HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – A local arts camp produced a large mural featured in historic downtown Hopkinsville. The mural was first conceptualized in May and is now fully realized with a dedication ceremony.
The design was inspired by the cover artwork on the book of poetry The Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude by Ross Gay, who also attended the ceremony. Molly Campbell from the Pennyroyal Arts Council led the dedication, and she introduced a few student artists, along with the head artist Jennifer Bowman. The mural features an excerpt from the book, and an artistic interpretation of the cover art.
“It’s all so moving to me that the painting that moved me, got on the cover on my book. And then became interesting to other people … with these young folks and Jennifer, it feels really lucky,” Ross said after seeing the mural for the first time in person.
Gay then did a reading and Q&A at the Alhambra Theater.
Where you can find the mural
Jennifer Bowman is the main artist that has led the camp for the last three years along with the Pennyroyal Arts Council. She is also responsible for the HOPTOWN mural located on the Sixth Street side of the Bella Marie building, and The Trail of Tears Park mural.
This year’s mural is proudly displayed outside Hopkinsville Brewing downtown. The owners of the brewery have been wanting artwork on their exterior wall that is facing the Pennyrile Senior Apartments. It was important to the owners, Kate Russel and Joey Medeiros, that the residents have a piece of artwork to enjoy.
This event helps kick off the NEA Big Read in Christian County. Find out more about the Big Read, and other programs from the Pennyroyal Arts Council on their website.