This past spring, the Juniata County Cultural Arts Committee led a project to enhance and beautify our community. By partnering with the Juniata County Conservation District, rain collection barrels were sponsored by area businesses and painted by local artists and art classes. The idea was to connect art to our community while focusing on preservation.  

Juniata art students worked quickly to create 2 of the rain barrels before leaving for summer vacation. Once a theme for each barrel was chosen, many jumped in and painted, leading to a true collaborative work. Senior Bri Graybill explains, "It was challenging to paint on a cylinder and make it look 3-D, but I was proud of the end result." Finished with a coat of clear spray, the rain barrels were ready to collect the rain water to be recycled.

The barrels were on display throughout Mifflintown and area businesses during the summer, and then were auctioned off at the Juniata County Fair, raising $615 for the JHS art classes. Buyers can now enjoy their very own, locally painted, rain collection barrels!

See the slideshow below for pictures of all of the barrels.

Barrels were painted by:

Mosaic Circles - Aimee Hubley
Blue Leaves- Kate Zeigler
Watering Can- Judy Mummau
Owls- Fonda Huff
Octopus & Galaxy- JHS Art Students
Geese with Sunset- Rachel Shepler