2024 Barrels
Barrel #1 - Aegean Odyssey
Artist: Carmel High School National Art Honor Society # of years participating in Rain on Main: 7 What was your inspiration for your barrel art? Carmel High School National Art Honor Society students voted on a Greek Amphora theme for this year's ROM. Students researched various designs from ancient Aegean pottery pieces as well as Greek motifs and symbols. What was your favorite part of painting your barrel? Researching the stories behind Greek amphora designs and Greek mythology was very entertaining for everyone! Choosing a color scheme and executing the design was a fun collaborative process. This barrel is sponsored by Support CCS |
Barrel #2 - Solar Eclipse
Artist: Guerin High School Audrey Papay, Addison Huff, Hailey Steffen, Kaelyn Hipsher # of years participating in Rain on Main: 7 What was your inspiration for your barrel art? Our inspiration was the solar eclipse that occurred this past year in our area. We wanted to put the phenomenon into our work because of how significant it was this year. What was your favorite part of painting your barrel? Our favorite part of painting the rain barrel was all coming over to one of our houses just about every week of June to paint while having fun doing so. This barrel is sponsored by Fancy Fortune Cookies |
Barrel #3 - Chicka Chicka Shroom Shroom
Artist: Janus Developmental Services, INC. Bill, Amanda S, Ethan, and Sam # of years participating in Rain on Main: 3 What was your inspiration for your barrel art? The Janus Garden has been bursting with blooms and beauty with the help of the Hamilton County Master Gardeners teaming up with our participants. We used our garden flowers as inspiration along with several insect species painted throughout the barrel. What was your favorite part of painting your barrel? My favorite part of painting the barrel was seeing it all come together. Several people had an input and ideas on the theme and creatures added to the barrel that were taken into account. I also loved seeing this group of people helping each other paint and pick colors to add, it was truly a group effort. This barrel is sponsored by Jessica Irvine |
Barrel #4 - Roman Garden with Stone Aqueduct
Artist: Carolyn Martens # of years participating in Rain on Main: 8 What was your inspiration for your barrel art? Thousands of years ago, ingenious Roman aqueduct engineers collected water from high ground, routed it over many miles using only downhill gravity, and collected the water in cisterns for civic gardens, baths, etc. On a small scale, this rain barrel reminds me of that process collecting rain water from a high rooftop and routing it down to the rain barrel using only gravity in order to water gardens etc. What was your favorite part of painting your barrel? Creating a mini aqueduct using the channel around the top of the barrel to mimic how the real ones work was fun. The rounded shape of the barrel also paired well with the two-tiers of rounded arches found in some of the ancient aqueducts. Loved painting the orange poppies and all of the little stones even though it took a lot of time. Find more of Carolyn's work at CarolynMartens3 on Instagram. This barrel is sponsored by Carmel Clay Public Library Foundation |
Barrel #5 - Golden Reflection
Artist: Valerie Bielski # of years participating in Rain on Main: 7 What was your inspiration for your barrel art? Traveling up through Minnesota we watched a bad storm roll in behind us and the reflection on Lake Superior was brewing with a wall of grays and blues from the approaching storm and gold from the sun behind us not yet consumed by the weather. I tried to capture the contrast as a reminder of the beauty in opposites What was your favorite part of painting your barrel? I love the challenge of a curved object while keeping true to my style of painting with a pallet knife. I love that the barrel presents itself as three very different paintings based on the angle it is viewed from. Find more of Valerie's work at valeriebielski.com. This barrel is sponsored by Bazbeaux Pizza |
Barrel #6 - ‘Shrooms Galore
Artist: Linda Gilmore # of years participating in Rain on Main: 9 What was your inspiration for your barrel art? I often hike in the woods and see all kinds of mushrooms. What was your favorite part of painting your barrel? Highlighting the many colorful varieties of mushrooms found in the woods. This barrel is sponsored by Indiana Women's Running Festival |
Barrel #7 - Capturing Midtown
Artist: Walt Thacker # of years participating in Rain on Main: 4 What was your inspiration for your barrel art? A popular place for people to gather. What was your favorite part of painting your barrel? The people. Find more of Walt's work at Walt Thacker Artwork on Facebook. This barrel is sponsored by All Things Carmel |
Barrel #8 - Limoncello
Artist: Ranj Puthran # of years participating in Rain on Main: 3 What was your inspiration for your barrel art? We were on spring break this year in Florida. We dined at an Italian restaurant on south beach called Limoncello. The atmosphere was festive, the food great, the staff excellent. The staff and the patrons were jovial and singing Italian songs. All the employees wore the same shirts, a floral short sleeve shirt. The shirts were black with lemons on them. I was inspired to replicate those lemons on my barrel. What was your favorite part of painting your barrel? I spent a lot of time painting the lemons and adding texture. Instead of black, I painted a purple background. Purple and yellow go together well. I hope everyone enjoys my barrel. Find more of Ranj's work at art_by_Ranj on Instagram. This barrel is sponsored by Ranj Puthran Allstate Insurance Agency |
Barrel #9 - Water
Artist: Katherine Garnes # of years participating in Rain on Main: 2 What was your inspiration for your barrel art? Water was may inspiration. It collects in rain barrels as well as lakes and ponds. I wanted to depict the pond from both above and below the water. I also included some of the plants and animals that live in and rely on the clean water for survival. What was your favorite part of painting your barrel? I was intrigued by painting both underwater and above water. Creating an image of this concept was what I enjoyed most. This barrel is sponsored by Discover White River |
Barrel #10 - Potential
Artist: Carolyn Willard # of years participating in Rain on Main: 3 What was your inspiration for your barrel art? Water in a rain barrel has so much potential: for growth (think agriculture and eight glasses a day) or destruction (think floods, erosion, waves), Even just sitting passively in a container, water bends, flips, reflects and breaks light into rainbows (as a visual artist this is attribute is so cool!). Water is a genie in the rain barrel. What was your favorite part of painting your barrel? My favorite part about painting this barrel was selecting and depicting the optical illusions of water in a container (so many Easter Egg moments!) and discovering glow paint for the Genie to appear. Miracles appear when we are in the dark. And, as always, the itsy bitsy spider. Find more of Carolyn's work at www.indycreeksidearts.blogspot.com. This barrel is sponsored by Carmel Symphony Orchestra |
Barrel #11 - La Carreta
Artist: Holly Nelsen # of years participating in Rain on Main: 3 What was your inspiration for your barrel art? After visiting Costa Rica in April with my family, I was inspired by the traditional art of painting and decorating oxcarts that started in the early twentieth century. These designs are a quintessential part of Costa Rica’s history and is considered a national symbol. What was your favorite part of painting your barrel? My favorite part of painting my barrel was watching it come together in the end, seeing the colors work together so well. This barrel is sponsored by Brown Hound Studios & MEG & Associates |
Barrel #12 - Breath in Bloom
Artist: Kim Dax # of years participating in Rain on Main: 3 What was your inspiration for your barrel art? I started with the center flower and created breathing lines leading up to and through the flower. I love the feeling and look of a combination of culminating lines. The repetition and process can be quite a therapeutic process. I am always inspired by nature and the beautiful organic shapes and forms of the flowers. What was your favorite part of painting your barrel? The process of creating. Starting with an idea and watching it come to life. This barrel is sponsored by Indiana Artisan |
Barrel #13 - Cow-abunga
Artist: Ya-elle Halevi # of years participating in Rain on Main: 6 What was your inspiration for your barrel art? I had a blast painting this water barrel with a cow! It’s not just a rainwater collector—it’s a fun piece of art that celebrates our farming roots and love for water conservation. Farmers in Indiana are getting creative with managing runoff to keep our water clean, and here in Carmel, we’re all about water conservation, too. With cool initiatives like stormwater management and a Household Hazardous Waste facility, our local government is dedicated to protecting our water sources. This project blends environmental responsibility with artistic fun, showing how Carmel engages the community in enjoyable and meaningful ways to promote water conservation. What was your favorite part of painting your barrel? My favorite part of painting the barrel was seeing the positive reactions of my family, friends, and neighbors! Seeing how a simple project could bring joy and spark conversations about water conservation was fun. Their smiles and positive feedback made the whole experience extra special. This barrel is sponsored by Bub's Burgers and Ice Cream |
Barrel #14 - Gaggle Garden
Artist: Jody & Claire Bruns # of years participating in Rain on Main: 1 What was your inspiration for your barrel art? We are amused by the 1980's "Porch Goose" making a resurgence. A porch goose is a statue of a goose that sits on the front porch and is dressed in seasonal attire. We thought it would be fun to highlight these summer themed geese on our rain barrel. We like their whimsical look sitting within a realistic background. The irony of a porch goose needing to fish with a pole or needing floaties enhances their charm. What was your favorite part of painting your barrel? Our favorite part of painting the barrel was coming up with the costumes for the geese and making them come to life. Find nore of Jody's work at JodyBrunsPrintmaking.com. This barrel is sponsored by Papa Fattoush Restaurant |
Barrel #16 - Joy & Chaos
Artist: Chelsea Primason # of years participating in Rain on Main: 6 What was your inspiration for your barrel art? This season of life is both busy and beautiful. It’s filled with hectic schedules and hurried meals, lots of laughter and so much love. This barrel design is inspired by the fullness of each day and the struggle to keep it all running smoothly. What was your favorite part of painting your barrel? I continue to enjoy spending time listening to music and letting the shape of the barrel guide my brush. It’s fun to talk through some of my thoughts and ideas with my kids - they’re always honest! This barrel is sponsored by Carmel Education Foundation |
Barrel #17 - Circle of Spores
Artist: Talia Ariens # of years participating in Rain on Main: 1 What was your inspiration for your barrel art? My inspiration for my barrel was stained glass, nature, and the fusion of organic and linear shapes and patterns. I love exploring repeating patterns in nature and finding links between them and manmade architecture. What was your favorite part of painting your barrel? My favorite part of creating my barrel was the design process and watching my idea come to fruition. This barrel is sponsored by Vivante at Hotel Carmichael |
Barrel #18 - Rabbits in the Rain
Artist: Shelby Hobbs # of years participating in Rain on Main: 1 What was your inspiration for your barrel art? I love rabbits and bright colors. The rain aspect of a rain barrel was my inspiration. What was your favorite part of painting your barrel? I liked painting the texture on both of the rabbits and seeing them come to life! This barrel is sponsored by Calico Counseling |
Barrel #19 - Wild Poppies
Artist: Lynn Thompson # of years participating in Rain on Main: 1 What was your inspiration for your barrel art? The shape of the barrel reminded me of the big planters scattered along the cobblestone walks of the Italian villas in Tuscany. What was your favorite part of painting your barrel? My favorite part of painting the barrel was having the freedom to create without limits and also the fact that it will raise money for a worthy cause. Find more of Lynn's work at www.Paintingsbylynn.com. This barrel is sponsored by Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. |
Barrel #20 - The Mirror
Artist: Aimee Bruno # of years participating in Rain on Main: 8 What was your inspiration for your barrel art? I was inspired by the Cubism art style, think Picasso. I love all things abstract and this style allowed me to have fun with colors and shapes in a whimsical way. Sometimes we take things to seriously and I wanted to paint something fun. What was your favorite part of painting your barrel? I enjoyed every part of working on the barrel. I knew it would be challenging due to the size and shape but maneuvering through all the nooks and crannies was fun. Find more of Aimee's work at aimee-bruno.pixels.com. This barrel is sponsored by Club Canine |