Art Community Decorates Kegs Displayed at Highland Brewing

Sept. 22, 2014 - PRLog -- Asheville, NC—Craft beer meets the craft community at Highland Brewing’s “Crafted Kegs” on Saturday, September 27. Nine non-profit art organizations each decorate a decommissioned (and yes, empty) keg, which will be displayed at the brewery. It’s an interactive event – everyone can help decorate a community keg and vote for their favorite kegs. The idea developed at Highland, with help from Kitty Love, Executive Director of the Asheville Area Arts Council and Michael Mane, AAAC board member.

Two organizations will win $500 from either the People’s Choice or the Judge’s Choice award, both sponsored by Teague Campbell. Each attendee will receive a ticket to vote for a favorite keg, determining the People’s Choice winner. The judges’ panel is yet to be announced. All kegs will be displayed at Highland with information about each participating non-profit sometime after the event, for at least one year. The plans are set, according to Hospitality Manager Grant DaSantos, but not yet announced. “It’s going to take at least a year to set up,” he said.

Crafted Kegs is part of Highland’s 20^th Anniversary celebration, marked by four major events this year, each tied to the introduction of a new anniversary beer. This event is part of the 20^th Anniversary India Pale Ale release. ”I loved connecting with the Scots Irish heritage at our anniversary party, and the active community at our Night Flight race. The art community is part of the very definition of Asheville, so it feels right to try to honor it in our own way,” said Vice President Leah Wong Ashburn. “The last event is a multi-cultural celebration in December,” she added.

Crafted Kegs will take place in Highland’s meadow from 2pm-9pm, with winners announced at 7:00pm. Guests will enjoy LEAF’s Easel Rider, live music by Laura Blackley, singing folk and soul from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, and locally made gelato.  Mama Dukes and Vieux Carre will serve hungry guests.