203 E. PIKE STREET | THE STORY

Boyd’s Station Gallery | Cynthiana, Kentucky | Built 1898

The Boyd’s Station Gallery, with its storied history and vital role in the community, now serves as the home of the Boyd’s Station Artist Guild and Project 306.36, continuing its legacy as a hub for creativity and connection. Renovations on the historic 1898 building began in July 2019, preserving its charm and transforming it into a modern gallery space. The gallery officially opened in June 2021, marking a new chapter for this cherished landmark.

The Boyd’s Station Gallery was initially established out of necessity—Boyd’s Station required a small, modern office space equipped with technology and internet to support its growing programs. During the search for such a space in Cynthiana, the building on Pike Street became available. What began as a search for an office evolved into an opportunity to create a gallery space that far exceeded the original vision, reflecting Boyd’s Station’s ability to adapt and think creatively in its mission to serve the community.

The gallery’s inaugural exhibition featured work from the 2019 Mountain Workshops, a project documenting the stories and imagery of Cynthiana and Harrison County. This first exhibition set the tone for the gallery's mission of elevating local narratives while providing a platform for impactful storytelling and artistry. Since then, the gallery has hosted over 20 curated exhibitions and numerous community events, workshops, and artist talks, enriching the cultural landscape of Harrison County.

Over the past 126 years, the building has been home to a harness maker’s workshop, a jewelry store, and, most fondly, Myrtle’s Hat Shop, each contributing to its historical significance. Today, it stands as a vibrant cultural center, housing the Boyd’s Station Artist Guild. The guild brings together local and visiting artists to collaborate, exhibit, and engage with the community, curating exhibitions, hosting workshops, and fostering artistic growth.

This transformation and continued operation are made possible through the tireless dedication of volunteers who manage day-to-day activities and the generosity of donors who fund the gallery's programs and other Boyd’s Station projects. Together, they ensure that the Boyd’s Station Gallery remains a dynamic space where art, history, and community converge, honoring its heritage while inspiring a creative future for Harrison County.

Why the Boyd’s Station Gallery Was Established:

The Boyd’s Station Gallery represents the physical heart of the Boyd’s Station mission to cultivate creativity and community engagement in Harrison County, Kentucky. The gallery's opening stemmed from a vision to transform an underutilized historic space into a vibrant cultural hub that connects artists, storytellers, and the local community. This effort aligns with Boyd's Station's overarching goal: to foster creativity, preserve stories, and provide opportunities for artists and residents alike.

  • Preserving and Repurposing Local Heritage: The gallery building, constructed in 1898, is a piece of local history. Its restoration and transformation into a modern exhibition space honors its legacy while breathing new life into the downtown community.

  • Creating a Modern Office Space: The Boyd’s Station Gallery was initially established out of necessity—Boyd’s Station required a small, modern office space equipped with technology and internet not available in rural parts of the county to support its growing programs.

  • Creating Opportunities for Artists: By providing exhibition opportunities, the gallery serves as a platform for emerging and established artists. Boyd’s Station specifically focuses on supporting visual storytellers and photojournalists through programs like Project 306.36, the Boyd’s Station Artist Guild, and other initiatives.

  • Enriching the Community: The gallery's programming offers the community exposure to world-class art, photography, and storytelling. It also hosts events like artist talks and workshops, which provide educational and interactive experiences for residents of all ages.

  • Building a Creative Hub: The gallery acts as a meeting place for ideas, art, and collaboration, aligning with Boyd's Station's mission to create a space where creativity thrives and is accessible to all.

 How Boyd’s Station Brought the Vision to Life:

  • Renovating the Historic Space: Extensive renovations began in 2019, intending to preserve the building's historical charm while modernizing it for contemporary use. The work reflected Boyd’s Station’s commitment to community revitalization.

  • Leveraging the Mountain Workshops Project: The inaugural exhibition in 2021 featured work from the 2019 Mountain Workshops, which captured stories and images of Cynthiana and Harrison County. This project demonstrated how local stories could be elevated and celebrated through art.

  • Sustained Programming and Outreach: Since opening, the gallery has hosted over 20 curated exhibitions. It also serves as a venue for workshops, community meetings, and public talks, fostering a deeper connection between artists and the local population.

  • Community Support and Engagement: The gallery's success has been bolstered by the involvement of Boyd’s Station’s volunteers, artists, and community leaders. Their dedication ensures that the space continues to inspire creativity and storytelling.

By revitalizing this historic space, Boyd’s Station not only preserved an architectural treasure but also created a platform to support the arts and connect the stories of Harrison County to a broader audience.