The arts took a historic new twist in Kentucky this week. A virtual outdoor art gallery was established around the Hickman County Courthouse square which will be in place for the next 30 days. The Courthouse sits in the town of Clinton, Kentucky. This art venture marks the introduction of a new platform in Kentucky for displaying art into the day to day lives of private citizens and the normal community flow of public and retail business routines. 

Sixty eight photos in fifteen retail, financial, and professional services’ store windows have turned downtown Clinton Kentucky into a 21^st Century virtual art gallery. Each store window has the 2009 Ice Storm Poster displayed with several photographs submitted by local photographers. This approach to inviting people to walk the downtown sidewalks adds a new dimension involving public viewing of local artists’ works and promoting the downtown business community.

Arts Around the Square is a program sponsored by the Hickman County Arts Council as part of its 5^th year celebration. Seventeen photographers participated in “The Great Ice Storm of 2009 Photo Contest and Exhibition sponsored by the Hickman County Arts Council. The photographs circle a show by local photographer Tina Harper presently on display in the Courthouse. Harper’s black and white series, “Errands and Icons” depicts recognizable faces from around Hickman County.

Jill Whitesell was awarded first place for her “Trees #1. Whitesell’s composition of a barren tree set against the sky brought praise from the two professional photographers judging the competition. Whitesell’s composition was praised for its clean lines and elegant presentation.

John Pyron, son of Tom and Cherry Pyron, is a former Hickman County resident, who happened to be visiting his parents when the storm struck. His photo, “Untitled” of his old tree house covered in ice brought him a second place in the competition. The judges were taken with the textures of his old wooden playhouse and the icicles hanging from it. Dionne Keene and Rachel Hardy tied for third place. Dionne’s photo, “Untitled” of a fallen power pole impressed the judges for its depiction of the storm’s fury. Rachel Hardy, the twelve year old daughter of Steve and Debra Hardy, showed artistic maturity in her photo a backyard windmill seen through ice encased branches.

The Arts Council chose to feature photos of the ice storm because it is one of the most memorable events in the history of the county. Seeing the photos in the heat of summer and fall reminds residents that as bad as the storm was, it passed.

Stores and businesses in the downtown area that volunteered window space for the display are: Perkins Drugs, Etc., Gilbert’s Barber Shop, First Financial Services, Hair Graphics, A Shear Blend, Byassee Drugs, Violet Femmes, the Historical and Genealogical Society, Clinton Hardware Store, Creative Printing, Angels and More, First Community Bank, Farm Bureau, Clinton Bank, Jackson Purchase A.C.A. and the Kountry Café. 

Entrants in the competition are: Sheri Roberts, Lisa Rushing, Deborah Morris, Dionne Keene, Rachel Hardy, Pauline Thomas, Danny Whitlock, Jill Whitesell, Bill Bone, Karen Hargrove, Cherry Pyron, John Pyron, Mia K. Wilson, Kay Allison, Jeanne Barnt, DeAnna Luker and Peggy Aleshire.