The Big Read in Hopkinsville is officially underway, as a new mural downtown was unveiled to the author of this year’s book “A Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude”.
Author Ross Gay was on hand for the unveiling, as the local students who painted the mural as a part of the Pennyroyal Arts Council Art Camp this summer showed off their artwork—a large painting in ode to the writings of Gay on the side of the Hopkinsville Brewing Company. Molly Campbell with the Arts Council says wet weather made things tricky on the campers, but they were able to get it done.
Local artist Jennifer Bowman helmed the project and design, saying the poem she was inspired by, along with the cover of the book, invoked feelings of positivity that she wanted to see reflected.
Gay was delighted with the mural, saying it’s humbling to see people moved by the same things he was moved by and create something of their own.
The festivities continued after the unveiling at the Alhambra Theater, where Gay read aloud from his book to an audience, and the first 100 people received free copies of the book.
Events are set all throughout the coming months in honor of the Big Read, from activities to themed parties to book clubs and more. More can be found out about what’s upcoming for the Big Read by going on Facebook to the Big Read Hopkinsville page or the Pennyroyal Arts Center.