ABOUT THE GALA
The Hopkinsville History Foundation – in collaboration with the Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County and with support from Planters Bank – announces its third annual gala fundraiser, Palm Royale: The Museum’s Gant Gaither Gala, on Friday, September 18, 2026. This fundraising event supports the Museum and its mission to share the stories of our community through an inclusive dialogue about our history.
Inspired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Met Gala, this evening will begin with a grand promenade entrance and cocktail hour inside the Pennyroyal Area Museum followed by a special dinner and live music with the band Full Circle outside under the stars. The promenade and cocktail hour starts at 6:00pm with dinner and music at 7:00pm.
The event will also feature a special art installation inspired by items designed by Gant Gaither. The pieces that compose this unique “Create from the Collection” exhibition will be created by local artists and available for purchase at a silent auction during the event. More information about participating as an artist can be found below.
The theme for the evening is mid-century Palm Springs, California. Inspired by local artist Gant Gaither, this evening of mid-century glamor celebrates the life and work of one of Hopkinsville’s most creative souls. After graduating from Hopkinsville High School, this son of a local surgeon studied abroad, opened a theater in Miami, worked as a producer in Broadway and Hollywood, and became great friends with celebrities like Grace Kelly. He settled in the resort community of Palm Springs, California in the 1960s where he established himself as an artist. His whimsical designs featured animals of all kinds and were used as designs for textiles and home interior products. Guests are encouraged (but not required) to use the whimsical, 1960s resort theme as inspiration for their attire.
Tickets are $100 per person. Reserved tables with premier seating for 8 people are available for $1,000. Additional sponsorship opportunities are also available. All proceeds support the Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County.
Tickets on sale now!
Tickets are on sale at the Pennyroyal Area Museum or online through Zeffy. For more information, visit our website, follow us on Facebook, or contact us at (270) 887-4270.
We hope you will support the Museum as we celebrate the art, history, and culture of Christian County on this enchanted evening.
ABOUT THE ART AUCTION
Dear art community,
The Hopkinsville History Foundation is hosting its Museum Gala on Friday, September 18, 2026 to raise money for the Museums of Historic Hopkinsville, Christian County. This year’s gala theme is Palm Royale, celebrating famous Hopkinsville artist, broadway producer, and man of many talents: Gant Gaither.
Part of the program will be a silent art auction. The museum staff has selected seven of Gaither’s illustrated scarves – and one tile – that feature his beautiful artwork and whimsical “zoophisticates.” Use one or more of these artifacts as inspiration for a piece of artwork. The artwork AND artifacts will be on display at the museum the week leading up to the gala – and up for auction! The auction itself will take place during the evening of the gala. We can’t wait to see what you create!
Many thanks for your creativity and generosity,
Hopkinsville History Foundation
Guidelines:
– Please set a value for your artwork. This will be the starting price for bidding and the amount you receive
from its sale. Any amount raised above this will go to the Museum.
*If you would like to donate all proceeds, please specify on the form.
– Payment will be sent to you by mail.
– The museum will accept artwork September 8 through 12.
– Feel free to think as far inside or outside the box as you’d like!
– Submissions are subject to approval by the HHF. Registration forms will be available soon.
Fill out the artist registration form HERE.
