The late Barbara Gardner was a self-employed artist and art teacher that taught hundreds of students in the Hopkinsville area during her career that spanned over 45 years. Barbara grew up in Covington, Kentucky and at a young age, her parents realized that drawing was her primary interest. She attended an art school for children and her interest in art continued throughout her lifetime. For decades, hundreds of novices and experts alike looked to her for instruction, direction, and inspiration. Gardner was a prominent member of the Hopkinsville Art Guild and contributor to the area’s artistic community. She passed in 2021 and her work continues to impact the community. The Pennyroyal Arts Council (PACI) applied proceeds from Barbara Gardner's Art Sale in August 2022 to create the scholarship fund.

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