Since 1965, the Hopkinsville Art Guild has been enriching the lives of artists and fans in western Kentucky and northwest Tennessee — offering products and classes for many to enjoy.
Going into 2025 and a 60th Diamond Anniversary, that messaging and belief hasn’t changed.
When asked about digital mediums, and younger generations possibly moving more toward them, Director Henrietta Kemp said new and traditional art methods are coming together…but that the guild relies on classical efforts as a way to connect to the community.
In fact, two recent ways in which the guild connected with local youth involved:
+ A visit with Christian County Youth Leadership, where they worked on painting the landscape of the Alhambra Theatre in downtown Hopkinsville.
+ And a visit with the North Todd County Elementary School Art Club, where they experimented with origami and clay.
In the last year alone, Kemp said more than 350 people attended 10 skills development workshops of all different mediums, while donations from 45 individuals made it possible for people to enjoy activities for free or at reasonable prices.
Furthermore, art supply grants valued at $500 were given to Hopkinsville High School, Hopkinsville Middle School, Indian Hill Elementary, Gateway Academy, South Christian Elementary and University Heights Academy.
Jeannie White, director of the art gallery, said an in-person location was popular pre-COVID, but post-COVID funding for such a location has been hard to find — and all artworks and supplies have been moved to an online marketplace.
Major sponsors of the guild include: Planters Bank, Bank of Cadiz, HWEA, United Southern Bank, City of Hopkinsville, and Ison & Cavanah.
Other sponsors include: Pennyrile Electric, Rotary Club of Hopkinsville, J. Schrecker Jewelry, Summers Optical, Wal-Mart Distribution Center, and others.
As for their closing calendar to 2024:
— From 10-11:30 AM Saturday, November 16, the “Crafting After Hours” project is “Making Up-cycled Christmas Decorations.” At the Christian County Extension Office Project Room, visitors will be able to join Anita Cummins in creating three such items from recycled materials. It is free, and all supplies will be provided. It is an adults-only class, and is limited to 20 participants. Registration at hopkinsvilleartguild.org by November 13.
— The Annual Christmas Bazaar is planned for 10 AM until 4 PM both Friday, November 22, and Saturday, November 23. It will be at the Carnegie Library on 708 Liberty Street. Door prizes will be award, and the sale is a major fundraiser for the organization. Original artwork including paintings, photographs, pottery, hand-made crafts and a variety of other mediums will be available for purchase.
— Then, from 9-11 AM, Saturday, December 7, the “Crafting After Hours” project is “Creating Watercolor Greeting Cards.” Once again at the Christian County Extension Office, Betty Liles will lead a free class limited to 16 participants. All supplies are provided, and online registration is required by December 4.
— And from noon until 1 PM Wednesday, December 11, the Pennyroyal Area Museum will host a Victorian Tea Party, where visitors can enjoy tea and crumpets while learning about tea parties from Hopkinsville’s rich past. Museum staff will share interesting facts and traditions during a traditional tea service, and the event is free and limited to 40. Those interested must register online by December 8.
— Kemp also encouraged that Guild Membership is a “great holiday gift” for that special loved one. It provides access to eight skills development workshops annually, a chance to publicly exhibit one’s art to the community, involvement in various community events, opportunity to compete in contests, space to sell art on the group’s website, and time to help local students with art activities.
