The Pennyroyal Arts Council has presented the 2026 Barbara Gardner Art Awards to Christian County High School senior Bailey Bayne and her teacher, Paula Gieseke. Each received a $500 award in memory of Gardner, a self-employed Hopkinsville artist who taught hundreds of students over a period of 45 years.
Bayne, a member of the National Art Honor Society and the Hopkinsville Art Guild, recently celebrated her first formal art showcase at Brushy Fork Creek Gallery, the arts council noted in a press release.
“Her diverse portfolio features striking depth, color and storytelling,” the release states. “It includes an expressive canvas portrait of a woman in pink tones set against a deep forest background, a vivid 1970s-inspired vintage van portrait, a detailed local Kentucky Derby-themed equestrian racing scene and a classic still-life study of sunflowers in a rustic ceramic pitcher.”
Gieseke, who became an educator after 23 years in banking, teaches Advanced Placement courses in studio art and drawing — and she is known for her community engagement with a number of local public art installations, including a nature mural at Jeffers Bend and the “Welcome to Hopkinsville” mural downtown. She also teaches art therapy classes at Sanctuary Inc.
“We are incredibly proud to honor both Bailey and Paula this year,” Kelly Selfe, education coordinator for the arts council, said in the release. “Bailey’s technical talent and artistic voice are remarkable, and seeing her desire to become an art educator herself brings this award full circle. Having her mentor, Paula, recognized alongside her highlights the powerful impact that dedicated arts education has on our students and our community’s cultural future.”
The awards were presented Wednesday at the art council’s board meeting. Gardner’s son and daughter, Mark Gardner and Amy Berry, were present to represent the family.
