HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Downtown Hopkinsville’s newest mural celebrating the city has been completed thanks to the hard work of local kids from Christian and Todd County. The Pennyroyal Arts Council facilitated a Mural Arts Camp over fall break, where a small group of budding artists spent five days hard at work, debuting the “Welcome to Hopkinsville” mural on Oct. 10.

The camp was led by professional teaching artist Paula Gieske where she and students designed and completed a mural on the side of the Byers and Harvey building. They were also able to start another alien themed mural in the Pennyroyal Area Museum parking lot within the week, which will be completed a later date. Both projects add to the growing landscape of public art downtown.

“We want them to identify with their community and be strong participants in making it a great community,” said Kelly Self, the education coordinator for the Pennyroyal Arts Council. “So, every time they drive by one of these spots they can say, ‘I did that!'”

Self added that the camp is a great learning opportunity for kids to practice new techniques, teamwork, and patience, with participated ranging in age from fifth grade through high school juniors.

Kaydin Nolte and Lucy Smith were two of the camp participants, both painting murals for the first time this week. With their family and community members present during the unveiling, both agreed that it was a fun and rewarding experience overall. Nolte said, “It was easy, it took a lot of coats. My arms were definitely sore!”

Representatives with the Hopkinsville Rotary Club and Pennyroyal Arts Center board members were also present to show support. Brett Pritchett said the Rotary Club is committed to supporting local youth through scholarships by funding the Mural Arts Camp, with the club also supporting arts education in the community.

“The Alhambra is not only nurturing young, talented artists, but also ensures the arts remain a vibrant and vital part of our community,” said board member Sarah Francis

More murals around downtown Hopkinsville

Over the summer, students in the Mural Arts Camp completed multiple smaller scale murals on wood boards that are now displayed on the back of the Alhambra. This collection was also guided by Gieske, with the inspiration coming from the local jazz legacy.

Dozens of public murals have been created by local artists in downtown Hopkinsville throughout the years, with imagery of local community leaders, odes to Hoptown, and more fantastical works scattered across buildings in this Downtown Rennaissance District.

One of the largest displays features a collage of murals on a wall at Founders Square, with another massive piece featuring a nature scene and several others off of East Ninth Street when entering downtown. The new “Welcome to Hopkinsville” mural is now one of the first visible murals.

A more interactive mural featuring butterfly wings is on the Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library to raise awareness about domestic violence. Another large piece was created on the side of Hopkinsville Brewing Company, also facilitated by the Pennyroyal Arts Council, which was inspired by a book of poetry by Ross Gay who witnessed the reveal.

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