The online Birdhouses and Barrels of Loudoun County Art Auction returns in February 2024. More than 30 local artists and nature lovers, from a wide variety of artistic disciplines, have spent their time turning rain barrels, half-barrel planters and bluebird houses into works of art to be auctioned off to benefit Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. The auction runs from noon on February 15 to 10:00pm on February 22. All artwork can be viewed on the auction site and will be shown on social media as well. (You will need to create a free account on the auction website to be able to bid on items and can register as early as February 1.)

The artists’ areas of expertise include quilting, mosaics, collage, sculpture, and painting. In addition to art, the auction boasts something for everyone including a variety of experiences such as: a one week stay in St Thomas; forest bathing with Kim Strader; spring yard clean-up by Northern Virginia Property Services; and, an hour garden consultation with Julie Borneman.

The rain barrels can be used indoors decoratively or, with a simple modification, to collect rainwater from downspouts to water your nearby garden areas during dry weather. No matter the function they are sure to add a bit of beauty to any setting.

The half-barrel planters, when planted with native perennials, provide not only an item of interest in your yard, but food and shelter for native pollinators. Each planter comes with a brochure of suggested native plants for sun or shade.

Some birdhouses are suitable for an outdoor setting and others are for decorative indoor display. In addition to being a lovely addition to your yard, the outdoor boxes provide nesting sites for cavity-dwelling birds including Eastern Bluebirds.

Loudoun Wildlife is grateful to Catoctin Creek Distillery for generously donating barrels and Watermark Woods for contributing the birdhouses.  We also want to acknowledge the many artists and businesses that have donated items and services.

The post The 2024 Birdhouses and Barrels Art Auction: February 15 to 22 appeared first on Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy.