Rain Barrels, Local Art and a Splash of Community Spirit Return for Ashland SWCD’s 7th Annual Rain Beat on Main Street
It’s a great summer recipe: combine local artists, community-minded businesses, stormwater education and a whole lot of creativity. The end result is one of Ashland County’s most colorful summer traditions: Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District’s (SWCD’s) 7th Annual Rain Beat on Main Street.
This year's collection of uniquely painted rain barrels will make their way across Ashland County throughout June and early July, giving residents plenty of opportunities to admire the artwork, learn about stormwater conservation and bid on their favorite designs. The barrels will be displayed at the following locations:
June 15-22: Central Park, Loudonville
June 22-28: Ashland BalloonFest, Freer Field
June 29-July 10: Corner Park, Ashland
Following the displays, the barrels will be auctioned online, with proceeds supporting conservation education programs throughout Ashland County. Bidding is available at online at GiveButter (https://givebutter.com/7th-annual-rain-beat-on-main-street-f1xgnl)
"This project has become one of my favorite events of the year because it perfectly combines art, conservation and community," said Ashland SWCD Director Jane Houin. "Local businesses step up to sponsor the barrels, talented artists generously donate their time and creativity, and community members get the opportunity to take home a one-of-a-kind piece of functional art. It's a wonderful example of what can happen when people come together around a shared purpose."
Each rain barrel begins with a local sponsor and an artist willing to transform an ordinary barrel into an eye-catching masterpiece.
This year's sponsors and artists include:
Ashland County Pheasants Forever Chapter 442 — Artist: Tom Oakley
Aspen Management — Artist: Tanner Frazier
Beer Barrel Drive-Thru Ashland — Artist: Megan Gallaway
Brethren Care Village — Artists: Brethren Care Village Residents
Centerra Co-Op — Artist: Hailey Spreng
Forbes Farmstead Market — Artist: Evelyn Brockway
Modern Home Supply — Artist: Hope Abel
Meyer Hatchery — Artist: Kelly Mallory
Neil Kadey Insurance Agency — Artist: Angel Lively
Ralph & Betty Jo Tomassi in Memory of Steve Stuart — Artist: Julia England
Tin Can Chandelier — Artist: Ginger Stoops
Wise Communication, LLC — Artist: Michaela Brehm
Julia Emg;and’s 2026 barrel is sponsored by Ralph & Betty Jo Tomassi in memory of Steve Stuart.
While the barrels may look like works of art, they also serve an important environmental purpose. A typical rain barrel can collect approximately 55 gallons of water from a home's downspout during a rainfall event. Capturing rainwater helps reduce stormwater runoff, one of the leading causes of water pollution in streams, rivers and lakes. Stormwater runoff can carry fertilizers, oil, pet waste, sediment and other pollutants directly into local waterways.
"Many people are surprised to learn that rainwater falling on roofs, driveways and parking lots doesn't soak into the ground the way it would naturally," Houin said. "Instead, it rushes into storm drains and waterways, often carrying pollutants with it. Rain barrels are a simple, affordable way for homeowners to help reduce that runoff while also providing free water for gardens, flowers and landscaping."
In addition to reducing runoff, using collected rainwater can help lower household water use during the growing season. Just one inch of rain falling on a 1,000-square-foot roof can generate more than 600 gallons of runoff, demonstrating how much water can be captured and put to beneficial use.
Houin encourages residents to visit each display location and see the creativity firsthand.
"Every barrel tells a story," she said. "Some are whimsical, some are breathtakingly beautiful and some celebrate our community's agricultural and natural heritage. Together they create an outdoor gallery that sparks conversations about conservation in a fun and accessible way."
About Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District
Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District works with landowners, farmers, communities and residents to promote responsible stewardship of Ashland County's soil and water resources through education, technical assistance and conservation partnerships. Through programs like Rain Beat on Main Street, Ashland SWCD helps connect people with practical solutions that protect natural resources while strengthening community connections.