of his path to Heaven) and events in his life—sometimes painful—particularly his overlapping experiences of coming to Lexington and playing basketball for the University of Kentucky from 1976 to 1980.

This exhibition, curated by Scott Erbes, curator of decorative arts and design, will act as both a retrospective and a stage for new work. The former will present the arc of Williams’ practice from the late 1980s onward. It will also incorporate the work of Dave Wright, his late brother, who was both a teacher and an inspiration for Williams.

Leading Sponsor

Altsheler-Durell Foundation, in honor of Jeanne D. Seelbach

In Honor of Stanley and Mary Lee Fischer by their children Hedy Fischer and Drew Fischer

Additional Sponsor

Judith Shapira

2026 Exhibition Season Sponsors

Cary Brown and Steven E. Epstein
Todd P. Lowe and Fran C. Ratterman
Debra and Ronald Murphy
Dr. Victoria Phillips and Travis Anderson
Sociable Weaver Foundation