It’s summer in Ohio and although barrels are usually a bane for commuters, a colorful project in Mentor is sure to brighten everyone’s day.
A dozen rain barrels painted by local artists are now on display across Mentor as part of Water Barrel Wonders, a public art project launched by the Mentor Community Arts Commission with support from the City of Mentor, Wildwood Cultural Center, and the Ohio Arts Council.
The functional barrels, transformed into uniquely themed works of art, appear at locations throughout the city. Residents and visitors can view them while learning how rain barrels help conserve water and reduce runoff into Lake Erie.
A citywide scavenger hunt invites participants to find the barrels, scan the QR code at each site, and enter a random prize drawing. The free activity runs through September 9th.
Starting on August 26, all twelve custom barrels will be available for bidding on publicsurplus.com. Bidders will have 2 weeks to submit their bids, with the auction concluding on September 9th. Bidding instructions appear on signage next to each barrel and on the Mentor Community Arts Commission Facebook page. Proceeds will fund future community arts programs and public park improvements.
The Mentor Community Arts Commission is a volunteer advisory body to the City of Mentor and Wildwood Cultural Center. For over 40 years, they have backed projects to bring accessible art into everyday public spaces in their community.
For more information, visit Facebook: @MentorCommunityArtsCommission.
To bid on the barrels, visit www.publicsurplus.com/sms/mentor,oh/list/current?orgid=49344