MADISONVILLE, KY (WFIE) -
A group in Madisonville has been working to makeover the downtown business district, and on Monday, the members unveiled their latest project.
The Downtown Turnaround Partnership is in its third year, and they say they're starting to gain momentum even with something so simple as new trash cans for the county.
Soon residents around Hopkins County will see 18 brightly colored, unique works of art in the form of a trash can.
"No one would notice a black trash can. I guarantee you people will recognize these trash cans," said Jenny Gibson with the DTP.
Earlier this year, the Downtown Turnaround Partnership received a grant to upgrade the streetscape in downtown Madisonville, and Chairwoman Jenny Gibson says changing the appearance of a city goes a long way in attracting new business and visitors.
"The more people we bring into this community, the more successful we can be, the more dollars are generated," Gibson said.
The man behind the artwork is local resident Tim Corum. His interest for art began at an early age, and after a career in the mines, he decided to pick it up again. Now, he's constructed hundreds of similar sculptures right in his backyard made from all recyclable materials.
"Yard sales, junk yards, just whatever. Just different places and I just get something and it just strikes me and I'll start there," Corum said.
Gibson says the 'artcans are just the start of this art-cycle movement and she plans to use Corum's artistic talents all throughout the county.
"Benches, butt receptacles, planters. There's all sorts of opportunities," Gibson said.
"Livening the town up to get people back downtown and all that. I'm thrilled about it and I want to help her all I can," Corum said.
Organizers say the first two cans will be set outside this Saturday, and they'll continue to keep coming out with more every three to four weeks.
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Soon residents around Hopkins County will see 18 brightly colored, unique works of art in the form of a trash can.
