OWENSBORO, Ky. — Kentuckians are proud of their Kentucky heritage. United Way of the Ohio Valley, a local non-profit that raises money for over 50 non-profits in their six-county region; Daviess, Hancock, Mclean, Ohio, Union, and Webster will be bringing the tasteful bourbon and rich art history of Kentucky together in a special fundraiser event called Barrels of Heart.
United Way’s mission is to unite communities to deliver solutions that improve the lives of individuals and families. This event will do just that by bringing artists together from all walks of life and four different counties to express their appreciation of Kentucky heritage through the stroke of a brush on a wooden barrel.
Ten local artists were selected through a committee to paint a bourbon barrel with a Kentucky or local community theme. The beautiful painted barrels will be unveiled at the event and guests will be the first to see the magnificent artwork on the barrels. Ten local sponsors of the artist’s barrels will be the proud owners of the barrels after the event. One of the local artists selected to paint a barrel was Terri Minton, of Ohio County.
Other event highlights will be local renowned artist, Aaron Kizer, painting not just one but two speed paintings portraits to be auctioned in a live auction. Another local artist favorite, Rex Robinson, will be adding to live auction a painted barrel. Other opportunities to purchase art and other community favorite items will be available in a silent auction.
For the bourbon enthusiasts or newcomers to bourbon, the first 70 that sign up when purchasing a ticket can attend one of two bourbon tastings that evening which is included in the $75 ticket price. Rare bourbon raffle tickets are currently on sale and will be on sale that evening and a drawing for five winners will occur at the event. A cash bar will also be available and heavy hors d’ oeuvres will be provided by McHenry’s catering. The community can come together at this event in one of the newest venues at 7735 KY 144 in Philpot, Kentucky, to celebrate art, bourbon and Kentucky heritage.
The celebration does not end the night of the event. The Barrels of Heart special event fundraiser also marks the annual campaign kick-off for United Way of the Ohio Valley. After the Sept. 14 event, the artist’s barrels will go on display at the Owensboro Convention Center for four weeks. The opening weekend of the barrel exhibit will be the same weekend as the local air show. The community will have the opportunity to view the beautiful barrel masterpieces and vote for their favorite barrel. The winner with the most votes will receive a $1,000 cash prize and a donation to a non-profit of their choice.
If the bourbon event is not enough for your taste buds do not forget to purchase a bourbon raffle ticket for $100 with a selection of many rare bourbons. Twenty-five bottles of bourbon will make up five different bourbon prize drawings. Event tickets and bourbon raffle tickets can be purchased at uwov.org/barrels-of-heart/.
Visit the UWOV website, Facebook and Instagram pages for more information about the event and interviews with the local barrel artists.
To view a PDF flyer of the event, click here.