A senior at Christian County High School and a teacher at Sinking Fork Elementary School are the recipients of the 2025 Barbara Gardner Art Awards, the Pennyroyal Arts Council announced in a press release. Each received a $500 cash prize.
“These two recipients exemplify artistic promise, dedication to diversity, and a deep commitment to the transformative power of the arts,” the release states.
Hughes is a visual storyteller “with ambitions of creating her own original series of characters and narratives.” She said she will use the award to buy art supplies and to further her education.
Earlier this month, Hughes was named the top contestant in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Kentucky’s 1st Congressional District.
Winkler, who was selected for “her exceptional commitment to inclusive art education.” The arts council said she “aims to create a classroom environment where all students feel represented, inspired, and empowered through art.”
“Winkler plans to expand her classroom resources to include high-quality art prints and posters featuring a diverse range of artists from historically marginalized communities,” the release states. “She will also acquire new art supplies and educational materials that highlight both local and international artists.”
The student and teacher awards honor the memory of the late Barbara Gardner, of Hopkinsville, an artist and self-employed art teacher. Over a period of 45 years, she taught hundreds of students. She had been a member of the Hopkinsville Art Guild since 1977. Gardner died on March 14, 2021, at age 81.
Gardner’s son and daughter — Mark Gardner and Amy Berry — were present for a presentation ceremony and “expressed their appreciation for the continued legacy of their mother’s passion for the arts and education.”
