ASHLAND — For the past seven summers, art and conservation have teamed up in a big, colorful way through Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District’s beloved Rain Beat on Main Street events.
In 2026, the beat goes on — and it’s heading to three community hubs across Ashland County for another season of creativity, collaboration and stormwater education.
This year’s Rain Beat on Main Street will pop up:
June 15 to 22 in Loudonville’s Central Park
June 22 to 28 at Freer Field during Balloonfest
June 29 to July 10 in Ashland’s Corner Park
Rain barrels
At the heart of the event? Hand-painted rain barrels that turn everyday conservation tools into eye-catching works of art — and bring local businesses, artists and residents together around a shared cause.
To make that happen, Ashland SWCD is seeking local sponsors for a limited number of just 12 rain barrels, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each sponsored barrel is paired with a local artist who transforms the standard urn-shaped barrel into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Once complete, the barrels travel to each event location, sparking conversations about stormwater management, water quality and conservation along the way.
“This event is such a fun example of what happens when the community comes together,” said Jane Houin, Ashland SWCD director. “Local businesses, talented artists and community members all play a role — and the result is art that educates, inspires and makes a real impact.”
While past years featured up to 30 barrels, this year’s smaller, curated collection adds an extra level of excitement — and urgency — for sponsors and bidders alike.
When a business sponsors a rain barrel, they may provide their own artist or be matched with one through Ashland SWCD. Artists prime, paint and seal each barrel, preparing it for public display and its eventual new home.
As the barrels tour the county, an online auction will run alongside the displays, with bidding open to the public.
The auction ends July 8, and all proceeds directly support stormwater education programs throughout Ashland County — including Conservation Chat workshops, adult outreach programs, youth education events, community cleanups and Arbor Day tree seedling giveaways for second graders.
“I’m always amazed by the creativity that shows up each year,” Houin said. “From bold wildlife scenes to sweeping landscapes, every barrel tells a story. Just when I think we’ve seen it all, a new artist comes in and completely raises the bar.”
Local artists interested in painting a rain barrel can contact Zoey Dudte, Ashland SWCD water quality specialist, at 419-281-7645 or zoeydudte@ashlandswcd.com for more information.
Rain barrel sponsorships are $150. Additional details can be found at www.ashlandswcd.com.
In 2026, Rain Beat on Main Street isn’t just about rain barrels — it’s about neighbors, creativity and a shared commitment to protecting local water resources, one painted barrel at a time.
