Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Morgan Hancock. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Morgan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

My most current Art Exhibit Project was a significant risk because I wanted it to be more than just an Art Exhibit; I wanted it to be a way to raise funds for local nonprofits. The way that made the most sense to raise funds was to have each art piece, which in this case was a hand-painted custom-designed Bourbon Barrel, sponsored by a bourbon brand or a local company.

I knew I wanted to avoid these designs becoming, in essence, Billboards painted on a Bourbon Barrel. I wanted to ensure these were indeed works of art. When I asked the bourbon companies and local corporations to sponsor the barrels, it was $3,000 per barrel, and I told them that they would not have their logos or their brand Elements Incorporated into the design of the barrels. I explained that these were truly meant to be works of art.

This approach was risky because I was telling companies that they have to give us a large amount of money for almost no advertising value in return. I was asking them to simply support our local artists and art community monetarily. I thought this would be met with a lot of resistance, but I stood my ground, and surprisingly, I had no issue getting the sponsorships. We sold out well before the exhibit was to open.

That just proved to me that corporations, the bourbon industry, and the community genuinely value art and artist and that I didn’t have to compromise my mission or beliefs to make this project successful.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Bourbon with Heart is Kentucky’s first and only arts-focused bourbon charity. Kentucky is known worldwide as the leader of the bourbon industry but lesser known for its vibrant arts culture. I want to change that.

I founded Bourbon with Heart to leverage the influence and popularity of Bourbon to raise funds for local charities while also providing a first-class arts experience for Kentuckians regardless of age, race, class, gender, or ability.

I sincerely appreciate art in all its various forms, such as dance, design, music, photography, theater, or crafting a delicious bourbon blend. I believe art, like a good glass of Bourbon, brings people together and encourages self-expression.

With a strong desire to see Kentucky’s thriving arts culture continue and grow, I am distilling ART right into the heART of my mission.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

As a young child, art was a way for me to recreate my world. I loved writing poetry and distinctly remember the feeling of vulnerability when sharing my work with others. Even more memorable was the intense sense of pride when my work was acknowledged and appreciated. The confidence instilled in me by others acknowledging my art has been invaluable. I hope that Bourbon with Heart provides a platform where people feel welcome to share their art and can experience that pride from acknowledgment and appreciation.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I hope the “Barrels of Heart” exhibit will benefit individuals monetarily through the funds raised and send a message to the participating artists that they are seen, appreciated, and should be proud of their artistic contributions.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.BourbonWithHeart.org
• Instagram: instagram.com/BourbonWithHeart
• Facebook: Facebook.com/BourbonWithHeart
• Youtube: youtube.com/@bourbonwithheart

Image Credits
Dick Arnspiger Andrew Kung