Amped Up Artistry

Hi, I’m Pam Heavner.

 When I moved to Kentucky ten years ago, the Owensboro Sassafras tree was one of the first things in the area to catch my attention. The historical marker that was placed by the tree in the 1960’s says that it was 100 feet tall with a circumference of 16 feet.  After losing some height to age and growing a little in the middle (something that a lot of us can relate to) I have heard that it is now closer to 60 feet tall and 23 feet around the trunk.  It is estimated to be around 300 years old! Wow! Just imagine if that tree could talk!

A few years ago, when I signed up for the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art Bronze Buffalo Paint Out, the Old Sassafras was my choice for subject matter. There were people from several different states and countries that came to visit while I was there. I thoroughly enjoyed my time painting the enormous tree, and I recommend going over to Fredrica Street to experience it yourself!

 The art community of Owensboro has been so welcoming to me.  I am honored to be a part of it.  Currently, I am the Vice President of the Owensboro Art Guild and Chairperson of its Annual Plein Air Event. I love helping people come together and make connections through art. 

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My name is Jamie Sue Kniffen. I was born in Indianapolis, IN and grew up in Greenwood, IN. My parents moved the family to Owensboro, Kentucky in the 1970’s. After high school, I attended Western Kentucky University, where I graduated with a BA in Fine Art. After graduating college, I moved to Connecticut where my artistry unexpectedly fell into the floral industry. Now, after 30 years as a floral designer, I decided to trade my floral design tools and apron for paint brushes and canvases. During those 30 years I had moved back to Indianapolis and now I am residing in Kentucky again. Since rediscovering my love for painting, I have participated in juried art shows, art festivals and I am a member of the Owensboro Art Guild and past vice president. My art has been sold all across the country. 

My artistic focus is mainly acrylic painting, and my love of flowers and nature are the main subjects. But, I am always branching out to try something new and colorful! 

About the art:

The Owensboro Art Guild was planning a Bluegrass Music Art Exhibit and I needed to come up with an idea. I had never painted musical instruments before, but I knew that’s what I wanted to do. Since I mainly paint florals and landscapes, I chose to add a background of flowers and plants that are commonly found in Kentucky. Goldenrod, swamp milkweed, blue eyed grass, asters, black eyed susan, ferns and mayapple are just a few. All of these flowers are pollinators, so I had to add the butterflies! I titled this piece, “Bluegrass and Blooms”.

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Growing up in foster care, art became more than just something I loved to do. It became my outlet and a safe place for me during difficult times. Painting helped me cope with depression, anxiety, and emotions I didn’t always know how to put into words. It gave me peace and allowed me to turn pain, struggle, and life experiences into something meaningful.

A lot of my work is inspired by emotion, history, community, healing, and human connection. I love creating pieces that tell stories and make people feel something when they look at them. Through my art, I hope people can see strength, resilience, hope, and beauty, even in life’s hardest moments.

About the art:
This piece was inspired by the legacy of Josiah Henson and his connection to Owensboro’s history. Josiah Henson, who was born into slavery in the area, later became known for his courage, resilience, and fight for freedom. His story is deeply tied to the history of Owensboro and serves as a reminder of both the pain and strength carried through generations.

I wanted this painting to connect the past, present, and future of our community through themes of freedom, faith, family, and hope. The roots throughout the piece symbolize how history continues to shape us, while the glowing path and families represent growth, healing, and the future we continue building together. My goal was to create something that not only honors history, but also reflects the resilience and unity within our community today.

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My name is Adrienne Owens. I will be a senior at Owensboro Catholic High School this fall (2026). I have been doing art as a hobby since age 4 and started selling pieces at age 9 and have continued ever since. I have sold upwards of 60 pieces throughout those years. This piece of downtown Owensboro was actually sketched from observation from inside the parking garage and then finished later with colored pencil.  

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My name is Haley Burden. I’m born & raised in Owensboro, KY. I’m happily married, and a mother of two. 

I come from a long line of creatives. Creativity has been passed down through generations, not just through art, but through the way we build, create, and view the world around us.

I’ve never viewed art as something separate from everyday life. Art is how my mind works. Whether I’m painting, crafting, gardening, or collecting beauty from nature, creativity is the root of it all.

This artwork is one small expression of myself that I’m proud to share. The geometric figure of a man playing the banjo represents the heart of Owensboro’s bluegrass traditions. The iconic blue bridge stretches across his shoulders symbolizing strength and connection. The letters ‘OBKY’ in the bottom of his overalls pulls Owensboro into the fabric that bluegrass is woven from. This painting reflects the harmony between music, community, and heritage that defines us.

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