According to a press release from the Pennyroyal Arts Council, the 2025 Barbara Gardner Art Awards will be presented to a senior at Christian County High School and a teacher at Sinking Fork Elementary School. Each was awarded a $500 cash prize.
“These two recipients exemplify artistic promise, dedication to diversity, and a deep commitment to the transformative power of the arts,” a press release states.
Hughes is a visual storyteller “with ambitions of creating her own original series of characters and narratives.” She stated that she will use the award to purchase art supplies and further her education.
Hughes won the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Kentucky’s 1st Congressional District earlier this month.
Winkler was chosen for “her exceptional commitment to inclusive art education.” According to the arts council, 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,” according to the announcement. “She will also acquire new art supplies and educational materials that highlight both local and international artists.”
The student and teacher awards honor the late Barbara Gardner of Hopkinsville, an artist and self-employed art teacher. Over the course of 45 years, she taught hundreds of students. She has been a member of the Hopkinsville Art Guild since 1977. Gardner died on March 14, 2021, at the age of 81.
Gardner’s son and daughter, Mark Gardner and Amy Berry, attended a presentation ceremony and “expressed their appreciation for the continued legacy of their mother’s passion for the arts and education.”
