Rain Barrel Art Contest

Presented by: Toyota Motor Manufacturing Company

It’s time to vote for the winners of our Rain Barrel Art Contest presented by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Company!

We had submissions from ten talented artists here in Central Kentucky. Below you will find a gallery displaying their amazing works with the titles listed below, as well as artist bio’s and interpretations of their works.

Cast your vote here!

2025 Rain Barrel Art Contest Submissions!

“Iris” by Uma Jewels

Inspired by Iris, the Greek Goddess of the Rainbow, this rain barrel celebrates beauty, color, and the promise of renewal. Lexington drag artist Uma Jewels brings Iris to life through vibrant design, transforming a functional barrel into a piece of art that captures both myth and nature’s brilliance.

“Kaleidoscope Currents” by Clara Graham-Reid

In “Kaleidoscope Currents,” the smearing of patterns echoes the impact of human choices on the natural world. As our choices shift the color and form of nature, conservation offers us the chance to sustain instead of destroy.

Artist Bio:

Clara Graham-Reid currently spends her time with her two small children in Lexington Kentucky. She loves getting to watch them discover the magic of the world around them with eyes untouched by the cynicism of age. In other chapters of her life, Clara has been a History Teacher and Public Librarian.

“Kentucky Fireflies” by Concinnity by Erica

Rolling Kentucky hills cradle native wildflowers—purple coneflowers, golden rod, and black-eyed Susans, blooming beneath a glowing sunset that slowly spins into a star-drenched night. Fireflies flicker to life under the fading light, their gentle glow a bittersweet reminder of nature’s magic, and its fragility.

Concinnity by Erica is a Kentucky creative studio, founded in 2015, specializing in hand-lettered design, illustration, and whimsical watercolor art. Drawing inspiration from nature and the cosmos, Erica’s signature works often feature moody skies, dreamy sunsets, and celestial themes. Her watercolor illustrations are thoughtfully paired with hand-lettered quotes, blending words and imagery. These pieces are available as framed paintings, art prints, bookmarks, stickers, and hand-painted holiday ornaments. Visit her Etsy shop at

https://concinnitybyerica.etsy.com or email concinnitybyerica@gmail.com to discuss commissions and wholesale.
“Kentucky Wildflowers” by Alex Pace
Alex Pace is an artist and art educator based in Stanton, KY. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a teaching certification from Morehead State University and currently teaches elementary art. Alex works with a wide variety of  art mediums with nature as the main focus of her work. Alex is currently developing a series of linoleum cut prints dedicated to exploring native Kentucky plants.
This design showcases several of Kentucky’s native wildflowers to celebrate the beautiful and unique flowers from our state that may often go unnoticed. Featured plants are Goldenrod, Purple Coneflowers, Eastern Shooting Stars, Eastern Bluestar’s, Indian Paintbrush, Butterfly Milkweed, Lyre-leaved Sage, and Rough Blazing Star.

“Life is Beetle-full!” by Kendra Applebaum

Kendra Applebaum is a 17yr old artist who has been all of her life. Her father who was also an artist fueled her passion and after his passing his memory lives through her art. She plans on obtaining a degree in entomology and hope to find ways to continue her creativity.

This piece is a way to show off some of KY’s native insects. The Tiger Beetle, Pink Lady Beetle, Stag Beetle, Firefly and Eastern Hercules are a few of the Beetles that help color and blossom Kentucky’s garden’s and forests.

“Out Of This World” by Robert Penque

Fascinated by the human capacity to co-create our reality through imagination and intention. Robs art is a reflection of this process, where he brings his inner visions to life on canvas. His hope is to remind others that they, too, have the power to shape their own reality.

The barrel’s cosmic theme symbolizes the infinite possibilities and mysteries of the universe, while also nodding to the idea of “lost knowledge” – ancient wisdom that resonates with modern-day curiosity. This piece is not just a functional rain barrel but a work of art that inspires contemplation and connection to the vast expanse of the universe.

“Protect our Natives” by Anya Hartman

Anya Hartman is a 23 year old Thai Kentucky artist. A recent graduate form Centre College, Anya uses expressionistic styles to depict vibrant and unique depictions of the natural environment, using saturated colors to emphasize the incredible beauty of the world around us. She had profound love for native ecosystems and environmentalism, believing that every individual should try to do what they can to improve the local communities. Anya also frequently draws art inspired by her favorite video games, musicians and fantasy writers.

This rain barrel depicts a wide variety of native plants and the animals that rely on them. Each plant is labeled as well with the goal of helping people recognize them in the wild. Planting even one of these plants can help your local ecosystem more than you can imagine!

“Signs of Life” by Finch Harris

Born and raised in central Kentucky, and now studying environmental science in northern Ohio, I’ve developed a deep love for and fascination with the natural world. My work centers around intricacy, the human-nature relationship, and the feeling of home.

This piece highlights the often overlooked pioneer species that appear in yards, fields, and roadside ditches. The three species depicted (Pokeweed, Hairy White Oldfield Aster, and Giant Goldenrod) are Kentucky natives, and provide crucial resources for birds and pollinators, even in areas which haven’t been actively managed for environmental restoration.

“Quite Literally, a Rain Barrel” by Lauren Barker

 

Lauren Barker is a native of Lexington, KY. She holds a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Kentucky and serves full time as a pediatric physical therapist. Another of her passions, however, is working as an artist with a primary emphasis in charcoal as a medium. She is known for her realistic drawings of Kentucky-inspired themes, beloved family pets, and recreating snapshots of special events.
 “Raindrops fall outside, raindrops are gathered within. In Quite Literally, a Rain Barrel, form and function mirror one another—reminding us that sometimes art is exactly what it says it is.”

“That’s a good jar!” by Risa Yost

Risa Yost, environmental educator and life-long artist.

“That’s a good jar!”

Risa dedicates this piece to her mother, a woman who always saw the full potential in an empty jar, a steward of love, land, health, and happiness. May the rain it catches provide a bounty for your jars!