DEADLINE TO APPLY: July 29th, 2026

Bourbon with HeART is excited to announce an open call for artists for our 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival exhibit.

This year, we will select 10 artists to create original artwork on authentic bourbon barrel heads for a special exhibition celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.

The exhibit brings together Kentucky art, bourbon, and philanthropy, showcasing original artwork while supporting Bourbon with HeART's mission to celebrate artists and give back to charitable causes across the Commonwealth.

Whether you're an established artist or just beginning to build your portfolio, we'd love to see your work.

_______________________

About Bourbon with HeART

Founded in 2022, Bourbon with HeART is the world's first and only bourbon art charity. Our mission is to use bourbon as a platform to celebrate Kentucky artists, expand access to the arts, and raise funds for charitable organizations across the Commonwealth.

Since our founding, we've collaborated with more than 100 artists, partnered with 40+ nonprofit organizations, and helped raise more than $150,000 through unique art exhibitions, fundraising events, and creative partnerships.

______________________

The Project

Each selected artist will receive an authentic bourbon barrel head to transform into an original work of art.

Theme: Kentucky and/or Bourbon

The theme is intentionally broad. Whether your inspiration comes from Kentucky's landscapes, bourbon heritage, horses, music, history, architecture, craftsmanship, traditions, or something completely unexpected, we encourage you to bring your own artistic voice to the project.

Please note: This is a charitable fundraising exhibition. There is no artist stipend. Selected artists donate their time and completed barrel head artwork to the fundraiser. The original artwork will be awarded to the winner drawn for its raffle package. Artists retain the right to create and sell prints, merchandise, and other reproductions of their design. 

______________________

Selected Artists Receive

• A featured place in the 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival exhibit
• Professional photographs of you with your completed artwork, including images you may use in your portfolio and marketing 
• Promotion through Bourbon with HeART and Kentucky Bourbon Festival marketing channels
• A featured artist profile displayed alongside your artwork
• Exposure to Kentucky Bourbon Festival guests through the VIP exhibit and festival marketing 
• Eligibility for the Fan Favorite Award: $500 cash plus a $500 donation to the nonprofit of the winning artist’s choice 

______________________

Fan Favorite Award

Festival guests and supporters from across the country will be able to support their favorite artwork through BourbonRaffles.org.

Each artwork will be paired with a premium allocated bottle of bourbon and offered as a raffle package. Each raffle entry counts as one vote for the featured artist.

The artist whose artwork receives the most raffle entries will receive:

$500 cash

plus

A $500 donation to the nonprofit of the artist’s choice

Remaining raffle proceeds will support future Bourbon with HeART exhibitions, artist programs, and continued giving to nonprofit organizations across the Commonwealth.

______________________

Artist Eligibility

 Artists do not need to currently live in Kentucky. Applicants should either be from Kentucky or have a meaningful connection to the state through their life, work, or artistic practice. 

______________________

Artwork Guidelines

• One original artwork created on an authentic bourbon barrel head.
• Artwork should be created primarily with paint. Artists wishing to use another medium or attach materials must receive approval in advance. Because completed pieces may be shipped nationwide, fragile, loose, breakable, or easily damaged materials may not be approved. 
• No identifiable bourbon or whiskey brand names, logos, bottle labels, or trademarks may appear in the artwork. Artists are encouraged to celebrate bourbon culture, history, craftsmanship, and Kentucky heritage without depicting specific brands.

Please Note: Previous Bourbon with HeART artists are welcome to apply. However, this year's exhibition will place a special emphasis on discovering and showcasing artists who have not previously participated in a Bourbon with HeART exhibit.

______________________

Festival Access

The exhibit will be displayed in the VIP section of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Because this area is already sold out and access is extremely limited, selected artists will not receive festival tickets.

Each artwork will be displayed alongside the artist’s photo and bio. Bourbon with HeART will capture professional photos and video of the exhibit for artists to share.

______________________

Timeline

Application Deadline: July 29, 2026

Artists Selected & Notified: By August 3, 2026

Barrel Head Pickup, if needed: August 3–9, 2026, in East Louisville. The address will be provided to selected artists. 

Already have an unused Bourbon with HeART barrel head? Once selected, you're welcome to begin immediately using your existing barrel head. Bring your completed artwork to the photo session, and we'll exchange it for a new barrel head that day.

Professional Artist Photo Session and Artwork Deadline: Week of August 24, 2026. Exact date and appointment details will be announced. Attendance is required.

Artists must bring their fully completed artwork to their scheduled photo session in Louisville. Photographs will be used on the raffle website, in promotional materials, and on artist spotlight cards displayed beside the artwork at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.

Kentucky Bourbon Festival: September 10–13, 2026

______________________

Questions? We'd love to hear from you.

Morgan Hancock Lewis

Founder & Director

Bourbon with HeART

morgan@bourbonwithheart.org

We can't wait to discover new artists, reconnect with familiar faces, and celebrate Kentucky creativity during the 35th Anniversary of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.