Rain on Main 2019 Barrels

2019 Barrels

See the barrels in person! The barrels will be displayed along Main Street in the Arts and Design District in Carmel from August 9-16th.
Vote for your favorite in the People's Choice Competition - "Like" your favorite on the Rain on Main Facebook before noon on August 16th.
Buy your favorite! Visit the Auction Page or text RAIN to 88793 to place a bid. The auction ends at 11am on Sat. August 16th. Learn more here.

Thank you to everyone who placed a bid!

Click on the photos to enlarge.

Barrel # 1 - Stability for the Journey (Bamboo Garden)
Carmel High School National Art Honor Society

Artist Background:
The Carmel High School National Art Honor Society is a group of talented artists who seek to improve their school and community through the visual arts. The artists meet weekly to collaborate and create projects that serve as outreach opportunities. Mrs. Jennifer Bubp, the art department chair and sponsor of NAHS, teaches painting and AP Art History at CHS. She enjoys working with the NAHS students because she wants them to learn to use their talents to give back to the community.
What was your inspiration for your barrel art?
The NAHS students decided that a bamboo forest theme would be a good choice for this year's rain barrel. Bamboo is historically symbolic for its strength, resilience, and tenacity. They wished to create a sense of serenity and natural beauty and wonder.
What was your favorite part of painting your barrel?
We love the positive energy it gives... like a zen garden, we hope people will feel relaxed and peaceful when encountering it!

Barrel # 2- Illusions
Emily Goodin and Emma Wood - Guerin Catholic High School

Artist Background:
Ever since I was little, I loved to paint. However, I really started finding my true passion for art in 7th grade. Since then, it has lead me to be more creative and expressive. And I definitely would not be in this spot without the unending love and support from my family and friends.
What was your inspiration for your barrel art?
The whole barrel has a very magical feel to it, and that's what I wanted the koi fish to feel like. I find sunsets to feel very mystical, so I took inspiration from them for the koi fish. As for the background, we wanted it to feel like water, without physically painting water. So I was inspired by the next best thing, watercolors. They can be very bold but at the same time, very calming, which was perfect for the painting.
What was your favorite part of painting your barrel?
My favorite part of painting the barrel was getting the chance to challenge myself. I have never done anything this large let alone with another person. It allowed me to grow as an artist and see how I could bring my talents to the table to better this barrel. It was an amazing experience that I am so honored to have participated in.

2nd Place - People's Choice

Barrel # 3 - One Small Step
Dennis Licht, Jonathan Howes, Jackson Howes

Artist Background:
All three of us are amateurs and have worked in oils and acrylics, mainly on a flat canvas or surface. We've all taken lessons at various times. We felt this would combine our individual talents and experiences to create a final work of art on a challenging background.
What was your inspiration for your barrel art?
This year celebrates the 50th Anniversary of one of man's greatest accomplishments, the Apollo 11 Moon Landing. Denny was working at the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston during the Apollo 11 flight. The excitement was incredible. We decided to incorporate some of the iconic images (not the alien!) and hardware depictions from that flight. We hope this barrel will remind everyone what a major achievement this was for ALL MANKIND.
What was your favorite part of painting your barrel?
Researching the photo archives and reliving the excitement of 50 years ago! The challenge of working on a non-flat surface to incorporate the images was fun. The method we had to use for layering and shading was a new learning experience.

Barrel # 4 -Let's take it to the Pond
Linda Gilmore - LJGilmore Designs

Artist Background:
I have enjoyed my journey into painting using watercolors, acrylics and oils. I began by taking lessons locally about 12 years ago and continue to work on a project most afternoons.
What was your inspiration for your barrel art?
I love watching for baby ducklings learn to swim in the spring as I walk the paths at the Monon Central Park.
What was your favorite part of painting your barrel?
My favorite part of painting the barrel is creating a story visually all around the barrel.

3rd Place- Art Competition

Barrel # 5 - Watering a Thought
Carolyn Martens - Carolyn Martens Art
Carolyn Martens Art on Facebook

Artist Background:
I have a BA in studio art from the University of North Carolina.. I worked for many years as a graphic designer/illustrator and communications manager in corporate advertising before switching back to painting. My work has been shown in many local galleries, museums, and in the Indiana State House for the Hoosier Women's Artist award in both 2016 and 2017. A few of my favorite projects include painting a 12-panel "World of Dewey" mural for Carmel High School's media center illustrating the Dewey Decimal System and painting sets for Carmel Middle School's musical productions.
What was your inspiration for your barrel art?
Out west where I grew up, my grandfather was a water rights attorney and would share stories about all of the intricate details of water conservation and ownership. He was also an artist himself and one of my first painting teachers! In his honor, I paint a barrel every summer for Rain on Main to advance water conservation education in Carmel.
"Watering a Thought" features a lady in a formal garden carefully watering and nourishing her curiosity and thirst for knowledge (represented by the flowers and butterflies on/above her hat.) She's drinking water in her teacup, looking out at a fountain and contemplating pools of water encased by intricate mazes. The mazes represent the complexity of water conservation and the need for planning to harness this resource for clean drinking water, storm water management, and creating beautiful gardens. The formal gardens were partially inspired by the garden walkways surrounding the Palladium.
What was your favorite part of painting your barrel?
It's easy to tell a story painting on a round surface. You can experience different parts of the story just by walking around it.

Barrel # 6 - Acceptance
Aimee Bruno
aimee-bruno.pixels.com

Artist Background:
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, I come from an artistic family. I won a Haney Medal in the ninth grade presented at the Metropolitan Museum of Art which started my artistic journey. I studied Fine Arts at Indiana University, spending most of my time split between the Henry Radford Hope School of Fine Arts and interning at both the Indiana University Art Museum's Administrative Offices and the Mathers Museum, Conservation Lab. I also worked part-timed at Echo Press, a fine arts printmaking workshop in Bloomington, IN.
Life experiences coupled with family obligations veered me into a world of Information Technology where I enjoy being a Program Manager by day. My passion for art has remained in my heart and after many years of struggling to make space to work, creating pieces here and there, I now have a home studio and I am able to spend some quality time nurturing my love for mixed media.
What was your inspiration for your barrel art?
The butterfly's existence epitomizes the ideal that beauty exists within us all and that transformation is necessary in life to see our full potential. Having gone through a major transformation, surviving breast cancer I know how important it is to nurture one's plight to be seen. I also have a child in the midst of an awakening of sorts and I am humbled by his strength and grace. When you spot a butterfly, you can't stop yourself from being mesmerized by its beauty. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors and the beauty is obvious. In our community there are many of our friends and family members that hide in fear of being seen. My barrel is for all of them. I see you, I support you and your beauty is obvious.
What was your favorite part of painting your barrel?
I loved spending time on each butterfly making each one unique. The colors inspired me as well as the message behind the barrel in general. The whole process was my favorite part.

Barrel # 7 - The Color of Water
Ashley Richardson

Artist Background:
I have been making artwork since I was in high school so about fifteen years. My most comfortable medium is photography but every so often I do dabble in painting and printing. I recently took a fiber class with my mom and enjoyed that as well! Love working with different mediums. It's fun to experiment and be creative.
What was your inspiration for your barrel art?
I've done water-themed barrels the last few years, and I enjoyed the thought of simplifying the image of water to a very simple form.
What was your favorite part of painting your barrel?
Using so many colors in different sheens and textures!

2nd Place- Art Competition

Barrel # 8 - Bubbles
Dawn Richardson

Artist Background:
Originally from Minnesota. I've lived in Indiana for 20 years. I've been experimenting with arts and crafts all my life. My daughter Ashley and I have participated in painting rain barrels for the last several years. We really enjoy this project. Using rain barrels for your home gardens is a great way to conserve water.
What was your inspiration for your barrel art?
My greatest inspiration is nature. I tend to paint and create water, trees, and abstract flowers.
What was your favorite part of painting your barrel?
I like the fact that my daughter Ashley and I can be creative. It's so much fun to see what she comes up with and we enjoyed the Carmel Farmers Market.

Barrel # 9 - Summer in the City
Simona Buna -CCA Gallery, Birdie Gallery
simonabuna.com

Artist Background:
I started to paint at 13 years old when I found one of my father's empty canvases. I am a self-taught artist born in Romania. Photography was my second love and I was pursuing it for 10 years as a professional photographer. Recently I found again my love for paintings and I started to follow some Russian artists for inspiration and technique.
What was your inspiration for your barrel art?
Driving through Carmel it's hard to miss the many bridges this city has. One of my friends mentions that it was a good subject to paint but I wanted to combine it with my love for flowers. You know summer is in full power when the Sunflowers bloom. I love their bright joy standing tall in the sun so I had to include them in my painting.
What was your favorite part of painting your barrel?
I loved the whole process but when I put there the last strokes and the feeling that its all complete is the best.

Barrel # 10 - Splish Splash
April Willy - April Willy Art
aprilwilly.art

Artist Background:
I have been a professional artist for over 35 years starting out as an illustrator and easing into fine art for the past 15.
My primary focus is modern impressionistic landscape painting, mostly in oils. I also accept commissions which lately has been the bulk of my work.
I have a studio in downtown Indianapolis at the Stutz Arts Center.
What was your inspiration for your barrel art?
Water is beautiful not only visually, but in how it is life giving and essential. I wanted to create an abstract image of splashing water as an overall pattern on the rain barrel.
What was your favorite part of painting your barrel?
I used a marbleizing technique that I sometimes incorporate into some of my abstract acrylic paintings. This is somewhat labor intensive, but it creates an interesting visual and is mindless fun!

Barrel # 11 - The Rocket Man - A tribute to Sir Elton John
Ya-el Halevi

Artist Background:
Simply put, I have always loved art! From drawing to sculpting to visual media, I enjoy the creative process. Above all, I never take myself too seriously. I have always stood by the philosophy that there is no "right or wrong in art" - it's a way of expressing yourself and there are many ways of doing so.
What was your inspiration for your barrel art?
This will be my third year participating in the Rain on Main event. It is truly an honor to be a part of this great cause and I hope to continue and support it by creating meaningful art. For my 2019 barrel, I choose to paint the image of Elton John. Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, is one of the most highly acclaimed and successful solo artists of all time.
Music tells stories, captures complex emotions and breeds diversity. Sir Elton John has been inspiring us with his music for many generations and I hope to bring this to life with my work.
"I know it's not much but it's the best I can do, My gift is my song and this one's for you"
- Your song. Elton John, 1970.
What was your favorite part of painting your barrel?
It was really nice to take the time off from my busy schedule and focus on painting. It also reminded me how much I enjoy it.

Barrel # 12 - Tranquil Garden
Christina Wells
Instagram: christinawells_art

Artist Background:
I am a local artist who works mostly in acrylic and watercolor. I love photography as well, but find the practice of painting soothing. I tend to create landscape and abstract pieces. Our family loves to explore the country and many of my paintings are inspired by places we have visited.
What was your inspiration for your barrel art?
The Kawachinagano Japanese Garden in Carmel was the inspiration for my rain barrel. Our family loves visiting this local park with its large pond, koi fish, Japanese structures, and beautiful landscaping.
What was your favorite part of painting your barrel?
My favorite part of painting the rain barrel was adding the small details that make the Kawachinagano Garden different from other parks. Building up the architectural features, creating the rock formations, and shaping the koi fish brought me so much joy. It was fun to watch this image change from a traditional landscape into a local treasure.

Barrel # 13 - Ol' Carmel
Joshua Wells - WickedKolor
wickedkolor.com

Artist Background:
It all began early on with a fascination of graffiti. Which led to the development of many styles and techniques. Focusing on the technique of spraying paint and a passion to create art, I began to custom paint and airbrush on motorcycles and vehicles. 20 years of completing so many amazing works of art, I have taken a passion and created it into a thriving business. Stand out. Get wicked.
What was your inspiration for your barrel art?
Good ol' Carmel, Indiana.
What was your favorite part of painting your barrel?
Letting loose and having some creative fun.

1st Place- Art Competition

Barrel # 14 - Wandering in June
Chelsea Primason

Artist Background:
I suppose I have always been an artist at heart. My mom inspired my creativity as a child and it grew from there. As an adult, I have found ways to nurture my creative side in everyday life. As an amateur artist, most of my experience creating art includes craft projects with my children, making our family Halloween costumes, designing bulletin boards at the elementary school, and small works and furniture in our home.
What was your inspiration for your barrel art?
The artwork for this barrel was inspired by the native plants around Carmel. My family enjoys spending time exploring the city and its many parks. I experimented with scale and bold outline to depict the vibrancy of the landscape.
What was your favorite part of painting your barrel?
Painting my rain barrel was a great creative outlet! I enjoyed working with the non-traditional surface and learned so much along the way. My favorite part about this project was listening to music and the sound of my children playing while I painted.

1st Place - People's Choice

Barrel # 15 - Splash
Valerie Bielski – Studio B

Artist Background:
Valerie is a local artist who has made a name for herself creating vibrant colorful acrylic paintings, incorporating rich textures and dimensions. Based out of her studio in the Carmel Arts and Design District, Valerie's art can be seen hanging in high rise apartments off College Ave downtown, local breweries and yoga studios.
What was your inspiration for your barrel art?
I wanted to keep true to my style and texture, the splash seemed whimsical and fitting for a barrel.
What was your favorite part of painting your barrel?
I enjoyed playing against the texture and shape of the barrel with color variations and tools. The barrel was painted with a pallet knife allowing for the contrast of sharp lines on a curved surface.

Barrel # 16 - Adopt Don't Shop
Dana Rae Roudebush - Sparkling Moon Studio
DanaRaeRoudebush.com

Artist Background:
I took art class from Floyd Hopper starting as a high schooler. Then attended John Herron Sch of Art. Later taught art at Depauw University. All while painting pet portraits & nature inspired art for commisions & exhibits. Adopt don't shop is my message to the world.
What was your inspiration for your barrel art?
I grew up in the country surrounded by nature. Since the age of 7 rescuing animals has been a life long mission. Making sure our pets live happy lives is rewarding in so many ways. Adopt don't shop encourages saving animals left homeless.
What was your favorite part of painting your barrel?
Deciding which silhouettes to use. Cats & dogs are very popular. There are so many other animals to adopt, bunnies, birds, reptiles, ferrets & many more.

Barrel # 17 - Gilded Flight
Jacquie Green -CCA Gallery

Artist Background:
I've always been interested in art. As a child, I'd scavenge materials of all kinds and cobble little creations together. As a teenager, I would spend hours making paper cut-outs with an X-Acto knife, creating intricate designs. On a fairly regular basis, our family would go to the Indianapolis Art Museum. I felt like it was a second home to me.
After I attended North Central High School and I.U.P.U.I., I wanted a more focused direction in art. This desire lead me to The Indianapolis Art Center. There, I discovered the art of metalsmithing. This satisfied my love of form & aesthetics combined with my natural desire to work in 3D art and to see the immediate results of my efforts.
As family and friends started buying my jewelry, it seemed time to find a venue to showcase my work. I joined CCA Gallery 6+ years ago and have enjoyed its co-op atmosphere. Come see my work on Main Street!
What was your inspiration for your barrel art?
When I was planning the barrel's design, I thought I'd go with some of my personal artistic loves. The dragonfly, water, flight and freedom were my inspirations. Dragonflies have always captured my attention and are part of my company's logo and name, Libelle Jewelry Studio. The word dragonfly translates to Libelle in the Dutch, German and French languages. The background design of the rain barrel pays homage to one of my favorite artists, Gustav Klimt. I also incorporated a bit of silver and gold foil to represent my love of metalsmithing.
What was your favorite part of painting your barrel?
I don't think there was one particular part that was better than any other. The whole process was enjoyable! Once I knew I had been selected as an artist to paint a barrel, I started sketching designs; I even made a small painting of what I envisioned. I will say my family is happy to have our dining room table back.

Barrel # 18 - My Indiana Home
Cindy Cradler - Indiana Artisians Gallery
cindycradler.com

Artist Background:
I have been painting in oil for the last 10 years. I focus primarily on still life arrangements composed of toys from my childhood. I enjoy creating these paintings as realistically as possible with the goal of bringing back a fond memory of childhood for my collectors.
What was your inspiration for your barrel art?
I wanted to venture away from my standard subject matter and have found myself drawn to the clouds over farmland while driving to and from work this spring. I grew up in a small town and have many family members who farmed (and are still farming) so I was inspired to create a soft landscape that reminds me of farms and fields.
What was your favorite part of painting your barrel?
Acrylic paint used on the barrels is a very different medium than oil paints that I am accustomed to. It was fun to challenge myself and see how this other medium would work for me.

Barrel # 19 - Joyful Profusion
Joy Tilson Cobb - CCA Gallery
Facebook: joyfulacrylicart

Artist Background:
Most of my formal training is in music, but I've always had a creative project or two going on; such as faux finish painting and wallpapering, watercolor classes, painting children's murals, etc. About two years ago, I discovered Acrylic Pouring and I fell in love with the way colors can combine in such beautiful and surprising ways. I'm always trying to find new ways to use this technique of moving the paint around the canvas! Last year I was lucky enough to be accepted into the CCA Gallery, and am thrilled to have made this my full-time happy obsession.
What was your inspiration for your barrel art?
I love to garden, and have noticed how after a rain, my flowers always seemed to magically perk up and to me, actually looked happy! When I started to look into the concept of rain barrels, I found out that science backed up my theory, with rain water providing nitrogen and other nutrients that tap water lacks. Also, tap water has chlorine and fluoride that rainwater does not.I tried to convey the glowing, joyful abundance of blossoms after they receive rainwater.
What was your favorite part of painting your barrel?
FINALLY figuring out how to use my technique, which relies on gravity, and air movement to produce the desired effects. No paintbrushes were harmed in the painting of this barrel! I had to lie the barrel down and pour small puddles of colors and either blow directly on them or with a straw, and let each little section dry before moving to the next. Once I stopped trying to make it conform to MY ideas, it seemed to create itself!

Barrel # 20 - Must be the Honey
Michael Hockman - MHTattoos LLC
michaelhockmanart.com

Artist Background:
I was lucky to have very strong artistic people in my life, early on. That continued through high school well into my university years, finishing with Graphic Design and Public Relations degrees. Creating art was put on the shelf during my military time (Afghanistan and Iraq) and contract work. However, charcoal and graphite continued to be an outlet/time spender during that time. After the government contracts ended, I ended up creating two average tattoos that landed me a job at Artistic Skin Designs in Indianapolis. Thus my tattoo career began. Currently I am an artist in the family of Carmel Tattoo Ink.
My love for gesture drawing, realism, oil painting, bomb disposal (military), Secret Service VIP support (military), and even the days of being an US Advisor to the Iraqi general of the Iraqi Bomb Disposal school, tattooing/creating artwork on people skin is humbling, fulfilling, and truly the most exciting job that I have ever had.
What was your inspiration for your barrel art?
I like watching the evolution of things, how life comes around from an innocent birth to a vicious game of survival. Living in the woods, I get to see some of the most amazing, colorful animals we live among. Ive spent hours watching their routines while I live in their world. I wanted to share some of that with those who come across the barrel.
What was your favorite part of painting your barrel?
The time spent unplugged from the world we live in. It was nice to focus on one thing for hours hearing only the critters of the night, and the weather as it passed. The quiet while the world was sleeping was the best part.