Trio of local artists invited to participate in first-ever ‘Bowtied Together’ art exhibit

Corbin is known for many things. As the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken, the town has long been a popular destination for culinary enthusiasts and Colonel Sanders fans from all corners of the globe. As the home of many athletes who have gone on to achieve prominence in the college and professional ranks, it has also earned the nickname of “America’s Greatest Little Sports Town.”

Corbin has been garnering recognition in another area in recent years, though, with local artists achieving notoriety on a statewide, and even national level. Three names in particular that have been mainstays in the local art scene are Kellene Turner, Michael J. Hall and Bryan Hinkle, all of whom have been invited to display works of art at the Bowtied Together fundraiser event in Louisville, being presented by the Bourbon with Heart charity group.

“It’s fantastic,” said Turner, who is the acting president of the local Cumberland Arts Collective group. “There is a huge pool of talent in Corbin, so it is truly an honor to be alongside these artists as we help this charity and represent our community.”

In all, a total of 25 artists from Kentucky and Indiana were selected to have their works of art included in the Bowtied Together exhibit. Turner said the fact that three of those 25 artists are from the Corbin area speaks to the amount of artistic talent that is present here.

Hinkle said that he started getting serious about creating art six years ago, after his father passed away. “My wife got me started,” he explained. “And for 3-4 years now I have painted something just about every night. I have donated many of those paintings to various organizations across the nation. It has allowed me to travel, meet people, and have some great experiences.”

“It has been more of a therapy to me than anything,” Hinkle added. “It has allowed me to release a lot of emotion, and express myself in ways that I couldn’t have previously imagined.”

For Hinkle, this particular event has extra-special meaning, as a portion of the funds that are raised will go to help support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and Hinkle’s wife, Jessica, is herself a cancer survivor.

Hall said that art has been a big part of his life for as long as he can remember, going all the way back to his childhood. As for getting a chance to showcase his talents in Louisville at Bowtied Together, he said, “I have followed Bourbon with Heart on Instagram for a while now, and when they posted a call to artists for this event, I knew it was something that I wanted to be a part of, so I replied to it and was accepted.”

Hall also spoke more about the unique vision behind Bowtied Together, saying, “Each artist was provided two bowties, hand-carved out of bourbon barrel staves by U.S. military veterans from Cruise Custom Flags, as well as two 10×10 wooden panels. We were asked to create two separate pieces of artwork using a panel and bowtie for each.”

Since being accepted and receiving their assignment, all three Corbin-based artists have poured their hearts and souls into creating a total of six pieces of art, each with its own individual personality and special meaning. These pieces will be unveiled Thursday, April 6, at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, and will remain on display through the upcoming derby season.

In addition to having their works on display in this prestigious charity event, artists will also have the chance to win a cash prize and have a donation made on their behalf to a cause of their choice. In order for that to happen, they will need to receive the most votes from fans and supporters.

To learn more about Turner, Hinkle and Hall, their art, and how to cast your votes for them in the days ahead, visit Bourbon with Heart online at www.bourbonwithheart.org.