Artist Overview

As an artist involved in this project, you will paint a bourbon barrel in an original design. Your design will include cutouts or holes for light (provided by a solar lighting component) to shine out. Your fee will be $500, which does include material costs up to $100. All the completed barrels will be showcased at the October 3 Unveiling Party. After the party, the barrels will be placed on NKY streets in the entertainment districts, such as MainStrasse and Madison Ave. in Covington and Monmouth St. and Newport on the Levee in Newport. They will serve as both public art and wayfinding and will connect our region, much like Cincinnati's pigs and Lexington's horses.

Artist Overview

As an artist involved in this project, you will paint a bourbon barrel in an original design. Your design will include cutouts or holes for light (provided by a solar lighting component) to shine out. Your fee will be $500, which does include material costs up to $100. All the completed barrels will be showcased at the October 3 Unveiling Party. After the party, the barrels will be placed on NKY streets in the entertainment districts, such as MainStrasse and Madison Ave. in Covington and Monmouth St. and Newport on the Levee in Newport. They will serve as both public art and wayfinding and will connect our region, much like Cincinnati's pigs and Lexington's horses.

Timeline for artists

Important dates:

ASAP: submit your email to receive future communications about this project (use button above)

June 27 at 7:00: Artist info session 1 at Wooden Cask Brewing in Newport

June 30 at 4:00: Artist info session 2 at Wooden Cask Brewing in Newport

July 12: Artist applications due

July 15: Artists selected and matched with sponsors

July 16: Artists emailed about matches and first payments submitted

July 19 and 20: Pick up days for unpainted barrels (details to come)

Aug. 2: Deadline for design approval by sponsors

Sept. 7: Barrels completed and delivered to Levee

Oct. 3: Unveiling party 

Barrel pick up and delivery

Barrel pick up:

The artists will be asked to pick up their unpainted barrel from a designated location. The barrels are approximately 36” high and 24” from side to side, so they should fit into a hatchback or even a trunk (if it is tied closed). If it is not possible for you to pick up your barrel, other arrangements will be made.

The first 50 unpainted barrels are being stored at a warehouse in Hebron. Additional shipments of barrels may be stored elsewhere. Successful artist applicants will be notified where to pick up their barrel. The pick up days will be on July 19 and 20. More details will be given, as they are determined.

Barrel delivery:

The artists will be asked to deliver their painted barrel on September 7 (times to be announced) to the old IMAX Theater at Newport on the Levee. This is where they will be sealed and the solar lighting will be installed. This location is also where the unveiling party will be.

The address for Newport on the Levee is 1 Levee Way, Newport, KY 41071. The door to the old theater faces the circle drive behind Brio Tuscan Grill. This is also where the valet parking stand is located. Brio’s address is 1 Levee Way #1140, Newport, KY. Photos of the location are included in the Artist Info Packet, downloadable using the link above.