United Way of the Ohio Valley is collaborating with Bourbon With Heart for an event this September where local artists will use bourbon barrels as their canvas while also supporting area nonprofits. Organizers are asking looking artists to submit their works.
Bourbon With Heart is an arts-focused bourbon charity that raises money for the nonprofit community by hosting fundraisers where local art can be tied in with Kentucky’s bourbon history.
Owensboro’s event will be held at the Grand Stable Event Venue in Philpot. In addition to the exhibition, there will be a live speed-painting performance from local renowned artist Aaron Kizer.
This will be the second event of its kind in Kentucky, as Bourbon With Heart previously hosted a similar event in Louisville.
“This is a great opportunity to bring together the six counties where UWOV helps support local nonprofits by sharing artwork from artists from each county. This event will be diverse, like our communities, by sharing artwork from all walks of life and learning the artist’s story behind the painted barrel,” UWOV President and CEO Paula Yevincy said.
United Way is looking for artists who can paint a bourbon barrel with a local and/or Kentucky heritage theme. Artists will receive a barrel and a supply budget.
Prior to the event, United Way will be showcasing the artists. Guests will be able to vote on their favorite barrel at the event. The winning artist will be awarded a cash prize and a donation to the charity of their choice.
If an artist is not selected to paint a bourbon barrel, they will be able to paint lids, bottles, woodwork or other Kentucky history, heritage or bourbon-themed art that will be available to sell in the silent auction at the event.
Interested artists can apply to be in the exhibit and/or silent auction by emailing [email protected] and [email protected] by June 5. Upon request, UWOV staff will mail an artist application form. After submissions are collected, a panel will select artists whose barrels will be showcased in the unveiling. For more information, contact the UWOV office at 270-684-0668 or email the above contacts.
