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GIANT of an Artist
By Steve Cornelius
Former local basketball great Billy Bob Hardy ’ s unique artwork is being seen in unique places all over the country .
At 6-foot and 8-inches tall , Billy Bob Hardy was first known for his immense prowess on the local basketball courts . But soon after he hoisted the greatest golden trophy trophy ever to be bestowed upon a local basketball program , Hardy converted his talent on the hardwood to a paint brush .
Early in his life , Hardy ’ s intimidating large size made him a natural on the basketball court . Hardy helped lead his Pulaski County High School basketball team to the 1986 KHSAA State Championship title .
Off the court , Hardy was mentored by Pulaski County High School art teachers Jerry Dixon , Larry Warren and sign company owner Jay Perkins . These three men helped Hardy hone his creative talents during his free time off the hardwood .
“ These three guys taught me everything I know about art ,” Hardy stated . “ I was always hanging out with them to learn new crafts or techniques .”
But even during the heyday of his illustrious basketball career , Hardy ’ s real passion was fixing up and racing cars on a local oval dirt track . One of Hardy ’ s first artwork jobs was lettering the race car of legendary dirt track promoter Harold Hargrove .
“ I was always at the race track , whether I was racing , or painting and lettering cars ,” Hardy stated . “ Me racing cars drove my basketball coach Dave Fraley crazy . He was always concerned I would crash and get hurt .”
Soon after his basketball career , Hardy landed a job at the State Highway
February 2023 SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky • 37