Untitled by Garner McCandless Photo by Lori Compas Photography www.loricompas.com

Untitled by Garner McCandless (www.garnermccandless.com)
This barrel features realistic portrayals of cranes, both Sandhill and and Whooping. In the background is the Madison skyline including the state capitol and Monona Terrace. The view approximates what might be seen from Olin Turville park, or from a boat afloat on Lake Monona. Note that the paint was applied directly to the surface of the barrel. This means that if the surface is damaged, there is some chance that the paint will continue to peel.

Available for viewing at: Whole Foods Market, 3313 University Ave, Madison, WI

BID ON CRANES & SKYLINE RAIN BARREL

Artist's statement: This barrel features a Whooping Crane and a Sandhill Crane, framed by the Madison skyline. The work reflects Madison's environmental heritage, and describes an aspect of the watershed. It reminds us that these birds are on the receiving end of pollution and effluence from the city, and that rain barrels ultimately help to protect the wildlife in our watershed Much of my recent work focuses on the local Madison and Wisconsin environment, and features birds, plants, landscape, etc.. With these subjects, I am interested not only in their beauty, but also in motion, presence, and the sense of place that they create. All of my work begins with active, detailed observation. I have been working concurrently with art and the environment for fifteen years, and hold a B.A. in both Visual Arts and Environmental Studies, as well as a Masters in Fine Arts. You can see more of my work, and contact me through www.garnermccandless.com.

Hawaiian Habitat by Sheree Keehoe Photo by Lori Compas Photography www.loricompas.com

Hawaiian Habitat by Sheree Keehoe (www.WatercolorsPlus.com)
A wild tour of the undersea world in Hawaii, this collage features fauna found in tropical waters, including fish and whales, plus many tropical plants above and below the waterline. Many of the items are crafted from recycled materials (including tubing from a RainReserve rain barrel installation!). This barrel is fun and whimsical.

Available for viewing at: the Overture Center for the Arts, 211 State Street, Madison, WI in the rotunda (downstairs from the State Street entrance)

BID ON HAWAIIAN HABITAT RAIN BARREL

Artist's statement: I was lucky to visit Hawaii recently, and brave enough to go scuba diving there. It made me realize how much the entire environment relies on water. The ocean is never far away, and the rainiest place on earth is in Kaua'i, Mount Wai'ale'ale with an average of 440 inches of rain per year. This became my theme when applying for the rain barrel exhibition.

I am very concerned about environmental issues including global warming, and hope projects like this initiate interest and discussions about possible solutions.

You will see the following Hawaiian themes used in the design:
State tree flowers (Candlenut/Kukui) State flower (Yellow Hibiscus/Ma'ohau hale) State fish (Reef triggerfish/Humuhumunukunukuaoua'a!) State marine mammal (Humpback Whale) Whitetip Reef Shark Spinner Dolphins Green Sea Turtle (endangered) Hawaiian stilt (endangered bird) Fish (Blue striped Butterfly, Coris gaimard) Native flowers (Plumeria and Beach Morning Glory) Introduced flowers (Heliconia and Bird of Paradise) Taro plant (used to make Poi) volcanic mountains (Na Pali on Kauai). Paint and sealer used are certified to contain no materials in sufficient quantities to be toxic or injurious to humans. No glue was used to connect the materials, only fishing line.

In addition, the following recycled materials were used: scrap wood, garden wire fencing, rubber floor molding (Habitat for Humanity of Dane Co. Restore), milk cartons, discarded container lids, plastic plant pots, rope, silk leaves from discarded artificial plants, fishing line, wine cork, metal scraps, cat litter bags and handles, plastic bag handles, plastic screen (from gutter guards), and excess tubing from my own rain barrel.

Untitled by Aaron Laux Photo by Bryant Moroder

Untitled by Aaron Laux (Smart Carpentry, 608-333-6159)
Nicknamed "The Pagoda", this creation stopped traffic at the Art Fair on the Square. A wooden enclosure, the roof lifts off so the barrel can be inserted, and there is a port in the back to attach the hose to the RainReserve diverter. Crafted from architectural salvage, the sides are cedar shingles and the roof is made of copper flashing. The sides have planter boxes-an ideal place for some strawberries, cherry tomatoes, or herbs. The piece weighs over 100 pounds, and would make a spectacular focal point for a rain garden.

Available for viewing at: Olbrich Botanical Garden

BID ON RAIN BARREL ENCLOSURE AND RAIN BARREL

Artist's statement: Inspired by the community work of Sustain Dane and by my artistic mentor, Steven Spiro, I created this sculpture using salvaged building materials culled from deomolition sites around Dane County. Materials include wood decking, cedar siding, and copper flashing. My intent was to create a work that commands the eye yet recedes from view.

Erratic by Krome Burke-Scoll Photo by Lori Compas Photography www.loricompas.com

Erratic by Krome Burke-Scoll (Artisan Exteriors and Plastering, www.AskaStuccoMan.com)
Multi-hued masonry gives this barrel the illusion of extreme age. With some vines growing up the side and over the top, it could look like a large boulder. The stucco finish would also harmonize with the exterior of many homes, including stucco and Tudor.

Available for viewing at: Willy Street Co-op, 1221 Williamson St, Madison, WI in the courtyard

BID ON ERRATIC RAIN BARREL

Artist's statement: A single-use plastic barrel is a quintessentially "manufactured" object. As rain barrels they help give life to the landscape, so I used masonry materials to try to get this barrel to harmonize with that landscape. Using earth-toned pigments, the barrel has a rough, natural stone look. With its cylindrical shape, it will probably never be mistaken for an actual boulder, but it does transform an object that is obviously recent and human-made into something that looks old and natural. As a result of developing this technique, we are now able to offer this service to our clients, including matching barrels to the exteriors of stucco homes.

Prairie Garden by Peggy Timmerman Photo by Lori Compas Photography www.loricompas.com

Prairie Garden by Peggy Timmerman
A gorgeous tangle of native prairie species, this barrel would be a wonderful addition to any ornamental landscape. The blue background echos the clearest of days, and the plants explode with color. The artist gave careful consideration to materials and application technique to maximize durability, but all painted barrels should be handled with care to avoid damage to the finish.

Available for viewing at: the UW Arboretum Visitors Center, 1207 Seminole Highway, Madison, WI



BID ON PRAIRIE GARDEN RAIN BARREL

Artist's statement: I work in a variety of media, including calligraphy, drawing, painting and fabric banners. Much of my work focuses on environmental themes. I am forever trying to depict the beauty of the landscape in southwest Wisconsin, which is a constant source of inspiration. I also own a prairie remnant and am doing prairie restoration, so this project was a way to depict some of my favorite plants, many of which would be appropriate in a rain garden. I hope whomever ends up with this barrel appreciates having a little bit of "instant prairie" in their yard! Species depicted on this rain barrel include: Compass plant (Silphium laciniatum) Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae) Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium purpureum) Culver's Root (Veronicastrum virginicum) Stiff coreopsis (Coreopsis palmata) Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) Black-eyed susan (Rudbekia hirta) Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis) Harebells (Campanula rotundifolia) Blue false indigo (Baptisia australis) Queen of the Prairie (Filipendula rubra) Rough blazing star (Liatris aspera)