HOPKINSVILLE, KY – For MacKenzie Russell, the Alhambra Theatre has never been just a building, it has been a second home, a creative launchpad, and a lifelong source of inspiration. From her earliest memories of school-day performances to her current role as a professional artist and designer, Russell’s journey reflects the power of the arts to shape not only a career but also a life.
“I’ve been coming to the Theatre my entire life,” Russell recalls. “It was always exciting to come to the school performances growing up. Art has always felt like an escape hatch, a way to step into someone else’s world for a little while and make sense of your own feelings.”
A lifelong connection to the arts
That sense of wonder eventually led her behind the curtain. What began as volunteer hours for the National Honor Society in high school turned into a summer job, and then more than a decade of part-time work at the Alhambra. Over those 13 years, Russell gained hands-on experience in nearly every area of operations with the Pennyroyal Arts Council (PACI).
“I can’t even begin to list all the different areas of experience I got,” she said. “PACI has always been open to letting me experiment and do big things while I was still learning the ropes. Their confidence in me really empowered me to push boundaries and grow.”
That encouragement paved the way for one of her most cherished projects: designing the initial graphics for The Nutcracker at the Alhambra, a now-annual tradition for Hopkinsville families. “It felt like getting to be part of a new legacy for the community,” she said.
Picasso Sally: Reviving a legacy in modern style
Russell’s latest contribution to the theatre is one audiences will soon be able to take home with them. She is the artist behind the upcoming Picasso Sally t-shirt, a bold new design inspired by both Pablo Picasso’s cubist style and a beloved Alhambra icon. Sally the Flapper, originally drawn by Hopkinsville’s own Sally Hail, has long been a whimsical mascot of the theatre. Russell first digitized her years ago during her time on staff. Now, she has reimagined Sally through a modern, cubist lens.
“I hope people just enjoy the shirt, and feel inspired to doodle something or create something that makes them feel good,” Russell said. “We can all use a little joy, levity, and a creative outlet.”
The Picasso Sally t-shirts will be available soon for purchase at the Alhambra Theatre, a wearable reminder of Hopkinsville’s creative spirit and Russell’s artistic legacy.
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A message for the next generation
Even as her professional career has expanded, she now serves as a corporate graphic designer in the healthcare industry, overseeing creative work for more than 250 mental health and substance use treatment facilities nationwide, Russell remains deeply connected to the arts in Hopkinsville.
She believes the theatre can be a turning point for young people just as it was for her. Her advice to the next generation: “Be open to new experiences and try new things, even if you don’t ‘get it’ at first. Art in every form is our greatest connection to our humanity and to others. Self-expression and sharing experiences is the best way to grow and figure out who you really are or want to become.”
A full circle story
Russell’s journey, from wide-eyed child in the audience, to eager volunteer, to professional graphic designer, is a testament to the enduring role of the Alhambra Theatre and the Pennyroyal Arts Council in shaping lives through the arts.
Her story is also a reminder that every program, performance, and creative opportunity at the Alhambra plants seeds of inspiration. For Russell, those seeds blossomed into a career and a calling. For today’s young artists, the possibilities are just beginning.
Keep an eye out for MacKenzie Russell’s Picasso Sally T-shirt design, available soon at the Alhambra Theatre. You can see her most current personal artwork on Facebook or Instagram @MacKenzieRCreative. She also has a Behance page with a selection of portfolio pieces. They can be seen at www.behance.net/mackenzrussell.
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