A few weeks ago, we shared a story about plans for Palm Royale: The Gant Gaither Gala on Friday, Sept. 18, at the Pennyroyal Area Museum. Presented by the Hopkinsville History Foundation in collaboration with the Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County, the gala will celebrate the creative works of Hopkinsville native Gant Gaither, an artist and theater producer.
Now there’s more to share. One of the highlights of the gala will be a “Create from the Collection” silent auction featuring pieces from local artists who find inspiration in Gaither’s Zoophisticates creations. Many of these whimsical animal designs complement silk scarves and housewares.
Although Gaither died 22 years ago — at age 86 in Palm Springs, California — there remains a dedicated following of buyers who find his large collection of scarves on secondhand markets such as eBay.
I’ve been one of the collectors for several years, and I’m amazed at how often I discover Gant Gaither scarf patterns that I didn’t know existed.
The museum has selected seven of Gaither’s Zoophisticates scarves and one tile to serve as inspiration for the “Create from the Collection” silent auction. Local artists are invited to make art for the gala based on these inspiration pieces.
The artists will set a value for their work, and that will be the starting price for bidding at the silent auction on the night of the gala. Artists will receive that amount as compensation. Anything raised above the starting bid will go to the museum’s gala fundraising efforts.
You’ll find more information here. The museum will accept artwork Sept. 8 through 12.
And this story has more information about the gala and how to purchase tickets.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
