Our Story
Our Story
My name is Brenda Gardner, and art is my passion.
My story might be unusual, but it is true. About 45 years ago, I relocated to Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, to raise my daughter, whom I was raising alone. The people in this town became our family and a village. My mother was an artist, and I developed a love for art, which became evident when my daughter fell ill with an incurable disease. I discovered the therapeutic benefits of art during that challenging period.
Witnessing my daughter’s success as an accomplished woman, wife, and mother is remarkable. Despite facing challenges such as my remarriage when she was twelve and the tragic loss of my stepson and husband when he was only nine, immersing myself in the art provided me with solace and comfort.
As I lay in bed one night, a message prompted me to pursue my art degree in restoration and conservation. The urge was so strong that it felt like my body was acting independently, without any input from my mind. It was a strange but peaceful moment. Unable to ignore the feeling, I went straight to the guest room, wherein lays my computer. The urge persisted until 4 am, finally giving in to this message. I stumbled upon a school in Connecticut that was unbeknownst to me. Effortlessly, my fingers were typing away, and before I could stop myself, not only did I sign up for the classes, but I also bought a plane ticket to Hartford.
American Academy of Picture Framing and Restoration is where I fell in love with framing and the art of matching the perfect frame to enhance the piece of art, matting in colors that made the piece pop. Cleaning oil paintings, repairing them, and touching them up became such a gift for me.
I created Art Alley to showcase my talented artist friends’ amazing artwork. It’s a place where people can come and appreciate the beauty and creativity of their work. I’m proud to be able to provide space for their art and hope that others will be inspired by what they see. The gallery features a wide variety of unique and original pieces, and we prioritize diversity by prohibiting any duplication of work. We invite you to visit in person or view our 360-degree pictures to appreciate the collection truly.
At the Alley, we offer Sip and Paint Classes and Stained Glass Classes that are perfect for spending time with old friends and making new ones. Don’t hesitate to join us – we always welcome newcomers and guarantee you’ll leave as a friend. Remember, when it comes to art, it’s all about personal expression and doesn’t have to match your sofa.