Art exhibits are traditionally designed so that each individual piece of artwork has an opportunity to be viewed and appreciated by an audience. Thursday evening, the Oink for Owensboro Pigxhibit at the Owensboro Convention Center did just that for the eight fiberglass pigs that were handpainted and designed, all in the name of giving back. Each pig took center stage in its own right amongst a lavish curtain backdrop, spotlight and placard displaying the sponsoring business.
Prior to the evening’s presentation, the artists, business sponsors and nonprofit recipients were all treated to champagne, hors d’oeuvres and time to admire, photograph and appreciate their one-of-a-kind creations.
Daviess County High School teacher and Board President of the Owensboro Art Guild, Austin Casebolt, addressed the crowd as to the importance of art in the community.
“I feel like, since the beginning of time, art has always served as a reflection of what a community holds as valuable,” Casebolt said. “These pigs, although they are very whimsical and light-hearted in their nature, they really represent how special our nonprofit organizations are here in town. Our mission and focus from the beginning has just been to be able to do something to give back.”
Mayor Tom Watson and Director of Marketing for Kentucky Legend, Brooklyn Maple, then took to the stage to begin the presentation.
“As mayor, and some of our city commissioners, we realize just how important corporate citizens are to all of the things that we do in Owensboro,” said Watson. “We are very grateful to be a part of this and to have a partner like Kentucky Legend. I’m excited about our new pig, Miley. It seems like they’ve taken it to the next level with the artistic value and things that are going to make Owensboro different.”
Watson and Maple welcomed each business sponsor and local nonprofit recipient onto the stage to accept an engraved glass award on behalf of their partnership, as well as a $5,000 check made out to the nonprofit organization by the sponsoring business.
Chester the Farmer
Business: Kentucky Legend Artist: Austin Casebolt
Name inspiration: Kentucky Legend began as Field Packing Company over 100 years ago. The founder, Mr. Charles Field, had a horse named Chester.
Design Inspiration: The words Kentucky Legend remind consumers what Kentucky is all about, including farmers, meaning Chester fit right in.
Nonprofit recipient: St. Benedict’s Homeless Shelter
Glam Ham
Business: Old National Bank Artist: Austin Casebolt
Name inspiration: The Glam Ham was named after its all-mirrored design.
Design Inspiration: The mirrored pig design was inspired by the mirror ball trophy awarded at Boulware Mission’s “Dancing with our Stars” annual fundraiser.
Nonprofit recipient: Boulware Mission, Inc.
Miley
Business: Mayor Tom Watson Artist: Aaron Kizer
Name inspiration: Miley was named in reference to the future Mayor’s Mile.
Design Inspiration: Mayor Watson entrusted local artist Aaron Kizer with creating a “magnificent work of art.” The mayor’s coin is one of the many design elements displayed on Miley.
Nonprofit recipient: Daniel Pitino Shelter
John
Business: Don Moore Automotive Artist: Austin Casebolt
Name inspiration: John was named after Don Moore’s president, Mr. John Moore.
Design Inspiration: John’s design celebrates Don Moore Automotive’s 100 year anniversary. Woven into John’s design are renderings of old and new cars which represent the change that has occurred during Don Moore’s 100 years in business.
Nonprofit recipient: CASA of Ohio Valley, Inc. has been partnered with and received support from Don Moore for the past 18 years.
Mutton
Business: International Bar-B-Q Festival Artist: Austin Casebolt
Name inspiration: Mutton’s name serves as a reminder of what makes the International Bar-B-Q festival so unique — block-long cooking pits, burgoo pots and mutton cooking that sets it apart from other BBQ Festivals.
Design Inspiration: The festival logo is featured on Mutton along with renderings of traditional pit cooking teams and burgoo pots.
Nonprofit recipient: Owensboro Daviess County Veteran’s Group
Ozzy
Business: O.Z. Tyler Distillery Artist: Austin Casebolt
Name inspiration: Ozzy’s name is simply a fun reference to O.Z. Tyler Distillery.
Design Inspiration: Puzzle Pieces inspired Ozzy’s design which is made up of colorful puzzle pieces and sits on a base reminiscent of the staves O.Z. Tyler whiskey barrels are made from.
Nonprofit recipient: Puzzle Pieces, Inc.
Arty the Healing Pig
Business: Owensboro Health Regional Hospital Artist: Katie Lowing
Name inspiration: Arty’s name was inspired by a new program that brings art to the facility and bedside of Owensboro Health Regional Hospital.
Design Inspiration: Arty features a configuration of the logo for Owensboro Health’s Arts and Healing Program, which integrates arts into the healing process. The program has introduced several components into public and patient care areas such as music, dance and visual art.
Nonprofit recipient: Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market
This Little Piggy
Business: Owensboro Health Regional Hospital Artist: Katie Lowing
Name inspiration: The Little Piggy’s name was inspired by her sweet, farm girl personality.
Design Inspiration: This Little Piggy’s design was inspired by where she’ll be sitting — the Owensboro Regional Farmer’s Market.
Nonprofit recipient: Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market
Two pigs will be on display during the International Bar-B-Q Festival this weekend, while the others are on display in front of the Owensboro Convention Center in their “pigpen.” Monday morning, the pigs will be transported to their new locations listed on the map below.
