Open Air Art Museum Planned for Holmes County, Ohio

Millersburg, Ohio, November 19, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Jason Nies, owner of The Inn at Honey Run, envisioned the grounds surrounding the Inn as an artistic space from the moment he first visited. Now, the property is on its way to becoming a community-backed open air art museum featuring the work of local and regional artists.

“I strongly feel the need for an artistic space and cultural exchange here in Holmes County,” said Nies. “Right now, it’s a huge challenge for our local artists to show their presence, and there is no place for locals and visitors to enjoy, explore and experience art.”

"Our central goal is to create a museum that values the public and the artists and gives artists control over the collection as it takes shape."

Jason Nies, Owner, The Inn at Honey Run

The Holmes County Open Air Art Museum will be set on the 50-acre grounds of The Inn at Honey Run, interacting with and inspired by the property’s meadows, woodlands, hilltops, pond, and creek—the Honey Run. An existing trail system will allow visitors to walk to, around, and even through each piece of art.

The museum will be free and open to the public.

Nies plans to raise the initial funds for the museum with a Kickstarter campaign, which launched on November 18, 2014. The idea of opening a museum with thousands of backers making small donations, as opposed to a few wealthy patrons, is one that is important to the mission of the Holmes County Open Air Art Museum.

“Our central goal is to create a museum that values the public and the artists and gives artists control over the collection as it takes shape,” explained Nies. Participating artists (25 have expressed interest) will be free to choose the location, scale, materials and style for their work.

On Kickstarter, the project’s goal of $50,000 will enable the museum to commission its first five pieces; a stretch goal of $150,000 will allow the museum to expand to 15 pieces in its first year, as Nies hopes to do. Rewards offered to backers include a preview of the museum before its opening and invitations to private opening receptions with artists. Several rewards include a night’s stay at The Inn at Honey Run, either during an installation or for an opening reception.

“What we are really offering to backers is a unique chance to help start a new museum, and quite an interesting one at that,” said Nies. “Thousands of regular people will be involved with the museum and the artists in a way that is usually reserved only for those with deep pockets.”

To support the Holmes County Open Air Art Museum, visit http://www.innathoneyrun.com/kickstarter, or go to Kickstarter.com and search for “Holmes County Open Air Art Museum.”

About The Inn at Honey Run

In the rolling hills of the Ohio Amish Country, The Inn at Honey Run is a boutique hotel featuring luxury accommodations, casual upscale dining, extensive grounds and design inspired by its natural surroundings. The Inn makes a tranquil retreat for romantic getaways, weddings and corporate events within two hours of Cleveland and Columbus.