Dockside
Dazzle
An evening of live-painting, music, food, and a celebration of the unique place that is Mare Island.
Apply to Paint →Whiskey barrels.
Three hours.
Wet paint and an irie vibe.
Mare Island has always run on the work of creators and builders - what people construct with their hands. This evening is honoring that legacy. Artists take whiskey barrels and paint them into public art pieces, start to finish, while we collectively enjoy this summer evening.
When the event is over, the barrels stay. Each finished piece goes on permanent outdoor display, adding to Mare Island's open-air gallery.
We've done this before
Past barrels from the program. Proof that a curved oak surface is a real cool canvas, but can be a challenge to paint as well.
How much barrel coverage will an artist paint?
Short answer: one facing side. However, if you are ambitious you can do more if you have time.These two images reference very different designs, and we're expecting 10 unique designs from our artists. They show the coverage we're expecting in three hours: one strong facing side of the barrel, executed well. Painted in your style. Quality over quantity.
Example 1
Example 2
You bring the vision and your paints. We supply the barrel, the marketing, the music, and a permanent spot for your finished piece. Spots are limited to only ten artists.
Apply to Paint →- The pay$500 flat for your live-painted barrel
- The windowAug 7, painted live from 5–8 PM
- The afterlifeDisplayed outdoors in Mare Island
- The creative freedomYour style, but make the execution standout
Zulu Heru's new sculpture
The barrels join something bigger. A new large-scale steel sculpture, "Farmer the Rigger" by Zulu Heru, now stands in Mare Island's Historic Core across from Redwood Empire Whiskey Distillery & Taproom, built from the same industrial language and skill as the shipyard around it.
A celebration for Farmer The Rigger with Zulu Heru will take place during this event putting everything into one frame: the sculpture, the art barrels, the artists, the music & food making Mare Island a place to explore, be inspired, and unwind.
The vibe
Bring your people. Event is free to attend.Reggae + Calypso
Live sound through the whole session, set against the water and the cranes.
Live painting
Watch every barrel go from bare oak to finished piece in real time.
Whiskey + waterfront
Outside Redwood Empire Whiskey Distillery, in Mare Island's Historic Core.
August 7
PM