PURCELLVILLE, Va. June 8, 2017— The Town of Purcellville, Discover Purcellville (a 501(c)(4) non-profit), the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC), and the Purcellville Arts Council (PAC) were recognized on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, at the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Meeting for the “Painted Barrels Around Purcellville” project. As a joint effort among these groups, with specific leadership by Michael Oaks, Kim Patterson, and Hillary Coley of Discover Purcellville, local artists painted 34 wine barrels with scenes of Purcellville, rural Loudoun, and community activities. These barrels were placed around Town at sponsoring businesses and organizations over the summer of 2016. In November 2016, the barrels were auctioned off, raising over $36,000 for charity and ongoing art and culture programs in Purcellville.
The Loudoun County Design Cabinet is a partnership of local architects, planners, and engineers who promote high-quality ecological, urban, architectural, and landscape design in Loudoun County. Each year, the Design Cabinet recognizes high quality design projects throughout the County as part of its Signatures of Loudoun Design Excellence Awards. These awards are then presented publicly at a Board of Supervisors meeting.
The “Painted Barrels Around Purcellville” project was awarded a Design Excellence Award for the “Details” category, which recognizes projects that show design excellence or whimsy demonstrated in the form of minutiae or finishing touches which visually delight or offer a sense of continuity with Loudoun’s history.
Michael Oaks of Discover Purcellville said, “We are incredibly proud to receive this award from the Loudoun County Design Cabinet. The ‘Painted Barrels Around Purcellville’ project truly was a community effort, and I recognize all of the artists, businesses, and volunteers who supported this great effort. I am especially appreciative of the Town’s EDAC and Town Council for their promotion and support of this community project.”
Mayor Kwasi Fraser said, “It is an honor to have such creative and community-focused individuals in our Town who wish to improve the quality of life for all citizens, businesses, and visitors. I specifically recognize Michael Oaks, Kim Patterson, Hillary Coley, EDAC, and the Arts Council for their tireless effort in this project. We are excited to have such great partners in our community.”
In 2017, the “Painted Barrels Around Purcellville” project is being followed-up with “Painted Benches and Flower Planters Around Purcellville.” Thirty benches and twenty flower planters have been individually designed and painted for placement around the community. These custom-made art projects demonstrate an even bigger and better project than the wine barrels and will continue to promote the great community spirit of Purcellville. Be sure to visit the Town of Purcellville between June and October to see these great pieces of art throughout the Town.
