Wanted: Rain Barrel Artists

Last summer, art and conservation came together for Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District’s first-annual Rain Beat on Main Street event. This year, the district hopes to expand the program even more by adding kids’ activities, food trucks, and even more rain barrels.

That’s why the district is on the hunt for local artists to turn the standard, urn-shaped rain barrels into beautiful works of art. Last year, 10 artists answered the call to paint rain barrels. This year, the district hopes to expand the event to have 20 featured rain barrels to display.

“Last year’s Rain Beat on Main Street event was such a fun break from the craziness of the COVID situation, and we were so excited to have so much interest and involvement from local community members and businesses,” said Jane Houin, Ashland SWCD program administrator. “This year, we want to build upon last year’s success and continue to grow the event, so we’re looking at adding some special kids’ activities, hands-on experiences and even some food trucks.”

The rain barrels for the event are sponsored by local businesses, and then the SWCD staff connect those sponsored barrels with local artists. The barrels get primed, painted and sealed by the artists, then are displayed at the Rain beat on Main Street events in both Loudonville and Ashland. This year, rain barrels will be on display in Loudonville from August 2-9 and in Ashland from August 10-16.

While the rain barrels on on display, an online auction will be taking place where community members can bid on their favorite rain barrels. The proceeds from the auction are used for stormwater education events in the county. Last year, over $1,400 was raised, and those proceeds will be used to install a demonstration rain garden this spring at the Ashland County Fairgrounds.

“Last year, we had a beautiful variety of rain barrels that were created, from larger than life parrots in the rain forest and swimming koi fish to African sunsets to rolling farm fields, each of the rain barrels was a unique work of art and the response to them was phenomenal,” Houin said. “In face, Jen Wash’s sea-turtle-themed barrel sponsored by the Spreng-Smith Agency brought $500 in the online auction and was also selected as the People’s Choice award winner.”

Local artists who are interested in tackling painting a rain barrel can contact Becca Vales, Ashland SWCD urban and education specialist at 419-281-7645 or at bvales@ashlandcounty.org for more information and an application. Last year’s artists included local crafters, art teachers, and even students from local schools.

Ashland SWCD is also looking for local businesses to sponsor rain barrels as well. Sponsorship if $100, or interested businesses can also purchase an Ashland SWCD platinum-level affiliate membership for $250, which includes a rain barrel sponsorship. The district is also seeking sponsors to cover the cost the of primer and sealer for the barrels.