#178: Original Art Rain Barrel Display

We've highlighted ways to go green in South Bend. We've also highlighted the many artistic galleries and exhibitions that South Bend has to offer. But never have the two come together quite like this. IUSB's Center for a Sustainable Future has sponsored a project where local art meets local environmentalism. Twelve rain barrels, used to harvest rainwater and store it for later use in the pursuit of sustainable conservation and eco-friendly self-sufficiency, have been painted and decorated by twelve local South Bend artists. The artists range from school-children to professional artisans, and each one is colorful, clever, and absolutely unique.

The barrels have been collecting rainwater (no short of it here!) around South Bend and were just recently moved to a display at the South Bend Museum of Art where they will remain until they are auctioned off on Friday, May 6th. I'd heard of the project before I saw the finished barrels, and, in the pursuit of honesty, my initial skepticism about the project (What exactly were rain barrels? Why are we painting on them?), was utterly unfounded. I was impressed with the creativity of the artists and even more so with the possibility, that the rain barrels demonstrate, for an art that showcases and encourages local activism.

Check out a slideshow of the rain barrels here.

Where: South Bend Museum of Art
Hours: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Friendly Reminder: Go now to view the barrels, but remember to return for the auction on May 6th at 7:00pm!