From the brewery to the gallery…
Art, like a great pub, has a wonderful way of bringing people, places, and stories together. This exhibit celebrates that idea through a collection of 15 prints of original watercolor paintings created for the Dam Brewhaus, a microbrewery and restaurant in Benton, Kentucky, owned and operated by Jessica Kelley, the master brewer (and my daughter!), and Chase Kelley, head of entertainment and my son-in-law.
One of the things that makes the Dam Brewhaus special to me is its commitment to the local community. In addition to bringing people together over great food and locally brewed beer, the Brewhaus hosts nondenominational church services, supports local veterans, holds fundraising events for charitable causes, and provides a welcoming space for local musicians to share their talents. It is a place where people can gather, connect, and support one another, and I am proud that my artwork is part of a family business that gives so much back to the community.
Each painting represents a different beer brewed on site, with its own personality, character, and story to tell. Translating these individual brews into paintings has given me the opportunity to explore a playful side of my art, combining creativity, color, and a little bit of whimsy to capture the spirit of each beer. The original paintings are on permanent display at the Dam Brewhaus, where they have become part of the brewery’s homey atmosphere and unique identity. The pieces on display at the PAPA Gallery are giclee prints, created using 12 pigment-based inks on 100% cotton-fiber, acid-free archival paper. This fine-art printing process captures the colors and delicate details of the original watercolors, creating high-quality reproductions made to be enjoyed for years to come.
Although I am drawn primarily to painting the beauty of nature, this collection has allowed me to step outside my usual subject matter and approach watercolor in a different way. It has been a rewarding opportunity to combine my love of painting with family, community, and the joy of creating something meaningful for a local business.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to share these works with our local art community and hope they bring a smile to viewers while offering a glimpse into the creativity that can be found in unexpected places. Thank you for taking the time to view my work and for supporting local artists and the arts in our community.
The original paintings can be seen at
The Dam Brewhaus, 2894 US-641 in nearby Benton, Kentucky
Click photo to see full screen
“Mr Tangerine Man”
“The Dungeon”
“Pontoon Pilsner”
“Susie Q”
“Cherry Garcia”
“KY Kernel”
“Haus Hazy IPA”
“Tween the Lakes”
“Thunderstruck”
“Coconut Telegraph”
“Dam Dirty Blonde”
“The Marshall”
“Cold Crush”
“Lite Haus”
“Gretta Grouch”
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