Team Kentucky Digital Art Gallery

As a Kentucky artisan I strive to paint artworks that stimulate emotion and feelings. To create an artwork that makes the viewer feel something in their mind or heart is the key. I paint in every genre and subject matter, but the goal is always to create an artwork that nourishes a sense of remembrance of a time and place or represents their feelings about something they are passionate about. Paintings about nature, patriotism and sacrifice, contemplation about survival and overcoming, and my artworks about my Savior, Jesus Christ, are my favorite subjects to paint.

For me this painting, entitled American Farmers Feeding the World, is about the long struggle of every farmer. Their dedication and perseverance of being out in that field every day – alone. Their crops not only feed their families but families all around the world. This one also has a dual meaning for me. My Father was a decorated Green Beret veteran of the Vietnam War. When he retired, he realized his dream to own a farm in his Kentucky homeland. One day he pulled up next to me on his farm tractor and told me, “This is why I fought for our freedom – to plow these fields in my Kentucky Home.” This artwork brings to me the emotions I hope it will instill in others.

Many times, I pray my artworks assist someone in their struggle to overcome something in their life. That is why I do so many artworks about contemplation and prayer. Nothing thrills me more than when someone contacts me locally or from the other side of the world and tells me they NEED a particular artwork because it speaks to their heart, it comforts them, or it helps them heal and find peace. This is why I still paint!

I have lived in the Western Kentucky city of Owensboro all of my life, and we are blessed with many subjects to photograph. I enjoy the outdoors and the many opportunities we have here in our beautiful state and in other nearby areas. There are some beautiful sunrises and sunsets to see while on the water fishing or in the field hunting. I’m always looking for those opportunities. My enthusiasm for photography grew from saving those memories in the field and at family events and documenting projects in my professional career to where I am now. Photography was a big motivator when I went through successful treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2014-2015.

I eventually became a member of the Owensboro Photography Club and met others who enjoyed photography to a higher level. I enjoy the many friends in our own club, where I have served as president for several years, as well as those I’ve met from other clubs nearby.

This photo was taken in Ohio County on a cold winter day, shortly after a snowfall. My son was visiting from Raleigh, North Carolina, for the Christmas holidays. He had asked me to show him some of the areas where I had fished and rabbit-hunted over the years, and that’s how I happened upon this photo opportunity. We had an adventurous afternoon to say the least. We were on a dead-end rural road and the snow had melted and frozen to create a layer of ice on the road. While totally stopped on a slope, my truck slid into a ditch, and we were stuck. We managed to finally get out, and as I was leaving, I passed this barn. There were the two cats in full winter coat and looking quite fat and healthy looking at us. They were probably wondering what brought us out to their neighborhood on such a nasty day. The old barn looked as if it could fall over any day. By this time, it was starting to get dark, and the barn and the two cats had “survived another day.” It was a good day of sharing memories with my son while making new memories as well. I converted the photo to black and white and cropped it in post processing and that was it.

As a photographer I enjoy the challenge of capturing the best photograph I can with little to no editing. I photograph anything challenging, including nature, agricultural work in the field, barns, air shows, and most importantly, my grandchildren growing up and their sporting events. I love to visit the mountains for their beauty – areas such as the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Sloughs WMA, near Henderson, and Rough River and Nolin Lakes to name a few.

I’m happy to have been given this opportunity to share one of those photographs with others in the Team Kentucky Gallery for the second time now. I consider it an honor and privilege to participate in this show.

A teacher by trade, Melissa Burkhardt is an award-winning photographer who resides in Milton, Kentucky, and enjoys landscape, drone, macro, architectural, wildlife, weather, and astrophotography. She’s often described by the locals as “the lady who takes pictures.” Many of her photos have been used for local tourism, charity events, and nonprofit organizations. To share in her love and enjoyment of photography, she is known for donating her digital images to those within her community and abroad. As a teacher, her photo submission of the historic Baltimore schoolhouse in Milton, Kentucky, holds special meaning not only for her but for her community. Established in 1910 and located in the Ohio River Valley, it was a place that educated many generations of that time. It has been meticulously maintained over the years by the late World War II veteran Raymond “Doc” Boldery and his wife, Lucille. For years during autumn, they would graciously host a neighborhood gathering at the schoolhouse for food and fellowship and open the doors for any who wished to tour it. This photo is in memory of the Bolderys and encapsulates their generosity, stewardship, and historic preservation of the little schoolhouse that was not only a place of education but a place of community fellowship. Much of Melissa’s photography can be viewed on her Facebook page.

The subject here is Kassidy, our rough collie of ten years. She was a remarkable creature in every aspect. Kassidy always clung to me like a shadow but suddenly became my wife Tammy’s constant companion. Kassidy wouldn't allow her to exercise and would lay in the path of any such action. It wasn’t too long after this new behavior that Tammy was diagnosed with cancer. I had read that canines can sense illness. Tammy is a survivor, but ironically, we lost Kassidy to cancer a few years later. This watercolor piece is my way of honoring her and, in doing so, an attempt to capture her sweet spirit.

Byron Butler is a lifelong resident of Kentucky living in Louisville and a self-taught photographer. His love for the outdoors and nature started when he was in Scouting. He is a long-time member of the Louisville Photographic Society and the Louisville Photo Forum. He has a passion for photographing nature and the outdoor world. He loves traveling and photographing the beauty that surrounds all of us. About three years ago, bluebirds nested in a box in his backyard and his love for photographing bluebirds came to life.

After a 36-year career in health care (Radiation Oncology), I have enjoyed retirement and having more time to spend with our grandchildren, plus travel, gardening, time at the lake, and especially, photography. I enjoy taking pictures of many different things, including landscapes, flowers, macro such as insects and flowers, astrophotography, snowflakes, bubbles, our grandchildren, sunrises, and sunsets. This photo was taken at our friend’s home in Keene, Kentucky. I was lucky enough to be there for this spectacular sunset show of vibrant colors and the sun beams that appeared above the clouds as the sun was going down.

I am a resident of Lexington and a member of the Central Kentucky Computer Society’s Amateur Photography Group. I’ve previously had a photo chosen and published in the Kentucky Monthly magazine and one in the Kentucky Living magazine. I am honored to have my Summer Sunset in Keene, Kentucky photo selected for this Team Kentucky Gallery exhibit.

A Louisville native, I was the first-born grandson of both my parents’ families. I developed strong relationships with all my grandparents and loved their family histories. Both of my grandmothers introduced me to their respective “picture boxes” and that is likely where my love for history and vintage photographs began. I have also always had a passion for automobiles, and it spills over into my work. I think the cars and trucks in my paintings help readily identify the era depicted. Earlier works focused solely on the vehicles, but now they have become additional characters within the composition.

I have admired the work of Edward Hopper for many years, particularly his depiction of color, light and shadow. I am drawn to images that depict a sense of humor, irony or sexuality that is at odds with the simple nostalgic memory of many people of the mid twentieth century. I sometimes think of that era as passive repressive. I find it a challenge balancing depiction of what exists in an image versus adding or eliminating from the composition to create a more humorous or contradictory message. I enjoy eliciting warm, nostalgic feelings from the viewer of my work, but I also want to include an element of surprise with a dose of maybe everything wasn’t so rosy. Many times, this is accomplished by developing a provocative title for the piece.

Hello! My name is Lydia Clay, and I am a longtime resident of Kentucky. I attended Morehead State University where I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Upon returning to my hometown of Taylorsville, I moved to my family’s farm. The farm is home to many animals that inspire my artworks. The black and white photograph shown depicts one of the beloved creatures that resides here. Among other animals, a large herd of cattle can often be seen scattering the pastures on a sunny day. This photograph was taken of a younger steer during our annual round up and sorting day. This piece aides in representing the way of life of many farmers across America. A way of life that brings families together and works to ensure the betterment of animal life and quality of food production. This piece of artwork serves as a way to preserve and cherish the spirit of the Kentucky farmer and the beautiful animals that dwell in our countryside.

“…wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and women, old men and children. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.” —Psalm 148: 10-13

Kelly Davenport is an award-winning photographer who is a stargazer and Milky Way chaser, and a lover of awe, wonder and whimsy.

She is a volunteer Dark Sky Advocate with DarkSky International. She uses her photography to raise awareness about light pollution and the importance of dark sky preservation, while also inspiring people to discover the beauty of Kentucky nights.

“Gazing at the stars has fascinated me since I was a little girl, and it still captivates me today,” Kelly said. “Serving as a Dark Sky Advocate is a great way to combine my passion for night photography while helping to share info on minimizing artificial light at night.”

The Louisville-based photographer created her composite image Star Trails and Hay Bales in Monterey, Kentucky. To create this image, Kelly captured dozens of long-exposure photos of stars moving across the sky as the Earth rotated. She then stacked the images in post-production, resulting in a final image where the individual stars appear as streaks.

“I enjoy shooting in Owen County because I can see so many more stars than in the city,” Kelly said. “However, I still notice a lot of skyglow coming from artificial lights in neighboring communities.”

The monochrome version of this image won accolades at the Kentucky State Fair, winning Best Monochrome in Show and a blue ribbon.

Kelly is currently spearheading efforts, alongside fellow advocates, to establish a DarkSky chapter in Kentucky.

She’s a past recipient of a Kentucky Foundation for Women Artist Enrichment Grant. Kelly used that grant to study night photography.

She is a member of the Louisville Photographic Society and a graduate of the University of Louisville.

As a news photojournalist, one of my assignments over the years has been to cover many natural disasters in the state of Kentucky: the tornadoes in Western Kentucky, the floods in Eastern Kentucky, and even the damage in the Central areas.

This photograph documents where straight-line winds wiped out neighborhoods in Powell County. Winds going more than 100 miles per hour destroyed many homes, trees, and especially lives. Then, not long after, the people of the commonwealth got back up and started helping their fellow neighbors. They chain-sawed giant trees, removed all the debris, and tried to rebuild themselves after such devastation.

Even though this photo only shows the aftermath of natural disaster, for me, it speaks volumes of a higher truth to the strength and testament of the human spirit. What do we do in the face of Danger and how do we overcome it? Do we just let it destroy us? Or do we show love and compassion for our fellow human and turn our lives around amidst the chaos?

Governor Andy Beshear has said many times that the people of Kentucky are “resilient”. It seems that no matter what danger heads their way, Kentuckians are able to come together, heal one another, grow stronger, and move toward a brighter future.

I’ve witnessed a lot of crises in this state. Not just with weather, but with political strife, all forms of civil rights, increased violence and murder, the drug epidemic, the pandemic, and even people’s own internal conflicts. And yet, despite all of these worse-case scenarios, even when the pain is unbearable and there seems to be no hope, it’s always the best of humanity that rises up to help each other persevere. That is Team Kentucky.

Laury Gardiner lives in Versailles, Kentucky, where she has resided for 33 years.

She has been interested in art since childhood and was highly influenced by her late father’s artistic ability. Joe Byrne painted in acrylic and, later in his life, was an amateur photographer. Laury finds sentimental value in interpreting Joe’s photography into watercolor paintings. She fell in love with watercolor through her mother-in-law, Cheri Gardiner, who has painted in the medium for over 20 years. Laury has been a professional watercolorist for ten years.

Laury finds inspiration in iconic architecture. Her travels around the world have given her fascinating material to paint. Her passion has become painting local architectural structures such as The Kentucky Castle, The Old Courthouse in Lexington, Kentucky, and Wallace Station in Midway, Kentucky. There is a rich history of many historical structures in the Bluegrass. Laury tells the visual story of them in her work.

Realism is Laury’s preferred style. Composition, value and color play a big role in her painting to create an emotional connection with the painting.

Laury sells her watercolor art in The Kentucky Castle, My Darling & Co (Versailles), and Midway Marker’s Market (Midway). She participates annually in the juried festival Woodland Art Fair and the Midway Fall Festival.

Each year Laury participates in ongoing art education and workshops from many world renowned master artists such as Alvaro Castagnet (Spain), Thomas Schaller (New York), Joseph Zbukvic (Australia) and Amit Kapoor (India). In September 2025, Laury will be traveling to six countries along the Danube on a river cruise to paint with and study under six master watercolorists.

Her work can be viewed and purchased on her website: laurygardinerwatercolorart.com.

I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Transplant Games of America in Birmingham, Alabama, with the Second Chance at Life Team Kentucky as a family spectator and photographer. The Transplant Games, which occur every two years, provide an opportunity for athletes from all across America who are organ recipients, living organ donors, or a donor family member to compete in a variety of sports. I captured the celebration of Team Kentucky’s co-ed basketball team as they were awarded the bronze medal. The inspiring members of this basketball team were all kidney, heart, or liver recipients.

My name is Sandra Halter, and I recently retired as an Adult Protective Services social worker with the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Over the years, my photography has transitioned from taking snapshots to using the camera as a creative tool. My primary focus is nature photography. Kentucky has a wealth of natural beauty. It can be found everywhere, even outside your front door. Wildflowers are frequently seen around Kentucky. Western Kentucky has several wildflower farms. Farmers plant acres of wildflowers. They are excellent for the environment and for pollinators. They are also a source of enjoyment. Wildflowers in Kentucky was taken at a wildflower farm near Mayfield/Benton, Kentucky. The bicycle is a permanent fixture on the farm. It is a perfect medium to display the beauty of the flowers. The goal of my work is to capture on paper the wonderous variety and beauty of nature for the enjoyment of all who view it. Kentucky wildflowers are definitely a wonderous source of natural beauty.

Kimberly Hamilton is an Eastern Kentucky native and graduate of both Eastern Kentucky University and University of the Cumberlands, where she obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art education, as well as a Ph.D. in educational leadership. Since completing her Art Education degree in 2009, Kimberly has established her career as an art educator in Richmond, Kentucky. Now teaching at Madison Central High School, Kimberly spends a great deal of time sharing her love of art with her students, creating art for herself and others, and spending as much time outside with her husband and their three dogs as possible.

“As an artist based in Richmond, Kentucky, my passion for photography has led me to pursue a multidisciplinary approach in my works. With a meticulous eye for detail and a deep understanding of composition, lighting, and storytelling, I use photography to capture and convey profound emotions and experiences. As an art teacher, I am constantly inspired by my students and their unique perspectives, which in turn feeds into my own creative process. My work reflects my personal journey and the world around me, inviting viewers to pause and reflect on the beauty and complexity of life captured through the lens. This photograph encapsulates my love for my Eastern Kentucky roots, and especially my wonderful grandparents, Rev. Sill and Sallie Lee.

“This photograph captures the true essence of the simple, yet beautiful life and love that my grandparents shared. Married for 61 years and a pastor for over 50, my grandparents spent their lives together serving their church and their small Eastern Kentucky community. When moving in with my grandparents at the age of 13, I was surrounded by their unconditional love and support, which in turn has shaped the person I am today. This photograph was captured in the summer of 2018 in our family garden – after working a long day, my grandmother called me to request that I come home (an hour and a half away) to help pick and string beans. With some reluctance, I obliged – and I am so glad I did. I took this photograph as we were heading back inside, just as the sun was setting. Little did I know that this would be the last garden my grandfather would be able to tend and that our lives would be forever changed in just a few short years. My hope is that when you view this piece, you take some time to reflect on the small moments in your life that have made such a great impact. I also hope that you are blessed with a love like my grandparents shared.”

Barbara Harris, an award-winning hobbyist photographer, is a resident of Louisville and has had a lifelong interest in photography as an art form. Her preference is eclectic subject matter that often reflects nature’s beauty. At times her goal is to stir an emotional response, which might inspire the viewer to action.

Barbara’s work has been on display at the Team Kentucky Gallery, the Discovery Park of America, the Yeiser Art Gallery and elsewhere. She is a member of the Louisville Photographic Society and the Photo Forum of Louisville. Additional examples of her photography can be found at barbaraharris.smugmug.com.

Her current photo, Drying Tobacco, was taken during Shelby County Farm Days. Tobacco farming has become rare in Kentucky, and spotting tobacco drying from the barn rafters was an exciting find.

I’m a lifelong resident of Kentucky and a current employee of the Transportation Cabinet. It was while working at the cabinet that I met my friend, Melanie Peeters, and her Rottweiler, Cash. He was a show dog at the time, and while we were preparing to leave for a show, I caught him looking out the window at her while she was at the car. Hence the title, Waiting for Mommy.

I’m drawn to subjects that move me. I love subjects that look like they’re sitting on a story, waiting to be told. I enjoy spending my time trying to improve my skills so that I can give my subjects their due. I’ve been drawing since I was a child and while I still occasionally work in graphite, for the last several years, I’ve been working in colored pencil because I enjoy everything about the process. I’m also passionate about travel, and this has led me to embrace travel journaling and urban sketching. It is an honor to be selected for this viewing of the Team Kentucky Gallery.

Bluegrass Fiddler is an original oil painting on 30-by-40-inch stretched canvas. This painting was completed in December 2024. Oil paint on canvas is a preferred medium of mine. It is a traditional method of art rendering that goes all the way back to the Renaissance.

Bluegrass Fiddler has subject matter that is near to my heart. I have always been a fan of Bluegrass music and am a lifelong Kentuckian, proud of my Southeast Kentucky heritage. The Appalachian region is rich in culture and history, with many amazing artists and art forms, Bluegrass music being one of them. It is a genre of music that is uniquely Kentucky and was created by Kentuckian Bill Monroe.

Being an artist and a proud Bluegrass State citizen has inspired me to create the majority of my work based on Appalachian culture. As an artist, I don’t have to look far to find great subject matter; it’s all around us. I’ve drawn and painted the incredible beauty of the Kentucky landscape, coal mining and miners, still life, Kentucky’s people, and now the Bluegrass Fiddler.

When my friend’s sweet daughter expressed that she hoped to have her senior portraits taken in a field of white flowers, I was determined to find the perfect location. The week before, I drove nearly every Central Kentucky backroad, hoping to find such a place. Disappointingly, I struck out and we had to pivot to plan B: meet at a mutual friend’s farm in Jessamine County and use whatever landscape was available. But when I arrived on the day of the shoot, there it was! A field of white wildflowers, drenched in the golden hour magic. As we finished our session and I was loading up my gear, a tractor crested the hill, mowing the field away for the season. This image represents a magical, momentary place that we were gifted and that I was lucky enough to capture. It’s an image that fills my heart with gratitude. For a beautiful state to call home. For the way photography connects me to friends, old and new. And for those rare moments when wonder eclipses the heaviness of life.

Nestled in Eastern Kentucky, Clay County hosts a dozen traditional swinging bridges. I went deep into the Appalachian Mountains to photograph them.

As a Kentucky resident, I love our state’s surprising diversity of natural and historic sites. You don’t need to go far to find adventure. My travel blog, The Flying Mantis, is filled with photos of wonderful places throughout the commonwealth.

John Hultgren is a fine art and conservation photographer, author, and photography instructor from Louisville, Kentucky. He uses photography to advocate for conservation outcomes, protecting nature and improving the natural environment. As an independent artist, he sells photographic art prints at regional juried art shows, online, and through stock photography agencies. See more of John’s work at hultgren.org.

All that separates them is the water. In this captivating moment, a snapping turtle's gaze meets the steely eyes of a perched goose – neither flinch. The tension in the air is palpable. Are these two creatures engaged in a silent standoff? Is it a territorial dispute, a test for a potential meal, or just a curious encounter between two very different worlds? If only I could have asked.

When I came across this scene, I felt quite concerned, as I wasn’t looking for a National Geographic moment of action. Thankfully, even after what felt like hours, neither animal provoked the other, and the situation ended with the goose moving away while the turtle returned to its underwater lair.

Work on this painting of the old Johnson Mill in Scott County began in the mid-1970s in Lexington, when I was in my twenties and motherhood and a parallel music career had not yet booted oil painting down the list of priorities. At that time the background of the painting had been virtually completed and the foreground sketched in. In this almost-finished state, it hung in its frame in my various homes for nearly fifty years.

Like so many others, I found myself during the COVID-19 pandemic turning to other creative outlets when nearly all musical performance work in New York City ceased. Anticipating retirement from singing, I had begun studying at the School for Visual Arts in Manhattan to refresh my art skills, and after the onset of the pandemic was able to use their online classes to study portraiture, my favorite painting activity. Retirement and a return to my beloved home state became a reality in late 2022 when my husband and I moved to Covington. I immersed myself in the thriving arts community there and began painting with oils again.

When the call for artwork for this show was issued, the painting came down from its spot over the mantel and long-deferred work on it was completed. It was painful to learn that the Johnson Mill was destroyed at some point during those intervening decades. I am glad that I captured this scene when I did; I’m glad I finally finished it; and I’m happy that after fifty years, the painting has found its moment and will be shared with my fellow Kentuckians.

Dave’s active lifelong interest in art began as a young boy, starting art classes under Aileen McCarthy (a student of Duveneck) at age 10. He continued training at the Cincinnati Art Museum, Northern Kentucky University, many artist workshops, and most recently, Thomas Moore College (Associate of Arts ’96). Dave painted as a hobby for many years but, after a career as a mechanical engineer, committed to the achievement as a professional artist. He joined the Cincinnati Art Club in 1985 and was judged to signature status in 1988. He served in various Club leadership roles, including president, through the 1990s and early 2000s. Dave was granted Honorary Signature membership in 2013. His work is primarily landscape but often includes figures as secondary elements.

Dave’s work is represented at Argosy Gallery in Bar Harbor, Maine. Examples of his work can also be viewed on his website at klockeandart.com.

The Cherry Pickers is painted in oil on wood panel and uses many layers of transparent glazes and pallet knife work. Although most of my work is representational and realistic, I sometimes paint playful and whimsical works that come from my imagination. Such whimsy brings me joy and reminds me to have fun. This painting was inspired after watching Grackles at my bird feeders. Like crows, they struck me as intelligent, clownish, and mischievous.

“We make fine bourbon at a profit if we can, at a loss if we must, but always fine bourbon.” —Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle

My name is Jake Logsdon. I was born in Louisville and now live 30 minutes from Mammoth Cave. I’ve never known a home that wasn’t in Kentucky. For 28 years this has been it. God willing, this is where I intend to be when I take my last breath. People might look at our home and not see much, but I like to think those people are simply the ones who haven’t had the chance to experience it for themselves yet. Being a Kentucky native comes with certain stories and privileges. If you were like me, you most likely grew up on a little something I call the “Bluegrass Trinity” – bourbon, basketball, and horse racing. When you think “Kentucky,” you think of the sharp burn in your throat left behind by dark, gold whiskey, a roaring crowd in Rupp Arena draped in Wildcat blue, the thundering of horse hooves on dirt tracks beneath the twin spires at Churchill Downs. It’s the first piece of this trinity that I decided to focus on when I submitted my contender for the Team Kentucky Gallery – a piece I simply call, The Rickhouse.

Of the quality things Kentucky puts out, few compare to Kentucky Bourbon. Perfectly crafted using ingredients and methods honed through centuries of dedication, Bourbon is more than just a drink; It’s the lifeblood of the commonwealth. Names like James Beam, Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle, E.H. Taylor, and Elijah Craig carry a level of significance in Kentucky that’s normally reserved for presidents or royalty. To understand the history of it is to understand the history of the state itself, even if the origins are still debated today. Bourbon is Kentucky, and Kentucky is bourbon. It’s not written down as law, but it’s close enough.

Bourbon is made at the intersection of art and science. It must meet very specific requirements to even bear the name, and we Kentuckians take that as seriously as Scripture. What you see here is one of the last stages of bourbon crafting. Having been created from the exacting 51% corn mash bill and distilled no higher than 160 proof, the bourbon is placed in its signature charred white oak barrel and rolled into a rickhouse, just like this one from the famous Buffalo Trace distillery, three miles from the Capitol building steps, and is left to sit no less than seven years. For those lucky few who have had the opportunity to see one of these in person, they know that it’s more than just an experience for the eyes. You see, as the liquid inside ages, bourbon vapors are released and hang in the room. It’s a little something known locally as the “angel’s share.” Breathe a certain way, and you won’t just be able to smell it. You can taste it.

Uniquely bourbon. Uniquely Kentucky. Worth every camera click.

This series is inspired by the stunning Victorian-era homes built between the 1870s and early 1900s, located in Old Louisville, as well as the historic cast iron façades on Main Street in downtown Louisville.

As a native Floridian who relocated to Louisville, I was captivated by the city’s unique architecture. Although architectural subjects were not my typical focus, these homes compelled me to create. I photographed these buildings from a worm’s-eye view using a fisheye lens, which transformed the architecture into fluid, curvilinear forms. This perspective introduced a sense of movement and rhythm that resonated with me. To enhance the dreamlike quality of these structures, I placed them under a moonlit sky, infusing the scenes with an element of fantasy.

The media for this series combines oil pastel, ink, and watercolor, blending techniques to reflect the intricate beauty and character of these buildings. Louisville, Kentucky, is home to the largest collection of Victorian homes in the United States, the third largest historically preserved district, and the most extensive cast iron façade collection outside of New York’s Soho district. Featured locations include 1440 St. James Court, 402 Belgravia Court, 1510 S. 3rd Street, and 620 W. Main Street.

Alison Davis Lyne is a freelance illustrator. She lives and works out of her husband’s small farm in south central Kentucky. Her husband is sculptor Frank Lyne. Alison has created spot illustrations, magazine covers, children’s books, greeting cards, and traditional portraits, and also paints for the fine art market. She has illustrated over a dozen published children’s book titles and has painted fourteen portraits for the Kentucky Commission on Women’s “Kentucky Women Remembered” exhibit, on permanent display in the Kentucky State Capitol.

About this painting, Blue Heron: Frank took the source photograph of the Great Blue Heron shaking off his feathers in our middle pond early one morning. When I saw the morning light shining through the vegetation that surrounds the pond in the photo, I just knew I had to paint this scene. The grassy hummocks you see in the background are formed by pathways down to the pond’s edge made by cattle coming down to get water. The resulting hummocks grow very tall grasses that fall over and give each one a distinctive look. I couldn’t resist using a bit of artistic license to emphasize the blue of the cool morning light in the shadowed bank.

Living on our small south central Kentucky farm in Logan County has provided me with a ton of sources of inspiration for paintings of Kentucky landscapes. Frank’s wonderful photos of birds and other wildlife are a constant source of ideas both for my illustrations and for many of his sculptures.

You can see more about our work at lyneart.com.

The Henry Clay Ginkgo tree is located in Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville. It gets its name from the cemetery lore that Henry Clay was given ginkgo seeds by the Japanese Emperor, and that Clay, in turn, gave seeds to Cave Hill. While the origin story of the 19th century tree is in doubt, its beauty is not. I am a contributor to and follower of the Cave Hill Photographers Facebook page and can say with confidence that it is one of the most photographed trees in the cemetery. Every fall, members begin the “ginkgo watch,” posting its progress toward the glorious canopy of golden yellow leaves. This particular photo was selected for the 2023 Cave Hill calendar and is always a favorite in my portfolio.

I am a native of Kentucky but spent my working years in Chicago and Minneapolis. After retirement, I returned home with my husband to Louisville to be with family and friends. I began seriously photographing after joining the Louisville Photographic Society five years ago. My photographic interests are broad but my love of hiking in our National Parks pulls me toward landscapes. And I love to pull out the camera during the Louisville Cardinals and MLB baseball seasons (Twins fan!), even if only a small lens is all I can get by the entrance. Through the wonder of Zoom, I've taken many online workshops to expand my knowledge of techniques and subject matter over the past year, and I will continue to do so in 2025. I am intrigued by abstract photo techniques and have begun using them on some of my favorite subjects.

My selection for this gallery was a surprise and an honor. Very happy to be here!

Robert Morris is a Kentucky-based photographer. With a variety of photographic interests, from landscapes to architecture, documentary and human-interest photography to the whimsical, he has a passion for making photographs that tell a story, often with humor, ambiguity and depth.

A lifelong hobbyist photographer, Morris believes you should enjoy the road and embrace each journey and make each one amazing. Above all, take photographs of your adventures, from your backyard to the ends of your imagination.

Veronica Rainwater lives at the Pinnacles in Berea, Kentucky, with her husband and three furry/scaly children and is a lifelong Kentuckian. She’s been inspired by nature all of her life and was supported early on by her grandfather, who bought her every sketchbook she owned as a child. She credits him as the force that fueled and developed her artistry. She usually sketches and paints with a variety of media, but recently she’s been experimenting with photography. True to her childlike curiosity, Veronica chose The Giants at Bernheim as her most recent subject. The photograph displayed in the Team Kentucky Gallery is one of a pair taken of two separate giants.

I painted Wonder Whip Neon during the annual Bronze Buffalo Plein Air Paint Out in Owensboro last fall and received an Award of Merit for the painting. I work in oils and because rain was forecast for the remaining two days, I did three paintings the first day, this being the third, at dusk, after grabbing a burger for dinner. I think this painting resonates with people because most of us growing up in the 1960s and 70s, fondly remember the neighborhood Tastee Freeze or Dairy Barn, where we hung out eating burgers, cheese coneys, malts, floats, and soft serve, parading our cars and hanging out with friends. My goal with plein air in Kentucky is to capture these disappearing places that used to be the heartbeat of America before they are gone forever. 

I believe art is co-created with the divine. On a warm summer evening in August 2024, I received an intuitive nudge to drive to the Ohio River’s edge with my camera. I caught glimpses of the shifting sky through the trees as I traveled toward the setting sun, affirming the purpose of my pursuit, but it was not until I had a clear view of the river that I fully understood the call. An alchemy of awe, wonder, and childlike joy flowed through me as I stepped onto the dock and became immersed in one of the most breathtaking sunsets I have ever witnessed. It is a privilege to share one shutter snap of that wondrous experience with you in the Team Kentucky Gallery.

The Latin phrase Nunc Dimittis translates as “now let depart.” It is a canticle sung in the episcopal choral Evensong service at day’s end. My life’s path traveled from my Louisville, Kentucky, birthplace to Washington, DC, for nearly a decade during which I attended the Evensong service regularly at the National Cathedral. The service provided me with a sense of peace and fulfillment at the end of many days, as does a beautiful setting sun.

Persistently pursuing light through photography is a self-directed practice I began a couple of years ago. I look forward to future opportunities to share the photographic outcomes of intuitive nudges toward destinations throughout our inspiringly beautiful commonwealth.

Marcheta Sparrow is a Kentucky watercolorist who has devoted herself to art since her retirement from a fulfilling career in the tourism industry. Her work has been seen in various showings, including several Governor’s Derby exhibits and a special tribute to Kentucky’s military veterans.

Description of Painting
Just about everywhere you look at any time of year in Kentucky, there is a beautiful scene just waiting to be painted. Feed Barn in Winter evokes memories of cold, snowy days on my grandfather’s farm. No matter how bad the weather, caring for the livestock was just as important as caring for ourselves, and the feed barn was where the day was started. These sturdy refuges can still be seen all along our country roads and are a resilient testimony to Kentucky’s rich farm heritage.

Paintings by Sarah Cobb Spradlin capture the imagination as the viewer escapes into joyful environments that are a hybrid of reality and fertile imagination. Each painting is a lively scene that celebrates the everyday.

Spradlin’s original works have been described as “joyful but quirky, and certainly attention-getting”.

An active and producing artist, and a juried member of the Kentucky Crafted program, Spradlin has created a large body of work since her retirement from teaching art.

“We were recently enchanted by a planting of evening primrose in our garden. Friends joined us as the flowers went from tightly furled buds to full blooms in a few minutes. We were surprised when hummingbird moths visited. Our rescue dog was just as fascinated, and our summer evenings became special events in our Kentucky back yard.”

My painting of the 1978 State Police cruiser is a tribute to a bygone era of grit, nostalgia, and rural Americana. Growing up in Kentucky, I’ve always been drawn to the scenes of Appalachian life – the winding backroads, the hollers and the ridges, and the vehicles that became icons of their time.

I've tried to capture more than just a car; I've tried to tell a story of duty and resilience, a snapshot of the everyday heroism found in the quiet corners of our state. The muddy road can symbolize the challenges faced, while the cruiser’s steady presence could represent reliability and strength.

Through my use of markers, acrylics, and colored pencils on watercolor paper, I aimed to blend rich textures and vivid details that evoke the raw beauty of Kentucky’s rural charm. This painting is a celebration of my roots and a nod to the history and culture that shaped me as an artist.

A step back in time when life was at a slower pace. The colors of Fall are adorning the trees. As you look around, life seems to slow down. Everything is ready for winter to appear.

This painting was done by Robbin Lee Weingartner from an 8-by-10 photo taken by Jane Jacobs. It is a photo of Lenore Schumacher in the winner’s circle at the Bourbon County Fair. Lenore’s husband, Glenn, is attaching the blue ribbon to the bridle for the victory pass. This fair takes place in Paris, Kentucky. This is from the Roadhorse Undersaddle Class. County fairs have been a part of a Kentucky tradition for more than 150 years. Lenore and Glenn participated at horse shows at many of these fairs for more than 40 years. The horse featured in this painting is a standardbred trotter named Fox Valley Saga, a crowd favorite on the Central Kentucky Circuit. The photo taken by Mrs. Jacobs reminded the Schumachers of Norman Rockwell paintings, so they contracted Mr. Weingartner to reproduce the photo in a painting.

Submitted for inclusion in the Team Kentucky Gallery by Lenore Schumacher.

My first visit to this beautiful cemetery was last spring, and I was swept up by the activity – there were tours, runners, families picnicking, couples walking, children playing. But what really struck me was the beautiful design of this arboretum. First and foremost, it is a quiet, respectful final resting place, but it is also a garden of spring delights. It’s the garden aspect I had hoped to capture. Cave Hill Cemetery and Arboretum is truly a Louisville treasure.