Typically works of art aren't meant to be touched, but that's not the case with a new line of Bounty paper towels.
The household staple, produced by Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble, will soon feature the work of artists from local nonprofit Visionaries + Voices, whose mission is to provide "exhibition opportunities, studio space, supplies and support to more than 125 visual artists with disabilities."
P&G Communications Director Mandy Ciccarella tells CityBeat via email that the partnership came about after a senior designer at Bounty went to an art class at V+V's Northside studio. After the class, V+V says on its website that Bounty and its creative agency, Sterling Brands, met with V+V's Creative Director Karen Boyhen and Exhibitions Director Skip Cullen to view the "drawings, paintings, ceramics and surface design art done in the inspiring style of our artists," and Bounty called it a "treasure trove."
The experience prompted the creation of the "Bounty Prints Inclusive Artist Project," Ciccarella says.
"Bounty is celebrating a diverse group of eight artists from the V+V studio — to showcase the artists' style, their stories, their passion and, most importantly, their art," Ciccarella says. "We are proud to use our voice to advocate for the careers of artists with developmental disabilities and celebrate their talents to millions of consumers."
The specially printed towels are "rolling out now," Ciccarella says, and will be on shelves at Sam's Club, Meijer and Kroger stores across the U.S. through September.The eight featured V+V artists include Leah Davis, Tyler Spohn, Elmer H., Ruth Burton, Neil Dignan, Cathrine Whited, Kevin White and Michael Bartels.
"Each artist has their own unique style and artistic inspiration that we knew would make for a collection like no other," Cicarella says.
The artist's info, along with info about V+V, will also be accessible via a QR code on the Bounty packaging. It is also available on the Bounty website, and V+V is currently sharing bios about the participating artists on its Facebook page.
A release party is in the works for the Bounty Prints Inclusive Artist Project to be held at the V+V studio in Northside. Follow facebook.com/visionariesandvoices for news and details.
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